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DBR Books The Books Magazine September 2013

Read our weekly newspaper, DBR Book News Weekly!

DBR Books would like to hear all about your reading experience;

share with us on our Blog, and on Twitter!

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Read our weekly newspaper, DBR Book News Weekly!

DBR Books would like to hear all about your reading experience;

share with us on our Blog, and on Twitter!

In June’s issue of The Books Magazine, we highlighted the importance of having a summer reading list and doing it early. In this month’s issue, we want to keep you abreast of what’s on our sum-mer reading list and what we’re reading now. Remember your reading list can be comprised of: Start with Your WishList! We read One More Candle by Merry

Susiarjo, a wonderful children’s illustrated book that found its way on our WishList!

Books outside your usual reading genre to catch up on your

quota for the 2013 Reading Challenge. Our read of Daughter of Joy by Kathleen Morgan is now our #12th challenge read!

Books you want to review or blog about. Leon’s Share Series

Book 1 by Mabel Singletary is an absolute must-read that we wanted our readers to know about!

Also, check out our complete Summer Reading List on page 10. Feel free to take from our list and add to yours! Also see our final read that com-pleted our summer reading on page 11. Although summer is over, please continue reading! Read to learn! Read for fun! Read! Happy Reading!

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Recently, The Books Magazine interviewed

artist and illustrator Aaron Bennett. Since the

interview Bennett has been featured in two

NY art shows in Cortland and Binghamton.

Bennett’s recent art show at a Binghamton

local restaurant The Whole in the Wall on the

First Friday Art Walk earlier this month has

been successful. For those who have not yet viewed the pieces, please note

that the show continues for the month of September.

New art pieces will also be mounted for September’s display, including

recent illustrations done for the new children’s book series The Secrets of

Aunt Norah’s House by Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes. The book is the

first in the series of children’s mystery books by the author, to encourage

elementary kids to understand the clues, solve the science and math myster-

ies, and arrive at an answer to find the big treasure hidden in the stories.

Bennett’s love for art has been nurtured since childhood, and he has credited

his inspiration to the artworks of some famous artists and illustrators. In his

interview, Bennett states “I want a creative career that speaks life into

other people’s lives. I want and need purpose. Children’s books can shine a

light of observation on the good things in life and I want to be a part of

that.” To read the entire interview with The Books Magazine, click here.

If you are an author, and would like to retain the graphic and illustrative

services of Aaron Bennett, please take the time to visit his Facebook page to

learn more about his work, and link with him there. [Press Release written by

Children’s Book Examiner]

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“Children’s books can shine a

light of observation on the good

things in life and I want to be

apart of that.”

Illustrations for children’s books and graphic novels.

Graphics for business cards and posters.

Commissioned art work - portraits (humans & animals),

still life, & abstracts. Your idea, my artistic flair!

Phone: 607-427-3863 Email: aaronrayallanbennett@gmail.com

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In Mabel Singletary’s book The

Young Conquerors Series, Leon’s

Share, life for eleven year old Leon

Chandler was living in the shadow of his

older brother Derrick. Having lost their par-

ents three years before in a car crash, the boys

came to live with their grandparents, Pop and

Nana. While Pop and Nana dotes on Derrick,

Leon hides his insecurity behind humor. But

Leon has a secret, one that he wishes to keep

hidden from the rest of the world.

Leon’s Share is written in the first person narrative, which not only makes it an easy

read but also enables readers to be ‘empathically’ transported into the narrator’s

world. This was successfully achieved because the voice and tone the narrator are

very much alive, audible, and consistent, thereby giving the main character a fleshy,

realistic existence. One can feel his exuberance for life and can easily empathize

with his insecurity, and fears.

Singletary’s expressive writing skills are further evident in the other characters of the

story. Even though Leon commands the pages of the book (as the main character

should), the other characters are also well developed, rounded, and three dimen-

sional. Dialogue between the characters is believable and engaging; as are the setting

and the scenes which are detailed and vivid - one could almost smell the sweet

potato pie as it cools on the window sill in Nana’s kitchen!

