Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY WEEK to... Threat of the Spider by Michael P. Spradlin - REVIEW!

It's almost that time again.

Time for another BOOK BIRTHDAY celebration, and while this one actually takes place TOMORROW, I figured why not spark up the anticipation today.  😉  So, if you're a fan of Historical Fiction, and are looking for a story from a younger perspective that takes place during a heavy time in history, today's featured title is right up your alley.  Take a closer look between the pages of...

Threat of the Spider

The Web of the Spider series, Book 2

by

Michael P. Spradlin

9781665947213

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Release Date: 06/24/25

About the book...

Ansel has never been afraid to say what’s on his mind. He’s always the first among his friends to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. When the Hitler Youth first set up shop in Heroldsberg the year before, Ansel quickly made enemies of the chapter’s arrogant leader, Hans. Of course, Ansel is also twelve years old, so he spends much of his time reading his favorite Dirk Goodly, Boy Detective novels and trying to make his friends laugh.

But more and more of his classmates have been swayed by Hans’s tactics and the Youth organization is growing throughout the city. Ansel knows that Hans and his group are spreading false information—after all, Ansel’s father is a journalist for the local paper and has been going toe to toe with Nazi propaganda for a long time.

Then Ansel’s father goes missing right before a prominent Nazi leader comes to town. With the local police in the Nazi’s pocket, can Ansel and his friends use their detective skills to find his father and thwart the Nazi’s plans to suppress the truth?

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This is the SECOND INSTALLMENT in The Web of the Spider series and picks up just where the first left off.  Does that mean you can't read them out of order?  No, I think it works as a standalone, but then again the length of the stories definitely lends more heft to reading them BOTH, you know?  😉  Anywho...

In this second installment, we are back with our friends, but this time, it's not Romer and Rolf who are the focus.  This time, we're seeing the story more so from the eyes of Ansel.  He's got a unique perspective as well because his father is a reporter and definitely not a sympathizer with the enemy, so the stakes are high for the whole family.  The Hitler Youth are taking a firmer hold in the area, and, with the impending visit of a higher up in command, so are bigger players in this violent "game".  While one can say to stick to your convictions, it's hard in the face of evil, and some succumb to the peer pressure.  Luckily, that's not the case for our friend group here, and extra lucky for Ansel's father who ends up an unexpected pawn in a game he wasn't even playing.  

The danger is high and the risks are real, but so is the history behind it all.  It's important to know the "ugly" that transpired to learn the lesson and carry forward the truth, so it's not repeated in another generation.  It's also important to know that even in the midst of darkness, light can be found.  Friendship can still blossom.  Hearts can still beat fast.  Justice can still be fought for.  Good can still triumph over evil...one instance at a time.  A great pick for fans of the genre, as well as kiddos trying to get a firmer grasp on the past.

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About the author...

Michael P. Spradlin is the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author of the Spy Goddess series, The Youngest Templar series, and the Web of the Spider series, as well as several works of historical fiction, including the Western Heritage Award–winning Off Like the Wind: The Story of the Pony Express. He currently resides in Lapeer, Michigan, with his wife, daughter, and his schnoodle, Sequoia. Learn more at MichaelSpradlin.com

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Special thanks to Alex at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the series, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. So grab your TO DO list and make plans to snag your copy TOMORROW as it makes its bookstore and virtual shelf debut!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

CHANGE: Growing Up is Hard to Do (DOUBLE REVIEW!)

Welcome back readers!

Today's post is all about change.  Growing up is hard to do, and finding yourself in the mix can be difficult.  Sometimes what we find is amazing.  Sometimes what we find is confusing.  Sometimes what we learn about ourselves, and those around us, makes it that much more of a maze to traverse, but, if we're lucky, we have those around us that understand, and help us see the beauty in what we might've missed, and the strength in truth behind the hard decisions we might have to make.  Sound a bit heavy for Middle Grade Fiction?  Hey, LIFE is heavy, so why shouldn't that be reflected at times in literature?  Ladies and gents, let's take a closer look at two titles in this category, one that's out now, and one coming soon, that should be on your radar...

Greta

by

J.S. Lemon

9780374392178

Farrar Straus Giroux

Published:  09/10/24

I admit, this was a beautiful story in reflection, but during the read, I was a tad confused.  I was having a difficult time trying to sort out whether it was more reality based or fantasy based, and in the end I decided it was a little of both.  It's about the changes we all go through as we grow up.  It's about finding our true selves, accepting our true selves, and finding those that will do that for us as well.  It's about never shying away from our truth, and learning to let the opinions of others bounce off our outer shell because the one that truly matters is our own.  We'll find our crowd, eventually.  We'll form our inner circle, eventually.  We'll discover that the naysayers and the outspoken that were against us were really just lost on their own journeys and lashing out to try and feel comfortable in their own skin. Is it right?  No...but it doesn't make it any less a valid part of the experience.  

I felt for Greta and I think those things she struggles with resonate with younger readers, serving as a reminder that they aren't the only ones trying to figure things out.  Change is a constant in life, but finding that comfort zone comes with time, promise, and the moments that got you there will be flashcard memories that created the you that is you today.

