My goodbye to a hello....

I have some very sad but, exciting news to announce.
I have officially started my own blog, and won't  be a full time writer anymore here.
I have thought about how I wanted to word this post, and as I sit here my eyes are watering up and the sniffles are coming.
While I have only been writing here since the fall, there are many people I need to thank, before I can get excited about my new blog.
1. Kathy, man where do I begin. I met you, we talked, we read, I wrote, and now here we are. YOU got me started. YOU encouraged me to go for what I wanted, and YOU stuck up with my obnoxious text messages when something wasn't working. Thank- you! You're the best!
2. Aneeqah- You started with me on this journey. We were sitting in a room with 4 other people when Kathy bought up the idea of blogging. You were all for it while I had my reservations. When you started you're blog the other day, you gave me thoughts if I wanted to start mine. Thanks for also putting up with my obnoxious text messages, and helping me through this.
3. My family- they let me sit up at a computer and type up reviews etc. They have been great with me getting this new blog.

I have been very thankful to have the opportunity to write here. Meet the amazing people in the blogging world, who are now moving over to my new blog. I'm also excited for all the new bloggers I will get to meet, and talk to.

For now this is my goodbye to hello. I hope you will rejoin with me at my other blog, where I will still be reading Realistic fiction.

Again, THANK YOU! Thanks for the support, and the love.

I want to leave us with a song... I song I feel that goes well with this goodbye to a hello... Because at one time we will collide together.

Loving to Read One Step at a Time


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Slide by Jill Hathaway!

I wanted to give a quick shout out to the book slide that comes out next Tuesday March 27th!
TODAY!
Synopsis:
Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

Why I would Like to Read:
Theres many reasons I would like to read this, but one of the reasons is the word murder. I like this types of books (to an extent) because they have to figure out who was there and what happened. Another reason is, wouldn't it be cool to slide into someone!?!?! To sliiiddee into someone elses body!! Imagine....

You can read the first 50 pages here http://browseinside.harperteen.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780062077905
Here is the blog tour http://theteenbookscene.weebly.com/slide-tour-details.html
Enjoy!
Loving to Read One Step at a Time,
KRWLucy



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The Truth about Guys: One Guy Reveals What Every Girl Should Know--- Review

The Truth about Guys: One Guy Reveals What Every Girl Should Know by Chad Eastham

Synopsis:

Okay, it's a fact. God made guys and girls different in more ways than just the physical.

But how different could we really be? After all, we are all made in His image, right? Well, yes, but let’s just say that guys and girls view the world in such different ways, that it’s a miracle we communicate at all. What’s worse is that girls this age often think they know what makes guys tick. That couldn’t be more wrong!
Chad Eastham tells it like it is . . . to girls . . . from a guy’s perspective. As a popular presenter at Revolve conferences, he is known for his ability to speak truth and to give girls clearer perspective about guys and themselves as well as understand their own value. Chad explains, “You are incredibly valuable and worthy simply because God created you.”

My Review:
This was such an interesting read for me. I have a great guy friend, and know some male teachers really well, and of course theres my classmates who are guys, and my brother and dad, and sometimes things they say or do annoy me and I don't understand why they do it! Sometimes it does get my agitated, but I'm a 14 year old girl! What else do you expect. There is a male teacher at my school who always loosens me up about it, and we laugh when I get mad.. but man somethings they can may you mad!!

This is a girl read. For the first part it talked about girls and how we think. Then it moved on too boys and how they think. Some were similar some were not! It gave good tips, and advice to make sure you have healthy relationships when you are older. It had great review/ discussion questions at the end, so it was great to answer certain things that you learned in you're own way.

It answered some of the most awkward questions possible too:P It was a great book, where it answered tons of good questions.

Chad Eastham had a hard time growing up. He mentioned that he didn't have that role model as a teenager, and he wanted to make sure some did. Its a hilarious read! I LOVED it!

Here are some of my favorites quotes, and sayings from the book:

"One day the guy gets down on one knee with a ring and asks you to marry him, very similar to the decision to finally purchase the car of his dreams. Then he stands at the altar and promises to protect the car, drive it nicely in the rain or shine, and never leave it outside in the cold to rust. I mean, he takes his marriage vows. Bottom line, he commits to something he now values remarkably."

"Deciding yes or no is one of those privileges that girls get. If I were a girl I would probably not throw that one away."

"Keep your head up and keep going forward. But know this. You do belong! You are valuable! I mean that with all my heart."


