YOU TOO? | by Various Authors, Edited by Janet Gurtler #YA #Self-Help #Teens #Parenting #MeToo #YouToo #BookReview #LolasBlogTours #NetGalley #InkyardPress

This is my stop during the blog tour for You Too? by Janet Gurtler and organized by Lola's Blog Tours. On my previous post, I had a special Guest Post from the author.  This time, I have reviewed it for you. The blog tour runs from 6 till 24 January. See the tour schedule here.

You Too?
Edited by Janet Gurtler
Genre: Non-fiction
Age category: Young Adult, New Adult
Release Date: January 7, 2020

Blurb:

A timely and heartfelt collection of essays inspired by the #MeToo movement, edited by acclaimed young adult and middle-grade author Janet Gurtler. Featuring Beth Revis, Mackenzi Lee, Ellen Hopkins, Saundra Mitchell, Jennifer Brown, Cheryl Rainfield and many more.

When #MeToo went viral, Janet Gurtler was among the millions of people who began to reflect on her past experiences. Things she had reluctantly accepted—male classmates groping her at recess, harassment at work—came back to her in startling clarity. She needed teens to know what she had not: that no young person should be subject to sexual assault, or made to feel unsafe, less than or degraded.

You Too? was born out of that need. By turns thoughtful and explosive, these personal stories encompass a wide range of experiences and will resonate with every reader who has wondered, “Why is this happening to me?” or secretly felt that their own mistreatment or abuse is somehow their fault—it’s not. Candid and empowering, You Too? is written for teens, but also an essential resource for the adults in their lives—an urgent, compassionate call to listen and create change.

You can find You Too? on Goodreads

You can buy You Too? here:

- Amazon ebook

- Amazon hardcopy

- Barnes & Noble

- Kobo

- Indiebound

- Indigo

My Review:

**WARNING: This book does contain trigger themes involving rape/incest/sexual harassment/abuse.**

You Too? is a collection of short stories and it gives us all a good dose of reality: In today's world, it is far too common that females from childhood to the teenage years, (as well as oft documented adulthood) are still objectified, and in way too many cases, abused.  As if the experiences themselves weren't nightmarish enough, the message they often receive is "It's the girl's fault", that they should feel guilty and worse yet, ashamed of themselves.

As the mom of teenage girls, this breaks my heart. I believe that all teenage girls should be given the chance to read it. The fact that this book helps to bring the issue into the light and lets the girls know that they are not alone, is the first step to handling, treating and correcting the problem. 

#MeToo #YouToo

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A huge thank you to Inkyard Press, Net Galley and Lola's Blog Tours for providing me with this copy to read. I am voluntarily leaving my review and all opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Janet Gurtler is a Rita finalist whose young adult books have been chosen for the JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION and as BEST BOOKS FOR TEENS from the Canadian Children’s Book Center. Janet lives in Calgary Alberta, Canada with her husband, son, a chubby black Chihuahua named Bruce and a Golden Retriever named Betty White.

You can find and contact Janet Gurtler here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- Goodreads
- Amazon

SHADOWED (The Shadow and Moon Series #1) | by Michelle Areaux #RecentPublication #series #ParanormalRomance #YA #BookReview #XpressoTours

Shadowed
Michelle Areaux
Published by: Kingston Publishing Company
Publication date: January 2nd, 2020
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Sixteen-year-old Henley Abbott is just trying to make it through high school in the small town of Edison, Washington where she has lived her entire life. Constantly feeling alone, she’s surprised when she finds herself intrigued by the new boy in town, Cohen Davenport.
With the entire town talking about the new and secretive family, Henley refuses to join in on the rumors swirling about them and attempts to keep her distance.
However, as Cohen becomes intrigued by Henley, the pair seems to find a spark in a kindling friendship.
As the intensity of their relationship builds, Henley discovers a dark secret plaguing Cohen and his elusive family. He reveals a twisted past that has kept his family on the run…for decades.
Cohen should keep his distance. It is too dangerous to bring Henley into his life, but he can’t stay away from her.
And, Henley doesn’t want him to.
As Henley overcomes her own fears and trepidations, she finds herself engrossed in a battle that could destroy them both. Only their connection could help them all survive.
Intensely romantic and extremely thrilling, this novel will pull readers in from the very first page.
Fans of Twilight, The Guardian Series, and the Marked Saga will instantly fall in love with this new paranormal series.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

As much as I liked to pretend, I wasn’t completely and totally intrigued by the thought of new people moving here; I couldn’t control myself. I tried to convince myself it was all because of my mom; but as I stood there, whispering the words, I knew there was no fooling myself.

