Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... SCHOOLED by Jamie Sumner!

Time to blow up the balloons, hang the streamers, and pull out the party hats! We've got a BOOK BIRTHDAY on our hands, and it's time to scream and shout all about it! Coming in hot via Atheneum Books for Young Readers (part of the Simon and Schuster family), and penned by author Jamie Sumner, here's a story that's sure to tug at your heartstrings, while bringing a brighter shine to the glimmer of hope that life finds a way to go on. Even in our darkest moments, the promise of tomorrow is there, and the support we need is ours for the asking because everyone needs a little help sometimes.

Ladies and gents, Middle-grade fans of all ages, take a closer look at the next title that needs a home on your TBR...

Schooled

by

Jamie Sumner

9781534486058

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

ABOUT THE BOOK

Eleven-year-old Lenny Syms is about to start college—sort of. As part of a brand-new experimental school, Lenny and four other students are starting sixth grade on a university campus, where they’ll be taught by the most brilliant professors and given every resource imaginable. This new school is pretty weird, though. Instead of hunkering down behind a desk to study math, science, and history, Lenny finds himself meditating, participating in discussions where you don’t even have to raise your hand, and spying on the campus population in the name of anthropology.

But Lenny just lost his mom, and his Latin professor dad is better with dead languages than actual human beings. Lenny doesn’t want to be part of some learning experiment. He just wants to be left alone. Yet if Lenny is going to make it as a middle schooler on a college campus, he’s going to need help. Is a group of misfit sixth graders and one particularly quirky professor enough to pull him out of his sadness and back into the world?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photograph by Bethany Rogers

Jamie Sumner is the author of Roll with It, Time to Roll, Rolling On, Tune It Out, One Kid’s Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, and Schooled. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com.

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Special thanks to Lindsey at Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the early access and the chance to bring this title to you! (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 TODAY wherever books are sold!

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

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?: Duel by Jessixa Bagley, Illustrated by Aaron Bagley - REVIEW!

We've been doing a lot of pre release reading recently, and so our WHAT'S THE BUZZ feature is getting a workout!  Ready to get EXCITED about another upcoming release?  FABULOUS because it's definitely ready and waiting in the wings for you.  Middle Grade fans, this one is in your court, and technically it will have a larger audience than that due to the format (Graphic Novel!), and content (siblings at odds with each other!).  Fair warning, the loss of a parent is an underlying topic here, and how it can affect relationships beyond the one between the departed and themselves, but I think it's handled rather well...showing both the progress towards taking that next step, as well as the hard times that can be had even trying to get there.  But I digress, let's get between the pages of today's book of choice...

Duel

by

Jessixa Bagley

Illustrated by

Aaron Bagley

9781534496545

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date:  11/07/23

About the book...

Sixth grader Lucy loves fantasy novels and is brand-new to middle school. GiGi is the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade (as well as everything else she does). They’ve only got one thing in common: fencing. Oh, and they’re sisters. They never got along super well, but ever since their dad died, it seems like they’re always at each other’s throats.

When GiGi humiliates Lucy in the cafeteria on the first day of school, Lucy snaps and challenges GiGi to a duel with high sisterly stakes. If GiGi wins, Lucy promises to stay out of GiGi’s way; if Lucy wins, GiGi will stop teasing Lucy for good. But after their scene in the cafeteria, both girls are on thin ice with the principal and their mom. Lucy stopped practicing fencing after their fencer dad died and will have to get back to fighting form in secret or she’ll be in big trouble. And GiGi must behave perfectly or risk getting kicked off the fencing team.

As the clock ticks down to the girls’ fencing bout, the anticipation grows. Their school is divided into GiGi and Lucy factions, complete with t-shirts declaring kids’ allegiances. Both sisters are determined to triumph. But will winning the duel mean fracturing their family even further?

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I don't indulge in Graphic Novels very often, but when I do, they usually make quite an impression. Such was certainly the case here!

