Tag: middle grade book

Izzy’s Dilemma by Robert Pais Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young girl on a distant planet must decide whether to change her physical appearance to fit into her society in author Robert Pais’s “Izzy’s Dilemma.”

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The Synopsis

One courageous young girl. One impossible choice.

On the distant planet Mirron, where eye color determines social standing, Topaz are at the top, Emerald and Sapphire are in the middle, and Pearl are at the bottom. Twelve-year-old Izzy Ashford is the only Pearl in her all-Topaz town. Adopted as a baby by loving Topaz parents, she has always been treated as one of them. But just before her sixth-grade graduation, a classmate, Billy Winthrop, begins to bully her.

During a family vacation in Oceanside, Billy humiliates her again, forcing Izzy to confront her deepest fear: that once she leaves the safety of home, the world will judge her only by her color, not by who she truly is.

Then Izzy meets a mysterious man named Sam, who offers her an impossible choice: he will change her color from Pearl to Topaz the day before school starts in September, if she asks him to. If she chooses to make the change, it will be permanent. It cannot be reversed.

At first, the decision seems like a no-brainer, but as the summer unfolds, Izzy begins to realize that making this change may not bring her happiness or purpose—and may cost her more than she ever imagined.

The Review

This was a powerful and thought-provoking middle-grade read. The author did an incredible job of layering this novel with rich character development and moral societal themes that are so integral to the narrative. The fast-paced story itself and the dynamic between Izzy and her parents really stand out in this novel, as the emotional core, outside of the societal themes, is the true strength of family and what a family is. The exploration of her connection to her adoptive parents and what they’ve taught her is equal to the things she learns about her birth mother along the way.

The world-building and themes of this novel were the heart of this book. The rich world-building that brings the planet of Mirron to life is a perfect mirror image of Earth itself, highlighting the problems countries like the United States still face, with physical differences dividing people. The unique fantasy/sci-fi twist of the mysterious Sam and who he represents is a great way to bring mystery to the story, but not too much, keeping the story focused on the more grounded and emotional themes. The color of a person’s eyes mirrors the struggles of those with varying skin tones in our own world. It highlights the ridiculous nature of a society that bases wealth and social standing on these aspects instead of hard work and character. 

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The Verdict

Insightful, morally-driven, and engaging, author Robert Pais’s “Izzy’s Dilemma” is a must-read middle-grade fantasy and sci-fi novel. The essential values and lessons the story teaches younger readers are naturally infused with strong imagery and powerful writing, and the emotional depth of Izzy’s character arc and what she experiences will stay with readers long after the story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Robert Pais is a CPA with over 13 years of hands-on experience helping individuals and small business owners navigate the complex world of taxes with clarity and confidence. Bob made it his mission to translate complicated tax rules into clear, easy-to-understand, and implement tax strategies that anyone can understand and use to keep more of what they earn.

Bob has written and published two tax guides: The Ultimate Tax Guide for Small Businesses and Individuals and Pay Less Money to Your Uncle! Both books are available on Amazon.com.

Having retired from the world of accounting and taxes in April 2025, Bob turned his attention to writing fiction. A novel for middle-grade readers incorporating magical realism and a bit of science fiction, Izzy’s Dilemma is a result of a combination of Bob’s passion for social justice and love of adult fantasy writing.

www.robertpaisauthor.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50050208.Robert_Pais

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.robertpaisauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bob.robertpaisauthor/

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The Secret of Ophiuchus (Enigma Book Three) by Kim Idynne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A group of heroes makes their final journey into the underworld to find and save a young girl who may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the stars in author Kim Idynnes’ “The Secret of Ophiuchus”, the third book in the Enigma series. 

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The Synopsis

In the final installment of the Enigma series, Surina and Dominic descend into the tunnels of Wupatki to rescue Hannah Hale. Their plans are tripped up by an unexpected tagalong, and Surina is uneasy about Hannah’s sympathy for Tagua, a demon sorcerer of the underworld. Hannah assures them that they can return home if they set things right in the zodiac and learn the secret of Ophiuchus—but is she willing to return alone, or will she unwittingly release Tagua into their world?

The Review

This was a brilliant end to the Enigma trilogy. The author does such a great job of building upon the character-driven narratives and world-building established in the first two books, while also bringing in new perspectives and shifting evolutions for the characters themselves. The way the author can mesh together elements of multiple mythologies and belief systems, including Greek and Sumerian mythology, was inspired and so creatively done that it felt seamless and effortless on the page. 

