Candlewick Press Book Giveaway

I am a girl that loves to read, and I also love sharing my love of books with others, for these two reasons I have a great giveaway to share with you. A collection of children's books from Candlewick Press  to keep growing the next generation of bookworms. 

My Year in the Middle (ages 8-12) by author/illustrator Lila Quintero Weaver is the story of 

Sixth-grader Lu Olivera who just wants to keep her head down and get along with everyone in her class. Trouble is, Lu’s old friends have been changing lately — acting boy crazy and making snide remarks about Lu’s newfound talent for running track. Lu’s secret hope for a new friend is fellow runner Belinda Gresham, but in 1970 Red Grove, Alabama, blacks and whites don’t mix. As segregationist ex-governor George Wallace ramps up his campaign against the current governor, Albert Brewer, growing tensions in the state — and in the classroom — mean that Lu can’t stay neutral about the racial divide at school. Will she find the gumption to stand up for what’s right and to choose friends who do the same?

This is a story about a brave girl that chooses to make a difference despite what others may think. This is a great book for tweens who are starting to deal with peer pressure or are feeling insecure about standing up for what is right. My daughter is 10 years old and she is currently going through those tough years where you don't feel like you are part of the crowd. I always remind her that she is not alone in these feelings and when she sees someone who is sitting alone at lunch, or not socializing with others at recess, she should go and talk to them. Children need to know the importance of being kind to all and this book is a great reminder of that. 

The Rizzlerunk Club: Best Buds Under Frogs (ages 7-10) by author/illustrator Leslie Patricelli is the story of 

 Lily, it’s the worst first day of school ever. Who would want to be friends with the new girl, whose debut act is to throw up on the playground (on somebody’s shoes!)? Fortunately, quirky Darby comes to the rescue. Darby likes frogs and candy and oddball stuff, and soon she and Lily have formed their own club — the Rizzlerunk Club. But before you can say “BFF,” Darby’s former best friend, mean-spirited Jill — who had moved to London — returns unexpectedly. Can Lily and Darby’s friendship survive the British invasion? Peppered with charming illustrations and hilarious mishaps involving “conjoined” frogs, accidentally shaved eyebrows, and school pranks gone awry, this engaging tale of fourth-grade life will have readers wishing they could join the Rizzlerunk Club for real.

This is another great book about being the new kid in a new school and the feelings that come with it. All kids worry about making friends and fitting in and meeting someone like the character Darby in this book can make school a whole lot better. It's a sweet story about young friendship and is filled with adorable illustrations. 

Fergus and Zeke at the Science Fair (ages 5-8) by Kate Messner

Fergus and Zeke love being the class pets in Miss Maxwell’s classroom, and they do everything the students do — listening at storytime, painting masterpieces during art class, and keeping their own special journals. But when it’s time for the school science fair, the mice aren’t sure just how to get involved. Lucy wants to time them as they run through a maze, but they want to do an experiment, not be an experiment. Then Zeke comes up with a great idea: since Lucy is training animals for her experiment, maybe he and Fergus can do the same thing! Unfortunately, the only animals available are the students themselves. Can Fergus and Zeke turn the tables and train Lucy in time for the science fair?

This is a fun book for younger readers. It is not too long, the words are large printed, and it is filled with colorful illustrations. This short chapter book is perfect for a young reader that is moving on from simple books but not quite ready for a 100 book read .

Jabberwalking (ages 10 and up) by author/illustrator and Poet Laureate of the United States 2015-2017, Juan Felipe Herrera

Can you walk and talk at the same time? How about Jabber Walk? Can you write and draw and walk and journal all at the same time? If not, you’re in luck: exuberant, blue-cheesy cilantro man Juan Felipe Herrera, Poet Laureate of the United States, is here to teach you everything he knows about being a real-life, bonified, jabberwalking poet! Jabberwalkers write and speak for themselves and others no matter where their feet may take them — to jabberwalk is to be a poet on the move. And there’s no stopping once you’re a Jabberwalker, writing fast, fast, fast, scribble-poem-burbles-on-the-run. Scribble what you see! Scribble what you hear! It’s all out there — vámonos!

This part poetry, part short story is is a creatively quirky read. It's a great example of creative writing filled with the nonsensical and made up words. I have always been a fan of poetry even when I was a child, but not everyone is. This book might just change the mind of a young reader who thinks poetry is boring. 

The Dollar Kids (ages 10-14) by Jennifer Richard Jacobson is the story of 

Twelve-year-old Lowen Grover, a budding comic-book artist, is still reeling from the shooting death of his friend Abe when he stumbles across an article about a former mill town giving away homes for just one dollar. It not only seems like the perfect escape from Flintlock and all of the awful memories associated with the city, but an opportunity for his mum to run her very own business. Fortunately, his family is willing to give it a try. But is the Dollar Program too good to be true? The homes are in horrible shape, and the locals are less than welcoming. Will Millville and the dollar house be the answer to the Grovers’ troubles? Or will they find they’ve traded one set of problems for another? From the author of Small as an Elephant and Paper Things comes a heart-tugging novel about guilt and grief, family and friendship, and, above all, community.

This is a great story about a young boy who feels responsible for a terrible tragedy and how he deals with it. It can be sad at times and a little frustrating and deals with some difficult subjects and therefore  more suitable for mature young readers. It is also heartwarming and a story about overcoming obstacles and not giving up hope. I think young teens will find the characters both relatable and likable. 

You can get your hands on these books wherever books are sold. 

I am also hosting a giveaway for one lucky Girly Girl reader to win all 5 of them! 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone


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