Loving to Read One Step at a Time
KRWLucy

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Getting Over Garrett Delaney

Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald
Synopsis:
Can a twelve-step program help Sadie kick her unrequited crush for good? Abby McDonald serves up
her trademark wit and wisdom in a hilarious new novel.

Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly onesided. The object of her obsession - ahem, affection - is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie's feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep-blue eyes). For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett's constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to '80s indie rock all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder - until he calls to say he's fallen in love. With some other girl! A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she's finally had enough. It's time for total Garrett detox! Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized selfhelp guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.

My Review:
Starting this book I loved. There was defiantly a connection between Sadie and Garrett. They both love the same things, and could talk and talk all day with each other. But when one gets accepted to a camp, and the other doesn't that's when things went down hill for me. She got a job, and connected with many other people (which was the neat part) But those people wanted to make sure she got over Garrett immediately which was the part I didn't like. She had such a good connection and all of a sudden it was going to be over. Sadie then doesn't answer Garrett and poor Garrett, I can only think what he was thinking. I would have been upset.
It mentions Josh up there. He treats Sadie just like he treats the other girls at work, but everytime he was bought into the picture it was hard not to guess that there wasn't a connection there.
Overall it was a good read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Candlewick Press for letting me read this!
Loving to Read One Step at a Time
KRWLucy


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Facing the Giants by Eric Wilson - Review

Synopsis:

Never Give Up. Never Back Down. Never Lose Faith.

These were the most important words ever used, and said. Ones that are put into place in the story.
Grant Taylor has had six consecutive losing seasons, as a high school football coach. He believes that nothing else could possibly go wrong. But he's wrong. With failure and fear over powering him, this coach, and husband turns to God for help. Trusting God somehow did the impossible for the Shiloh Christan Eagles, as they soon discover how faith plays out of the football field.

My Review--

What an emotional read, and more importantly an inspirational read! When they had given up strength was here to pick them up. After seeing the movie, I read that there was a book. I immediately went searching for it and read it. I loved the movie, and I must say the book was just as good. The book went into a deeper meaning which I love. I got to figure out certain things, that I didn't get a chance to see in the movie.

In the book we got more of a background on David and Larry, a more behind the scenes look of Coach Duke, a better understanding of Mr. Bridges and his dedication to the football team, a background of Grant and Brooke, and  better understanding of the interaction the footballers had with each other... and of course... The Georgia football history. Lets also not forget the Death Crawl... but you have to see or read to figure that out.

If you liked the movie, you would really want to read the book, and if you read the book and didn't see the movie... Then you want to see the movie!!

**Watch out! I think I'll be also reading Fireproof, and Courageous. They are all based on the screen play by Alex and Stephen Kendrick!!

This is the trailor for the movie.

Loving to Read One Step at a Time

KRWLucy
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Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally-- Review

Synopsis:

 What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.

My Review
 I LOVED this book! It was amazing! The romance, the relationships, it's not often you see all of this in a book! One of my favorite parts of the book, is the relationship Jordan has with her teammates. They get along really well, and you don't always see that much acceptance when it comes to boys and girls playing on the same sports teams. I play golf, and basketball, and I love playing with the opposite gender! They are competitive in many different ways, and they also love to have fun!
Below are some topics I wanted to touch base on:

• Girls Playing with Boys: According to statistics there are over 1,200 female high school football players across the country. What are some of the positives and negatives of blurring the lines between female and male sports? Do you support it?

- YES! I definitely support this for many reasons! There are many positives to this experience. You get to experience a different level of competition. Boys seem to be more competitive at certain things! Girls think differently then boys. Therefore in a sport the opposite gender might have a more genius idea about a certain play than another. However they our some down falls. Boys can be stronger than girls (SORRY LADIES!), also there is the possibility of not getting equal opportunity since we look at males being more tough.

• Breaking through the Ranks: Jordan is symbolic for the many girls/women who choose to fight the status quo. What have some of your own experiences been like?

- This can be hard for any female. In some ways being a female you feel that you're hair has to be done perfect, you're shoes have to be in style, your clothes must all match from head to toe, and that you should be involved in all the girly stuff! I really have to disagree with that. Everyday (except like 5 days of the year) my hair is up in a pony tail. I don't have the time to straighten, or have the energy, and nor do I care! I wear sweats everyday except Fridays. (I try and make an effort to put on jeans, and either my school spirit top, or a nice top) If someone wants to like me in any way they will like me for the way I am, and tough fudges if they don't! It is their loss! I don't feel that I need to change because someone wants me to. I will stay the same and that will never change. You are you, and you should never change, just to get someone to like you. Someone does like you, and I don't think any girl should ever feel different.