The imagery in the book was so cosmic and did an excellent job of showcasing the stakes of the mission Hannah and her allies find themselves on. The twists that come with Hannah and Tagua throughout the story bring into the narrative an essential theme of exploring what happens when the heroes of old legends or history itself are revealed to have caused equal or even more damage in their wake, with perspective playing an integral role in the stories we tell one another and ourselves in the end.

The Verdict

Memorable, epic, and compelling, author Kim Idynne’s “The Secret of Ophiuchus” is a must-read fantasy-driven novel and a great end to the Enigma series. The twists and turns in the narrative, the rich character development, and shocking moments that will leave readers wanting more will stay with them long after the final page ends. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab a copy on November 30th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

Author web site: https://idynne.com

Eridanus (Enigma: Book Two) by Kim Idynne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The search for a young girl in another realm brings in new allies and new challenges in author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus”, the second book in the Enigma series.

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The Synopsis

In this sequel to Enigma, Dominic and Surina travel to a mountainous region of Peru in an attempt to enter the celestial realm. Their plans seem to go awry when Surina becomes trapped in the stars alone. Surina and Hannah team up to solve the puzzle of Orion, but in order to get there, they will have to travel the Eridanus: the longest and most enigma-ridden river of the underworld.

The Review

This was a grand entry in the Enigma series. The introduction of new characters and expansion upon the mythos the author built up in the first book of the series was great to see come to fruition in this narrative. The fast pace of the plot and the mysterious atmosphere the author layers throughout the story help create the necessary tension and action that drives both Surina and Hannah forward in their journey.

What stood out, though, was the character development that this narrative took forward. Surina was a great new protagonist to take the reins from Dominic for most of the plot, and the ways that the stars and this new reality begin to change Hannah slowly, and her perspective as she becomes lost in this reality, were heart-pounding and tense. The development of Wibben as a character was equally thrilling to see come to life on the page.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus” is an excellent entry in the Enigma series and a must-read fantasy-driven book. The twists and turns continue in this mystery-driven narrative, and the puzzles and enigmas themselves were thought-provoking and compelling as the story ends on another big cliffhanger that will drive readers to read book three easily. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

Author web site: https://idynne.com

Enigma (The Enigma Trilogy Book 1) By Kim Idynne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young man must travel to the underworld to save a young girl from untold danger in author Kim Idynne’s “Enigma”, the first book in the Enigma Trilogy.

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The Synopsis

When twenty-one-year-old Dominic is persuaded to rescue a young girl from the underground tunnels of Wupatki, the two find themselves lost in a strange realm of celestial enigmas, riddles, and otherworldly creatures. When Dominic arrives in the land of the dead, the underworld queen offers him passage home on one condition: he can’t return as the person he was; he must leave parts of himself behind as he travels the underworld road. Hannah is eager to prove herself an expert at solving the zodiac’s mysteries, but failure will lead to self-destruction, and unlocking the gate may unleash a powerful demon on her own world. Enigma is the first book in a trilogy, followed by Eridanus and The Secret of Ophiuchus.

The Review

This was such a compelling first entry into the Enigma series. The author does a masterful job of crafting a narrative that feels imaginative and visceral at the same time. The world-building was the first element of the story that came to life on the page, with the reader immediately transported from the desert ruins found in Arizona to a world where time and reality don’t exist, at least in the way humanity has come to think of them. The imagery of the author’s writing style brought this to life so vividly.

The character development and mythos of the story were the two biggest draws for this first entry in the series. The beginning of both Dominic and Hannah’s stories is chaotic, both dealing with harsh realities from their pasts, and yet Dominic is more of a reluctant hero to begin with, having trouble accepting this new reality. At the same time, Hannah finds herself stepping up into a role she feels born into in many ways. The discovery of her importance to the stars and the connection between ancient mythology from differing cultures and astrology kept the reader invested in this novel and the characters’ well-rounded arcs. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, entertaining, and compelling, author Kim Idynne’s “Enigma” is a grand first entry in the Enigma series and a must-read fantasy-driven middle-grade book. The twists and turns in the story, the shocking revelations, and the cliffhanger finale will keep readers on the edge of their seats and eager for the next story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

Author web site: https://idynne.com

Softball Strikeout: Pitch Perfect by Ben Jackson & Sam Lawrence Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young girl must balance her schoolwork, a new business venture, and her softball team in authors Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence’s “Softball Strikeout: Pitch Perfect.”

