Books Reviews

Two Books for Tweens for their summer reading

Two Books for Tweens for their summer reading

2 new release books for tweens sure to keep them reading this summer are available from Simon & Schuster Publishing. One is a sequel for ages 8-12 and the other explores the perils of youths and gang violence for ages 14 and older.

The One And Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate

The original book The One And Only Ivan stole and even broke our hearts about a silverback gorilla. Then came The One And Only Bob where we followed this dog’s survival story. Now we meet Ruby, the Elephant and not only do we get some elephant facts and glossary but a story about ecological devastation of the ivory trade, circus and zoo life woes. This book is for animal lovers with a heart big enough to break a little as they move through the pages. But, Ruby tells her horror story in a playful way to show how she has overcome. Buy The One And Only Ruby on Amazon!

Borderless by Jennifer De Leon

Synopsis: For seventeen-year-old Maya, trashion is her passion, and her talent for making clothing out of unusual objects landed her a scholarship to Guatemala City’s most prestigious art school and a finalist spot in the school’s fashion show. Mamá is her biggest supporter, taking on extra jobs to pay for what the scholarship doesn’t cover, and she might be even more excited than Maya about what the fashion show could do for her future career.

So when Mamá doesn’t come to the show, Maya doesn’t know what to think. But the truth is worse than she could have imagined. The gang threats in their neighborhood have walked in their front door—with a boy Maya considered a friend, or maybe more, among them. After barely making their escape, Maya and her mom have no choice but to continue their desperate flight all the way through Guatemala and Mexico in hopes of crossing the US border. Buy Borderless on Amazon.

Books Reviews

Secret Seattle: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

Secret Seattle: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

Secret Seattle: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure is a great gift idea for the traveler or Washingtonian! This book has everything odd and true about the Seattle area – and Seattle is odd in many ways! I know this because I live here!

Besides the strangeness such as our Gum Wall and famous Elephant, there is so much interesting history and tradition. With the Secret Seattle: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure book, you’ll discover the unique destinations, colorful history, and wacky legends that make the greater Seattle area such a popular destination to live and visit. Like Almond Roca? Tacoma, Wa says, “You’re Welcome!”

About the Author

Mary Jo Manzanares is a lifelong resident of Washington State and spent 32 years as a flight attendant, eagerly sharing tips and recommendations about Seattle to inquiring passengers. Mary Jo is a frequent speaker at travel industry events, a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, and writes about her beloved Washington State at discoveringwashingtonstate.com

Secret Seattle: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure is available on Amazon now!

Books Reviews, Travel

100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die book review

100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die book review

Tacoma, Wa is south of Seattle and many of its popular spots surround the beautiful puget sound with views of the Olympic Mountains. The parks and eateries are known up and down the I-5 corridor in Washington state. This book, 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die just released September 1, 2022. Written by Peggy Cleveland, a local journalist you get the top spots to visit while in Tacoma.

I live near Tacoma and even I found some spots I have yet to try and are now on my list. I have never been to Copper & Salt or Incalmo at Chihuly’s Glass Museum and now I need to plan a trip. Fast find locations on the Table of Contents or turn pages by topics – food & drink, music & entertainment, sports & recreation, culture & history and shopping & fashion. This book is not limited on Tacoma only, she includes popular spots in neighboring cities as well.

The book is available now in book stores and on Amazon!

Books Reviews, Giveaways, Parenting

The New Art of Raising Happy Kids – A Parent Guide #Giveaway

Comment: I was sent a copy of the book for this feature. I am happy to partner with this brand. There may be affiliate links contained within the article

The New Art of Raising Happy Kids - A Parent Guide #Giveaway

Raising kids today! Do we really know what we are doing? I sometimes wonder myself. It’s hard today with social media, the internet and now add an epidemic and a mental health crisis. We just hope we raise happy, healthy and active kids in the end. If ever there was a parent guide made for today! Guess what? There is! It is called, The New Art of Raising Happy Kids: Today’s Guide to a Strong, Confident & Caring Child by Alyssa Shaffer.

This book is now available on Amazon as of July 14, 2020. It is a real time parent guide for today from your toddler through the teen years. Who is Alyssa Shaffer?

The Author is a longtime writer and editor who specializes in health, nutrition and fitness, she is the author of four best-selling books on these topics. She is the former executive editor of Muscle & Fitness Hers and fitness director for Fitness magazine and has written for dozens of consumer print magazines and websites. Alyssa lives and works in New York City with her husband, teenage twins, and a very sweet dog who helps alleviate stress with every belly rub.

About the book – The New Art of Raising Happy Kids

The book is a step-by-step parent guide with practical and updated advice on how to address parenting’s most perplexing issues during all the critical stages of childhood — from babies to teens. It covers thorny issues such as managing sleep and nutrition, getting kids to exercise (and off screens), navigating social media, dealing with bullying issues and so much more. It’s a must-read and refer-back book for anyone who has kids and wants them to grow up to be healthy, happy adults with good habits and positive attitudes. 

Parenting book

As I read through the book (especially the topics relevant to my tween son), I loved how it breaks into very small sections. When it comes to topics like emotional health, communication and more within the book you get quick, small paragraph points. The organization is fantastic and it makes this book so easy to read and use as a reference to come back to.

Get your copy of the book today! Order on Amazon.

Enter to win a copy of this easy-to read parent guide – 6 winners!

I would love to give 6 of you a copy of this new book so I will offer this giveaway below. It is open to US and Canada and ends on August 31, 2020.

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