These two siblings used to be close as close could be, tethered together by their love of family. Grant it, when they started growing up and attempting to compete for the attention of their Dad, things got a bit heated, but that's life in a family with siblings. The thing is... their parents loved them both equally, but tragedy struck and a wedge was driven between them all they just can't seem to break free from, nor muster the desire to even try. No, it's much easier to lash out at the ones left behind. It's much easier to blame others for missing things you should be doing. It's much harder to face the truth and admit how painful the loss truly is, how it's tearing you up, and how you just don't know how to get around it. 💔  

As angry as these two were, it was hard to see their confrontations as anything other than a cry for help they didn't know how to truly voice. Their mom was just as lost, trying her hardest, but adrift from grief. Losing someone you love is traumatic. It takes time to resurface and what that looks like on the other side of happiness can be completely different than what you started with... and that's okay. It's the getting through it that's important. It has to be felt. It has to be talked about, and allowed into the light. No two people grieve the exact same way... even sisters... but that doesn't mean we can't be there for each other, something these girls eventually figure out by book's end. 

Aside from the emotional dynamic of the story, we also get a lot of instruction in regards to fencing! Between the girls' interests, their father's instruction, and the great big duel the story is building to, just try walking away without picking up a few new words, or a better understanding of the sport. Betcha can't! A great read for genre fans, those with siblings, and those who've experienced loss.

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About the author...

Jenny Jiminez

Jessixa Bagley is children’s book author-illustrator with a background in fine art and comics. She has had work featured in publications such as New American Paintings, The Chicago Reader, Nickelodeon Magazine, and Highlights Magazine. Her first picture book, Boats for Papa, received numerous awards and accolades including the 2016 SCBWI Golden Kite Award for picture book text and a 2016 Washington State Book Award. Her picture book Laundry Day received a 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award for writing. Many of her picture books are also Junior Library Guild Selections. In her work, she’s drawn to animals and emotional themes often inspired by her own experiences. Jessixa also teaches and speaks about writing and illustration. She often illustrates for other writers and artistically collaborates with her husband, Aaron Bagley. Jessixa lives in Seattle with her husband and son.

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About the illustrator...

Jenny Jiminez

Aaron Bagley is a human man who draws for a living. He likes to draw what he observes (people, boats, cats) and what he experiences (dreams, feelings, life events). His work has been featured in The Virginia Quarterly Review, The Stranger, The Seattle Weekly, The Seattle Review of Books, and many more. Above all else, Aaron loves collaborating with his wife, Jessixa. Together, they’ve created picture book Vincent Comes Home and middle grade graphic novel Duel.

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Special thanks to Antonella at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for the chance to share this title with you and for the copy for review! (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY November 7th, 2023, so mark your calendar or pre order your copy today!

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

LIZZIE'S DREAM JOURNAL by Charlie King - REVIEW!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to another bookish day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Once upon a time, there was a girl. She was a reader, through and through, letting the stories she climbed between the pages of carry her away to lands unknown, times unfamiliar, and adventures beyond her wildest dreams. This same girl would share her adventures so that fellow readers could experience a glimpse of her journey, and be tantalized to embark on one of their own. Then it happened...one day she came upon a title that, while intriguing, wasn’t quite making the connection she was use to enjoying between the written world and herself, and the book was put aside for another time. 

You see, fair readers, while not every book is for every person (no matter how much we would like them to be), the right book can still come along at the wrong moment, and catch you off guard. Whether it be your mood, change in season, work life, personal life, or something completely random, there are wrong and right moments to pick up a particular title. So, yes, while I was to read and share this one once-upon-a-year-or-so-passed, now was the right moment (...and much thanks to the author for their patience and gentle nudge towards this title once again).  Without further ado, let me get to the title at hand, so that you can be off on your own adventures! Prepare to step into a story within a story as we explore between the pages of...

Lizzie’s Dream Journal

by

Charlie King

9781913781057

Caab Publishing Ltd

About the book…

After the death of her father, Lizzie Barnes’ life takes an interesting turn when her mum brings home a journal.

Lizzie decides to use the journal to write short stories involving her beloved teddy bear Rodford and his arch-enemy Dr Ofdor, a villainous grizzly bear.

She soon notices it is no ordinary journal as people around her begin to have dreams based around her stories.