•  Untraditional Romance: Catching Jordan puts a great emphasis on the untraditional relationship and character role Jordan possess in the book. What effects (if any) do these types of relationships have on kids and people today? Is it important for people to be exposed to them?

-I feel people should date who they want. In this case it is not the most "traditional" relationship. Jordan isn't the best looking girl around, yet she is dating one of the hottest boys around. I think that anyone should get to choose their relationship, and you don't have to do what every person says you should do! This exposes people to be the person they really are instead of the stereotypical image we are told to be.

Here is my interview with Miranda Kenneally, the author of Catching Jordan.

Where did the idea for the title Catching Jordan come from? Originally the book was called SCORE, but we needed to find something less racy! So my publisher and I put together lists of hundreds and hundreds of possible titles. We came up with some very corny stuff, but finally CATCHING JORDAN was suggested during a meeting at Sourcebooks. Everyone liked it! A friend of mine suggested "This Gridiron Aint in the Kitchen" but we didn't go with that. Obviously.

Who's your favorite character in Catching Jordan and why? Jake Reynolds, the pervy guy who's friends with Jordan's brother, Mike. Jake is just hilarious to me. He's definitely a jerk at times, but he's a good friend to Mike and he acts real. Plus, he's the only person ever who can successfully deliver terrible pick-up lines.

Is this book based on any real life events? A few things. 1) We totally had a Jonah and the Whale hallway at my church when I was little. It freaked me out! 2) A guy friend of mine wouldn't let me buy checkered bedding because he thought it looked like graph paper. 3) We had to take care of electronic babies in middle school.

Which character did you have the hardest time writing? Jordan's dad. It was hard to get his worries and character development across without being too blunt. I'm still not sure I succeeded.

Are you anything like Jordan?Oh yes! I can't stand giving up. I try, try, try at everything I do.

Where did you come up with the relationship with TY, and then with Sam Henry?Ty was around from the very, very first page I ever wrote. Henry showed up a few pages later, and he was this goofball friend character. No matter how hard I tried, he just kept showing up and taking over scenes. Finally I just let him take over. :)

 Thank-you Miranda for doing this! I appreciate it!
*This review was meant to be done weeks ago! My apologies to Miranda!*
**Please remember that the answers to the questions were my opinions. Other people might have different opinions!*
Loving to Read One Step at a Time




KRWLucy

Me@you.com by KE Payne - Review

RELEASE DATE FOR ME@YOU.COM IS JANUARY 17TH.

Synopsis:
Is it ever impossible to fall in love with someone you've never even met? Immy Summers think so... because it happened to her.

Immy is 18 years old living a normal life, has a very normal family... and a somewhat normal boyfriend, but she quickly starts falling in love with a girl on a message board. Her name is Fickle.

As her relationship grows stronger with Fickle, Immy finds another friend on the board, named Joey. And with another person in the picture things are bound to get complicated.

My Review--

For me this was a hard read, yet any teen could probably relate to this, if they were going through the exact situation. I found the parts where you don't tell your parents, family members, and anyone around you anything, realistic. It is what most teens would do in this situation.

In some ways I saw that Payne might have been trying to ease the fear that some teens may have about any of these situations. However, I did notice that some parts were for the most part... Unrealistic. The fact that her friends would immediately accept it. In reality it would more than likely need it's time. Not in the snap of a finger it would be fine.

As mentioned before I think this would be good for anyone struggling with this kind of confusion, and friends that may have a friend going through this.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for getting to read this book.

Loving to Read one Step at a Time




KRWLucy
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Saving June by Hannah Harrington - Review

Synopsis:
Harper's sister, June took her life one week before High School Graduation. No one can understand why, and it leaves Harper in complete distraught. Her divorced parents decide to split the ashes, and at her mothers house the ashes are in an urn in the house. Harper then steals the urn and makes a cross- country road trip with her best friend Laney, to California.


Then add in the mixture a boy named Jake Tolan. A bad boy, who has a passion for music... and someone who had a connection with June. Jake is keeping a secret, from Harper... One that could turn her life upside down in a heart beat.

My Review--

I have to say I did like this book, however the first part of the book was not nearly exciting for me. I was bored out of my mind, and was dying to stop reading it. But people kept telling me they really liked it, so I persevered and kept reading it and I really liked it.

There are three main characters, but I want you to read for yourself to see who the third is. I mentioned him up there... but I won't say anything.

