Review: The Dreamcatcher Adventures: Greedy Jack Wallace

by Adam C. Veile



 

When I first started reading The Dreamcatcher Adventures I thought it was yet another middle grade novel about a wimpy 7^th grader in a very common middle school with bullies, mean girls and a miserable life. In other words: nothing new. But I was very wrong. By the end of the first chapter I could see that I liked the direction this story was going. Blake is, like I said, a seventh grader, living in New Buck Hills. His school life is not exciting, the girl he likes doesn’t like him and (of course) is dating the most popular and rich kid in town. To top all that, Blake learns that his family is about to lose their home to foreclosure. And that's when he meets Gray Monroe, his ancestor, who has come back from the other side (yes, THAT other side) with the mission to catch the Moore Gang, his enemies in the 1800’s. Blake and Gray will take us in a gripping and exciting pursuit through the Wild West, looking for a ransom, clues and evil ghostly cowboys.

The Dreamcatcher Adventures: Greedy Jack Wallace is an action-packed new western adventure, equally engaging for kids and grown-ups. From ghost towns to buffalo stampedes, pacing and rhythm is just fantastic. There’s action in each and every one of its chapters and it never gets boring. Adam C. Veile is a heck of a writer as he manages to engage people with a language that is easily readable and intelligent at the same time.  I read it with my 9 year old son. He just loved the book. I think Mr. Veil has won a new fan as he’s told me he can’t wait to read the next book in the series (yes, he’ll be getting a paperback copy of this book for his birthday next month).

I highly recommend this book for anyone but especially middle graders; it will be a smart and captivating reading.

Mariana Llanos
 

ADAM C. VEILE lives in Jefferson City Missouri. He discovered his

passion for writing in a creative writing class in High School. Adam graduated in English and Communications from Missouri  State University. He currently teaches online writing courses for Columbia College and works for his family business Comunique, Inc. In his free time he likes to write and wander.

*I received a free PDF copy from the author in an exchange for a honest opinion.

*This blog is affiliated to the Amazon Affiliate Program

REVIEW: "hi, My nAMe is MiLLY"

by Heather Zeissler

 

In “Hi, my name is Milly”, author Heather Zeissler tells us about the difficulties and challenges of living with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Through the eyes of Milly, a typical curious and funny 5 years old we learn about Malcolm, her little brother who lives with this disorder. Milly tells us of their close relationship and the ways she plays with him and helps him communicate.

In the United States alone there are thousands of children affected by CAS and its diagnosis is known to be on the rise. It’s my understanding that there's not enough literature or works of fiction that reflect the reality of so many families. Heather Zeissler knows that well, since she is the mom of a child diagnosed with Apraxia. In my opinion, “hi, my name is Milly” is her attempt to give families like hers a tool to identify and discuss the disorder. I’m sure that families that deal with this situation will find a useful resource in this book.

Mariana Llanos

 

Author Heather Zeissler studied Sociology at the University of Minnesota and has served on several non profit advisory and executive boards. She is currently working on a second story to follow Milly and brother Malcolm adventures.

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REVIEW: The Most Important Critter In The Whole Wide World

by Gusty McCabe

 

"The Most Important Critter in the Whole Wide World" is a Native American folk tale retold by Gusty McCabe in a charming and charismatic way. It’s a funny story too, perfect for reading out loud to the little ones in your life. My 9 and 6 years old boys enjoyed it as we read it together and were drawn to it not only by the witty rhyme but also by the humorous cartoonish illustrations.

 

 

Written in verse, the tale takes us to the beginning of the world, when the animals were first created. As they discover their skills, they are astounded by the powerful crow of the Rooster and his ability to wake up the sun. But it happens that Coyote gets hungry and decides that Rooster would make a fine dinner and that’s when trouble starts.

“The Most Important Critter in the Whole Wide World: Why the Coyote Howls at Night” is McCabe’s first published book, and although the title is way too long , it is a really amusing and well written story that will not disappoint. A great read for those cuddly nights, perfect for building memories.
Available in Kindle and Paperback

Mariana Llanos

 

Gusty McCabe is the pen name of Paul Larson, an Arizona storyteller who has presented his art in many venues in that state. He says that his tales are "true but unverifiable"

 



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