“Henley, don’t you know it’s not polite to stare?” she asked, but her own hypocritical words hung heavy in the air as she raced to join me in the living room again.

Standing next to me, we watched intently as the driver’s side door opened. With large eyes, we strained to get a glimpse of who would be our new neighbor. To our surprise, the rest of the car doors opened and the family emerged.

A tall man with dark hair closed the driver’s side door as a woman emerged from the passenger’s side. The back two doors opened and three teens, roughly around my age, tumbled out. A girl with short, dark hair and legs-for-days gave the house a disgusted look. A boy who seemed to be uninterested in it all, stared down into his phone, which he held tightly in his grip. Finally, a tall boy with the same dark hair stood behind the rest of his family. With his hands tucked deep into his jeans pockets, he seemed reluctant to move any closer to the house.

“Well, they look like a nice family,” my mom said. I turned to look at her and I could see the eagerness twinkling in her baby blues to get to her phone and be the first one to spill the news that the new neighbors had arrived.

It was almost like they had landed in a spaceship and were from outer space!

“Maybe,” I grumbled, still unsure about these people.

Suddenly, the boy, standing alone behind his family, turned and caught me snooping on them. Our eyes connected for a brief moment before he gave me an angry snarl that had me stumbling backward.

What was that?

“I need to go call Susan,” my mom stated, as she rushed to the kitchen to retrieve her phone.

I dared to look back out the window again; and when I did, the entire family was gone.

Just disappeared, like they had never been standing there in the first place.

I blinked, just to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. When I looked again, the SUV was still parked along the curb, but the family was gone.

Lights glowed from inside the house.

“That’s weird,” I said aloud to myself. How did they have time to get inside and turn on the lights? I literally just turned around for a second.

I shook my head, unsure of what to think. Peeking out of the window again, something in the far, second-floor window caught my attention. As my gaze moved up, I felt my cheeks burn and nervous energy flow through me. As my gaze finally landed on the window, I caught a pair of red eyes staring back at me. It was the same boy who had given me the nasty stare just moments before.

I closed the curtains and took a step back. My heart was racing so fast, I feared it might jump right out of my chest. With labored breathing, I slowly walked into the kitchen where my mom was blabbing the news to anyone who would listen.

—

REVIEW:

I know I always say that I love whatever type of book I have read but it's true and I love Paranormal romances. I did the blitz on Shadowed and decided it sounded so good and so intriguing that when Michelle offered me a copy, I could not turn it down!

Now, it turned out that it wasn't exactly what I expected with some characters I didn't care for but overall, I enjoyed the read. I cannot say which characters I didn't care for as that would be a spoiler but it kept me entertained throughout.  It was a quick read and had a unique spin on some Paranormal characters you don't usually see in this manner.  If you love Paranormal YA reads and are looking for something unique, give it a go!

3⭐️⭐️⭐️

A .big thank you to Michelle Areaux and Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review.  All opinions are my own.

Author Bio:
Michelle Areaux is a wife, mother, and seventh grade Language Arts teacher.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Kentucky and a Master’s degree in Literacy from Asbury University.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Newsletter / Bookbub

GOBBLE GOBBLE MR. WOBBLE by Becky Cummings #ThanksgivingBook #Childrens #FamilyBook #FarmBook #BookReview

Gobble, Gobble Mr. Wobble

by Becky Cummings

Published:  October 7, 2019

Available Formats: Paperback, EBook, Kindle Unlimited

Genre:  Children's Bird Books, Children's Farm Books, Vegetarian Teachings for Children

Amazon  |  Goodreads

Blurb:

Wobble the turkey loves Thanksgiving! Especially when he finds out Farmer Joe will be “having him for dinner!” He can’t wait to be the dinner guest on this most special day. 

As Farmer Joe sharpens his ax and prepares, Wobble prepares too. He styles his gobbler. He practices his loud, joyous gobbles and gets to bed extra early. 

Meanwhile his friends on the farm do not share his excitement. Wobble just can’t understand why! 

How will dinner turn out for Wobble? Find out in this adorable story that captures the true meaning of Thanksgiving. 

Spoiler Alert: The farmer and his family do not eat Mr. Wobble and he is the guest of honor. In the author’s note after the story, Cummings shares that she is a vegetarian and offers the idea of going meatless for one day a week. If you can gobble that, then grab this new must-have book for your collection!

