MMGM~BLUES BONES by Rick Starkey...Cover REVEAL!

Do you know the only reason I love Mondays??? Because I get to celebrate some of the most fabulous literature for the most prime readers of our young people - MIDDLE GRADERS!

I'm always excited to share any upcoming middle grade tale that I come across, but this one is more special to me than any other I've shared before.

Why? 

Because the author is a fellow Leap Books Seek middle grade author! It's my first time saying that, and I'm so excited (and humbled) to be able to do so. Please give Rick and his wonderful MG tale a warm welcome. And remember to ENTER the Giveaway below for your chance to WIN an Amazon gift card!

Goodreads | Amazon | Smashwords

Pre-Order Sale Price of just $2.99 – regular 

price starting March 7^th

BLUES BONES by Rick Starkey

Publisher: Leap Books Seek Released Date: March 7, 2016 Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal Pages: 119
Description: Thirteen-year-old Rodney Becker has found the perfect cure for stage fright. Voodoo! 
Armed with the stolen finger bones of a dead blues guitar player and a mishmash of voodoo spells from the Internet, he and his best friend enter a graveyard at midnight to perform their ritual. Now, all that stands in his way of winning a local guitar competition is the power of RETURN – a side effect of the voodoo that spells disaster for Rodney. 
His cure has become a curse. How else can he explain jamming his finger so bad he can't hold a guitar pick, his part-time dad stealing his guitar, and his mom getting into an accident that could have taken her life? 
How much is Rodney willing to risk to achieve his dream of being a guitar legend? 

Make sure to tell all your friends and friends who have middle grade readers about this one. And while your at it, add it to your GOODREADS list to read. I did! 

MEET Rick Starkey:
Rick Starkey is a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. His main interest is writing novels for middle grade. Rick has sold short pieces to Highlights for Children including a game, magic tricks, and a short story. Knowing that most writers often wish that they had started their career earlier in life, Rick teaches a basic course for the Talented and Gifted Program (T.A.G.) at Walter’s State Community College in Morristown Tennessee. Rick’s students learn the basics of magazine submissions including cover and query letters, market research, and manuscript preparation. The T.A.G. program is for students grades 5 – 8 and come from seven counties in East Tennessee.

Facebook | Website | Twitter

Rick lives in a 200-year-old log cabin in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where he and his wife, Betty, own and run Make It Magic, a magic shop and craft store. A day in Rick’s life includes recommending and performing magic tricks for customers of all ages, carving a bear from a log with a chainsaw, and working on his next novel.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Anyone know anything about VOODOO, ever researched it or read a book with it as a theme? And what about Voodoo dolls? #shivers
I'm thrilled to be part of MMGM ~ Shannon Messenger's genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due! Click HERE for the other participants.

MMGM~A Little Fright Before Christmas In January

Read on for my next contribution to Shannon Messenger's MMGM genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due! Click HERE for the other participants.
We've all heard of the slogan Christmas in July and of course 'tis the Christmas season. But today I want to look at the period of time just after Christmas, when we're ready to move toward springtime yet hold onto a bit of Christmas cheer. Here's a collection of Christmas tales I'd recommend for middle graders, high school students, and adults alike all the year through.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | INDIE BOUND

FRIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS 13 tales of holiday horrors (I don't know why but each time I read that tagline I want to go Mmwaahhhhh...)
Publisher: Leap Books Released: November 2015 Pages: 192 Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Description: It's the most wonderful time of year...or is it? 
Christmas Eve is a night of mystery and magic, but not always in ways we expect. Things lurk in the shadows and they're not the least bit jolly or merry. Let's just say some presents are better left unopened. ‘Tis the season to be screaming along with our thirteen tales of holiday horrors. Ghosts. Monsters. Demons. And more!  This Christmas, be careful what you wish for...

COVETED! A MUST READ!

My Splats: Familiar holiday tales of wonder and awe, wrapped in spooky, creepy, and mysterious packages.

The collection of stories are tweaked just enough with the odd and eerie to put a new spin on beloved Christmas elements. One story will make you think twice about the true meaning of Santa's Naughty list, while another will convince you to buy an artificial tree for your living room next year.

