Nate Rocks the World by Karen Pokras Toz - Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the Nate Rocks the World blog tour sponsored by Innovative Online Book Tours. Last week I did a review of Nate Rocks the Boat. Today I will review book one in the Nate Rocks series. Below you will find a blurb about the book, excerpt, author bio, great links, YouTube trailer clip, buy now links, TWO giveaways and my review.

BLURB:
 
Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader  can be hazardous what with science projects to deal with and recces football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nate's life as a fourth-grader appears to be completely doomed.

Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things.

*2012 GRAND PRIZE WINNER PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARDS
*2012 1ST PLACE CHILDREN'S CHAPTER BOOK PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARDS
*2012 GLOBAL EBOOK AWARD WINNER: PRE-TEEN CATEGORY
*2012 UP AUTHOR AWARD RUNNER UP BEST 1ST CHAPTER
*2012 UP AUTHOR AWARD RUNNER UP BEST COVER




AUTHOR BIO:

Karen is a writer, wife and mother. Karen grew up in Connecticut and currently lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and three children. In June 2011, Karen published her first middle grade children's novel for 7-12 year-olds called Nate Rocks the World, which won First Place for Children's Chapter Books and the Grand Prize Overall in the 2012 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for a Global E-Book for Pre-Teen Literature. In 2012, Karen published the second of the Nate Rocks series, Nate Rocks the Boat, followed by middle grade novel, Millicent Marie Is Not My Name. Karen is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

EXCERPT:

"The score is three to two in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. The Philadelphia Phillies have a man on first base, but honestly folks, I think the game is over. The Phillies have just not been able to pull it together this World Series, and now with all these injuries, who could the Phillies possibly put in to bat? It looks like this hometown team is running out of options. I hate to say this, but I think the dream of winning this year's World Series is now over for this team. Wait a minute - is that Nate Rocks approaching the plate? He hasn't been off the bench all season. Surely, the Phillies have someone more experienced they can use. Even Nate looks confused, as he steps up to the plate. Here comes the first pitch ... swing ... and a miss. Second pitch ... ooh, a 95 mph fastball ... and that's strike two. The Philadelphia crown of 45,000 is silent, as we wait for the third pitch ... the pitch that determines this year's world champions. The pitcher looks around, winds up, and ... CRACK - that ball is OUT OF HERE! I don't believe it, folks! Nate Rocks has hit a home run and the Philadelphia Phillies have won the World Series!!!"

The Phillies rush outof the dugout, running toward me, as I cross home plate. They pile on top of me. Thunderous cheers of enthusiastic fans echo through the stadium. I can barely breath. I feel a hand reach out to me.

"You did it, Nate! You did it!" The Phillies' first baseman yells. He pulls me to my feet. 

Two other players help hoist me up over their shoulders. I wave to the crowd in victory. The players parade me around the base and the crowd begins chanting:

"Nate!"

"Nate!"

"Nate!"

"Nathan! For the fourth time - dinner is ready!"

"Huh?" I ask.

Mom is standing in my bedroom doorway, hands on her hips, staring at me, as I sit on my floor among a sea of colored pencils.

"I said dinner is ready. And for goodness sake Nathan Michael Rockledge, clean up this mess!"

"Okay, Mom," I say.

Mom turns around and heads down the steps.

I know your hooked, so buy now!

          

To learn more about Nate Rocks:

Website: karentoz.com

Blog: kptoz.blogspot.com

Facebook: facebook.com/karenptoz
Twitter: twitter.com/karentoz
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/5009570.Karen_Pokras_Toz 

 

MY REVIEW - 4.5 STARS

Poppy and I have both been reading the Nate Rocks series. She has never really been a reader, but every once in a while she does find a book she really likes, and then she doesn't put it down. At first I had to actually make her read Nate Rocks the World. She had not picked out the book herself, she knew nothing about it, and therefore had no desire to read it. However, once she started reading she was hooked and read the first 3 chapters that evening. 

Recently I had Poppy write a book review for composition, and what better to do a book review on than Nate Rocks the World. Poppy had to give an intro, tell about the author, write a summary about the book, give her opinion and who she would recommend the.to She had to do a re-write once, but over-all she did well. 

Poppy with her autographed bookmark
from Karen!

In her book report Poppy said, "I like how when Nate is daydreaming it is kinda hard to tell at first. When I first read it I was confused what was going on. However, it is not the type of confusing that makes you want to stop reading. I would recommend Nate Rocks the World to anyone that enjoys reading fiction books. You will certainly get a few good laughs!"


I must agree with Poppy, I love the way Karen transitions the book from Nate daydreaming to reality so seemingly.  Half the time I wouldn't realize he was daydreaming until I would read the famous line, "Why because you're Nate Rocks, of course!"

