National Geographic Kids STEM series from co-creator of the American Girl series: Izzy Newton & the S.M.A.R.T. Squad #3: The Law of Cavities by Valerie Tripp & illustrated by Millie Liu [GIVEAWAY]

 

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Meet the characters, watch the book trailer and check out the Educator and Reader's Guides on the series website here!

The S.M.A.R.T. Squad is back to tackle more middle school mayhem with science, technology, engineering, math, and friendship!

In this third book in the S.M.A.R.T. Squad series, best friends Izzy Newton, Allie Einstein, Marie Curie, Charlie Darwin, and Gina Carver set out on a mystery-filled Outdoor Adventure Camp experience.

Now that Izzy’s finally found her voice in public speaking class and become an ice hockey star, she’s determined to conquer her “dizzy-Izzy-ness” in new situations―including caring for her brand-new braces on an outdoor education overnight and her friends’ good-natured teasing about her friend Trevor. But the forecast for fun turns cloudy when the girls discover their cabin chaperone is none other than Izzy’s tough public-speaking teacher, Ms. Martinez, and their junior counselor is eighth grade mean girl, Maddie Sharpe.

When an innocent exchange of harmless pranks with Maddie takes a turn for the worse, the Squad turns to science to prove their innocence. That’s nothing, though, compared with the terrifying swamp monster haunting their campsite, a catastrophe befalling Ms. Martinez, and a mysterious disaster threatening the future of camp itself.

With their very survival on the line, will science be enough to save the day?
 

Praise:

"Wholesome entertainment for preteens, offering positivity without didacticism."
― Kirkus

"It's one thing to have children's books about scientists or podcasts or stories about strong women in STEM, but it's another world entirely when your children get to feel represented by the characters they're reading about. The characters in the Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad series are diverse, smart, and sure of themselves the way all middle school girls are---through their dreams and newly acquired skills they're still getting used to."
― Romper

 

About the Creators

VALERIE TRIPP is the co-creator of the American Girl book series that includes titles featuring Felicity, Josefina, Kit, Maryellen, Molly, and Samantha. Tripp also wrote American Girl's Wellie Wishers titles, Hopscotch Hill School titles, numerous leveled readers, songs, stories, skills book pages, and plays for educational publishers. Tripp is writer and editorial director of the Boys Camp series, and a writer, editor, and art editor for Sterling Publishing Company. Tripp received a B.A. and honors as a member of the first co-educated class at Yale University and a master's of education degree from Harvard University.

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MILLIE LIU was born in sunny Pasadena, California, and has been drawing ever since she could hold a pencil. It did start with color pencils on walls but after some scolding, she decided paper was much better. She graduated from Otis College of Art and Design and went into the field of toy design shortly after, designing colorful toys for children the world over. Her favorite subject to draw is story-driven fantastical locations with a touch of magic. When not drawing, she loves to read, experiment with cooking, and keep up with her fierce, growing collection of house plants. She also makes a conscious effort to buy secondhand or used products, and tries to reduce her use of single-use plastic.

 

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GIVEAWAY

• Three (3) winners will receive the complete 3-book Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad series: Absolute Hero, Newton's Flaw, and The Law of Cavities
• US/Canada only
• Ends 12/11 at 11:59pm ET
• Enter via the Rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a courtesy complimentary copy of book #3 in the series as thank you for posting this information for MMPublicity and National Geographic Kids. No monetary compensation was provided.

 

 

Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex: A Grady Whill Adventure by Carole P. Roman [Giveaway]

About the book: (Read an excerpt) Templeton Academy- the superhero high school is finally open! The prestigious institution is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body. The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive. 

Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade. However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff. Even school bully, Elwood Bledsoe is attending. If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend.

Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be? Find it on Amazon

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 12

Ends November 7 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy. I have not read the book nor can I endorse it without reading it. The author has written a lot of younger children's books which I have gladly read, reviewed, and endorsed. I expect this middle school age book to be fun and an enjoyable read for the age group. Giveaway winner's prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by the author or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

The Day the Universe Exploded My Head: Poems to Take You Into Space and Back Again by Allan Wolf, illustrated by Anna Raff [Review & 2-winner Giveaway - USA/CANADA]

ISBN: 9780763680251
Buy it on Amazon

My thoughts:  You really have to dig into this children's astronomy and poetry book to totally enjoy it. It is not a simple read since it has vocabulary words the young child won't normally know or understand. Also, the scientific facts would be a bit over their head (and yes, a pun is intended).

But the book is fun. It has a good smattering of scientific information explained in a pretty elementary manner. It takes the reader all over the Universe or rather Solar System giving glimpses of what each planet is like, orbits, positions, what they are made of, etc.

