Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Full Moon of the Were-Hyena

Thank you Bruce Hale for stopping by Kid Lit Frenzy and sharing about your favorite author visits. 

Author visits, to borrow a phrase, are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’ll get. But over and over again, as I’ve visited schools and libraries from New York to New Delhi, I’ve been surprised, charmed, and touched by the warm welcomes I’ve received.

Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite author visit experiences:

1. Riding the float

One warm August, the Huxley Public Library invited me to present at that Iowa town’s Prairie Fest. And as a capper, they invited me to ride the library’s float in the Prairie Fest parade.

What a hoot! As the parade wound through town, I sat surrounded by kids with buckets of candy, waving to passersby and tossing sweets. The older boys competed to see who could throw Tootsie Pops hard enough to embed them in bystanders’ foreheads.

2. Red carpet memories

As I approached the cafeteria door of a Long Beach, California, school, two students unfurled a 20-foot-long roll of red construction paper, their version of a red carpet. Kids lined up on either side of it, and as I strolled down the “carpet,” each student told me something they particularly liked about my books.

3. I’m with the band

A Lamont, California, school librarian noticed on my bio that I sing jazz. She mentioned that the middle school jazz band would be playing for the family literacy night, and wondered if I’d like to sing with them? The student band swung hard as we did Route 66 and Well, Alright together, entertaining a crowd of pizza-eating parents and kids.

4. Which cookie rules?

Author visits aren’t usually fattening. But that changed when Crane School in Santa Barbara invited me to be a celebrity judge of their County Fair Day baking contest. As a major cookie hound, I never thought I could ever eat my fill of chocolate chip cookies. I was wrong. After sampling 22 different chocolate chip cookies from 22 different bakers, my student co-judge and I were desperate for something savory.

5. Gettin’ sharky with it

I love it when schools engage kids in projects relating to my books. The students express their creativity, and they end up getting much more out of the experience that way.

Many schools have drawing contests, but a Fort Thomas, Kentucky, school went even further. Not only did students create a Lego version of Clark the Shark and his world, but they turned the library door into a gigantic, open shark mouth. So they only way the students and I could enter the venue was by going down the gullet of a shark!

6. Meeting the bear

On a summer reading tour of Alaska libraries, I discovered that memorable experiences can occur even after the day’s presentation has concluded.

After speaking at Seward Library, I visited a glacier valley for a short hike before leaving town. The views were stunning, and on my way back down the trail, I spotted two bear cubs playing in a tree. Fascinated, I stopped to watch—and then spotted the 400-lb. mama bear at the base of the tree. For several long minutes, she stared at me, and I stared at her. And then, slowly-slowly, I went on my way and she went back to minding her cubs.

7. Hitting the Taj

For my first major international school trip, I began with the Cadillac of author visits. The American Embassy School of New Delhi invited Bruce Coville and me for five days’ worth of presentations to their kids. After treating us like visiting royalty and feeding us at fine restaurants every night, the school sent us on a side trip to the Taj Mahal. I suspect this will be the only time one of my visits involves a trip to a UNESCO World Heritage site, but over time, I’ve learned that with author visits, you never can tell.

Photo Credit: Jose Carpizo

Edgar-nominated author Bruce Hale is passionate about inspiring reluctant readers to read. He has written or illustrated more than 35 seriously funny books for children, including the popular School for S.P.I.E.S. and Chet Gecko Mysteries series; as well as picture books such as Clark the Shark, Snoring Beauty, and Big Bad Baby. His creeptastic new series, The Monstertown Mysteries, debuted last month with THE CURSE OF THE WERE-HYENA. An actor and a Fulbright Scholar in Storytelling, Bruce is in demand as a speaker, having presented at conferences, universities, and schools around the world. Bruce's book The Malted Falcon was an Edgar Award Finalist and Murder, My Tweet won the Little D Award for Humor Writing. He lives in Santa Barbara, California with his wife and dog. You can find him online at www.brucehale.com. 
Connect with him on Twitter | Facebook
Free Discussion Guide and Activities can be found here. 