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Rise of the Spider

The Web of the Spider series, Book 1

by

Michael P. Spradlin

9781665947213

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Release Date:  09/24/24

I love my Historical Fiction and this was a great way for younger readers interested in the genre to get their feet on the ground during this transformative time.  Was it hard to read?  In some ways, yes...I did think that unless the person going into it has an innate interest, it might be dry in some places, but the other half of the reading difficulty lies purely in the subject matter as it gives us a glimpse of how evil can rise, spread, and transform a people.  Hitler came at a time when Germany was down and out with messages of gathering their strength once again, but he also came with vile ideas of who should be allowed not only to reign, but to LIVE, and a whole assortment of other ugliness I won't get into here.

Rolf was a great character to see through because he was trying to take it all in, reason it out, and assemble just where he stood in it all.  His brother was taking one road, his father another, and his best friend another still, but he allowed himself to see the facts for the fiction, and discover his own path like we all have to at some point or another in our lives.  Most of our decisions will seem small in scale when compared to those the surround this time period, but, as the author points out, it's those small decisions along the way, the seemingly innocent side steps, and placements, that add up to a bigger picture in the end.  The moment we turn away from an injustice we could have prevented, an innocent that needed assistance we refused to give, that darker side of mankind gains another foothold in our world...and that's a place none of us truly want to live.  A great start to a promising series that will help the next generation to learn from the past and never forget.

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Special thanks to Cate at Nicole Banholzer PR, and Alex at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on these titles, the authors, or the publishers, feel free to click through the links provided above.  As listed, one is available now, with the other coming soon, so grab your calendar and mark it down, or (pre)order your copies today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Growing up is hard to do... LOWLY by Laura P. Angaroni

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're exploring a Christian Young Adult title that proves once again that growing up is hard to do...but with a little help from the big guy upstairs, a bit of trust in our friends, and a good long look in the mirror with an open heart, we can make it through anything.  So, if you'd be so kind, join me in welcoming today's book of choice into the spotlight...

Lowly

by

Laura P. Angaroni

9781632694256

Deep River Books

About the book...

I'm Lola, and I thought this year would be different. Just for once, I wanted to be a glass-half-full kind of girl for. It's 1981, and nice girls don't curse. But the Demented Duo has been harassing me since middle school--cutting down my looks, my Christianity, my virginity. How am I supposed to control my anger when everyone at Sunset High School seems like they're out to get me? They'll embarrass me about anything.

And Then George strides in, and like magic, everything is better.

If only it lasted.

How will I ever clean up my mess and make amends? Can anyone still love me?

AMAZON  |  B&N

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I was warned from the start...

My protagonist is more of an anti-hero. Some people love her up front, some not so much. I wanted to demonstrate a lot of growth in her during the book, so I made her as real as possible.

...the results of my adventure through the pages, certainly prove those statements to be true!

Lola, aka Lowly, is not a gal that's easy to like.  She's like a rubix cube...many sided with personalities to match at least that number if not more...then again, she IS a teenager.  *smirk*  Seriously though, I was in the latter camp of "not a fan" of her for the better part of the book, but I don't think it was so much to do with her as it was to do with the story, or lack thereof.  I know that sounds harsh, but give me a second.  

From the synopsis, I was expecting something different, perhaps with more a focus on her relationship (or whatever it was) with George, or even her battles with the Demented Duo, when in all actuality, it was as scattered as feathers in the wind.  It was here, showing us how those two dough headed boys tormented her.  It was there, seated at the lunchroom table as new kids joined their group, welcomed or not.  It was near, bringing her faith and values into question in relation to her actions and reactions.  It was far, revealing the smallest bits of her relationships with her friends as well as those with potential to be more some day.  I was constantly grabbing at each new idea thinking....this is it...this is the thread of the story...when in fact, the multiple loose ends were really the heart of it all.

In the end, it reminds us that life is fragile, love is precious, and to truly be ourselves is a gift like no other.  Accepted or not, we are perfect just the way we are....and when we're really with those we are meant to be with, that sense of belonging will come like the sun on a cloudy day.  It was an interesting journey, albeit not an easy one, but hey, life is like that sometimes; you have to take the sweet with the sour and hopefully, as was the case here, the combination of the two surprises you.  Recommended read for Young Adult fans of all ages.

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About the author...

Raised in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, Laura Angaroni (BS, Economics, Baylor University) is proud to be from what some consider the wrong side of the tracks. She and her husband, Craig, live in Houston, Texas, where Laura writes, coaches her two teens, and after four years of high school ministry is taking a break to chase preschoolers around the church nursery.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM

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Special thanks to author Laura Angaroni for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Deep River Books, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

STORYBOOK SUNDAY: Chengdu Can Do by Barney Saltzberg

HI guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

We're celebrating another day of bookish fun with Storybook Sunday! For those not up to speed on the post, I read a lot of great storybooks and thought, why not give them their own day in the sun. Hence, Storybook Sunday! Feel free to join the fun and create a post on your own site with the same name. I'd love to see any linked up in the comments! Anywho...back to the matter at hand.