When Lizzie begins to experience the dreams for herself, she finds that as the creator, the rules of the journal can work against her.

Lizzie, with the help of Rodford and a rat named Ridgeley, must explore the different worlds while facing the dangers she created, including Dr Ofdor, to free herself from the workings of the journal.

AMAZON

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This read around, I was able to fall right into the story. I could feel the loss Lizzie and her family experienced. I could understand the fall from hero status that happened with someone she loved, and the confusion as to how it could possibly be true. I was worried about her mental and emotional well-being as she navigated these unknown waters even more alone as she pushed people away in an effort to find her footing. I was so grateful when she started writing again because that outlet to express herself and explore her inner thoughts was something so enriching to her soul. 

The adventure portion really begins when her creations take on a life of their own. I was as astonished as she to read, see, and hear what was happening, but ever so curious as to the why, and how of it all. I admit, I didn’t take too kindly to some of her characters, Dr Ofdor being a given because HELLO villain, but Rodford was a surprise. Yes, Rodford...her trusty teddy bear friend come to “life”...I just had an odd feeling about him, which was justified to a degree, but I’ll let you figure all that out on your own. The one “person” I had no qualms about was Ridgeley...in life and in dreams. In life, his presence was guiding, as he tried to step in and come to Lizzie’s aid against the bullies without causing her more trouble...and yet his story’s end was rather peculiar to me. I couldn’t justify what happened in order for it to settle in my mind. In dreams, Ridgeley the rat is a spur of the moment character that loves to pop up in the nick of time, but I never had a moments hesitation about him. His little ratty heart seemed pure, honest, and loyal...something he unfortunately ends up proving time and again as the adventures grow rather dangerous!

All in all, it was a story that showed loss affects everyone in different ways, bullying is never something to be simply accepted, and life can get brighter even in the darkest of times. The ending for Lizzie and her family felt true to heart, and it brought a smile to my face (and a tear to my eye) to see the return of one of her own beloved characters.

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About the author...

My name is Charlie King. I am an author from Croydon, England. My first books, The Lyons Orphanage followed by The Lyons Legacy are self-published while Lizzie's Dream Journal has been published by CAAB Publishing. There has been positive feedback on both books which is a great vindication for myself in regards to writing.

I always considered writing to be a hobby no matter the content. That is why I like to use this site for my own personal blog where I discuss topics like sport, film and TV, society and observations of an author's life as well as write satirical articles to bring a lighter side to my writing.

I have had an interest in English and writing ever since I was young and it has stuck with me throughout my education. I have a BA Hons in Journalism with English Language from the University of Portsmouth. When I finished university, I found that Journalism was no longer for me but I still loved to write so instead I wrote in my spare time.

The thought of writing a book crossed my mind many times over the years; I even tried to write a book a long time ago around the age of ten/eleven but it was terrible and lucky not seen by any eyes other than my own. The thought of that book put me off from thinking I could write a decent book. However, with time and the right idea, the writing improved but there is always room for improvement

I enjoy the balance of writing and creating stories with living in the real world, working as a legal assistant in a law firm.

I will continue to write no matter how many people read it. Writing is and always has been my passion.

SITE  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to author Charlie King for the copy for review! For more information on this title or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today.

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

Rockstar Book Tours presents... THE LUCKY LIST by Rachel Lippincott - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

 Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Inatiable Readers.

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the tour for THE LUCKY LIST by Rachael Lippincott hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my review below, and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

Title: THE LUCKY LIST

Authors: Rachael Lippincott

Pub. Date: June 1, 2021

Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 304

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org 

From the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Five Feet Apart comes a gripping new romance, perfect for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. 

Emily and her mum were always lucky.

But Emily’s mum’s luck ran out three years ago when she succumbed to cancer, and nothing has felt right since.

Now, the summer before her senior year, things are worse than ever – Emily has wrecked things with her boyfriend, Matt, and her dad is selling the house she grew up in and giving her mum’s belongings away. The only person she has to talk to is Blake, a girl she barely knows since she and her dad moved back to town five seconds ago.