As the story takes off and readers journey into Leon’s world of joke-telling which

results in disrupting the class, one can see that the book holds Singletary’s 30+ years

of experience as an educator, and it shows in the vividness and ease in which she

tells the story. There’s no doubt that Leon’s Share should be used in elementary

classrooms as it is appropriately written for kids to learn the lessons here about good

social behavior among their peers, character building, and the importance of friend-

ship. In Leon’s Share, there’s a lot for kids to be absorbed in and to sink their read-

ing tentacles in; therefore, teachers can extract the lessons to be learnt through dis-

cussion and book reports. For example, one of the main topics for discussion could

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1. What was your inspiration in writing Leon’s Share?

When I write, I do so with the intention that I am composing stories which can

be tools for social growth and learning. I want children to walk away with a

better understanding and appreciation for others.

During the many years I worked as a teacher, I often saw students who were genuinely

funny. Unfortunately, sometimes children don’t always stop to examine or recognize

the effect their behaviors can have on the feelings of their peers. Also with so much be-

ing done and said nowadays about bullying, I want readers to begin putting themselves

in the place of others. I wanted Leon’s Share to be a story about an unlikely friendship

that comes about as a result of a character learning to care about the needs of someone

else.

As a teacher, I saw so many African American boys who were gifted often times act as

though they were embarrassed about being gifted. Sometimes male students would

mask their intelligence by telling jokes or even becoming disruptive. I wanted to write a

story about a young African American boy who realizes it’s alright to be gifted and

even use his gift to help someone else.

be: What lessons did Leon learn from his conflict with Autumn?

Also, there’s much to be learned from Mrs. Kelso (Leon’s teacher), who takes all the

“commotion from yesterday and send it someplace faraway” so that Leon could start

each morning as a brand new day! In this very small splice of paragraph, lies a very big

lesson - that each day was an opportunity to do much better than the day before. It’s a

lesson in grace - Mrs. Kelso showing Leon grace, that unmerited favor which he does

not really deserve but nevertheless she treats him as if yesterday did not happen, giving

Leon a chance each day to do better.

As the book comes to a close, readers can especially appreciate the heart warming and

endearing way in which Singletary brought the book to an end. It’s wrapped up in a

series of actions but the most important is the change we see in Leon; a reformation

almost - a reorganization of thinking and habits, giving way to a clearer thought process

as he comes into an understanding of himself and his interaction with others around

him.

Leon’s Share is an absolutely great read, and it’s the kind of book that kids will come

back to over and over again and keep learning from it each time they read! [Book Review written by DBR Books Blog]

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2. How did your 30+ years as an educator help in the writing of this book?

All of the characters I write about have traces of the children I worked with during my

thirty-two year career as a teacher. Whether a smile or a degree of shyness, many chil-

dren have stood out and the memories I have of those children are the foundation and

inspiration for my characters.

3. Some kids or parents, when reading this book, may recognize themselves or their

kids within its pages. What would you say to them at this time?

I hope if they recognize themselves in this story, they will walk away feeling a need to

convey to their children that everyone has value and working together with others is key

to building good relationship. Every individual has something to share that can help

make somebody else’s life better.

I hope parents will take a moment to emphasize and help their children see how accept-

ing a person’s disability can actually help their children grow into kind human beings

who know the importance of having compassion for others.

4. Your book is very thought provoking and an inspiration to young readers. What

lessons would you like for kids to take away from this book?

In all of the stories I write, I want young readers to recognize the importance of creating

good friendships. I also hope to encourage their hopes and dreams, build their self-

esteem, and create a sense of compassion for those who may be different.

5. This book is the first in the series. What's next for Leon?

I have actually titled this The Young Conquerors Series because each book in the series

will tell the story of a child who overcomes a problem or situation. I want young readers

to know that problems can be solved and goals can be reached. The second young

conqueror story may have a girl as its central character. [Author interview done by Children’s Book Examiner] Title & Author: The Young Conquerors Series, Leon’s Share Book 1 by Mabel Singletary Series: The Young Conquerors Series

Paperback: 134 pages

Publisher: Mabelesingletary.com; 1 edition (February 7, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0988655306 ISBN-13: 978-0988655300

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DBR ‘s WISHLIST books for September 2013! Why not make them yours too?