Today, we're exploring the world through the eyes of a little panda bear in an adorable release set to hit stores THIS TUESDAY (07/11/17) via Disney Hyperion...but we've got your scoop today!  All the better to make your wish list (or shopping list ^-^), am I right?  Right, so...let's see what this little guy gets up to as we set our sites on today's book of choice...

Chengdu Can Do

by

Barney Saltzberg

9781484758472

Disney Hyperion

This is the story of one young panda cub as he reaches for the stars on the path to adulthood.  Okay, wait...not really, but sorta?  See, young Chengdu IS growing up, but right now all he is reaching for is BREAKFAST (I know I could use some at this early hour).  Good thing too because it will help him grow BIG, and STRONG, like all pandas should...but despite the fact that he is discovering all the things he CAN DO by himself, he is also reminded (kindly) that there is no shame in asking for or accepting help from others when needed.

Wee ones will thrill at the freedoms Chengdu finds as well as the topsy turvy turn the story takes as the pages become part of the story above and beyond the actual printed words.  When Chengdu swings back and forth, so do the pages.  When Chengdu is reaching so very, very far away for some bamboo, the page adjusts for that distance.  When Chengdu learns to fly...well, he learns gravity is a possessive force, but he still goes through the air with a good amount of ease and the pages incorporate that flight plan too.

It's a fun and creative way to give little ones that push to take that next step with confidence, while reminding them there's a support system right there waiting to catch them if they fall, or need a helping hand.  Combine that with the adorable Chengdu himself and you've got a winning combination for the whole family.

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Special thanks to Amy at Disney Hyperion Books for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  Don't forget to check out Chengdu's first adventure, Chengdu Could Not, Would Not, Fall Asleep, for more fun with this adorable little guy.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



The (Almost) Perfect Guide to Imperfect Boys by Barbara Dee

Hi guys!

Welcome back to another year here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Wow, can you believe it?  It's 2015!  Woo hoo!  Here's hoping your New Year's Eve/Day celebrations went well.  Wishing you only the best throughout the coming year and I'm hopeful you'll make a stop at my site part of your daily ritual.  ~cheesy grin~  Anywho...

Today, we're diving back into the review arena with a new Kids Fiction title from an author whose work we've come to know and love.  I've reviewed several of her titles, including Trauma Queen, and This is Me From Now On, right here on the site and I gotta say, I've yet to be disappointed.  So, are you ready to read all about her latest and greatest?  Get ready to leap back into those awkward middle school years because here comes today's book of choice....

The (Almost) Perfect Guide to Imperfect Boys

by

Barbara Dee

9781481405638

Aladdin Mix

About the book...

According to Finley and her BFF, Maya, middle school boys can be put into three separate categories: tadpoles, croakers, and frogs. Per their official Life Cycle of Amphibian Boys, while tadpoles are totally not developed yet (read: boys who still love fart jokes and can’t have a normal conversation with girls without making fun of them), a frog is the top of the boy food chain—evolved and mature. Sadly, not many boys have reached that elusive frog status at Staunton Middle School.Finley thought she had everyone pegged, until Zachary Mattison enters the picture. After suddenly leaving the year before, Zachary’s surprise reappearance at SMS forces Finley to see him in a new light. And when the official life cycle list falls into the wrong hands, it causes a battle between the boys and girls that turns into an all-out war—one that Finley isn’t sure anyone can really win...

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Ultimately, this is a story about growing up.

We start in the shallow end of the pool and wind up in the great big beyond...but along the way, there are bumps, bruises, and lessons to be learned.  Perhaps it would be better said then that this story is about those bumps and bruises because poor Finley is in for quite a few.  It all starts with the rating system that she and her friend Maya created to help sort out the boys from the...well, those that were taking the next step in their path toward manhood.  It's fine and dandy until the information falls into the wrong hands.  ~dun dun dunnn~  Things get out of hand as the boys turn against the girls in a battle of whit's to see who can out frog the other.  Trust me...my wording may be funny but the back and forth between them is even funnier.

Aside from the back and forth bantering between the sexes, we also have a little girl to girl rivalry.  The story delicately explores the intricate nature of the relationship between best friends, in this case girl friends.  It reveals the unspoken competitions, the hurt feelings, and the overall sense of leaving one another behind that can (and sadly does) happen as we grow up.  Is it all preventable?  To some degree...and that's where the tale is reassuring for those that are going through that pothole riddled road in their own lives (or have little ones that are headed that way).  Don't let the lessons fool you though, there is plenty of fun to be had between the pages and the life cycle of the frogs, I mean boys....is just the beginning.

In conclusion, another great read to grow with from an author who has become a well recognized name in her chosen genre.  Her stories feature relatable characters in realistic situations that make it easy to step right into, whether you be the target audience, or somewhere beyond. 

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About the author...

Barbara Dee is the author of the tween novels Just Another Day in my Insanely Real Life, Solving Zoe (2010 Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year), This Is Me From Now On, and Trauma Queen. She lives with her family in Westchester County, New York. You can visit her on the web at BarbaraDeeBooks.com.

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Review copy received courtesy of  Kate at Deb Shapiro and Company.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Aladdin Mix, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!