The main character is Harper. She is a sassy girl who has a mind of her own. She likes to get things her way, and quite frankly she's pretty good at it.

Laney is Harper's best friend who sticks by her when June dies. Laney doesn't have any rules, and doesn't want to listen to any rules. She likes to go out there and have fun!

Things are really well described in this book which I love. I loved the music take. I hadn't realized that Eric Clapton's song, Tears In Heaven was written after his son's death. The amount of knowledge I gained after reading this book is amazing.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin for letting me read this book.

Loving to Read one Step at a Time







KRWLucy

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KRWLucy's Challenges of 2012

Hi Everyone!
Happy New Years Eve! I would like to wish you the best for the 2012 year!
With the New Year, comes a new book list, and some challenges. This is my first year I'm doing challenges. I'm not making any promises though. School can always be a challenge, along with my sports, and personal life! But hey!, I'll give it a shot.

2012 Standalone Reading Challenge
The Standalone Challenge is to read 15 standalone YA books in 2012!
1. 52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody
2. In Honor by Jessie Kirby
3. Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
4. The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
5. The Whole Story of a Half Girl by Veera Hiranandani
6. Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK by Betsy St. Amant 
7. Crazy by Amy Reed
8. The Boy Recession by Flynn Meaney  
9. My Sister Lives on the Mantle Piece by Annabel Pitcher
10. Lovetorn by Kavita Daswani
11. The Story Teller by Antonia Michaelis
12. Rock On: A story of guitars, gigs, girls and a brother (not necessarily in that order) by Denise Vega
13. The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen
14. Wander Love by Kristen Hubbard
15. The List by Siobhan Vivian

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge


The idea of this is to challenge yourself. I choose level one.. I know a little easy which is to read 5+ books.

1. Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous by Kathryn William

2. Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler 3. The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols 4. The Difference Between You and Me by Madeleine George 5. 37 Things I Love (in no particular order) by Kekla Magoon

I felt it was also necessary for me to come up with a list of books that I would like to read...
1. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
2. We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
3. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
4. The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson
5. Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
6. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
7. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
8. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
9. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
10. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
11. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
12. Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott
13. Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley
14. So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti
15. Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall by Wendy Mass
16. Lost It by Kristen Tracy
17. The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart
18. Death Cure by James Dashner
19. Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow
20. Loving Emily by Anne Pfeffer
**Threes also Left to Love by Jolene Perry but the release date won't be known to April :(

Loving to Read One Step at a Time

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KRW Lucy - Books I Want in 2012

Ninja Chica Lucy has a good mix of old and new titles she's looking forward to and you can see, she's keeping it real!

1. The Death Cure by James Dashner

2. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

3. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

4. Left to Love by Jolene Perry (I don't know when the release date is! But I really want it when it comes out!!)

5. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

6. Facing the Giants by Eric Wilson

7. The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

8. Leap Day by Wendy Mass

9. Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall by Wendy Mass

10. 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

11. 12 Finally by Wendy Mass

12. 13 Gifts by Wendy Mass

13. Pure Red by Danielle Joesph

14. Win Forever: Live, Work, and Play Like a Champion by Pete Carroll and Yogi Roth

15. Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters by Chesley B. Sullenberger and Jeffery Zaslow

16. My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald

17. A Father's Love: One Man's Unrelenting Battle to Bring His Abducted Son Home by David Goldman

18. Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me by Howie Mandel and Josh Young

19. The Summer Before Boys by Nora Raleigh Baskin

20. Just Don't Fall: How I Grew up, Conquered Illness, and Made it down the Mountain by Josh Sundquist

21. Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Lynn Vincent and Todd Burpo

22. Through My Eyes by Nathan Whitaker and Tim Tebow

23. Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love by Matt Logelin

24. Side Effects by Amy Goldman Koss and Osho

25. Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Loving to Read One Step at a Time

Lucy

Happy Holidays!


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Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry - Review and Giveaway

The Next Door Boys By Jolene B. Perry GIVEAWAY!

Review by KRWLucy

Leigh is just a trying to be a normal teen living a normal life. However, she is recovering from Ovarian Cancer. She is cancer free, and has convinced her parents to let her roam free into the college her experience. (Her brother lives next door, so they really have nothing to fret about)

At times Leigh gets weak, and is having problems staying awake. She doesn't worry about it much as she doesn't want to be an outsider.

Along the journey she meets some guys.....  (NO I WON'T SPILL THE BEANS!!)