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The Synopsis

Olivia had been scared starting over in a new town, with new friends and a new softball team, but her worst fears hadn’t materialized, and, in the end, she was settling in as the Blue Jay’s lead pitcher and had quickly formed a small group of core friends she was growing to love.

With the first softball game of the season done and dusted, the Blue Jays were off to a great start, but could they carry their winning momentum into their upcoming games? Only time will tell.

The girls were working hard on and off the field, with a new business venture quickly taking shape and their friendship group getting a little bigger with a new addition to the trio. However, Olivia knew that she couldn’t afford to slip up. She’d need to put 100% into everything, including softball, her schoolwork, and her new business, if she didn’t want it all to come crashing down.

Will Olivia’s new business collide head-on with softball and schoolwork, or will she be able to pull it off? Read Softball Strikeout Pitch Perfect now to find out!

Stay tuned for more books in the Softball Strikeout Series!

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The Review

What a fun and heartfelt read. The authors did a fantastic job capturing the story and the characters that made the first book so relatable while providing new challenges that reflect the problems many people face in their youth, especially when juggling real life with athletics. The realistic descriptions and imagery in the author’s writing style were memorable and vividly ingrained the reader in these characters’ lives.

Much like book one, the second book in the series perfectly balanced rich and dynamic character development with personal themes that many readers can relate to. The themes of friendship, teamwork, and finding balance were well represented, and the characters were memorable and relatable. The entrepreneurial spirit that the protagonist and her friends showed in their new pet-friendly business and the struggles with acceptance and even early relationships with others in school will be something so many readers will respond to favorably. 

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The Verdict

Heartfelt, evenly paced, and entertaining, authors Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence’s “Softball Strikeout: Pitch Perfect” is a must-read children’s and middle grade coming-of-age story. The ability for young readers and parents alike to see themselves in the shoes of these characters and the struggles they faced in their youth will resonate with so many and keep readers eager for more in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Ben is the owner and writer for Author Services Australia, while also working at Indie Publishing Group Inc.

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for over four years. Ben owns and manages a self-publishing company, Author Services Australia, which helps Australian authors self-publish their books. 

Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada. Ben is also a freelance writer that specializes in writing website content for businesses and a wide variety of different articles. They have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart, Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books.

Owner and head formatter at Indie Publishing Group Inc.

Sam Lawrence was born and raised in Ontario, Canada, and has traveled extensively in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. She founded and operated a self-publishing company, Indie Publishing Group Inc., specializing in helping indie authors self-publish their books. She grew up playing hockey and still plays in a recreational league. Sam is the proud mother of two boys and one girl and enjoys volunteering with the London Lacrosse Association.

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Hockey Wars 15: Graduation by Sam Lawrence & Ben Jackson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The kids from Dakota must tackle the emotional end of their middle school years and face an uncertain future in authors Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson’s “Hockey Wars 15: Graduation”.

The Synopsis

It’s the final days of middle school for the Dakota kids from the Hurricanes and the Lightning.

As the end of their middle school years together draws ever closer, there are mixed emotions as the kids face an uncertain future together in high school.

The final weeks of middle school are a whirlwind of emotions, events, and preparing for the big day, but one thing is for sure, these kids are tackling it together as only best friends and teammates could.

Is this the end for the kids from Dakota, or is this just the beginning of an exciting new adventure?

You’ll need to read Hockey Wars 15 to find out!

The Review

This was such a heartfelt and engaging story. For adult readers, the sense of nostalgia and memory that the story brings to life is incredible, and young readers will be able to identify with the fears, anxiety, joy, and hope that these young school years can bring. The authenticity of the emotional journey that these characters go on is an instant draw for readers. 

The themes of friendship, growth, and human connection are firmly woven into this story. The closeness of Millie and Cameron, in particular, will resonate with young readers. Close friends can often turn into confusing yet fearful and thrilling times, and the need to preserve friendships can be a powerful and consuming feeling. 

The Verdict

Memorable, nostalgic, and engaging authors Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson’s “Hockey Wars 15: Graduation” is a must-read middle-grade book. The creativity and heart that the authors poured into this book and the open-ended bring this series to an emotional close and leave room for the possible return of these beloved characters in the future. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Sam Lawrence was born in Ontario, Canada, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for almost a decade. Sam is married to Ben Jackson, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada.

Together, Sam and Ben have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart and Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books. In addition, they have numerous publications in progress, so stay tuned for information on those by following this page and connecting with them on Facebook, Goodreads, or Instagram.

Sam owns a company called Indie Publishing Group Inc which helps Canadian authors self-publish their books. Ben manages a company called Author Services Australia, which specializes in assisting Australian indie authors. 