Dr. Dee Dee Dynamo’s Mission to Pluto

by Oneeka Williams

Mary had a Sleepy

Sheep

by Julia Dweck

Too Much Glue!

by Jason Lefebvre

The Mouse with the

Question Mark Tail

by Richard Peck

Navigating Early

by Clare Vanderpool

Ordinary Dogs, Extra-

ordinary Friendships

Pam Flowers

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What We’re

Reading Now! In keeping with the 2013 Reading Challenge of reading outside our

usual genre, here’s a sneak peek of what we’re reading now!

Midnight Marriage (A Georgian Historical

Romance)

by Lucinda Brant

The Lightkeeper’s Ball by Colleen

Coble

Ivy Secrets by Jean Stone

One Year in Coal Harbor by Polly

Horvath

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by

Julie Klassen

An Ordinary Toad’s Extraordinary

Night by Joanne McGonagle

Persuasion by Jane Austen

The Wedding Planner by Stepha-

nie Laurens

The Wish List by Gabi Stephens

Sweet Salt Air by Barbara

Delinsky

The Language of Flowers by

Vanessa Diffenbaugh

The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick

The Icecutter’s Daughter by

Tracie Peterson

One More Candle by Merry

Susiarjo

Daughter of Joy by Kathleen

Morgan

DBR’s Complete

Summer Reading

List

Book Description: Two noble teenagers

are married against their will.

Drugged, Deb has no recollection of events. Dis-graced, Julian is banished to the Continent.

Nine years later, Deb falls in love with a wounded duelist, only to later discover it is her husband returned incognito!

Can Deb forgive his cruel deception? Can their marriage survive beyond seduction?

Meanwhile, Julian's nemesis plots to destroy them both...

File Size: 854 KB

Print Length: 290 pages

Publisher: Sprigleaf (March 5, 2011)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

ASIN: B004QTOHMS

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Daughter of Joy by Kathleen Morgan

Book Description: Love, heartbreak, and triumph

lie deep within the wilds of the Colorado high-

lands.

Abigail Stanton's whole life was rooted in her

faith, a faith she now clings to for survival. After

losing her husband and young son, Abby sets out

alone, bereft, and heartsick. And when she is led to

Conor MacKay's doorstep, the very foundation of her belief starts to shift.

As the volatile rancher's new housekeeper, Abby is supposed to keep his affairs--

and his capricious little girl--in order. Abby feels anything but order, though,

when she and Conor are together. Can love heal the wounds of the past? Or will

Abby and Conor risk even greater losses than they have already suffered?

The first in the Brides of Culdee Creek series, Daughter of Joy takes you on a

journey of grief, intrigue, and redeeming love in the nineteenth-century Colorado

highlands.

Title & Author: Daughter of Joy by Kathleen Morgan

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Revell; Reprinted edition (August 1, 1999)

ISBN-10: 0800757181

ISBN-13: 978-0800757182

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The Woman on the Bus by Dawnette Blackwood-

Rhoomes, is a short story of a girl's (Melissa) unexpected

encounter with a mysterious passenger and seat partner

on a bus heading toward Rhode Island.

"The bus buzzed to life as she watched a

well-dressed woman burst through the ter-

minal door, obviously fearful she was too

late. She had one piece of luggage, which

she carried unsteadily on her shoulder as she

lengthened her stride toward the bus door."

That day when she boarded the bus, she entered Melissa's life. As they journeyed

together, it became apparent that the woman on the bus was the last person Melissa

wanted to meet!

Title & Author: The Woman on the Bus by Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes

File Size: 98 KB Print Length: 13 pages

Publisher: DB-R Designs; 2 edition (June 2, 2011)

Sold by: Smashwords

ISBN: 9780615496856

What if the person seated next to you was

the last person you’d ever want to see!

SALE!

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We recently blogged that a new e-book has been

penned by author Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes,

titled Why Should I Believe You?

Here’s the press release:

“ Watch this spot and DBR Books will keep you

posted on a new book release by author,

Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes. Why Should I

Believe You? a spiritually inspiring and empower-

ing book for those who have been struggling with

believing in God's promises, is set to be released on

September 1, 2013.

So have you ever been angry with God? If so, how

did you handle it? Were you even aware that you

were angry with Him? Why Should I Believe

You? is all about the author's anger at God, her

questions and doubts, and accusations that God

does not 'play' fair!