When I started reading the book, I didn't realize that religion was a big part of the book. Once doing some research I learned why the temple was a big part of the book. I'm glad I stuck with it, as I couldn't put it down!!!

I was able to connect with the characters which is a big thing for me. I am very good at forgetting characters, but with this I didn't! I kept thinking of them after I finished the book. I keep making predictions on what happens in the next book!

I'm very impatient when it comes to books, so I'm dying to know when the next one comes out! I was almost not sure there was going to be a next one. It left me on a cliffhanger so after doing much research, I saw there was one, I screamed YES! I hope it comes out soon!! (It is called Left to Love)

I would like to thank Net Galley, and Cedarfort for letting me have the opportunity to read this book.

Giveaway Information- 
The giveaway is open to North America and International. 
If you are an International winner you can ONLY receive an ebook. 
If you live in North America you have the option of a hard copy or an ebook.  
THERE WILL BE ONE WINNER.
How do you enter?- 

Leave ONE comment telling me your most unexpected read, and why.

Leave an additional comment if you tweet about the giveaway. You must use the hash tag-    #nextdoorKRWLucy

Winners will be chosen by random.org.
Entries must be in by Sunday December 11, 2011, 11:59pm

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

~Loving to Read One Step at a Time
Lucy


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The Sunday Salon - The Ninja Chicas

Please welcome the Ninja Chicas!

Here they are talking about Books Students Like to Read.  Check out their linked pages for more information about them and the books they like to read. Review Policy here.

Aneeqah's Not So Real Life -  I think it depends on where you are. Where I am, kids seem to be interested mainly in realistic fiction. I think it helps them connect their experiences with something.

Keeping it Real With Lucy - I don't know what books are popular with kids my age - I see them reading fantasy, realistic, science fiction. It all depends on what students like. (And if they don't like to read... I hand them a book to start!)

 

Isabella and Anusha of Bellanush - Isabella says: I think action for guys because its almost always about fighting,blood and death. I think girls also like action but do enjoy a good romance book because everyone loves when the gorgeous guy comes and helps the girl and how they will always be together. But I think most girls like when it doesn't end well and they have to work it out.

Anusha Says:  Alot of action/fantasy books, because people have short attention spans [like me!]  and need to be intrigued

Alexa of Simon Cowell's Corner - I believe that books that kids my age really like to read are romance novels, (though I really don't enjoy them) All kids, mostly girls, at the pree-teen age like to imagine if they had a boyfriend like the wonderful, non-realistic ones they experience in novels.

The Sisters - We would both have to say fantasy, mystery, Sarah Dessen (for girls), adventure, fantasy romance (once again girls, I have never seen a boy even look at twilight), sports books (for boys) and last but not least adventure.







The Ninja Chicas are looking for books to review.  Check out their posts by clicking the links and find out the types of books they would be interested in reading/reviewing.  Check out The Brain Lair for our review policies.

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The Great Global Puzzle Challenge with Google Earth- Review

THE GREAT GLOBAL PUZZLE CHALLENGE WITH GOOGLE EARTH-REVIEW BY LUCY

Hi Everyone!

It is very exciting and today I will be reviewing my first book! As you saw the title is THE GREAT GLOBAL PUZZLE CHALLENGE WITH GOOGLE EARTH.  It was an exciting book that was very interactive. At the beginning of the book it was very detailed on how you set up things on Google earth (yes, for someone people it may be a downside if you don't have a computer) At home, we already have Google earth, so with a couple of clicks I was ready to begin my journey. At each destination you had coordinates to type into Google earth. It would then take you to the location to explore. In the picture inside the book you were asked to spot 3 things/items, a flag, a historical and geographical misfit, and pick up a souvenir. I didn't do these things right away. It was something I could skip and it wouldn't ruin up the number points I needed for the "final/secret destination" With each destination it would then tell you to either type in a destination in that city or to scroll along. (For example cruise down a river until you get to the ninth bridge along) It total there were 11 destinations before you had all the numbers for the "final/secret" destination.

My favorite destination was Tokyo. It had a neat challenge on where you had to pass green roofed buildings to reach a pagoda. If you messed up you were back at square one. And sadly I messed up. I took a turn somewhere, when I shouldn't have. Out of everything there was one thing that I didn't like, and it would be the final destination. I thought it was going to be some exotic place, but it wasn't. I guess I thought that it was leading me up for some neat destination. I found this book very educational, as I learned new things about each city by doing fun events. I would highly recommend this book especially to kids as it is a fun way to learn!

I would like to thank Blueslip Media for the book! It was very generous!