Remember, if you enjoyed one of their books, please leave a review! As indie authors, it really helps out, and it’s 100% free and will only take a few minutes of your time. 

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BenandSamAuthors/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/authorsbenandsam/

Website – http://www.benandsamauthors.com/

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for almost a decade. Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada.

Together, Ben and Sam have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart and Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books. In addition, they have numerous publications in progress, so stay tuned for information on those by following this page and connecting with them on Facebook, Goodreads, or Instagram.

Ben manages a company called Author Services Australia to help Australian authors self-publish their books. Sam manages a company called Indie Publishing Group, which specializes in assisting Canadian indie authors. 

Remember, if you enjoyed one of their books, please leave a review! As indie authors, it really helps out, and it’s 100% free and will only take a few minutes of your time. 

Invasion of the I.Q. Snatchers (Canadian Chills Book Three) by Arthur Slade Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two kids, a helpful Sasquatch and a technological wizrd must track down the creature responsible for the attempt to take a small town’s brain power in author Arthur Slade’s “Invasion of the I.Q. Snatchers”, the third book in the Canadian Chills series.

The Synopsis

Can Gordon Whillickers and his friend Sophia stop a sinister plot to steal the brain power of the people of Nanaimo?

Someone is delivering plates of scrumptious Nanaimo bars to every household in Nanaimo, and the people who eat them are behaving very strangely. Gordon Whillickers doesn’t get to eat his because, at the last minute, a hairy arm reaches through his window and steals them. He and Sophia chase after the thief and meet an amazing Sasquatch named Cheryl, who is also puzzled by the sudden appearance of the mouth-watering delicacies.

With the help of Cheryl and the technological wizardry of a local librarian, the two kids move ever closer to the alien creature at the centre of the plot. They must stop him before the Nanaimoites’ IQs are lost forever!

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The Review

Another gripping and fun middle-grade paranormal read, the author continues to strike the right balance between a small-town spooky atmosphere and out-of-this-world adventures. The imagery in the author’s writing style not only does a great job of bringing this small town and its inhabitants to life but also captures the rich development of the paranormal elements found in this story.

The heart of this story resides in the relatable characters and new directions into the paranormal that the author explored. The use of cryptids and aliens in this book, including a Sasquatch named Cheryl, gave much more depth and world-building to the growing narrative of the series. The humor and wit the protagonists and their allies had in their dialogue will enthrall and entertain young readers. 

The Verdict

Author Arthur Slade’s “Invasion of the I.Q. Snatchers” is a fast-paced, thrilling, and adventurous middle-grade sci-fi and fantasy book. The story’s vibe reminded me of a season 3 episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer titled “Band Candy.” The twists and turns and the fun nature of the story will keep readers invested in the story’s progress. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Arthur Slade was raised in the Cypress Hills of southwest Saskatchewan (on a ranch). He wasn’t raised by wolves. It was elves. And one grumpy dwarf. He began writing at an early age. It took a few years but he is now the author of more than thirty novels, including Dust (which won the Governor General’s award), Dragon Assassin, and The Hunchback Assignments. He currently lives in the mythical city of Saskatoon and does all of his writing on a treadmill desk while he listens to heavy metal. Really. It’s true.

https://www.arthurslade.com/bio

Ghost Hotel: Canadian Chills Book Two by Arthur Slade Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two children are led by a ghost back to a mysterious hotel, and encounter a strange series of events in author Arthur Slade’s “Ghost Hotel”, the second book in the Canadian Chills series.

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The Synopsis

Can two modern-day kids solve mystery of the ghost that haunts the old hotel–or will they be trapped in the past forever?

Walter Biggar Bronson (a.k.a. Wart) and his friend Cindy meet a ghost one night after school. The small, mournful boy leads them across the Broadway Bridge to the gracious Bessborough Hotel. After a strange incident in the elevator, they find themselves still in the hotel–but back in 1936.

Some spooky things are going on. The room numbers are all mixed up. The library on the mezzanine is filled with hundreds of copies of the same book. And out on the street, the cars are all the same–vintage Studebakers.

Back in the present, Wart and Cindy follow their motto–“Gather, identify, solve”–as they attempt to crack the case, with help from Wart’s distinctly odd parents and the loan of his mother’s time-travel-proof cell phone.

If they fail, they may be trapped in the ghostly past forever . . .