A few tales tell of gory fates, nothing too descriptive or visual, but will leave the imagination of some readers hungry for more. The family unit is included in some, diversity in dynamics and interactions too! There's life lessons for everyone; granted, a few are far-fetched, but fun and lessons nonetheless. The creativity is clever, inventive, and thought-provoking. And there's suspense, too, with creatures stalking a group of kids or an army of snowmen knocking on your door. 

'K pause, An army of snowmen knocking on my door... Get a visual? #shivers

The writing is clear and concise. There are stories such as Bigfoot Busters and North Pole Coal that flow with a distinct and crisp voice. Others showcase fantastical details like Frosted. 

I really enjoyed this collection's wit, plausibility, and hair-raising twists on familiar holiday songs, customs, and even food. ;) On aspect I want to point out is that some of the tales dug deep into little known facts of Christmas' past and what the holiday was prior to our modern day. It was kind of a history lesson, and I know for, it made me want to know more.

What's the last story you read out of season? 

Splat Alert #1: It's my 24th wedding anniversary today. Feels kind of weird ... weird, but good. :) 

Splat Alert #2: Oh, and don't think I've forgotten to share what's going on with my journey! I'll share more soon. My dad had surgery Friday. So being there for him and my mom, who needs lots of care because of her multiple sclerosis, has kept me busy. Thx for understanding! And if you haven't signed up for my newsletter yet and would like to you may do so by clicking the image! Once you do you'll receive my FREE writing aid. (And if I've missed signing up for your newsletter, please tell me in the comments. I'd love to!)

MMGM~The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow Is Having A Birthday!!!

I'm back in the lineup for Shannon Messenger's MMGM, today, and I have an exciting new middle grade release for you, plus words from the authors themselves!

Jessica Haight                                              Stephanie Robinson

Meet middle grade authors Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robin as they welcome you into the mystery of the Begonia House. 

Hi Jessica & Stephanie! It's wonderful to have you visit the Alleyway. How did you write a book together?  A question often asked of authors who decide to collaborate on writing a story. The underlying truth of what they are really asking is, “How did you manage to not end up hating each other during the process?” The answer to this is simple, it’s not about the ego; it’s about the book. We decided this first.
Makes sense. The story above all! What was a surprising thing you learned while writing your book? Jessica: I learned a lot about myself and about discipline in writing. I am sort of a free-form writer, and it's absolutely essential to keep everything in tune and orderly to progress. Stephanie is the master of organization, so I am very lucky to have her as my co-author. Most of the time, instructions and lists sound to me like the adults in Charlie Brown, whoh, whoh, whoh. However, after working on this with my awesome writing partner, I embrace the list.
Stephanie:  I have been surprised by the amount of time Jessica and I spend discussing Fairday and her friends and coming up with ideas. Most of our conversations center around our writing and blog. I never knew how exciting it would be to write a book with someone who shares my vision and makes work fun. Also, I have been pleasantly surprised to find support for my book in places I never expected. Thanks to all of our supporters.
As a writer myself, this is a question I've always wanted to ask co-authors: How'd you do it? What was the writing process like? We started off brainstorming about our characters and the basic plot. Our daily conversations were about Fairday and the DMS. We flushed out characters, story lines, and everything else both in person and on the phone. Our meetings were always productive. Using Google docs for an online format allowed us to post a chapter or two at a time that we could work on together. What an amazing tool! Being able to make changes to our book from any location opened up our world of writing and our story was written in Poland, Yellowstone, from our town libraries, and the comforts of our own homes. Usually one of us would start a chapter and the other person would go in and start working their magic- adding, deleting, and crafting the writing until it was a blended expression of both of our ideas.
Wow! So interesting that you used Google docs collectively. Sounds like you devised a road map and stuck to you. Good for you! Now, let's share this fabulous story with your readers. 

GOODREADS

THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW by Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson
Release date: DECEMBER 1, 2015 Publisher: Delacorte Press/ Random House Kids Books                     MIDDLE GRADE/ ages 10 and up Illustrator: Roman Muradov Pages: 272 Description: Fear Not the Unexpected. 
Eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow is less than thrilled that her family is moving thousands of miles from civilization to the quiet country town of Ashpot, Connecticut, where she’s absolutely certain she’ll die of boredom.