Great poetry? No. Good poetry? Probably not. Does it work? I think it does.

I particularly liked the "choric speaking" style of some of the poems. This would give grand opportunity for a classroom to use the poems for a bit of fun when studying the Solar System or astronomy. (Note: I do object to the small print of these poems on the black pages. Hard to read.)

The book seems to be just made to be read aloud. Great for classrooms or home school situations. Aside for the fun and intellectual poems about the Universe, there are a few pages at the back of the book with real scientific explanations and a glossary of word/phrase definitions.

Don't you just love it when education is made fun?

About the book: The Day the Universe Exploded My Head: Poems to Take You Into Space and Back Again by Allan Wolf,  illustrated by Anna Raff
Hang on tight for a raucous bounce through the solar system and back -- propelled by funny, fanciful, factually sound poems and exuberant illustrations.

The universe poured into me. 

My brain was overloaded. 

It smoked and glowed red-hot. 

And then 

it actually exploded.

Ever wonder what the sun has to say about being the closest star to Earth? Or what Pluto has gotten up to since being demoted to a dwarf planet? Or where rocket ships go when they retire? Listen closely, because maybe, just maybe, your head will explode, too. With poetry that is equal parts accurate and entertaining -- and illustrations that are positively out of this world -- this book will enthrall amateur stargazers and budding astrophysicists as it reveals many of the wonders our universe holds. Space travelers in search of more information will find notes about the poems, a glossary, and a list of resources at the end.

GIVEAWAY

2 Winners Selected

Begins April 1

Ends April 30 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA & CANADA addresses.

NO P.O. Boxes, please. (Phone # for Canada winners required)

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone, and are freely given. Winners' copies are provided and shipped directly to the winner by Candlewick.

Explorer Academy's The Falcon's Feather - Nat Geo's Groundbreaking Middle Grade Fiction Series Continues [Giveaway]

The Falcon's Feather (Explorer Academy #2) 

Launch date March 19 

National Geographic Kids Books is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the second book in the groundbreaking Explorer Academy series published by their fiction imprint, Under the Stars— The Falcon’s Feather by Trudi Trueit.   Global adventures, danger and mystery combined with fascinating real-world science, codebreaking, and technology makes The Falcon’s Feather a perfect summer reading pick for book lovers and reluctant readers alike.

"This exciting, fast paced, far-flung story is full of science facts and James Bond–like gadgets, accompanied by colored illustrations. The ending is guaranteed to keep readers eager for the next series installment.”—Booklist review of The Falcon’s Feather

Inspired by the awe-inspiring work and real adventures of National Geographic Explorers, the second title in the Explorer Academy series invites readers to board the ship Orion, where Cruz and his friends experience cool science, cutting-edge technology, and real expeditions (including an up-close encounter with whales). Explorer Academy: The Falcon’s Feather  immerses readers in a captivating tale of intrigue and fast-paced action as the team navigates the world of Explorer Academy while also keeping up with schoolwork and trying to solve the second piece of a puzzle that may have cost Cruz’s mother her life. A sneak peak of Chapter One of The Falcon’s Feather can be read here.

This thrilling global mission has been hailed by J.J. Abrams (director of “Star Trek” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) as “a fun, exciting and action-packed ride that kids will love” and James Cameron, acclaimed filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence says the Explorer Academy series “Inspires the next generation of curious kids to go out into our world and discover something unexpected.” Whether it is cracking hidden codes or reaching the northernmost point of human civilization, The Falcon’s Feather will have readers on the edge of their seats to the final page.

About Explorer Academy Book 2: The Falcon’s Feather by Trudi Trueit (National Geographic Kids; March 19, 2019; ISBN: 978-1426-33304-0; US$16.99/CAN$19.99; Hardcover; 208 pages)

ISBN: 978-1426333040
Buy it on Amazon

In the exciting follow-up to The Nebula Secret in the 7-book Explorer Academy series, Cruz, Sailor, and Emmett, along with their new ally Bryndis, embark on their first globe-trotting mission aboard the ship Orion. Cruz jumps right back into school and starts using the latest technology in submersible underwater dives but is soon reminded of the dangers of exploration when his equipment fails and he almost drowns. Determined to keep his eyes on the prize, Cruz sneaks away to try to find answers, but unknowingly lures his friends into bigger trouble. When a friend of Cruz's mom meets an untimely end, Cruz's luck really seems about to run out and the questions multiply. What does the message mean? Where will it lead? Who is following him? And why?

