Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Rockstar Book Tours presents... TWO FRIENDS, ONE DOG, AND A VERY UNUSUAL WEEK by Sarah L. Thomson & Vin Vogel - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!


Certainly thrilled to be hosting a spot on today's tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. We're featuring a new Middle Grade Fiction book whose title hits the story on the head perfectly! Check out my review post, make sure to enter the giveaway, and then head over to the other sites participating in the tour!

 

 TWO FRIENDS, ONE DOG, AND A VERY UNUSUAL WEEK

by Sarah L. Thomson & Vin Vogel (Illustrator)

Pub. Date: April 18, 2023

Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 240

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/TWO-FRIENDS-ONE-DOG-AND-A-VERY-UNUSUAL-WEEK

Take Pippi Longstocking’s joie de vivre, blend it with a 21st century urban setting, toss in a dog named Otto for good measure and what do you get? This joyfully carefree story about two unlikely friends.

It’s a pair of silver sequined sneakers that unexpectedly flips Emily’s comfortable, predictable world upside down. Or, more precisely, it’s the girl wearing them.

The shoes belong to Rani, who moves into Emily’s apartment building—and her life—with absolutely no one but her dog Otto. (Her research scientist mother is away in Patagonia.) And that’s only the first rule that Emily watches Rani break without hesitation.

But it’s not just that Rani breaks rules. Most of the time, she doesn’t seem to know the rules exist. Why can’t she bungee jump off their building? Or bring an ice cream truck to school?

For steady and orderly Emily, Rani’s approach to life feels impossible . . . and more than a little irresistible. But is there a place for her in Rani’s world? And should she find a way to make space for Rani in her own?

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

 



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I honestly found this story rather fascinating. Emily and Rani (and Otto!) are fast friends, but they certainly have their differences. Where Emily prefers not to stand out and go with the flow, Rani isn't afraid to let her true colors show, and can't think of much worse than not being herself. The thing is Rani is a powerhouse with a seemingly unending battery that keeps her going, and going, and going. She's not like the other kids that Emily's met, and while it can be fun to spend time together, it can also be confusing.  Emily's never certain if she's stepping too far out of line to support her friend, or if she's being untrue to her friend in order to follow what society dictates is the norm. 

Though I didn't wish for Emily to struggle, it was refreshing to see her think AND feel her way through the situations. It made it more real, more in the moment, because what would, or better yet, what should you do, was never a given, but decided on based on the info she had at the time. She didn't want to get into trouble, but she also didn't want Rani to either, and the thing is, more often than not, her unusual approach to the world worked in her favor...it was really just those unwilling to look beyond the chaotic nature of it all to the heart of the intent and outcome that held issues with her line of thought. Rani was Rani...intelligent, unique, and filled with a great of gold. I was ever so grateful that she had her amazing pup, Otto, but also that these two gals had each other. 

In the end, it was a lovely story about accepting others, keeping an open mind, and always being true to ourselves. Rani could have tried acting like Emily, or any of her classmates, but that wouldn't have made her shine as brightly as she does when she's her true self. The only thing I wished for was a section that talked more about Rani's uniqueness, perhaps from a real world prospective, so that readers could get their minds around the wonder that she was, but even without that backstory, she was remarkable, as was Emily (and Otto!). A great pick Middle Grade Fiction fans of all ages, and a fun start to your summer reading. 


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About Sarah L. Thomson:

Sarah L. Thomson has published more than thirty books for young readers, including prose and poetry, fiction and nonfiction, picture books and novels. Sarah worked as a children’s book editor before becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Portland, Maine. Learn more about her work at sarahlthomson.com.

 

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 




About Vin Vogel:

Vin Vogel is an award-winning Brazilian author-illustrator and the creator of A Home for Leo and the Yeti picture book series. He has illustrated over fifty books for young readers. After living in New York City, he returned to his hometown of Rio, where he lives with two cats and a dog. Visit him at vinvogel.com.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

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~~~ Giveaway ~~~

1 winner will receive a finished copy of  TWO FRIENDS, ONE DOG, AND A VERY UNUSUAL WEEK, US Only.

Ends June 13th, midnight EST.



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Special thanks to the Rockstar Book Tours team for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via Peachtree Publishing Company, so click on over to your favorite online retailer or plan a trip to your local brick and mortar store!


Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/29/2023

YA Books Central

Excerpt/IG Post

5/29/2023

The Momma Spot

Excerpt

5/30/2023

The Chirpy Bookaholic

Excerpt/IG Post

5/30/2023

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

5/31/2023

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

5/31/2023

@evergirl200

IG Review

6/1/2023

Review Thick And Thin

Review/IG Post

6/1/2023

@allyluvsbooksalatte

IG Review/TikTok Post

6/2/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

6/2/2023

Nerdophiles

Review

Week Two:

6/5/2023

Not In Jersey

Review/IG Post

6/5/2023

@stargirls.magical.tale

IG Review

6/6/2023

Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's

Review/IG Post

6/6/2023

@enjoyingbooksagain

Review/IG Post

6/7/2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

6/7/2023

Carly Sunshine Books

IG Review

6/8/2023

@froggyreadteach

IG Review

6/8/2023

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

6/9/2023

Jenguerdy

Review/IG Post

6/9/2023

Author Z. Knight’s Guild

Review/IG Post



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



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