My Review:

What a fun, cute story! Mr. Wobble is so excited when the Farmer tells him he is having some special guests to Thanksgiving dinner this year and for him to prepare to join them.  Of course all, as he preens and prepares, all of the other animals hang their heads, feeling very sad for him as they expect him to BE dinner. Everyone is in for a big surprise on Thanksgiving day!  Beautiful illustrations and so well written.  Perfect for small children but you might want to read it yourself first to be prepared for the ending.  Then you will know if it's right for your family! Fun, quick read on either paperback or eBook!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received my copy of this book via a free giveaway and have gratefully chosen to review it.

About the Author:

Becky Cummings is an author, teacher and mom of three. She loves kids and speaking her truth. Becky is blessed to combine these passions by writing children’s books that spread messages of love, hope, faith, health, and happiness. When she isn’t writing you might find her salsa dancing, eating a veggie burrito at her favorite Mexican joint, or traveling to new places! Becky is available for author visits and wants to connect with you, so be sure to visit her on Facebook fb.me/authorbcummings, or Instagram and visit her website, www.authorbcummings.com.

Ciao Bellas,

              Ashley

THE MINI-MINDSET MANUAL SERIES by Neeta Oza #SelfHelp #Wellness #Charitable #Giveaway

My Mini-Micro Mindset Manual 

The Mini Mindset Series 

by Neeta Oza 

Genre: Self-Help, Wellness

My Mini-Mindest Manual is a must-read A-Z guide for anyone who wants to know more about the power of mindset. This powerful little book is packed with simple tips, ideas and supportive words, to potentially turn your life around.

(Half of the authors' royalties are donated to MIND charity)

Nominated for The Peoples Book Prize 2019 

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * B&N * Google * Kobo * Audiobooks * Book Depository

My Back To Basics Business Bible

The Mini Mindset Series 

Genre: Self-Help, Business

My Back-To-Basics Business Bible is a must-read A-Z guide for anyone in need of a confidence-boost when setting up a business, becoming an entrepreneur, or building a start-up. Those early days in a new business can be a steep challenge, and in this powerful little pocket-book, fitness entrepreneur, Neeta Oza, shares an indispensable mini-guide to how she helps herself during times of doubt, and times of delight. A must-read that you can dip in and out of without taking up too much of your precious time, this little book will lift up everyone who needs some words of comfort and advice during the tumultuous early days of entrepreneurship. My Back-To- Basics Business Bible is packed with pearls of wisdom the author has learnt from many people, near and far. Starting her own fitness business changed Neeta's life in many amazing ways, and she is constantly learning from this journey; all day, every day! Written as part of her own life journey, this powerful little book is packed with simple tips, ideas and supportive words, to potentially turn your life around. It is part of a Mini Mindset Series designed to help people at various stages of their lives, relationships and careers. 

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Book Depository

My Fun-Filled Fitness Folio 

The Mini Mindset Series 

Genre: Self-Help, Fitness

My Fun-Filled Fitness Folio is an inspirational A-Z guide to keeping fit by Yoga and Pilates instructor, and all-round health, fitness and wellbeing lover, Neeta Oza. This powerful little book offers tips and inspiration to keep newbies - through to fitness fanatics - on track, to keep life flowing during times of finesse and fireworks. Neeta Oza is a Yoga and Pilates instructor, blogger, writer, and all-round health, fitness and wellbeing lover, who started her fitness business in 2017. Written as part of her own life journey, this powerful little book is packed with simple tips, ideas and supportive words, for those who simply love fitness, to those who absolutely loathe it - but are prepared to give fitness a try! My Fun-Filled Fitness Folio is part of a best-selling Mini Mindset Series designed to help people at various stages of their lives, relationships and careers including My Mini-Micro Mindset Manual (January 2019), My Back To Basics Business Bible (May 2019) and My Super-Compact Self-Care Script (December 2019). 

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Book Depository

My Super Compact Self-Care Script 

The Mini Mindset Series 

Genre: Self-Help, Self-Care

My Super-Compact Self-Care Script is a must-read A-Z guide for anyone who needs a helping hand to learn self-care strategies for life. Self-care is not selfish, far from it, nor is it a millennial buzzword with no real meaning. Neeta Oza, fitness entrepreneur and author, has created this mini micro manual for anyone who understands they need to step-up their self-care skills in order to bring their best to their health, relationships, life, and work. 

This book is for anyone who wants to boost their wellbeing 

through self-esteem, rest and relaxation, and time-out to help them feel more in control, balanced and happy...but could do with some friendly guidance as to how, what, where and when! 

We can be the masters of looking after everyone else, but it can be more difficult to learn - and remember - to care for ourselves. Neeta shows small steps that can be adopted into daily life to take us on a lifetime journey towards self-care. Neeta's latest mini manual offers practical and realistic suggestions that can be applied with ease to add a sprinkle of self-care to our lives. 

