Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... TOE TO TOE by Falon Ballard - REVIEW

 🥳 Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to TOE TO TOE by Falon Ballard out today via Penguin Randomhouse/G.P. Putnam's Sons 🎉 

Anyone else a fan of the various dance movies like STEP UP or CENTER STAGE? 🙋‍♀️ This story totally put me in the frame of mind of these, but with a bit more swagger, a lot more control, and a flash more heat 🔥 

I loved 💗 both Allegra and Cord (though that sleazy director of hers... 🤬), and watching them as they grew together was something you didn't want to turn away from. They each had their issues (who doesn't?), and the past certainly plays a role in their initial hesitations, but in the end... the heart wants what the heart wants, and you'll be dancing to the beat of their hearts! 🩰

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About the book...

It takes two to tango.

Allegra Hart has been working her whole life to achieve one goal: become a principal ballerina. When her director starts holding auditions for the lead role in the company’s latest production, Allegra sees this as her chance—maybe her last chance.

The catch? The director wants someone with sex appeal, and he doesn’t think she’s up to the task. Determined to prove him wrong, Allegra enlists the help of the lead dancer of an all-male revue, Cord Donovan, a classically trained dancer who is also the sexiest man she’s ever met. In exchange for lessons on how to ramp up her sex appeal, she promises to help Cord choreograph a new partner piece for his show.

As they practice their moves on and off the stage, Allegra and Cord find themselves battling a growing attraction. Except Allegra is determined not to let a man derail her career . . . but what if she could have both love and success? Or will her involvement with Cord jeopardize everything she’s worked for?

*eARC received via Netgalley for consideration; opinions are my own

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... THE SECRET WINNERS CLUB by Donna Galanti - REVIEW!

🥳 Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to author Donna Galanti as THE SECRET WINNERS CLUB hits bookstore/virtual shelves via Wild Trail Press! 🎈

🙆‍♀️This is truly a Middle-grade book that celebrates YOU being the totally unique and fabulous individual you are! It stars incredible kids just trying to find themselves in this great big crazy world 🌎 while not only facing the usual trials and tribulations of growing up (schoolwork, friendship, bullies, family life, etc), but with the added "joys" of autoimmune disorders. 

That's right. Each has their own hands dealt to them, but instead of shying away and acting like it defines them, they learn that they are MORE than a diagnosis or set of symptoms... they are BEAUTIFUL, FABULOUS, SMART, CARING, TALENTED... and pretty much anything they want to be. They learn to find their inner strengths and tell the world HERE I AM, LOVE ME FOR WHO I AM. 🙆 It's an incredibly powerful message, and one the world could use now more than ever.

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About the book...

1st Rule of The Secret Winners Club:

Do whatever it takes.

Thirteen-year-old Sunny Whitlock has alopecia; an autoimmune condition that’s made her lose her hair—and she’s desperate to be seen as more than just the bald kid. But how? By setting an epic goal: win her school’s junkbot club competition. And if she’s #1, then other kids will have to see beyond her disease … and she’ll finally fit in.

Sunny’s immune-deficient best friends are also tired of looking different and achieving second place in their school competitions. With a bold plan, Sunny bands with them to create The Secret Winners Club, a club devised to win—at any cost—and push them outside their comfort zones.

They promise to trust no one else. It’s all classified! And in total secrecy they aim to help one another become #1 before this middle school year is over. But as they start to succeed, they quickly discover that crossing the line and hurting others can make them even more visible and even more an outsider.

For more or to snag your own copy 👉

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239711837-the-secret-winners-club

https://www.donnagalanti.com/the-secret-winners-club/

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE AUTHOR FOR THE COPY FOR REVIEW (THANK YOU!). THIS TITLE IS AVAILABLE NOW WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD. 

AWARENESS TOUR: In My Mind by Carmen Hernández, Illustrated by HV Helmut - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Today, we're joining The Children's Book Review for an AWARENESS TOUR already in progress. The star is a new storybook aiming to shine a light on the struggles that can have some kiddos entering the school arena...a little more than on edge. It's a big BIG world out there, and a proper introduction, along with someone in your corner, never hurt. Ladies and gents, today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice is...

In My Mind

Written by Carmen Hernández

Illustrated by HV Helmut

Ages: 3-8 | 38 Pages

9798891382909

Mascot Kids! (2026)

About the book...