But that’s when Emily finds the list – her mum’s senior year summer bucket list – buried in the back of her closet. When Blake suggests that Emily take it on as a challenge, the two set off on a journey to tick each box and help Emily face her fears over losing her connection to her mum. As she starts to feel closer to her mother, so too does Emily’s bond with Blake deepen into something she wasn't expecting.

And suddenly Emily must face another fear: accepting the secret part of herself she never got a chance to share with the person who knew her best.

A captivating, heartfelt love story about learning who you are, and who you love, when the person you’ve always shared yourself with is gone.

 

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Praise for THE LUCKY LIST:

"A countdown to finishing the list before a class trip keeps the pacing solid, and an entertaining unraveling of connections to her parents’ pasts adds nice depth. Told in Emily’s first-person narration, the breezy tale explores the theme of learning to live life without holding back, as Emily both questions her sexuality and learns to heal from her grief....A truly charming summer romp." -- Kirkus Reviews

 

Join Rachael for her online Launch Party!

 

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I was SO excited when I saw this book tour come around because I ADORED Five Feet Apart and simply couldn't wait to see what was in store for us.  

Emily was a dear, but struggling so, so hard against, life, against, death, against her very sense of self, and all that fighting has wrung her life plum dry.  Her friends don't know what to say or do.  Her father can't carry on a conversation anytime his wife/her mother is mentioned.  To put it simply, her life is spiraling out of control...at least it was until Blake came along.  She's the ray of sunshine on a stormy cloud filled day.  She's the one you'd want to choose for your ride or die.  She's the new kid in town, but also a blast from the past, and while making waves in little ole Huckabee was never her intent, you can't fly under the radar when you come to a small town.  Thing is, outside all the exterior pluses, she's got a heart of gold, and it seems she's the one person that will not only listen to Emily, but wants to spend time with her and get her back out there, LIVING again.  But sometimes relationships are bigger than they at first seem, and when they grow out of our control, revealing things we weren't certain were hidden in the first place...you can get spooked, start making the wrong decisions, and ultimately break your own heart.  Let's hope that Emily is made of stronger stuff, and if by chance she's not, that she at least can pick up the pieces to start again.

Like I said, I really enjoyed this one from start to finish.  Meeting Emily in her lost state was refreshingly real.  Seeing her navigate life and times after a parent passes was hard, but you could see her honestly trying to struggle through.  The unintentional break from her crew wasn't timely, but it did afford her the chance to realign expectations, discover things that were there the whole time, and reconnect with not only her self, but her mom, believe it or not.  The whole list concept was a great way to have an impartial catalyst to get things moving, and the bond that it built, or rather solidified between mother and daughter, while bringing everyone else together, was pure magic.

 

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About the author...

Rachael Lippincott was born in Philadelphia and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She holds a BA in English writing from the University of Pittsburgh. She currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, splitting her time between writing and running a food truck with her partner.

Her debut novel, FIVE FEET APART, is a #1 NYT Bestseller.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon

 

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YOUR CHANCE TO WIN...

1 of 3 finished copies of THE LUCKY LIST!

US Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Special thanks to the Rockstar Book Tours team and Simon Teen for the ecopy for review as well as the chance to bring this tour to you. (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 JUST celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY this week, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today! Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun...

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/24/2021	YA Books Central	Interview
5/24/2021	Stuck in the Stacks	Review
5/25/2021	BookHounds YA	Interview
5/25/2021	Kait Plus Books	Pre-made Guest Post
5/26/2021	Book-Keeping	Review
5/26/2021	The YA Obsessed	Review
5/27/2021	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review
5/27/2021	Moonlight Rendezvous	Review
5/28/2021	booksaremagictoo	Review
5/28/2021	Book Briefs	Review

Week Two:

5/31/2021	Do You Dog-ear?	Review
5/31/2021	Celiamcmahonreads	Review
6/1/2021	Lisa Loves Literature	Review
6/1/2021	Emelie's Books	Review
6/2/2021	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review
6/2/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
6/3/2021	Eli to the nth	Review
6/3/2021	Simply Daniel Radcliffe	Review
6/4/2021	Thindbooks	Review
6/4/2021	Margie's Must Reads	Review

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