Read alongside My Mini-Micro Mindset Manual (January 2019), My Back-To-Basics Business Bible (May 2019), My Fun-Filled Fitness Folio (September 2019), My Super-Compact Self-Care Script is a wonderful addition to this hugely popular series. 

Add to Goodreads

Book Depository

My Review

You might think this is a bit out of character for what has been posted here on ACME Teen Books - Kids and YA Too!  The reality is that according to the National Institute of Mental Health based in the US, about 50% of all teens between the ages of 13 to 18 will at some point struggle with the reality of depression or some other mental illness. They can benefit (as well as the rest of us in general) from some training and encouragement in ways to better focus our minds.  So as a mom of multiple teen girls, I was so excited to get to read The Mini-Mindset Manual series and share what I learned!


I was lucky enough to read all 4 of her books:  Business, Mindset, Fitness, and Self-Care.  All are about 5" x 7" with an A-Z set up with little jewels for you such as:

” Y is for Yoga – Syncs your mind. Syncs your body. Revitalizes your brain and your balance. An assured way to get your breathing in check. Yoga is an ancient practice that focuses on postures, breathing, and meditation. With multiple styles of Yoga in our modern world, you will hopefully find a version that you feel at one with.” – My Fun-Filled Fitness Folio by Neeta Oza.

I found them to be easy to read and understand as well as very valuable and enjoyable.  I plan to use them regularly and share them with the girls.  The thing I love as much as the books themselves is the fact that 50% of the profits are being donated directly to MIND, the terrific UK based Mental Health Charity!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

* I was given these free review copies of these books at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Neeta Oza is on a mission to show people that health and fitness is not something only available to those with buckets of money to throw around! This book series is for anyone passionate about making a change to their life, their wellbeing, and their health. 

Neeta is an EA, Yoga & Pilates Instructor, & Author. Her 1st book - 'My Mini-Micro Mindset Manual' came out in Jan 2019. 50% of her proceeds for MMMMM are going to MIND Charity. All 4 of her books are part of an A-Z Self-Help Series. She is hoping to inspire and be inspired by the powerful beauty of writing! 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads * Book Depository

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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FORLORN by Gina Detwiler #YAFantasy #Review #series #Trailer

THE LOVE PLAYBOOK by Suze Winegardner #NewRelease #Review #Contemporary #Teen

The look on Avery's face on the cover is perfect for a teen girl and the shot of Lucas reminds me of one of my favorite hotties, Steffan Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries.  Then I read the Blurb and I was roped.  Had. To Read. This. Book.  I hope you want to as well!!

The Love Playbook 

by Suze Winegardner

Publication Date: November 4, 2019

Publisher: Entangled Teen Crush

When Avery Stone learns her dad will be fired if his high school team doesn’t make the playoffs, she has to get her head

out of her day planner and do something—anything—to help him win. 

Even if it means secretly coaching the team’s

newest player, who seems to have more game than skill.

Lucas Black just transferred to Hillside with a fake name and a big secret.

The MVP of every team he’d played on since he

was seven—not to mention the MVP of every post-game party—he can’t understand why since arriving at Hillside, he’s

been unable to catch a single. Freaking. Ball.

Until…Avery. Amazing, kind, generous, and crazy-freaking-hot Avery.

As Lucas goes from zero back to hero and Avery struggles with just what Lucas means to her, she inadvertently sets

them on a collision course with Lucas’s secret…a secret that could take down not only Lucas but her father too.

DISCLAIMER: This Entangled Teen Crush contains a football player hotter than the Texas sun, hotel cuddles, and a steamy makeout session in the rain.

Goodreads

Purchase at:

Amazon  |  Amazon AZ  |  Amazon UK  |  Amazon CA  |  B&N  |  iBooks  |  Kobo

Review:

This is an unabashedly romantic high school football story.  Lucas and Avery trade-off points of view through the story which I've decided I really enjoy.  It allows me to see how they are both feeling, beyond "just the facts ma'am". LOL

Avery is a real sweetheart, wanting to both help her Dad and Lucas.  Lucas has a bad news bears background but with her love and kindness, I kept hoping it would make a big difference in his life going forward. 

Loads of angst and drama but some of that comes from living in a small town (I know these things. I live in one.😁) So you know how I said it was unabashedly a teenage football romance?  It is but boy oh boy does it have more story than meets the eye.  I thoroughly enjoyed it for that very reason.  You are hard-pressed to outguess exactly what will happen next and that keeps it exciting.  So if you love books like that, teen romances with hot guys and clever, kind and loving girls, then you're gonna want to be a-l-l over this!

5❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received this free Advanced Reader Copy I requested from Entangled Crush and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Suze Winegardner is a British YA writer, currently living overseas with her military husband, and lovely Lab. 

She loves Buffy, Fray Bentos pies, Archer, cheese, and the serial comma. 

Wait - Cadbury Flakes too. And naps. Wait, what was the question? Anyway, she thinks her life is chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny...and if you get

that reference, she already considers you kin.

November 4, 2019-What Is That Book About-Excerpt stop

November 4, 2019-Sophie Reads YA-Spotlight

November 4, 2019 – A Gingerly Review – Guest Post

November 5, 2019-Wishful Endings-Guest Post

November 5, 2019-BookHounds YA-Guest Post

November 5, 2019 – Paulette’s Papers – Spotlight

November 6, 2019-Read Your Writes Book Reviews-Guest Post

November 6, 2019-Cuzinlogic-Excerpt stop

November 6, 2019-More Books Than Livros-Review

November 6, 2019-Chapters through life-Review

November 6, 2019-NerdNarration-Review

November 6, 2019-Gata Leitora-Excerpt stop

November 6, 2019-Becky on Books-Spotlight

November 7, 2019-OMGReads-Excerpt stop

November 7, 2019-Haddie’s Haven-Review

November 7, 2019-Book Briefs-Review

November 7, 2019-Christina Philippou-Review

November 7, 2019-Chapter by Chapter-Interview

November 7, 2019-Sincerely Karen Jo-Excerpt

November 8, 2019-A Bookish Escape-Review

November 8, 2019-Sascha Darlington’s Microcosm Explored-Spotlight

November 8, 2019-Living in a Bookworld-Excerpt stop

November 8, 2019-A Crave For Books-Review

November 8, 2019-Maiden of the Pages-Interview

November 8, 2019-Reading Between Reality-Review

Love ya, 

           Liberty

SCOUT AND ELLIE: Our Haunted House by Heather Leigh

• 
  

• Scout and Ellie: Our Haunted House

• by Heather Leigh
• File Size: 563 KB
• Print Length: 166 pages
• Publication Date: April 26, 2016

Scout has a circus for a family, and an elephant living in his backyard. Ellie has her own cottage, convertible car, and a way of stampeding chaotic fun into every thing she does.

Ellie is such a crazy creature, she even laughs her way through Haunted Halloween Houses. Sheesh, as if she isn't already a menace to be around, now she wants to turn the family house into a place of horror.

Scout has to hide his fear of undead creatures, and howling monsters by helping with the family Haunted House. Once again, he is being corralled into assisting Ellie in her quest for wild merriment and dangerous laughter.

The Scout and Ellie series is meant for seven to nine year olds who are into laughing. In the background are friends, family, and imagination. The author is truly concerned that kids may grow up wanting to have as much joy as Ellie does every day.

Review:

While Ellie managed to have fun throughout the entire book, Scout did not. Since that is pretty accurate for how children often feel, I guess this book was well written. It was not my favorite however, It always makes me feel bad when anyone feels left out or their feelings get hurt. The question is how can that all be resolved as they do and there is a HEA/HFN at the end. This book is a great choice for those who are learning to read, roughly ages 7 to 9 with a good sense of humor.

As it was an audiobook, I take Samuel Deeter's performance into account as well. He did a good job of keeping the story clear and understandable while separating the character's voices and making them interesting. I would certainly listen to his narration again.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

MY PET GHOST - What Do You Think Will Happen Next? by Rich Linville

• 
  
• My Pet Ghost
• 
  
• What Do You Think Will Happen Next?
• 
  
• By: Rich Linville
• Narrated by: Jo Warren
• Kindle or Audiobook
• Published: September 23, 2018
• Age Group: 2 - 6

"One night, I am walking in the forest and what do you think I see?" To find out, have fun reading this ghost story with a happy ending. Try to give your answers to the questions before you turn the page. Your answers can be different or the same. Have fun making up your own stories about a pet ghost.

Review:

This fun Halloween book is low on the frightening scale and high on the imagination engagement. Each page gives the listener a chance to pause the tale when they hear a certain sound and decide what THEY think they should do next. The pictures are bright, colorful and silly and as it's an audiobook, there are fun, non-scary sounds. Jo Warren's melodic voice goes throughout the book as the narrator. She makes you want to listen, giggle and smile. Perfect for littles and lovers of children's Halloween stories.

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.