For more adventures with Cruz and his fellow explorers, fans can head to ExplorerAcademy.com to watch the Explorer Academy animated series “Brain Freeze,” play Explorer Academy-inspired games, meet National Geographic Explorers, find the latest updates on The Falcon’s Feather upcoming national book tour and discover the Facts Behind the Fiction.

Read the first chapter The Falcon's Feather - click here

About the Author and Contributors:

Author Trudi Trueit is a gifted storyteller for middle-grade audiences. She has written more than 100 books for young readers, both fiction and nonfiction, including The Sister Solution, Stealing Popular and the Secrets of a Lab Rat series. Trueit lives in Everett, Washington. Interior illustrator Scott Plumbe is an award-winning illustrator, designer and fine artist whose work has appeared in books, magazines, games, interpretive centers and more. When not traveling the world, he lives in Vancouver, Canada. 

Cover illustrator Antonio Javier Caparo is an illustrator, graphic designer and graphic novel artist whose work regularly appears in magazines and books in the U.S., Europe and South America. Born in Cuba, Caparo currently lives in Montreal, Canada.

Dr. Gareth Moore is the code master for the Explorer Academy franchise and author of over 100 best-selling international puzzle and brain-training titles. He lives in London, England, with his wife and son. www.drgarethmoore.com

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 19

Ends April 20 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies of both books to aid in posting this book launch spotlight. Winner's copies are provided and mailed directly to the winner by publisher or publicist.

The World's Greatest Adventure Machine by Frank L. Cole [Book Spotlight & Giveaway]

About the Book: An adventure novel about four lucky kids and a mysterious, but thrilling ride for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Jurassic Park!

CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World's Greatest Adventure Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the chance to be the first to ride it.

There's Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school again. There's Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika's wealthy grandfather isn't too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he'll be the first to tell you, is a certified genius.

The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own.
Join the contestants on their wild ride if you dare. Your adventure starts now!

About the author: FRANK L. COLE lives with his wife and three children out west. When not writing books, Frank enjoys going to the movies and traveling. The World’s Greatest Adventure Machine is Frank’s ninth published book and his second with Delacorte Press. His first was The Afterlife Academy. You can learn more about his writing at frankcolewrites.com or find @franklcole on Twitter.

~ GIVEAWAY ~

Begins August 31

Ends September 21 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Buy: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Greatest-Adventure-Machine/dp/0399552820/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-worlds-greatest-adventure-machine-frank-l-cole/1125138718?ean=9780399552823

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from MMPublicity to facilitate this spotlight on the book. I received no compensation.

The Mystery of Ghost Dancer Ranch: The Adventures of Punkin and Boo (Volume 1) by Patrick E.Craig [Review & Giveaway]

• ISBN: 978-0996533423
• Pages: 132
• Ages: Teens 

My thoughts: I truly love Mr. Craig's adult Amish fiction stories. His gift as a writer is fantastic and I love his way with imparting the story, characters, scenes, and truths. He is truly a word-smith that excels at his craft. I was curious about his capacity to write for a younger audience but felt he would bring authenticity to his stories and yet be able to entertain these young readers. That is not an easy task because Middle-readers are difficult to engage.

I love the two girl characters in Ghost Dancer Ranch - Punkin and Boo. They are cousins and are really getting themselves into some interesting situations during their summer break at Grandma's and Grandpa's ranch. Their escapades remind me much of the old Nancy Drew mysteries.

The story shows how easily a mixture of native Indian spiritual worship and that of basic Christianity can become a confusing mixture. The story also shows the insidious determination of gambling and casino elements creeping into the Indian culture. I especially love the grandparents. And the two girls are spot-on for young teens. Love the Christian elements in the book and the good clean read this is.

A real plus in Patrick E. Craig's Ghost Dancer Ranch stories is that all the historical information is true and the only fictional Indian characters are Red Bull and Jack Wilson. The rest of the Ghost Dancer History including Sitting Bull, Wavoka, Kicking Bear, the Bole Maru, and even Richard Taylor are real history and characters.

Patrick E. Craig, we are looking for more adventures of Punkin and Boo!

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 16

Ends July 10 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway 
About the book: The Mystery of Ghost Dancer Ranch is the gripping story of two teenage cousins who are thrown together for the summer at their Grandparents’ ranch in California. While exploring the old ranch, the girls stumble on a mystery that involves desperate crooks, the ghost of a long-dead Sioux War Chief, a young Native American man on a mission to save his tribe, and secret tunnels and caves left over from an old Spanish Mission. Throw in a guardian angel who protects the girls from some evil spirits that want to bring the story to a bad end, and you have The Mystery of Ghost Dancer Ranch, the first in a series of faith-filled mystery adventures for kids, featuring Punkin and Boo.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any manner.