Nate seems like your average, everyday 10 year-old with an annoying older sister. Only, Nate has a very active imagination that takes him away from his annoying sister, his overbearing Mom and her awful cooking, and even the annoying Lisa Crane - his Mom's best friend's daughter and his classmate. When Nate is forced to work with Lisa on a class project it all goes down hill. He has to waste a Saturday working on the project with her, instead of hanging out with his friends. She writes the entire report, throws his poster away and replaces it with one of her own, does all the talking during the presentation and makes it look like she did it all.

On Halloween Nate is able to go Trick-or-Treating with his two best friends, Sam and Tommy, and without any parents! Nate's older sister Abby and her best friend Emma decide to scare the boys. The boys take off running but Sam is so scared they end up lost. The next day Nate and Tommy plan to seek revenge on Abby, and what better way then her upcoming sleepover for her birthday. Only, sometimes plans don't always go as we'd hope!
 
Can poor Nate ever catch a break?

Nate Rocks the World is a great book for both boys and girls, old and young. If your child is not reading chapter books yet, it's at a manageable length to read to them. I can even see them turning around and reading it again when they are older. I know we will be re-reading them again, and soon!

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DISCLAIMER: I received the aforementioned book for the sole purpose of providing an accurate and honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and all words and opinions are my own.

Vicky Finds a Valentine by Emlyn Chand - Review

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you all have a day filled with love. Today I have an tasty treat for you, keep reading to find out more.

Welcome to my stop on the Vicky Finds a Valentine blog tour hosted by Innovative Online Book Tours. Make sure you stop by and check out the other stops on the tour. Below you will find a blurb about Emlyn's newest book, Vicky Finds a Valentine, author bio, great links, my review and buy now link. 

BLURB: Vicky is a happy lovebird with a great life as the Johnson's family pet. When her human Marie starts making Valentine's Day cards for her first grade class, Vicky is definitely intrigued. "Valentine's day is very special," Marie explains. "It only comes once a year, and when it comes, you have to tell everyone how much you love them. But most of all, you have to find a special friend to be your Valentine." A day about love? That's fantastic! Now who can be Vicky's special Valentine? A search begins as Vicky asks anyone who will listen to be her Valentine. Unfortunately, the pretty doll ignores her, and so do the people in the glass box-and she's not she can trust the family cats intentions. Will the day come to a close before Vicky can find a Valentine? There's only one way to find out. Join Vicky on her hunt for love in this special holiday edition of the color-illustrated Bird Brain series for children. 

 BIO:

Emlyn Chan emerged from the womb with a fountain pen clutched in her left hand (true story). When she's not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR Firm Novel Publicity. Best known for her Young Adult novels, she is also developing a small, but devoted, following to her children's book series and is beginning to dapple in other genres as well. Emlyn enjoys connecting with readers and is available via almost every social media site in existence. Visit emlynchand.com for more info. Don't forget to say hi to her sun conure Ducky!


From Emlyn's facebook page yesterday - It was a sad night last night. Honey (the basis for my kids' book, Honey the Hero) died rather unexpectedly........ Please be sure to stop by Emlyn's facebook page, or comment below and show her some love.

GREAT LINKS

Website & blog: www.emlynchand.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emlynchand

Twitter: www.twitter.com/emlynchand

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/emlynchand

My Review - 4 stars

I read Vicky Finds a Valentine with my homeschool group during our Valentine's Day Party Tuesday. A very dear friend of mine, 4 year old little boy was trapped from the moment I started reading! He sat there the entire and didn't move a muscle! Here is what some of the kids had to say about Vicky Finds a Valentine.

"When the birdy made it's feathers pretty. That was funny", Little Man - age 4 

"I just loved everything! I was so scared Sparky was going to eat Vicky!!" Yang - age 6

"We all need a special friend to love." Poppy - age 13

"Very heartfelt" - Owlet - age 14

Emlyn has once again brought her wonderful birds, holidays and meaningfully messages together in her last Bird Brain book, Vicky Finds a Valentine. Vicky is a beautiful lovebird, that adores her 1st grade owner, Marie. When Marie comes home from school with all sorts of colored paper, glitter, glue sticks and scissors - Vicky is very interested in finding a special friend to be her Valentine. Once Marie leaves for school the next morning Vicky hops out to begin her search. She climbs up Marie's bed and hops over to Marie's doll - Miss. Inga. Surely she will be her one special friend. After all, she could hear Marie & Miss. Inga having conversations at night - well Marie's side at least. Only, Miss. Inga won't respond. Vicky leaps down from the bed, and down the stairs. The people in the glass box are ignoring her so she decides to ask Marie's mom. Sparky, the cat, comes out before making it to Mom. Whatever will Vicky do? Should she trust the sly cat? Or has she really found her one special friend to be her Valentine?

As I'm sure you have all come to know, with Emlyn's tails tales there is always a meaningful message. In this great holiday edition of the Bird Brain series, Vicky learns not to be so trusting of everyone we encounter. After all, you never know when the cat may be out to get you! 


