Blog Tour: Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers + Guest Post

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Here We Are
Author: Oliver Jeffers
Reading Level: Picture Book
Genre: Contemporary
Released: November 2017
Review Source: Penguin Young Readers

Our world can be a bewildering place, especially if you’ve only just got here. Your head will be filled with questions, so let’s explore what makes our planet and how we live on it.

From land and sky, to people and time, these notes can be your guide and start you on your journey. And you’ll figure lots of things out for yourself. Just remember to leave notes for everyone else...

Some things about our planet are pretty complicated, but things can be simple, too: there are lots of us on here, so be kind.

Creatures that Live in Thin Air

Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers is a sweet book that introduces kids to the world, our world. Children are able to learn about space, our land, the sea, air and other facts about our planet. So to add to this introduction, I thought it would be great to talk about couple of creatures that live in thin air.

Alpine swift are known to be able to stay aloft in the air for up to seven months! They have very short legs which are used for clinging to vertical surfaces. They drink on the wing, but roost on vertical cliffs or walls.

Llamas! Yes, these creatures live in grassy open spaces at very high altitudes of 7,400 - 12,800 feet. They have more red blood cells per unit volume of blood than any other mammal.

Himalayan marmot is a marmot found  throughout the Himalayas and on the Tibetan Plateau at elevation from 3,500 to 5,200 m (11,500 to 17,100 ft). They dig large burrows, which generally restricts them to areas with light-textured and adequately deep soil.

Yak (Bos mutus) are  long-haired domesticated bovid in which their coat helps to insulate them in their cold environment. They can lives up to 6,100 m (20,000 ft) and make their homes in treeless areas which are on mountains and plateaus.. Their horns are used to break through the snow and reach
plants.

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Oliver Jeffers makes art.

From figurative painting and installation to illustration and picture-book making, Oliver Jeffers’ work takes many forms. His distinctive paintings have been exhibited in multiple cities, including Lazarides Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Brooklyn Museum and Spring Break Fair (Armory Week) in New York, and Gestalten Space in Berlin.

Oliver’s picture books — including The Incredible Book Eating Boy,  This Moose Belongs to Me, The Day Crayons Quit  and its sequel The Day The Crayons Came Home ( both #1 NYTimes Bestsellers)  and Once Upon an Alphabet — have been translated into over 30 languages. Working in collaboration with Studio AKA, Oliver’s second book Lost and Found was developed into an animated short film that has received over sixty awards, including a BAFTA for Best Animated Short Film.

Picture book awards include the The New York Times Best Illustrated Books, Smarties Award, Irish Book of the Year, The Red House Book Award, British Book Design Award, and The Blue Peter Book of the Year. Oliver won a NY Emmy in 2010 for his collaborative work with the artist and director Mac Premo. In 2013 Oliver co-directed with Mac Premo the video for Ordinary Love by U2, and more recently made art for, and helped art direct, U2’s Innocence and Experience World Tour.

Oliver is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and now lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.

Book Review: The First Time She Drowned by Kerry Kletter

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The First Time She Drowned
Author: Kerry Kletter
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: March 15, 2016
Review Source: Philomel Books

The beautiful struggle of a girl desperate for the one relationship that has caused her the most pain.

Cassie O'Malley has spent the past two and a half years in a mental institution—dumped there by her mother, against her will. Now, at 18, Cassie emancipates herself, determined to start over. She attends college, forms new friendships, and even attempts to start fresh with her mother. But before long, their unhealthy relationship threatens to pull Cassie under once again. As Cassie struggles to reclaim her life, childhood memories persist and confuse, and Cassie must consider whose version of history is real, and more important, whose life she must save.

A bold, literary story about the fragile complexities of mothers and daughters and learning to love oneself, The First Time She Drowned reminds us that we must dive deep into our pasts if we are ever to move forward.

This book made me FEEL. The First Time She Drowned is a very dark and somber read, but it is very beautifully written. Kerry Kletter knows how to make you angry and sad, she knows how to pull at your heart strings and make you cry. Her words are incredible.

