Sunday, May 15, 2016

The League and The Lantern, by Brian Wells (Review and Giveaway)

This Giveaway has ended. Congrats to: Vonnie Warden! 




Youth fiction that is interesting, attention-keeping, and enjoyable to read but still free of violence and "muck" is hard to find. I was excited about the chance for my teen to be able to review The League and The Lantern! She devoured it, and I heard her laugh more than once while reading it. Here's a big plus: she loves history, and history played a big part in this book! Here is what my daughter had to say:

"I really loved this book! It had humor and suspense. It also contained a lot of history about my favorite president, Abe Lincoln. It's a little hard to understand at first, but as you keep reading things start to piece together. I really enjoyed this book and think it would make a great movie." 

More about the book: 

AFTER A DISASTROUS SIXTH GRADE, Jake Herndon is anxiously awaiting his Big Do-Over, starting with his new school's notorious seventh grade sleepover. Awkward team-building games and forced fun quickly become the least of his problems, however, when a dangerous organization invades and the night takes a shocking turn. Jake and two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, barely escape, only to find themselves in a fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. Over the next 48 hours they unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War and an incredible secret about Jake s family. 
Full of unforgettable characters and unexpected twists, The League and the Lantern is a jaw-dropping ride of mind-bending revelations and laugh-out-loud humor. If Jake and his new friends can make it through this weekend, they just might have a shot at seventh grade. 
In this debut novel, family television executive producer and dad Brian Wells has created an epic, rip-roaring comedy adventure that s also about courage, family and friendship. The result is an engaging mix of great characters, crackling wit and unexpected twists that 9- to 14-year-olds, entertainment executives and family groups are applauding. 
Wells works from the belief that great entertainment is driven by memorable characters and imaginative writing, and it shows. The League and The Lantern delivers all of this and more without objectionable language or inappropriate themes. Throw in a plot that traces back to real historical figures and you ve got what some are calling Percy Jackson meets National Treasure. 
As an extra bonus, the book also invisibly weaves in 140 of the top vocabulary words for middle school success. A free downloadable study guide is available on the book's website.


Author: Brian Wells
  • A concerned dad who couldn’t find quality entertainment for his kids. He has worked and produced 15 TV movies for the major networks, and this is his book debut. 

Synopsis:

The League and the Lantern is the first book in a new adventure series for middle-school readers. It all starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover. He escapes along with two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, only to face a 48-hour fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. The kids unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and an incredible secret about Jake’s family. Along the way they learn unexpected lessons about courage, family and friendship.

Talking Points: 
  • Inspires reading - Adventure series your kids will want to read.
  • Educational Value - 140 key vocabulary words hidden throughout the story, historic sites are part of the setting.
  • Moral Value - Lessons in family, friendship, mercy and compassion. Lead characters are friends who are different races. 
  • Help Kids - Operates on a buy one - give one campaign to get books into the hands of kids who cannot afford their own copies. 

Official Website: 

Here's the great part: 


One of YOU will win a copy of The League and The Lantern! 
Simply comment below this post or on my Facebook page letting me know that you would like to be entered into the drawing. Don't forget to share the giveaway! :)  The giveaway will close on Tuesday, May 24, at midnight. 






"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Saturday, May 7, 2016

ESV Family Devotional Bible (Review & Giveaway)

This Giveaway has ended. Congrats to: Susan Borow! 



I love this Bible! I really, really love this Bible. Really. 


"The ESV FAMILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE is a hardbound colorful Bible.  It retells 130 key stories from the Bible with full color illustrations for each story, as well as placed within the Bible text where it is found.  The stories are simplified and easy for children of all ages to understand.  

The ESV Family Devotional Bible is designed to help families read and apply God’s Word together. This full-color edition features the complete ESV text interspersed with engaging illustrations and gospel-centered devotions related to key Bible stories—guiding families through the entirety of God’s Word over the course of a year. Each devotion also includes discussion questions and suggestions for additional reading, helping families develop a habit of reading the Bible together and applying its truth to all of life."

I was so excited to be able to review the ESV Family Devotional Bible. It's beautifully illustrated, and the stories are the perfect length for fidgety little ones. I love the idea of the stories and art being right in the text of the Bible, and especially the questions and verse to remember at the end of each story. It truly is perfect for family devotions, and I highly recommend it! The best part? My son loves it, too! :) 






Now, here's the great news! 


One of YOU will win an ESV Family Devotional Bible! All you have to do is leave a comment below, or on the Facebook post here, to be entered! Please share to help get the word out. The Giveaway will end on Wednesday, May 18, at midnight. 


You can find more info on the ESV FAMILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE here:




"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”