The Full Moon of the Were-Hyena Howling Good Giveaway!
Ten winners will receive a copy of Bruce Hale’s The Curse of the Were-Hyena. Four Grand Prize winners will receive The Curse of the Were-Hyena plus an advance reading copy of the second book in the series, Mutant Mantis Lunch Ladies! And as a bonus, Grand Prize winners will also get a signed photo of Bruce Hale disguised as a were-wolf! Click here to enter.
 

YA Friday Book Review: Glass Sword

Glass Sword
Victoria Aveyard
Audience: Young Adult
HarperTeen (February 9, 2016)
IndieBound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads:

"Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control. 

The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors. 

But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. 

Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

The electrifying next installment in the Red Queen series escalates the struggle between the growing rebel army and the blood-segregated world they’ve always known—and pits Mare against the darkness that has grown in her soul."

Carolyn's thoughts on the book:

*Spoilers for Red Queen ahead*

Red Queen was easily one of my favorite debut novels of 2015, and though I eagerly awaited Glass Sword, the second book of the series, I was concerned that the sequel would be unable to do its predecessor justice (as is the curse of the middle book of many YA series). My fears were assuaged by Glass Sword’s complex world building, intricate plotting, dynamic character growth, and lyric prose - all of the things that made me love Red Queen. 

While most of the world-building in Red Queen was first introducing the reader to the general setting of the Stilts (and the differences between Reds and Silvers), and then Mare’s exploration of the vastly different world of Silvers and royalty, Glass Sword opens Mare’s (and the reader’s) eyes to the underground world of the Scarlet Guard. For those of you who’ve read Steel Scars, the novella detailing Farley’s involvement with the Scarlet Guard leading up to her meeting Mare for the first time, some details may not be new, but there are a plethora of new discoveries within the Scarlet Guard. What Mare thought was a small, hastily put together team of rebels is in fact a sprawling underground movement, with a network spanning farther than the borders of Norta. Indeed, Glass Sword introduces us to more countries than simply Norta and the Lakelands, further expanding Mare’s world - and possibilities for what’s to come. 

In Red Queen, Mare’s emotions were plagued by her conflicting loyalties and guilt over her involvement with the Scarlet Guard, but her heart is far more bitterly turmoiled in Glass Sword. While Mare may rejoice in her long-lost brother Shade’s return, her feelings are complicated after Maven’s brutal betrayal. Mare is haunted by her former fiancé - alternating between a sickening thirst for revenge, and missing the person he pretended to be; her conflicting feelings toward Maven are mirrored by Cal, who lost his brother as well as his father through Maven’s deceit. Mare and Cal share their trauma and change as a result, but character development isn’t exclusive to them. Farley and Kilorn have grown and changed as well - and, of course, so has Maven, though it’s not so much growth as a slimy regression, shedding his former skin to show his true colors. 

But Mare’s turmoil is quelled, at least temporarily, by her mission ahead: to find the other Reds that possess Silver powers and recruit them to the Scarlet Guard before Maven can kill them off. Worse yet, her mission is unsanctioned, her only allies a close few. But soon, as their figures swell, so does their confidence, though it belies the ever-increasing danger. A long-distance game of cat-and-mouse ensues, until Mare is too emotionally embroiled to see Maven’s careful plotting, and their carefully-wrought plans hang in the balance.

Glass Sword is carefully and smartly written, paced quickly enough to hold the reader’s attention and appropriately communicate the dangerous, high-stakes atmosphere, but thoughtful enough to not neglect the character development or other important details as the electrifying plot progresses. The story unfolds with Victoria Aveyard’s same graceful prose, straightforward but poetic, and is a deeply satisfying read. It does end on an infuriating cliff hanger, though, reinforcing the reader’s hunger for the next installment in the the series, King’s Cage (although I doubt readers need that specific motivation, as the Red Queen series has been highly successful thus far). I will be impatiently waiting until then.

Carolyn is a teen blogger who shares her favorite YA reads and favorite book related finds with readers on Fridays. 

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday: Celebrating the Olympics

This is the first year that I have watched the Olympics with very athletic kids. One a gymnast in the making and the other a multi-sport high school athlete. Seeing the Olympics through their eyes has been interesting, fascinating, and entertaining. I have also had quite a few chuckles as a result. So in honor of the Olympics and the young athletes I know, here are two books to celebrate and share.

Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn't Sit Still
by Karlin Gray; Illustrated by Christine Davenier
HMH Books for Young Readers (June 7, 2016)
Nonfiction * Biography * Sports
Audience: 2nd to 4th grade
Indiebound | Worldcat

Description from GoodReads: 
Nadia Comaneci was a feisty and fearless little girl who went from climbing trees in the forests of Romania to swinging into history at the 1976 Olympic Games, where she received an unprecedented seven perfect scores in gymnastics. But as readers will see in this first-ever illustrated picture book about Nadia’s journey to Olympic gold, the road from small-town girl to world-class athlete was full of many imperfect moments.       Expert illustrations that capture the energy and fluidity of Nadia's exuberant gymnastic routines and referential back matter round out this inspirational story of determination and overcoming adversity. A perfect 10.

Quick thoughts:
In 1976, I remember both the Winter and Summer Olympics. These were the first Olympics that stood out in my memory and made a huge impression on me. During the summer Olympics, I and millions of others were drawn to Nadia Comaneci. Her performance and perfect scores were incredibly inspiring. 

Gray works to provide young readers with a perspective of a very young Comaneci and her energy. 

Though this only provides a narrow focus into the life of Nadia Comaneci, it is definitely a good introduction and one to encourage further reading. 

The Wildest Race Ever: The Story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon
by Meghan McCarty
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman (March 1, 2016)
Nonfiction * Biography * Sports
Audience: 2nd to 4th grade
Indiebound | Worldcat

Description from GoodReads: 
It was 1904 and St. Louis was proud to host the World’s Fair and America’s First Olympics. Hundreds of thousands of people came by car, by train, by boat. Part of the Olympics was a wild, wacky marathon. Forty-two racers registered, thirty-two showed up, and of the three racers vying for the finish line: one drove part way, one was helped by his trainers over the line, and one was a postman who travelled from Cuba and ran in street clothes that he cut off to look like shorts. How they ran and who won is a story of twists and turns that wouldn’t be believed if it weren’t true! And it is! Find out who won in this picture book all about the historic Olympic Marathon of 1904.

Quick thoughts: 
I admit I have never run a marathon. However, I have walked a few half marathons and I can say that even the half distance of 13.1 miles is an admirable goal. For those who have participated in local or national 5K races or half marathons or the full 26.2 miles, you know that there are rules in order to make the race fair and to ensure the safety of the participants. However, in 1904, things were a little different. 

For those participating in the 1904 Olympic Marathon, there were challenges that made the experience memorable and not always in a good way.

As I read this book, I was simply amazed that this had happened but as they say "truth is stranger than fiction". I can confidently say that for the runners out there you will appreciate how far marathons have come in the past 100+ years. 

Pick up a copy of both of these books at your local indie bookstore or community library.

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews:

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Celebrating National Parks

This month authors Janet Fox, Barbara Rosenstock, and Liz Garton Scanlon are shining a light on our National Parks with a series of blog posts - Page Through the Parks. I am joining them with this post and another later in the month. 

On August 25, 2016, the National Park Service celebrates 100 years. Did you know fourth graders can get into national parks for free and bring their families? Educators there is information for you as well at Every Kid in a Park. 

To celebrate National Parks month, I am shining the spotlight on Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears by Mary Kay Carson and illustrated by Tom Uhlman (HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014)

Description from GoodReads:
America's National Parks are protected places and have become living museums for as many as 270 million visitors per year! In addition, researchers are able to perform long term studies of a wide number of subjects from salamanders the size of thumbnails to gigantic geothermal geysers. These parks are natural laboratories for scientists. Did you know that Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming sits on top of an active (and very large) volcano? This volcano is monitored and studied on a daily basis, not only as a means of protection (though it seems a long way off from erupting) but also as a way of understanding how the environment changes and influences what goes on deep underground.

The scientists profiled in The Park Scientists also study grizzly bears in Yellowstone, the majestic Sagauro catci in Arizona, and fireflies in Tennessee -- and suggest many ways for the average reader of any age to help out. The emphasis here is twofold: the great science that happens everyday in these important, protected spaces, and the fact that you can visit all of them and participate in the research.