I didn't know what to think of Cassie at first. Her parents (mother) put her into a mental institution, the doctor she's seen by 100% sides with her mother. So of course I was a bit cautious with Cassie. I wanted to believe she was sane, but I didn't want to be too trusting. (I'm just that kind of person.) I quickly realized Cassie wasn't insane, but she was very, VERY broken. It was hard not to cold heartedly hate the mother. I wanted to rip through the pages and sucker punch her. Being a mother myself, the things she'd do would get to me and hit me hard. How could she do the things she did to Cassie? Kletter dives head in, strongly, and deeply into mental illness. I've read books about mental illness but none as powerful as The First Time She Drowned.

Secondary characters were a hit or miss for me. One I loved- Zoey who becomes her "normal" best friend. Another, while not a big character but one who made a big impact, I found really creepy which was the point. The storyline and setting were all very enjoyable I couldn't put the book down.

The only reason I'm giving it a .5 less rating, is because I called the big root of Cassie's issue before it was revealed. I didn't get that shock value. But this is a solid, SOLID read that everyone should dive into. If anything do it because you enjoy brilliantly written things.

Trailer Thursday: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

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Salt to the Sea

Author: Ruta Sepetys

Released: February 2nd 2016

Publisher: Philomel Books

For readers of Between Shades of Gray and All the Light We Cannot See, international bestselling author Ruta Sepetys returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war's most devastating—yet unknown—tragedies.

World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in one another tested with each step closer toward safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.

Told in alternating points of view, and perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning All the Light We Cannot See, Erik Larson's #1 NYT bestseller Dead Wake, and Elizabeth Wein's Printz Honor Book Code Name Verity, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff--the greatest maritime disaster in history. As she did in Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.

You can read Leydy's review of Salt to the Sea HERE.  

Book Review: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

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Salt to the Sea
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction
Released: February 2nd 2016
Review Source: Philomel Books

The author of Between Shades of Gray returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war's most devastating—yet unknown—tragedies.

In 1945, World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer toward safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.

Before I start this review, I want to point out I’d never read a book by Ruta Sepetys and I was not aware of how incredible she is at storytelling. This book blew my mind with the vivid descriptions. Is like bringing history back again and living it as you read on.

Salt to the Sea is about four teenagers who are connected by a ship called the Wilhelm Gustloff.  This is the ship that sunk in the Baltic Sea while evacuating German civilians. Okay, let me be honest, I had no idea this happened in January 30, 1945. The moment I finished Salt to the Sea, I had to do some research on my own about this event in history.

As I was saying, this book is about four teenagers and we follow their paths to the ship along with their secrets. These teenagers will take you in a ride full of ups and downs. One will break your heart completely, the other will warm your heart with her kindness, one will bring you suspicious yet at the end will take over your heart and the other one is one that you’ll wish you can smack him, hard. I don’t want to mention names, as I would love for you to be clueless, with no sense of what these characters would do to you. And who would be the one that would just piss you off. Just be ready to read a fast paced, gut-wrenching tale that will have you questioning yourself more than often. A book that will have you flying thru pages wondering what will happen next.

Be unprepared, just pick this book and read it. Trust me, the less you know, the more this book would blow your mind.

Salt to the Sea is amazing. A wonderful book to start of 2016 with a bang. A book that will teach you history with true heroism from ordinary people who were forced into horrific events in our history. This is a book that deserves to be read and all the praises. Read it, love it, and learn one or two things about history.

Blog Tour: Still Waters by Ash Parsons | Interview | Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on Still Waters  tour for Ash Parsons. This tour is hosted by PenguinTeen.

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Still Waters 
Author: Ash Parsons
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: April 21st 2015
Publisher:  Philomel Books

A gritty, powerful debut that evokes The Outsiders. You won't be able to look away.

High school senior Jason knows how to take a punch. Living with an abusive father will teach a kid that. But he’s also learned how to hit back, earning a reputation at school that ensures no one will mess with him. Even so, all Jason truly wants is to survive his father long enough to turn eighteen, take his younger sister, Janie, and run away.

Then one day, the leader of the in crowd at school, Michael, offers to pay Jason to hang out with him. Jason figures Michael simply wants to be seen with someone with a tough rep and that the money will add up fast, making Jason’s escape plan a reality. Plus, there’s Michael’s girl, Cyndra, who looks at Jason as if she sees something behind his false smile. As Jason gets drawn deeper into Michael’s game, the money keeps flowing, but the stakes grow ever more dangerous. Soon, even Jason’s fists and his ability to think on his feet aren’t enough to keep his head above water.