As if leaving New York City and her best friend, Lizzy, the only other member of the elite Detective Mystery Squad (DMS), weren’t bad enough, Fairday is stuck living in the infamous Begonia House, a creepy old Victorian with dark passageways, a gigantic dead willow tree, and a mysterious past.

Before she can even unpack, strange music coming from behind a padlocked door leads Fairday up a spiral staircase and into a secret room, where an ancient mirror, a brass key, and a strange picture of a red-haired lady are the first in a series of clues that takes the members of the Detective Mystery Squad on an amazing adventure.

"Mixing realism and fantasy, Haight and Robinson’s debut opens with 11-year-old Fairday’s move from Manhattan to a small town in Connecticut, where her relentlessly cheerful parents plan to turn a dilapidated Victorian into a bed and breakfast. No sooner has the family arrived than eerie sights and sounds begin to haunt Fairday. The house turns out to hold dark secrets that everybody in town suspects but nobody can explain: a perfect mission for Fairday and her best friend Lizzy’s Detective Mystery Squad (DMS)."

~ Publishers Weekly 

Jessica Haight is a true New Englander, with a deep desire to be near the ocean and a love of the four seasons. She enjoys drawing while standing up and cultivating magic in her garden. She easily floats away in the pages of a good story and is still waiting for her owl from Hogwarts. Jessica lives in Connecticut with her charming fiancé, James.

Stephanie Robinson lives with her husband in a quiet town, though not as quaint as Ashpot. After teaching fifth grade for almost fifteen years, she is now enjoying her role as a school media specialist. One of the many benefits of her job is that she learns something new every day. When Stephanie isn't working, she spends her time creating stories, getting lost in books, and traveling to new places.

Fairday's Blog | Fairdayfiles.com | @DMSfiles

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Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday is where authors and bloggers get to show off some pretty sweet middle grade reads! And we all know that this is the season for giving, right? Why not give a middle grade book! 

Click HERE for the other MMGM participants.

Have you ever co-authored a book or short story? Would you like to?

Due to my deadline with my MG edits, this is most probably my final post before the end of the holiday season. (Also, I'll be slow with blogging, but I promise to get to it by the end of the week! I want to know what you have to say.)
Wishing each one of you a blessed & safe holiday season!  And to my fellow Christmas-teers, Merry Christmas!!!

Challenges vs. Joys of Writing Middle Grade

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A slight change-of-direction with my middle grade post today, but it's still part of Shannon Messenger's MMGM genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due! Click HERE for the other participants.

Please welcome Author Sean Cummings as he explores the challenges and joys of writing middle grade and celebrates the release of his first middle grade novel! 

Challenges vs. Joys of writing middle grade.

Thanks for the visit to your blog! J

I have written for adults and young adults but this is the first time I’ve been published with a book for younger readers. And guess what … TOTALLY EASIER TO WRITE!!

I’m serious.  The rules are all still there for writing a good book. You need to outline. You need to have a plot. You need to have a good story arc. You need to write strong characters the reader will connect with, but here’s the thing: writing a fun and frolicking story filled with eccentric characters came really easily to me because I think the rules are different for kids. I think that as an author, you really want to make children grin from ear to ear and laugh out loud. So for me, this realization just flipped a switch in my bean and the words started falling onto my keyboard and into MS Word.

Of course you need a good editor to help you see the things that you can’t. You need someone to help you reframe or restate explanations and motivations because what makes sense to adults might not make sense in the same way to children.

In writing this book, I seemed to be much more motivated. Sometimes writing about dark and terrifying things tends to drain a bit out of an author and crazy old Grandma Bev along with straight-shooting Penelope, well, they were a breath of fresh air to write about. And as I was plugging away at my keyboard, I realized that I’d tapped into a very entertaining sleuthing duo – intergenerational, light and airy. Of course with a kid’s book, you want the kid’s to be the brains behind the operation. 

Particularly if the other primary character in the book is an elderly person like a grandparent – they would naturally be the authority figure and it would be too easy to let that character dictate the pace of the story.