 Starting school is both terrifying and exciting for Camilo. He wonders what his new teacher and classmates will think of him. But, as the day unfolds, Camilo has a hard time fitting in. The classroom feels overwhelming, and he battles nerves that make it hard to focus or speak up. He gets distracted, daydreaming about far-away places, and sometimes he forgets that he is in school altogether. But as the day goes on, Camilo discovers unexpected joys.

This heartwarming story captures the challenges of a child with ADHD who has to navigate a busy first day at school.

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop

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The story takes readers, young and young at heart, on that special first day trip to school. It's scary. It's exciting. It's a whole jumble of feelings and new experiences that can throw anyone for a loop, but for kiddos learning to handle additional challenges like ADHD, it can present a minefield of confusion and uncertainty. Comparing one's self to others is natural, but when it doesn't seem to add up the same way, it can be a heavy hit to a person's growing confidence. Stories like this can help. 

It normalizes the newness and oddness of the situation. It let's them see themselves in others and grow in the knowledge that they are not alone. It helps them, and in turn helps the adults in their lives, celebrate them for who they are while learning how to best help them on their educational journey. No one comes into this world with all the answers, and it does take a village to raise a tiny soul nowadays. The more widespread the message, the better we are all in the end to help each other become the best version of ourselves. Combine the inspiring message with the lovely illustrations, and I can see this story being reached for time and time again. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carmen Y. Hernández was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and moved to the United States at the age of five. Carmen is the first in her family of five to earn a master’s degree in general education. With fifteen years of experience as an educator, she has witnessed a growing number of students with undiagnosed cases of dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and intermittent explosive disorder (IED).

Through this book, Carmen hopes to raise awareness among a new generation of parents about the increasing prevalence of these disorders and the importance of understanding and supporting children with these challenges.

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

TIKTOK

INSTAGRAM 

(Mascot Books)

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GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win one of three hardcover copies of In My Mind by Carmen Hernández, a thoughtful story that captures the ups and downs of a child’s first day of school.

In My Mind: Book Giveaway

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Special thanks to Bianca of The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Carmen Hernández. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, February 2, 2026

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of In My Mind

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

The Starlit Path

Book Review of In My Mind

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

@nissa_the.bookworm

Instagram Post about In My Mind

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Book Review of In My Mind

Friday, February 6, 2026

@avainbookland

Instagram Post about In My Mind

Monday, February 9, 2026

The Fairview Review

Book Review of In My Mind

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of In My Mind

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Crafty Moms Share

Book Review of In My Mind

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Un Viaje en Libro

Book Activity for In My Mind

Friday, February 13, 2026

The Little Free Library Mystery Network

Instagram Post about In My Mind

Monday, February 16, 2026

Froggy Read Teach

Instagram Post about In My Mind

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

@bored_military_wife

Instagram Post about In My Mind

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Lisa’s Reading

Book Review of In My Mind

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Confessions of a Book Addict

Book Spotlight on In My Mind

Friday, February 20, 2026

Country Mamas With Kids

Book Review of In My Mind

Monday, February 23, 2026

A Blue Box Full of Books

Instagram Post about In My Mind

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

@meghenslittlelibrary

Instagram Post about In My Mind

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

@tinks_books_and_fosters

Instagram Post about In My Mind

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

IN MY MAILBOX: FROM THE FIELDS TO THE FIGHT by Angela Quezada Padron, Illustrated by Sol Salinas

📬 NEW ARRIVAL in my mailbox via Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing 📖

When Jessica Govea Thorbourne was four years old, she began picking crops in the California fields. One resilient girl, doing what was needed to help her family. As Jessica grew up, she saw her community struggling. Farm workers were being treated unfairly. But she was just one child. What could she do?

Jessica stood up for justice and learned to organize for change, passing out flyers, speaking to crowds, and rallying other kids to petition for a neighborhood park. As an adult, she joined the United Farm Workers and played a pivotal role in the success of the California Grape Boycott. Though her journey started when she was very young, Jessica found her voice and empowered others to fight for their rights.

Jessica showed that making a difference can start with just one child.

📣 COMING MARCH 24, 2026 via Atheneum Books for Young Readers ... 

🍇 FROM THE FIELDS TO THE FIGHT: How Jessica Govea Thorbourne Organized for Justice ⚖️ by Angela Quezada Padron, Illustrated by Sol Salinas

MARK YOUR CALENDAR,

or preorder your copy today!

🌟 Do you read nonfiction books? What's a favorite you'd recommend?

Special thanks to Alex and the Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing team for the copy for review. (THANKS!)