The book is written in first person narrative and is a commentary of her experi-

ences as she came face to face with the real truth about God's promises and His

love.

An e-book, Why Should I Believe You? will be available for free sample and pur-

chase on all e-reader formats this September 1, 2013! A must read!”

Other books by author Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes: The Women of Jesus;

The Woman on the Bus; The Secrets of Aunt Norah’s House.

[Press release written by DBR Books Blog]

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M erry Susiarjo’s book One More Candle is a well-written book on sibling jealousy, something we all know well in life. Four year old Nola was not content that her five

year old sister Betty always had one more candle than she did on her birthday cake. Nola tried to solicit the help of light-giving things such as the moon and the lighthouse to light one more candle for her. By her sixth birthday, Nola was ready to give up on her quest. However, her sister Betty resolves the situation in

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a heart-warming and endearing way.

The story line is a familiar one - sibling jealousy. However, there

is nothing common about this story, and the way in which the

matter is handled renders the book unique and an excellent read

for kids. It demonstrates love and teaches important lessons on

patience and understanding others, giving a message to show

love even in the smallest of actions! You won’t want to miss the

creatively imaginative way in which Betty resolves the problem,

showing remarkable understanding of what her sister was going

through!

Award winning illustrator Emmeline Pidgen does an excellent job

in bringing the story to life with pastel colored, whimsical draw-

ings which gives the book an ambience of warmth and softness

that tends to transfer to the reader, shaving off the edgy tension

of sibling jealousy.

One More Candle by Merry Susiarjo is appropriate for kids’

ages 3 to 7. The story and its lessons are broken down appropri-

ately for kids; it is also a fun bedtime read too!

Don’t miss our interview with the author—click here! [This Book

Review was written by Children’s Book Examiner.]

Title & Author: One More Candle by Merry Susiarjo

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Twelve Elves Books (September 1, 2013)

ISBN-10: 2954371218

ISBN-13: 978-2954371214

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b00k r3vi3ws invites you to

participate in its 2013 Reading Book

Challenge!

So you want to read books by

authors you’ve never read before?

Well here’s your chance to do it!

Then here's what you need to know about b00k r3vi3ws 2013 Reading Challenge:

1. Read as many books as possible, by authors that YOU haven't read before.

2. You do not have to be a blogger to participate.

3. Books read may be any form (audio, print, e-book).

4. The books can overlap with other reading challenges.

5. Post your links to your reviews each month to share with other participants.

6. The challenge runs from January 1, 2013 to December 1, 2013. Its never too

late to Join In!

Challenge Levels are: Amateur : Choose to read 1 - 10 New Authors

Lover : Choose to read 11 - 20 New Authors

Expert : Choose to read 20 - 25 New Authors

Fanatic : Choose to read 25 or above New Authors

To know more about this Reading Challenge and to join in with countless readers

and authors, sign up for free on b00k r3vi3ws website and begin today!

2013 Reading Challenge

Join in the FUN!

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Reading Challenge Books you might be

interested in!

O Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

O The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriar ty

O The White Princess (Cousins’ War) by Philippa Gregory

O The Hero (Thunder Point) by Robyn Carr

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DBR Books The Books Magazine September 2013

Here is a list of newly released books to keep your kids busy! These are now available in our local libraries nationwide or anywhere books are sold:

For Ages 8 to 12:

1. Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George

2. Big Nate I Can’t Take It! by Lincoln Peirce

3. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

4. Confectionately Yours #4 Something New by Lisa Papademetriou

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For Ages 3 to 7:

5. Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman

6. Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller

7. Moo, Baa, La La La by Sandra Boynton

DBR Books The Books Magazine September 2013

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A Note to Children’s books and YA fiction Authors:

DBR Books reviews children’s and YA fiction books, which are featured in our magazine.

Reviews are done by the Children’s Book Examiner for Examiner.com.

Do you have a recently published book in this genre and

would like a free review? Then contact us at: Editor at dbrdesigns1@gmail.com

ADVERTISE WITH US!

Are you an author or an illustrator? You can now advertise your books, illustrations, and websites with our

online source for books - The Books Magazine!

For our upcoming issues you can advertise with us and you'll receive a full page ad!

Ask how you can receive this offer! Email us at

dbrdesigns1@gmail.com

DBR Books The Books Magazine

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