I was able to overcome this by making Grandma Bev a little bit off her rocker. She’s a health nut. She’s an unapologetic flower child from the 1960’s who refuses to give up her values and in that way, she is eternally young. She’s also a huge conspiracy theorist. So all these aspects of her character make her an excellent second fiddle to the much more worldly and wise Penelope what with her smart phone, tablet and complete understanding of how the Internet can be a sleuth’s strongest ally at times.

They’re a great pairing up and I could easily write a whole series of mysteries featuring the pair. And who knows? Maybe I will. J

Definitely sounds like a plan! Thank you for sharing your wisdom in the Alleyway, Sean! All the best to you...  And Alleywalkers, don't forget to enter for your chance to win a copy of this fabulous MG book! The holidays are coming....

Amazon | B&N | Chapters | Kobo | TBD 

iBooks | Goodreads

TO CATCH A CAT THIEF

by Sean Cummings

Publisher: Rebelight Publishing

Release Date: September 15, 2015

Genre: Middle Grade/Mystery/Horror

Pages: 104

Description: Hundreds of cats are missing! Fear not-Penelope Ann Pickersgill and her hippie grandma are on the case. While her friends go to cool camps, twelve-year-old Penelope has to spend the summer with Grandma Bev, who is convinced that cat-eating aliens are beaming the town's furry friends aboard their mother ship at night. Lights in the sky point to UFO's, but Penelope is sure there's a more logical explanation. With a little help from Sherlock Holmes, she and Grandma Bev set out to find the cats. Will they be able to solve the mystery before all the cats in Thornhill disappear?

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Sean Cummings is a mutli-published author with works ranging from urban fantasy (Shade Fright, Funeral Pallor) to dark fantasy and superheroes. (Marshall Conrad) 2012 saw the publication of Sean’s first young adult novel. Poltergeeks is a rollicking story about teen witch a race against time to save her mother’s life. The second book Student Bodies, hit stores in 2013. In 2014, he published The North, a gripping post-apocalyptic thriller for teens. To Catch a Cat Thief is Sean's first middle grade novel.

Sean lives in Saskatoon Canada with his wife, two lazy cats and a spotted dog named Stormageddon. You can learn more about Sean and his books at www.sean-cummings.ca.

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For those of you who write middle grade, what do you think? What about those of you who write both YA & MG?

MMGM~THE GREAT TIME LOCK DISASTER by C.Lee McKenzie

A slight change-of-direction with my middle grade post today, but it's still part of Shannon Messenger's MMGM genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due! Click HERE for the other participants.
I'm handing over Writer's Alley today to a wonderful kidlit author and friend, C.Lee McKenzie. She's written all sorts of books for children, from compelling young adult subjects to adventurous middle grade tales. Besides reading and writing, she's also an avid hiker and enjoys the practice of yoga. (You know, I really should try yoga. But every time I hear the word it makes me think of yogurt, which only makes me hungry.) Any hoot, take it away C.Lee!
Hi everyone! Looks like we're going to play a little game. Sheri’s given me a chance to come up withSeven Sneaky Secrets, so here they are. Fill in the blanks and a free ebook of either Alligators Overhead or its sequel, The Great Time Lock Disaster is yours. But first, here's a few clues to help you along.

AMAZON | GOODREADS

Blurb: Becoming a wizard is hard work. For Pete Riley it’s almost impossible. He tries to follow the rules, but he’s impatient, and being impatient only leads to trouble.

Big trouble.

He messes with a time spell when he shouldn’t, and he and his bookish friend, Weasel, are swept into Victorian England.

No You Tube, no smoothies, no Manga. Not ever again. Not unless Pete figures out how to reverse his bad spell and free Weasel and him from the past. He has until the next full moon. . .only days away.

Excerpt: Here’s the moment Pete and Weasel pop out of this century and land in 1837 England.

     Pete turned in a circle, shivering and trying to make sense of what he was seeing. It wasn’t Weasel’s front yard. He was sure of that, unless Weasel’s mom and dad had turned their lawn into a graveyard. 

     Headstones, some tall, some short, some sinking into the earth and tilting every which way spread out around him. 

     “Weasel,” Pete called, his voice high and panicked. “Where are you?”

     Weasel’s arm shot up from the tall grass between two graves. “Right. Here.”

Now you're equip to fill in the blanks and leave your answers for a chance to win!