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The Review

First and foremost, this was a truly entertaining and compelling children’s book. The author does a remarkable world-building in this book, building upon the core characters from the series and adding to their adventures in a natural yet fun way. The imagery and atmosphere in the book allow the reader to get lost in the rich mythos of the world the author has created and easily enjoy the fun and spooky moments in this novel.

Yet, for me, the true heart of this story came in both the setting and the subject matter of the narrative. First, the setting of Saskatoon in Canada was fantastic, as it speaks to the culture and way of life that anyone not from Canada may not realize occurs and allows readers to experience life for those who do live there. Second, the paranormal investigator backstory for the two protagonists was phenomenal. As a paranormal investigator, I saw two young characters embracing the paranormal so heartedly and embracing that sense of weirdness, adventure, and curiosity, which was fantastic to see translated on the page.

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The Verdict

Wonderfully written, haunting, yet thoroughly engaging, author Arthur Slade’s “Ghost Hotel” is an excellent addition to the Canadian Chills series and a must-read children’s paranormal mystery book. The twists and turns in the narrative, the emotional story developments of certain characters, and the adventurous tone that occurs will keep readers coming back for more and more of this epic series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your copy on June 11th, 2024!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

duplicate (25471)

Arthur Slade was raised on a ranch in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan. He is the author of twenty five novels for young readers including The Hunchback Assignments, which won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and Dust, winner of the Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature. His lifetime of work has also received the prestigious Kloppenburg Award for Literary Excellence.  All of these awards mean that when he drinks tea he has to raise his pinky. It’s very fancy. He lives in Saskatoon, Canada. 

P.S. He does all of his writing on a treadmill desk. And he listens to heavy metal. At the same time.

https://www.arthurslade.com

Softball Strikeout: The New Girl by Ben Jackson & Sam Lawrence Review 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young girl changing schools must work to prove herself and fight to get a spot on the school softball team in authors Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence’s “Softball Strikeout: The New Girl”. 

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The Synopsis

For Olivia, a new town, school, and softball team were possibly the last things on her mind, but after being told they’d be moving, it was now becoming a reality. Not only would she need to make new friends, but she’d also have to prove herself on her new softball team all over again.

Olivia lived and breathed softball. Growing up, the only sport she’d ever been interested in was softball, and with her dad teaching her, she’d become a pretty good pitcher.

However, finding herself now living in Greenville meant that she’d have to try out for the Blue Jays and earn her spot as a pitcher if she wanted any chance of playing softball this year. Making new friends at a new school was hard enough, but fighting your way onto one of the best softball teams in the division could be even harder.

Will Olivia make the team, and will she be able to make new friends? Or would it all go horribly wrong? Read Softball Strikeout The New Girl now to find out!

Stay tuned for more books in the Softball Strikeout Series!

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The Review

This was an engaging and memorable novel for young readers. The fast pace of the narrative and the rich dynamics the author establishes between the protagonist and the other characters, both her parents and the young women on this softball team, all come together quite beautifully. The detail the authors put into the sport itself and the rich imagery in the author’s writing style really brought this narrative to life so wonderfully. 

The heart of this story rested in the incredible character development and the heartfelt themes the authors established in this book. The themes of friendship, community, hard work, and determination all could be felt in this story, and the way the authors were able to get into the mindset of this young protagonist and capture the nerves and the anxiety that goes into making new friends and fighting for a spot on a team really captured the connectivity that a book like this needs for young readers. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining, authors Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence’s “Softball Strikeout: The New Girl” is a fantastic book for children and young readers everywhere. The close look at team sports and the balance of competitiveness and community within team sports mirrored protagonist Olivia’s struggles and personal motivations quite well, making this one book kids will not be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!


Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for almost a decade. Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada.

Together, Ben and Sam have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart and Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books. In addition, they have numerous publications in progress, so stay tuned for information on those by following this page and connecting with them on Facebook, Goodreads, or Instagram.

Ben manages a company called Author Services Australia to help Australian authors self-publish their books. Sam manages a company called Indie Publishing Group, which specializes in assisting Canadian indie authors.

Remember, if you enjoyed one of their books, please leave a review! As indie authors, it really helps out, and it’s 100% free and will only take a few minutes of your time.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BenandSamAuthors/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/authorsbenandsam/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15144197.Ben_Jackson

Website – http://www.benandsamauthors.com/

Sam Lawrence was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and has traveled extensively in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. She has successfully founded and operates a self-publishing company, Indie Publishing Group Inc., that specializes in helping indie authors self-publish their books. She grew up playing hockey and still plays in a recreational league. Sam is the proud mother of two boys and enjoys volunteering with the London Lacrosse Association.