Still Waters is an intense, gritty thriller that pulls no punches—yet leaves you rooting for the tough guy. A powerful, dynamic debut.

Let me start by congratulating you on debut novel, Still Waters! What's it like having successfully finished your first book? How does it feel?

It’s wonderful and surreal. I keep being surprised that people have read it – that it’s out there.  I got my copy, the hardback, recently - the final edition that’s going into stores and into reader’s hands. That has helped me believe it.  Honestly, I’m on cloud nine. It feels sublime. 

How did it feel to get the phone call from your agent?

Do you mean the call when she was expressing interest to represent me? That was a mixture of joy and terror, actually. I was so afraid I was going to say something stupid or bleat like a goat or otherwise come across as not an author she would want to work with. Fortunately I didn’t do any of those things.

If you mean how did it feel to get the call that the book had sold to Philomel, that was downright transcendent.  I was in a Chinese restaurant with one of my best friends and I went into the bathroom to take the call in quasi-privacy. I screamed. Everyone in the restaurant heard. Fortunately, they could tell it was joy-screams and they left me alone in there….or perhaps they were afraid to check, lol. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m very tall, I can get loud. I’m enthusiastic by nature. Sincere enthusiasm takes you places, I’ve found.  I love having adventures and traveling, and staying home and watching tv, equally.  It’s a conundrum wrapped in an enigma, reading in a blanket fort. 

How did you come up with the idea for Still Waters? Did it start in your journals? What kind of research did you do?

The idea for Still Waters started when a student of mine didn’t show up for school. He’d been shot in a hunting accident (and was fine), but there were crazy rumors at first. It made me remember a murder that happened when I was in high school, and all the rumors around what had “happened” after the fact, when we would never really know. Still Waters is a complete work of fiction, but it started in me thinking about those things. It just took on a life of it’s own. I didn’t have to do much research, although I did have some questions about some medical stuff. I was able to ask my spouse about that because he’s a fire-fighter/certified EMT. 

What does your writing process look like? What puts you in the best mood for writing? What makes writing “difficult?”

My writing process is basically “bum in seat.” I strive to write every day – usually I’m aiming at what I tag #MDWC – Minimum Daily Word Count. It can be as low as 200 words if I’m feeling pressed/blocked. Since I have small children my best time to write is as early in the morning as I can, but I will write anytime, anywhere, just to get the words in. It feels like a pressure building, and I have to do it. I am addicted, actually. I have all the classic signs. The best thing is writing with friends, either in real life or in word sprints in chat or on twitter.  That’s my favorite. Writing becomes difficult for me 

when I’m not doing it every day. I start to doubt what I’m working on, I start to listen to negative voices in my head, etc. Also not enough sleep hurts, but I’m chronically sleep deprived right now (small children) so I can hack around some of that. 

Any ideas for another book? What's next?

Oh goodness, yes! (see: addicted to writing) Book two (as of yet un-titled) will be released in Summer 2016 – it’s about celebrity and fan-culture on the internet. I’m really absorbed with the ways in which performers/celebrities are influenced by internet accessibility…. the quick judgements that happen. Also I am fascinated with the manifold ways that pressure reveals and magnifies the stacked-traumas or unmet-needs of childhood….I think it has to be pretty awful to be a child/young person and be a celebrity. I wanted to examine that. 

Last but not least, What are 5 random facts about yourself?

1. I love, love, love Korean food. My parents met and got married in Korea, so we grew up eating it a LOT.

2. I fixate on songs and will play that song over and over and over and over until I have worn out the digital file.  It drives my spouse NUTS. My kids are just like me so I WIN.  ;0)

3. I have three little boys in the house. I have taken to buying pink things as an act of self-defense. Leave my stuff ALONE, boys! 

4. I’m obviously super-mature if I am so possessive of “my stuff.” Lol

5. If you watch The Walking Dead, you might have seen me stumbling around in the far distance or banging on the prison fence in s4. Then again, I usually had my zombie-rags on and head down so probably not.  :D

WE SEE YOU ASH!

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Ash Parsons has been involved in Child and Youth Advocacy since college. Recently she taught English to middle- and high-school students in rural Alabama. Watching some of her students face seemingly impossible problems helped inspire her first novel, Still Waters. Additionally she has taught creative writing for Troy University’s ACCESS program and media studies at Auburn University. Ash lives in Alabama with her family. Still Waters is her first novel.

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