3.5 secrets about the author:

1) I love to river raft and survived the Class IV American River Tunnel Shoot even after my guide “left” the boat!

2) I chose to live in a rural mountain area so I wouldn’t have to have curtains or shades. I have claustrophobia + 

3) I iron my ________________(Fill in the blank. Some people who follow me know the answer to this.) 

3.5 secrets about The Great Time Lock Disaster.

1) This is the second adventure for Pete and Weasel, but the first one that takes them out of their own time and into Victorian England.

2) The ticking clock plays a big part in this story, and I set that up in the first line: “One minute the clock was tick-tocking on the mantel and the next it was a smoldering mess.”

GOODREADS

3) Cenozo, the head of the alligator tribe, is a main character in Alligators Overhead, but he’s minor in this second book. His name comes from________________(Fill in the blank.)

This was great fun, C.Lee! Thanks so much for spending time with us. And thanks to all of YOU for participating. Winner will be announced next Wednesday! And here's Alligators Overhead, so you can check it out, too! 

A Middle Grade Special: The Caretaker's Guide To FABELHAVEN by Brandon Mull

There are many different ways I could intro this MG special - mostly that it's a novel by Brandon Mull, who I'm a total fangirl of. But I honestly think the graphic supplied by the publisher is just perfect. I will say, or rather pose a question to you:

What could be more cool than an instruction guide on how to be a caretaker of all sorts of magical creatures???

The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven 

by Brandon Mull 

This guidebook to the Fablehaven magical preserve is filled with everything a new Caretaker might need to know in order to survive. There are entries detailing important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves. Immerse yourself into the secret knowledge that has been handed down through the generations by reading the updates and notes written in the margins by the former Caretakers of Fablehaven, including Grandpa Sorenson, Kendra, and Seth. Fully-illustrated, this unique encyclopedia has gathered the world of Fablehaven into one volume.

Amazon

Excerpt from Introduction: If you are in possession of this book you are assumed to be the caretaker or an apprentice caretaker of Fablehaven. By now you’ve been introduced to the world of mythical and magical creatures. However, there is still much to learn. Previous caretakers of Fablehaven thought it would be helpful to create aCaretaker’s Guide specifically for those tasked with the job of nurturing, protecting, and surviving this preserve and its inhabitants. Do not be fooled. Fablehaven is an unpredictable and dangerous place. However, the collective knowledge gathered within the pages of this bestiary will give you the knowledge and wisdom needed to not only survive but to thrive. The creatures of Fablehaven are either light or dark, not necessarily good or evil. In order to be good, one must recognize the difference between right and wrong and strive to choose the right. To be truly evil one must do the contrary. Being good or evil is a choice. This is not so with the creatures of Fablehaven. What they are largely governs how they act. Some are inherently builders, some are nurturers, some are playful. Some are inherently destroyers, some are deceivers, some crave power. Some love light, some love darkness. But change their nature, and without much resistance, their identities follow. Like a fairy becoming an imp, or an imp regaining her fairyhood. Much counsel and advice has been passed down through generations and given to the new caretakers of this preserve. Perhaps the most invaluable piece of advice that has ever been given is this: Those who are careful to cause no mischief, work no magic, and inflict no harm are protected by the foundational treaty of Fablehaven. This truth alone may be your strongest ally and your only defense. One final note. The signs leading up to the front gate were not always there. In the late eighteenth century, before the guest register that controls access to Fablehaven was created, two poachers entered the property in search of big game. Needless to say, they found it. Or it found them. Many days later, the resident caretaker found them as well. Or at least he found their bodies of petrified stone. And thus the first signs outside the gates of Fablehaven were posted. As caretaker you have accepted a most noble assignment. Keep your eyes open. Obey with exactness. Take risks only as the last resort and you will have a better chance at seeing another sunrise. Welcome to Fablehaven.


Author Brandon Mull Brandon Mull is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Beyonders and Fablehaven series. Brandon resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and four children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

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$25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/28/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a 

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So, got an answer for me? What do you think about a manual like this?

(I wish each of my kids came with a manual.)

MMGM~WESTLY: A Spider's Tale by Bryan Beus & a GIVEAWAY!