~Loving to Read One Step at a Time

Lucy

2nd Book and Videos!!

I've finally reached my second book: Drums Girls and Dangerous Pies I am currrently on page 64. To keep the mood of reading I found a couple of videos! Take a look!

Keep READING!!

~Loving to Read One Step at a Time

Lucy

Wrap!

Its a wrap for me folks! More to come later in the week of reviews! (I hope)

~Loving to Read One Step at a Time

Lucy

Mid Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now? Drums Girls and Dangerous Pies

2. How many books have you read so far? 1

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Sadly NONE

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? Off Reading Yes!

5. Have you had many interruptions? Too Many

How did you deal with those? Sadly nothing!

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? How tiring it is!

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? ..... No?

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? Read more!

9. Are you getting tired yet? Too much! And my favorite football team just lost.. Waste of my time.

10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered? Nope

~Loving to Read One Step at a Time

Lucy

Book 1: Completed!

Book 1 Completed!

I had already started this book, but was dying for finish it, so I did.

Its an amazing story from growing up in "the ghetto" to NFL football.

Michael Oher grew up with a mother doing drugs. His siblings and himself, never knew where they were going to sleep, and if there mother would even show up at their house that night. One day he met the Touhy family, who legally adopted him around the age of 18. Its an amazing, powerful story, that I would highly recommend.

On page 236 Michael pledges is support to be the best role model that he can be through appearances and speeches.

He also asks that children reading this book will pledge to value their life enough to commit to making it no matter what; and that every adult will pledge to find a way to give back.

Michael- you HAVE my pledge to help out! Do you all pledge?

I would like to finish this post with some quotes from the book:

"All out shooting matches were pretty rare, but I do clearly remember one time watching a baby get sot in the midst of an argument" (6).

"Take a look at yourself. You are a unique person created for a specific purpose. Your gifts matter. Your story matters. Your dreams matter. You matter. " (235).

~Loving to Read One Step at a Time

Lucy

Have I started?

I know, I have been totally not around, and yes I haven't been reading. But good news! I'm starting as soon as I finish writing this! I am GOING to finish I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness, to the Blind Side, and Beyond By Michael Oher, with Don Yaeger

Ready set Read! Whoo!!

~Loving to Read One Step at a Time

Lucy

KRW Lucy's ReadAThon Kickoff... Sortoff!

HI!

For most of you, you have no idea what yesterday entitled! The blog thing blew my mind off my head and Mrs. B and I must have sent a hundred texts! It was CRAZY!

So today... (drum roll please) Is the 24 hour ReadAThon. Yes its 9:04 am and I haven't picked up a book (but its right beside me) I thought I needed to do this post! I plan on starting soon, however we are going out! Grrr! I promise I will find time, and will TRY to do reviews! (Not promising)

So here's a little questionnaire about me:

1)Where are you reading from today? Cold, Indiana

2)Three random facts about me… Basketball Player, Golf Player, Wasn't born in USA (can you guess where?)

3)How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? 4 or 5

4)Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)? Nope!

5)If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time? First time!!

Wish me Luck!

~Loving to Read One Step at a Time

Lucy

2011 October ReadAThon- Are you doing it?

Hi Everyone Lucy here!

Very exciting! This is my first actual blog post! Yes, okay I have to agree there has been many hardships to get me here. First off we had to set me up with the whole blogging account. Yes I am a computer whiz (thank school and homework for that one) but I have NEVER worked a blog in my life. Man, this is hard. Okay so getting back to my wonderful story, I have been messing around on this blog for 30 minutes talking to fellow blogger Aneeqah. No, she might not be the best technician but its the best one I can find at 8:30 on a Friday night. So as you all (or you should all know) tomorrow is the 24 hour ReadAThon. Obviously I am not reading 24 hours. Not with the amount of sleep I have gotten in the past 3 weeks! So here's the scoop: Thankfully my favorite college football team has a night game, so you would think that would give me the entire day to read! WRONG! I have a trip planned with my mom for the morning, and then playing golf with my dad and brother!!! Whoops! But I have books to read, and my plan is to read them. (Because I have been dying to read them forever!)

1. Finish I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness, to the Blind Side, and Beyond By Michael Oher, with Don Yaeger

2. Drums, Girls and Dangerours Pies By Jordan Sonnenblick

3. The Grand Plan to Fix Everything byUma Krishnaswami

4-? What ever I can find.. Maybe the next book in the Mother Daughter Book Club Series.

Hope to hear about all of you reading!

~Loving to Read One Step at a Time

Lucy