September 2, 2014

New Titles, Author Notes, Book Giveaways, and More

Dear Readers,

In this issue of KidsBookClubbing, you'll meet

... fresh and sassy Charlie Cooper and watch her shine in WATCH OUT HOLLYWOOD! by Maria T. Lennon...

... Nym, a slave in the kingdom of Faelen, and learn that whoever controls power, wins -- in the fantasy STORM SIREN by Mary Weber.

Warm wishes,

Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp

kidsbookclubbook.com

Ages 9-13 / Middle-Grade Fiction / HarperCollins

Win a set of WATCH OUT HOLLYWOOD! MORE CONFESSIONS OF A SO-CALLED MIDDLE CHILD by Maria T. Lennon for your book club. Enter to win by emailing the author (write "KidsBookclubbing" in the subject line).

Dear Reader,

In the first installment in the comedic series CONFESSIONS OF A SO-CALLED MIDDLE CHILD (called "a must-read book for all young girls" by Dr. Laura), 12-year-old Charlie Cooper has to learn how to overcome her middle child self and stop bullying her way through life.

In book two, WATCH OUT HOLLYWOOD!, Charlie's finally where she's always dreamed of being. She's got a Hollywood agent, a TV series on the table and a boyfriend! Everything's perfect. Until she tells a little white lie. She thinks no one will find out. But they do. And the little white lie costs her everything she's worked so hard for: the TV series, her agent, Marta the Farta and her crush, Bobby Brown.

Will they ever trust her again?

Can she EVER stop doing the wrong thing?

Enjoy,

Maria T. Lennon

Book reviews:

"A must-read book for all young girls."

-Dr. Laura (on CONFESSIONS OF A SO-CALLED MIDDLE CHILD)

"A funny story with a fresh and sassy, winning heroine."

-School Library Journal

Discussion questions:

1. On the first page of the book Charlie states she's no liar. Do you think if you tell white lies that you're a liar?

2. Charlie's friend Jai tells her that a lie is like a rock thrown across a quiet lake. What do you think he means by that?

3. Charlie thinks that if she can do a good deed for Marta, her lie will be cancelled out. Do you think a good deed can cancel out a bad one?

4. Bobby thinks fame and fortune is horrible and wants Charlie to steer clear of Hollywood. Why does he think this? Do you agree?

5. Do you think Marta is right to be THAT mad at Charlie?

Check out a free sample of WATCH OUT HOLLYWOOD! Just click on the author's website. For the latest on book signing and school events go to her Facebook page.

AUTHOR CALL-IN INFORMATION: Maria T. Lennon is happy to call-in to your club. She can also meet with your group if you live in Southern California. Email the author to submit your request.

Ages 12 & up / Young Adult Fantasy / Thomas Nelson / HarperCollins

Win a set of STORM SIREN by Mary Weber for your book club. Enter to win by emailing the publisher (write "KidsBookclubbing" in the subject line).

Dear Reader,

When I was a kid I decided I had super-abilities. And I mean FOR REALS. I had a name, a cape, and a pair of totally awesome Wonder Woman underoos, and heck yes I could fly. Until the day I discovered I could not fly. Ahem.

I'm glad to say I eventually got over that sad discovery - at least enough to write a story about a slave who has super-like abilities (she can summon lightning). And I put her in a fantasy world where there's war and monsters and airships. And very cool friends.

Just...minus the cape. And underoos.

Hope you enjoy it. ;0)

-Mary Weber

Book reviews:

"There are few things more exciting to discover then a debut novel packed with powerful storytelling and beautiful language...I'll read anything Mary Weber writes. More, Please!"
-Jay Asher, New York Times bestselling author of Thirteen Reasons Why

"Storm Siren is a riveting tale from start to finish. Between the simmering romance, the rich and inventive fantasy world, and one seriously jaw-dropping finale, readers will clamor for the next book--and I'll be at the front of the line!"
-Marissa Meyer, New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles

"Readers who enjoyed Marissa Meyer's Cinder series will enjoy this fast-paced fantasy which combines an intriguing story line with as many twists and turns as a chapter of Game of Thrones!"
-Dodie Owens, Editor, School Library Journal - Teen

Discussion questions:

1. Nym has a genuine desire to help others, especially the mistreated. However, fear that she will do more harm than good often holds her back. Can you relate to this dilemma? Do you ever duck away from helping others because you feel unqualified or worry that you won't be able to do it "perfectly"?

2. In the Valley of Origin, Eogan challenges Nym, suggesting that her inability to embrace the potential of her power is because she's afraid to accept and believe better of herself. How about you? What things could you overcome or accomplish if you believed more in yourself?

3. Nym sees her Elemental ability as a curse rather than a unique gift. What aspects of yourself or your environment do you view as "cursed" or negative. How might those aspects actually become a gift or benefit?

Book clubs can head to tnzfiction.com to preorder the ebook for $4.99 from the retailer of their choice! To keep up with Mary Weber, visit her blog and website.

Author call-in information: Mary Weber is happy to receive emails and get in touch with book clubs. Email the publisher to submit your request.

A maximum of 10 books is available for each book club giveaway.
Contest entries are sent directly to the authors administering each contest. Our Privacy Policy does not apply to emails sent as contest entries. You must be 18 years or older to enter the contests.