I've been away from my middle grade spotlights for a while, but this is my SECOND released post in the same month. (my earlier post) It's great to be back in the lineup for Shannon Messenger's MMGM! Click HERE for the other participants.
Now those of you who've stalked the Alleyway for a while know that I like all that's spooky, eerie, and goose bump-worthy. I seek out the strange, the silence in the dark, and the squiggly. All except for one majorly, disgusting creepy crawler...Spid... Honestly, I can't even type the word. I do not like those eight-legged thingys. They can turn on a dime and always hide in places you can't quite see into, yet need to get something inside of. 
However ... I just don't have those same feelings when I think about Westly's sweet middle grade tale, which is having his book birthday tomorrow! CONGRATULATIONS to Brian!!!

AMAZON | B&N | DESERET BOOKS | GOODREADS

WESTLY: A Spider's Tale  by Bryan Beus
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing Genre: Fantasy Adventure Released: September 29th, 2015 Pages: 176
I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with an eCopy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Favorite Line/Passage: Finally, Westly glanced down and as he did, his eyebrows rose to the top of his head. His hands were not the delicate, elegant hands of a butterfly. His belly was not the soft fuzzy belly of a monarch. His feet were not tapered and clean, but pointy and sharp. His tail was not sleek and long, but bulbous and round. Worst of all, when he looked at his back he saw he was entirely without wings. 
With a scream, Westly realized that his change had gone horribly, terribly, wickedly wrong. (Kindle 18%)
Description: This is tale of a caterpillar named Westly who is destined to be a Monarch butterfly and the next king of the butterfly kingdom. But sometimes things don't turn out the way we plan. When Westly emerges from his cocoon he is nothing like he expected. As a spider he must rediscover who he is. Adopted by the "dirt eaters," Westly is determined to make a difference. He is determined to belong, to be loved, and most importantly, to become who he was born to be. 
     COVETED! MUST HAVE!
My Splats: While you were a child growing up, ever believe you were one thing (type of person, likes, dislikes, etc...), and then, due to some event or circumstance, you came to discover you were not? This pretty much sums up Westly's sudden journey from child to tween.
The writing is very visual, which I especially noted from the first few words of the opening. Any reader will instantly become immersed within the world of these caterpillars. They have a home, a routine, and a hierarchy - on that Westly is very much a part of. He has a distinct voice. It's intelligent, but a little abrasive at first. His view of their world is much different from the butterflies and other caterpillars. He is the prince, after all, which is a lot to shoulder. And being responsible for protecting the Chandelier - their home - is quite a serious job. As the son of the Monarch, he's expected to behave accordingly, when in truth he'd like to be normal and fit in with his friends. Or as his father calls them 'subjects'. 
But if Westly is honest with himself, being son of the king is not the only thing that makes him different. He's always had better physical strength than his friends, jumping higher and enduring longer. And when he wakes up from his cocoon he realizes why.
The doubts and insecurities that have always plagued him squelch his hopes and dreams, as the crowd stares at him. He's always feared disappointing his friends and mostly his father. This surely must be a great disappointment to them. So he makes the decision to leave, thinking he's saving them from such pain.
Along the way, Westly meets fascinating characters from grasshoppers to moths to dragonflies. He learns the world is much larger than the existence he's been living. (It kind of reminded me of when a child leaves and goes off to college. It was that sort of eye-opening adventure.) He undergoes trials and struggles trying to find where he fits in, to find his place in the world. But along this journey, there are also dangers he could have never dreamed of. Westly will learn to decipher these dangers, the people (of nature) involved, and decide how to handle them. He discovers that embracing oneself and one's own talents is where one's importance in life and to others truly lies.
This story is just adorable, filled with rights of passage, the art of true sacrifice, and the love of family. I would recommend this to any middle schooler, really. Any who like a sweet tale that still has some adventure. Oh, and it's also for you, of course! And I believe it would be a fantastic read-a-loud for a classroom!

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Author Bryan Beus Bryan Beus – which rhymes with Zeus – is the winner of the Kirchoff/Wohlberg Award from The New York Society of Illustrators. He works full time as an illustrator for magazines, book covers, film and game conceptual art, and more. When not writing and drawing, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amanda, mindful meditation, drinking root beer floats, and eating far too many Sour Patch Watermelons. Westly is his debut novel. Website * Twitter
$25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/15/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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So, have you read a middle grade story with a creepy crawly character you just couldn't resist?