It's backyard science at its biggest and best in this latest resourceful addition to the Scientists in the Field series!

Quick thoughts on this book:
If you read this blog on a regular basis, you know that I am a huge fan of the Scientist in the Field Series. Of course, when thinking about National Parks, I immediately thought about Park Scientists. In looking at the Scientists in the Field website, they are on the same wavelength. Harriet Low has a blog post about Park Scientists that you can read, Definitely check out the links included in the post. 

Park Scientists features three different parks and the work of scientists studying Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears. 

One thing that I appreciate with this book is that you can start with whatever interests you the most and move to the other sections. For some student readers, this is a great way to hook them in and before you know it they have read the whole book. I of course started with the grizzly bears because I have a special love of bears. 

Check out this video about Park Scientists: 

Look for Park Scientists and other Scientist in the Field books at your local indie bookstore or public library. Check out the discussion and activity guide here. 

Join the giveaway for teachers and librarians sponsored by Janet, Barb, and Liz. For more information about the giveaway, check out Janet's post here.

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Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews:

YA Friday Book Review: These Vicious Masks

These Vicious Masks
by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas
Audience: Young Adult
Swoon Reads (February 9, 2016)
IndieBound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads:

"England, 1882. Evelyn is bored with society and its expectations. So when her beloved sister, Rose, mysteriously vanishes, she ignores her parents and travels to London to find her, accompanied by the dashing Mr. Kent. But they’re not the only ones looking for Rose. The reclusive, young gentleman Sebastian Braddock is also searching for her, claiming that both sisters have special healing powers. Evelyn is convinced that Sebastian must be mad, until she discovers that his strange tales of extraordinary people are true—and that her sister is in graver danger than she feared."

Carolyn's thoughts on the book:

As a fan of mystery, historical fiction, and fantasy, I was intrigued when I first heard about These Vicious Masks. When it was touted as “Jane Austen meets X-Men,” I knew I had to read it - while superhero-style fantasy/sci-fi is readily available in YA right now, as is historical fiction, I haven’t seen much crossover beyond steampunk Victorian (in the same vein as the Stoker and Holmes series and Something Strange and Deadly); the only thing I love more than genre fiction is genre crossover done well. 

Evelyn is the classic heroine who chafes against society’s expectations of her: strong but self-deprecating, and loyal to a fault - her sister’s welfare is her top priority; she never stops to think about the implications of her actions, may it be running off to London in search of her missing sister, or sneaking out to a brothel to gather information. Sebastian Braddock, while first appearing to be the living incarnation of the tall, dark, and brooding type seen all-too-often in historical romances, is hiding secrets of his own - and he’s not the only one. Amidst the frivolity of the endless parties and social gatherings lurks a darker world, with infinitely higher stakes: secret societies comprised of powered individuals, operating in the shadows of London. Friends and villains alike possess surprising abilities, each with their own hidden agendas, and Evelyn quickly finds herself in the middle of a struggle much larger than she ever realized. As she digs deeper, her world is forever changed by her tragic findings, and she struggles to find her own sense of heroism in her storm of grief. 

Despite the ostensibly historical setting, These Vicious Masks reads far more like a classic superhero origin story than historical fiction or romance (though it contains elements of several genres). Unlike, say, Pride and Prejudice with Zombies, the inter-genre aspect isn’t played for laughs, but rather lays the foundation for a smart, intricate plot and complex characters. While the story follows the generic path of “special teenager has powers but refuses to admit it until their world falls apart and they are the only one who can save it” storyline, it borrows tropes and archetypes from multiple genres, at once familiar while still staying fresh. 

A fantastic book in its own right, These Vicious Masks is also a great origin story for a superhero team I have a feeling we'll be reading more about soon - a sequel, These Ruthless Deeds, is scheduled to be released February of next year. I can't wait to see what's next in store for Evelyn and her motley crew of heroes and anti-heroes alike. 

Carolyn is a teen blogger who shares her favorite YA reads and favorite book related finds with readers on Fridays.