Wanna find out more about Vicky? Click below to buy now.

Amazon Kindle ebook


Paperback


Smashwords
   

  

Share this giveaway, tell you friends to like our facebook page and comment that you sent them. Whomever brings the most most people to our facebook page will also receive a $10 Starbucks e_gift Card.

 

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DISCLAIMER: I received the aforementioned book for the sole purpose of providing an accurate and honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and all words and opinions are my own.

Murder by Prophecy by Gary Kassay Review & Giveaway

 

Welcome to my stop on the Murder by Prophecy tour powered by Innovative Online Book Tours. Below you will find a book blurb, author bio, online links, buy now links, my review and a 5 e-book international giveaway!

 BOOK BLURB:

What would you do if you had been falsely imprisoned and if while in prison your wife and your children had been brutally murdered? Samuel Maxwell, the Prophet, decides to spend his time plotting out his plan for revenge against the greedy men responsible..

The Prophet stops at nothing to avenge the deaths. Will Inspector Duke Becker and his squad from Special Investigations Homicide be able to stop the Prophet and the reasons behind the killings before more die? 

AUTHOR BIO:

Gary L. Kassay born on March 20, 1956 in the Bronx, New York.  He married his high school sweetheart, Eileen on May 6, 1978.  Gary & Eileen had two children, Jason Kassay born March 30, 1980 and Samantha Kassay born January 6, 1986.  Eileen Kassay passed away on May 14, 2003.

Gary worked as an x-ray tech for six years at Brooklyn Hospital and then joined the New York City Police Department, Transit Police. Hr trained for the K-9 unit and worked until injured in the line of duty forcing early retirement.  Gary then worked in the field of commercial photography. Starting in customer service, then becoming the assistant manager, manager and then with two partners buying Diversified Photo located on Long Island

. 

Although retired at the time, worked Ground Zero after 9/11 for several weeks.

In 2004, Gary left the business to two partners and moved to North Carolina  where he met his second wife Raella. They married on September 10, 2005 in Maui, Hawaii. Gary worked for Homeland Security as a TSA officer, and then as a Lieutenant for Guilford County in charge of the Social Services Building. 

In 2008  he moved to Casper Wyoming where he currently resides.

ONLINE LINKS: 

Twitter: @GaryKassay

Facebook: http://facebook.com/gary.kassay?fref=ts 

Website: www.garykassay.com

 

Buy Murder in Silence and Murder by Prophecy NOW!

  

  

My Review 4 Stars

When I first began reading Murder in Prophecy I was not aware that it was actually book 2 in the Duke Becker series. After reading chapter 1, I decided that I wanted to read book 1, Murder in Silence. I wanted to make sure that there would be no gaps in the story. While I now feel I could have read Murder in Prophecy without reading Murder in Silence, I was very happy that I didn't! It was very hard to put either book down, and I in fact had read both in 3 short evenings. I know that I will definitely be reading both books again, and soon I'm sure!

In Murder in Silence, Inspector Duke Becker of the Special Investigations Homicide team, is a single bachelor with no intentions of settling down. While trying to solve a case were officers are having their throats ripped out by any mysterious animal, he meets a very attractive veterinarian, Dr. Elizabeth Cunningham. Things seem to be going in the right direction when Duke is attacked just before he is suppose to meet Dr. Cunningham for a very romantic date.

Murder in Prophecy, takes place right were Murder in Silence leaves off, which I personally prefer. I hate when the book picks up 2 years later. Duke & Elizabeth have been happily wed and are enjoying their honeymoon on the beautiful beaches of Maui. But the real world is calling and Duke must return to work. It isn't long after Duke returns that Chief Rockwell, a hotshot from Boston, receives a mysterious letter.

Just four year prior Samuel had been falsely imprisoned, resulting in him loosing everything - his beloved wife and children. Samuel is now a free man and means to seek revenge on all those that are behind all his grief. Samuel has been coined The Prophet from his artful letters. It is now up to Inspector Duke, and his team to stop Samuel before it is to late but it is going to be a hard job since the Chief won't cooperate. His team must figure out who Samuel is after, and why.

The Prophet is careful, meticulous in fact in all that he does. From the letters he writes, to his identity, to the murders. It seems that Duke and his team are always one step by The Prophet. Will they ever be able to get ahead? 

 As with Murder in Silence, Gary has left us with a great cliff hanger at the end, and boy is it a good one! I can't wait to see how the tale unfolds with Inspector Becker and his new life that awaits him.

Enter the 5 ebook international giveaway below and don't forget to enter my 1st Annual New Year's Giveaway for a chance to win a $20 Amazon.com gift card - ends 1/31.

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DISCLAIMER: I was given a free copy of the book from the author for an open and honest review. All opinions - good, bad or indifferent are mine!