MMGM~JANITORS: Heroes of the Dustbin & A Giveaway!

TOUR SCHEDULE

I've been away from my middle grade spotlights for a while and decided it was time to join in, again. It's great to me back in the lineup for Shannon Messenger's MMGM! Click HERE for the other participants.

When I heard the next book in this middle grade series was coming out I just had to get on board and at least give it a promo boost from the Alleyway.

This is such a fun series with twists and turns and cleaning products.... #winkyeye Any MGer would love to read!

JANITORS 5: Heroes of the Dustbin 

by Tyler Whitesides 

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Released: September 8, 2015
Pages: 416

Description: Spencer knew that from the moment the Founding Witches had returned, the Rebel Janitors had begun disappearing. So many schools were defenseless now, the students' minds rotting from Toxite breath while the janitors vanished without a trace. Then it became personal.

 Although their enemies are powerful, their allies few, Spencer and his team of Rebels are not giving up! But what chance do a handful of kids and one rescued janitor have against the combined evil of the Founding Witches and the Sweepers? Can the Rebels close the source of all Glop and stop the Toxites once and for all-or is the world doomed to fall under the control of the sinister Bureau of Educational Maintenance? This explosive series finale is a gripping ride through conflicted loyalties and daring escapes, unexpected alliances and betrayals, and an ending you will never forget!

Amazon * Deseret Book

Author Tyler Whitesides worked as a janitor at a middle school while attending college. It was there he discovered the many secrets and mysteries that can be hidden in a dusty school. Tyler graduated from Utah State University with a degree in music. He enjoys fly fishing in the mountains, cooking, and vacuuming. Tyler and his wife, Connie, live in beautiful northern Utah.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

    $25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/25/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

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Okay, so don't you just love how Tyler used his 'college J.O.B.' to come up with this series? Have you ever used a former job as inspiration for a story?

Need A Middle Grade Read? Look No Further & A GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!

This week, we are revealing Tantrum Books - 2015 Releases presented by Tantrum Books/Month9Books! 

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

  The Brotherhood And The Shield: The Three Thorns by Michael Gibney

Three brothers born to a powerful fallen king were abandoned at birth and cast out as orphans. By order of the false king, three of the most lethal assassins have been sent to kill the children before they come of age and plot to avenge their father’s throne. No one knows where the children are, and the children have no knowledge of one another. But that all changes when Benjamin, Tommy, and Sebastian join together to face adversity, an unspeakable evil, and the temptations of magical powers. This is the first installment of an exciting children’s fantasy series about the power of family.

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

Born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1982, Michael Gibney is a writer whose interests in world politics, literature and the love of film encouraged him to do his studies at the early age of sixteen within the media and journalism field. Through his studies at college and the BBC, he developed an instant passion for creative writing that exceeded his love for media, art and music. Taking his influences from Irish writers like W. B. Yeats, and Belfast Born writers such as author C.S. Lewis and lyricist and poet Van Morrison, Gibney’s somewhat emotionally-charged storytelling is derived from his personal heroes and experiences in his own childhood having grown up in Belfast during the country’s dark history. Combining these influences with recent testing times of the world we live in today has helped create the world of Abasin that is introduced in The Three Thorns, his debut novel and first story in the epic The Brotherhood and the Shield Series. In addition to having a strong way with words and using descriptive text to captivate readers, (both young and old), Gibney combines fantasy with horror and pure escapism to strive to make his story as original and unique as possible. He spends most of his time writing and painting within the United States and the United Kingdom. He is currently working on books 4, 5 and 6 of The Brotherhood and the Shield Series.

