Too Big by Judy Dearborn Nill

You’ll find the topics of bullying, peer pressure, friendship and learning to accept who you are wrapped up in a fabulously engaging story with Too Big by Judy Dearborn Nill.

Shelby Bradshaw considers skipping the fifth grade and going right to middle school. Academically that won’t be a problem, but it’s really to escape all the teasing she has endured since her growth spurt. She’ll miss being with her best friend Zoe, but maybe it will all be worth it.

Though there are many teaching points and topics for discussion, the young reader will also discover a great plot and interesting characters. They might know a Shelby or a Zoe or a Marissa or a Deke or a Kenny. They might have experienced some of what these characters have. Misunderstandings happen. People aren’t always who you think they are. Sometimes actions have bad consequences. Maybe a good idea ends up not being so good later.

Too Big tackles real issues that kids are dealing with and handles them without trivializing them or the real feelings young people must cope with. Too Big is an awesome book. I’m so glad the author asked me to review it. I’ll be looking for more of her work in the future.

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 6
Paperback
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing; Large type / large print edition edition (October 22, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616338075
ISBN-13: 978-1616338077

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Blogging at Christian Children’s Authors – Bullies

Now that I have combined my Little Shepherd blog into this one, I will be posting writing announcements and goals here. This is my Friday to post at Christian Children’s Authors. Today’s topic: How Bullies Changed My Daughter. I hope you will visit Christian Children’s Authors and comment on my post. You will find it at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2015/06/19/how-bullies-changed-my-daughter/

Interview: Joe Scott, Author of ‘The Friend Ship Friendesha’

Joe Scott is a contractor and real estate developer who built a thriving enterprise from a truck and a toolbox.  He has negotiated thousands of business deals involving corporate executives, homeowners, bankers, laborers, and union officials.  In addition, he has hired, and been hired by, individuals from every walk of life.  Through these dealings, Joe has learned that all people fall into three types –  givers, takers, and those who both give and take.  Knowing how to recognize and cope with all three types is the key to his success.  In this children’s series, he hopes to instill in kids a good foundation for a happy and positive life.  His first book, “The Joe Dial”, released in 2011, is age appropriate for those who are 12 to 95 years old.  The Friend Ship Friendesha series is based on the adult book, “The Joe Dial.”

Visit: http://www.friendesha.com 

Thank you for joining us today,  Joe Scott. When did you first get bit by the writing bug?

I have been writing for 7 years.

Why did you decide to write stories for children?

I wanted to help my children and grandchildren discover their positive power to effect the world, their friends and family.  I also wanted to deliver a clear, non-bullying message.

Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?

You need to make the book short, simple, and to the point, and also easy to understand.

What is your favorite part of writing for young people?

I want to instill in them a good foundation for a happy and positive life.

Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?

Meet the Friendeshans, a lovable race of beings who spread friendship and positive energy throughout the galaxy!  In this first book of an inspiring new series, the Friendeshans encounter the Oily Spoilies, creatures that thrive on meanness and negativity.  What will happen when an Oily Spoily spy get aboard the Friendeshans’ ship?!

What inspired you to write it?

My children, grandchildren, and future generations.  I am hoping it will instill in them a good foundation for a happy and positive life. 

Where can readers purchase a copy?

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle and ebook.

What is up next for you?

Book 2 of the series is also available, book 3 is being illustrated and books 4 and 5 are in queue.

Do you have anything else to add?

As the series unfolds, the Friendeshans will travel to Eart, where they will work their pozzi-power on our planet.  For any child who has ever been bullied or picked on, the Friendeshans are like loyal, invisible friends they can carry with them in their imaginations.  With the Friendeshans around, every child has a friend!

Thank you for spending time with us today, Joe Scott.  We wish you much success.

 

The Little Girl Who Shined Just Right by Holly Lynn Walker

The Little Girl Who Shined Just Right sheds light on the subconscious and energetic side effects of bullying, through the experiences of a little girl named Celeste. She lives in another dimension and is called a little Deva, which means Spirit of Light. Undergoing a series of events that leave her sad and confused, Celeste wants so badly to be accepted that she is willing to sacrifice her Light. In the end she learns that it will not bring the happiness she is desperately seeking; with the help of her family, and an inspiring tale told by her mother, Celeste learns the true meaning of friendship, as well as how to trust her feelings and love herself. She ultimately finds happiness by honoring her Light, and surrounding herself with Devas who encourage her to do so.

Purchase at:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Little-Girl-Shined-Just-Right-ebook/dp/B00JBQB3FU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397833621&sr=8-1&keywords=the+little+girl+who+shined+just+right

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-little-girl-who-shined-just-right-holly-lynn-walker/1118913356?ean=9781621370208

 

 

Tommy’s Amigo by Nancy Carty Lepri

Even though Tommy Hernandez wins the state spelling-bee contest, he feels isolated and sad. His classmates either ignore or bully him. His only two friends are girls, more reason to be teased. Being Mexican and living with his grandmother because his father is in jail adds to the taunting.

Things get worse when Tommy takes the lead at the school’s Christmas pageant and one of his classmates plays a humiliating prank on him. Also, his grandmother needs an operation, meaning he may go to foster care for he cannot be left alone.

Fear, sadness and anger drive Tommy to do the unthinkable, and he endures a frightening night in the woods. Will Tommy ever find the acceptance and confidence he so desperately seeks?

Excerpt:

About to wrap up his presentation, a noise above Tommy caught his attention.

Crack!

His eyes widened, and his mouth fell open. A bucket tumbled toward him. He tried to scramble out of the way, but he wasn’t quick enough.
The splash came right before the bucket bounced off his shoulder. White liquid dripped from his hair and onto his robe. Tommy lifted his wet sleeve to his nose. “Eweeee…milk. And it smells sour.”

A few of the children screamed, and chaos exploded on stage. Some huddled together whispering.

Macy peered up. Beth and an older boy were in the rafters laughing.

Macy grabbed Tommy’s arm and pointed toward the ceiling. “Look!”
Tommy wiped the milk out of his eyes and glanced up. “W…what’s up there?”

“You didn’t see her?” Macy gasped.

“Who?”

“Beth!”

The auditorium became silent.

Tommy gazed at the children on the stage then shook the milk off his wet robe. “I knew it. I told you Beth would do something.”

Links to purchase eBook of Tommy’s Amigo

http://www.amazon.com/Tommys-Amigo-Nancy-Carty-Lepri-ebook/dp/B00HK9UKXG/ 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tommys-amigo-nancy-carty-lepri/1117897877

North Carolina transplant, Nancy Carty Lepri was born and raised in Massachusetts, but also lived in Florida and Louisiana. Nancy earned an AA degree in Visual Art from Cape Cod Community College and a BA in Liberal Studies, with a concentration in writing from Western New England College. In addition, she holds an editor certification from Cape Fear Community College. Illustrator of several children’s books and freelance reporter for several local newspapers and magazines, her chapter book Tiny Angel was released in November 2009, and she has recently completed a sequel. Nancy and her husband Art have a grown daughter and a very spoiled feline. In her spare time, Nancy loves to read and knit.

Visit Nancy’s website at http://nancycl.webs.com. She is also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nancy.lepri and Twitter at https://twitter.com/NancyCLepri