Connect with the Author: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Joshua And The Lightning Road by Donna Galanti

Stay away from the window, don’t go outside when it’s storming and whatever you do, do not touch the orb. Twelve-year-old Joshua Cooper’s grandpa has always warned him about the dangers of lightning. But Joshua never put much stock in his grandpa’s rumblings as anything more than the ravings of an old man with a vast imagination. Then one night, when Joshua and his best friend are home alone during a frightful storm, Joshua learns his grandpa was right. A bolt of lightning strikes his house and whisks away his best friend—possibly forever. To get him back, Joshua must travel the Lightning Road to a dark place that steals children for energy. But getting back home and saving his friend won’t be easy, as Joshua must face the terrifying Child Collector and fend off ferocious and unnatural beasts intent on destroying him. In this world, Joshua possesses powers he never knew he had, and soon, Joshua’s mission becomes more than a search for his friend. He means to send all the stolen children home—and doing so becomes the battle of his life.

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

Donna is the author of the Joshua and The Lightning Road series and the Element Trilogy. She is a contributing editor to International Thriller Writers the Big Thrill magazine and blogs at www.project-middle-grade-mayhem.blogs..., a cooperative of published middle grade authors. Visit her at www.donnagalanti.com andwww.ElementTrilogy.com. Donna wanted to be a writer ever since she wrote a murder mystery screenplay at seven and acted it out with the neighborhood kids. She attended an English school housed in a magical castle, where her wild imagination was held back only by her itchy uniform (bowler hat and tie included!). There she fell in love with the worlds of C.S. Lewis and Roald Dahl, and wrote her first fantasy about Dodo birds, wizards, and a flying ship (and has been writing fantasy ever since). She’s lived in other exotic locations, including her family-owned campground in New Hampshire and in Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer. She now lives with her family and two crazy cats in an old farmhouse and dreams of returning one day to a castle.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube

 Strange Country Day by Charles Curtis

Alexander Graham Ptuiac, the son of an inventor, wants to play for the school’s football team. During tryouts, and under the watchful eye of the team’s coach, he suddenly manifests mysterious superhuman powers. Alexander makes the team, but not before the some ill-intended adults take notice, putting his life in danger. Alex struggles to suppress and control his strange new abilities, worried about exposing his secret and being kicked off the football team. Then he befriends Dex, a diminutive classmate who can somehow jump as high as ten feet in the air. Seems Alex isn’t the only one at school with a secret. As the school year unfolds, Alex will find himself the target of bullies, holding hands with his first crush and discovering the shocking truth about himself and his parents.

Amazon | B&N | BAM | Chapters | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

Charles Curtis is a writer and journalist based in New York City. He has reported and written for publications including NJ.com (where he is currently the site’s sports buzz reporter), The Daily, ESPN.com, ESPN the Magazine, Bleacher Report, TV Guide and Entertainment Weekly. Charles has covered the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, golf, tennis and NASCAR. He has also written about television, film and pop culture. In addition, Curtis has also written, produced and was featured in videos for ESPN.com and The Daily. He has made radio appearances on stations including 92.9 The Ticket in Bangor, Maine, WLIE 540 AM in Long Island and on morning shows across Canada via the CBC. He can be reached on Twitter: @charlescurtis82.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Super Freak by Vanessa Barger

Thirteen-year-old Caroline is a freak. Her parents have uprooted her to a town full of Supernaturals. You'd think she'd be thrilled. But, with someone without a magical bone in her body, this daughter of tree sprites feels like even more of an outcast than she has ever before. To make matters worse, her new home is cursed. But when Caroline takes to investigating the mysterious and strange happenings of Harridan House, her BFF goes missing. Seems someone doesn't want Caroline sticking her non-magical nose where it most certainly does not belong. Determined to prove herself, Caroline uncovers a plot to destroy her new hometown. Undeterred, Caroline can't give up. But what's a human without magical powers to do? Caroline better figure it out fast, before she loses everything she has ever loved and the whispers she's heard all her life prove true: Caroline is a useless superfreak.

Coming October 2015

TBD

Vanessa Barger was born in West Virginia, and through several moves ended up spending the majority of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a graduate of George Mason University and Old Dominion University, and has degrees in Graphic Design, a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and a Masters in Technology Education. She has had articles published in Altered Arts Magazine, has had some artwork displayed in galleries in Ohio and online, and currently teaches engineering, practical physics, drafting and other technological things to high school students in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and the Virginia Writer's Club. When not writing or teaching, she’s a bookaholic, movie fanatic, and loves to travel. She has one cat, who believes Vanessa lives only to open cat food cans, and can often be found baking when she should be editing.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | YouTube

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