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| Mr. Maloof by Danielle Marietta Pub date is 3/1/22, Pre-orders are up for grabs! |
My son and I were gifted this book from the sweet Author, Danielle Marietta. This book is beautiful from the cover until the end. The illustrator Sarah Jane Docker did a fabulous job with the design and the illustrations. This story was an absolute treasure to read with my son Ryder. We enjoyed the moments of genuine laughter as we got to know Mr. Maloof and his tricks. Ryder found it particularly funny as well because he too is a silly kid. He loves to play pranks on his Daddy and sister. I think any child who is playful and full of spunk will enjoy this book too. As a parent, I felt especially touched by this book because of it's message. The simple reminder that no matter how old you become, it is perfectly okay to remain silly. It is more than okay to be yourself, despite the age or the social expectations. I needed this reminder as a Homeschool Teacher and Mom. I needed to be reminded to be goofy with my kids and let loose a little. To enjoy the little moments in life that pass us by. To take wonder in all of the new adventures that my children embark on with me by their side. To laugh from inside of the heart and play often. Life can be so serious at times and children these days tend to grow up a lot faster than most. I feel this book teaches a very valuable lesson for the child and the parent alike. I will keep this one in my Homeschool library for many years to come and pass it down to my grandchildren one day. I will also be ordering two more, one for each of my nieces.
I highly encourage you to go ahead and Pre-order your copy On Amazon or wherever books are sold, so that you can add this gem to your home library. I promise you will not be disappointed. Danielle Marietta does not disappoint. She is in touch with her inner child, and it shows. I absolutely love her writing style and so does my son.
Thank you, Danielle Marietta, for this AMAZING read! We cannot read to add more of your books to our school. (I will be adding the book reading of, Mr. Maloof, from our Classroom to yours via our debut Youtube Channel. Stay tuned for more updates!)
Danielle is originally from Seattle but has been living in the DC metro area for the last 15 years. While studying at Howard University she met her husband. And although Danielle has always enjoyed writing, she did not take it seriously until she spent hours on end reading to their three children. She writes for them.
To catch up on any latest news, giveaways, and more subscribe to Danielle Marietta's Newsletter. Below is a link to her website to check out her other publications!
Author | Danielle Marietta (daniellemariettabooks.com)
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| The Cruel Prince by Holly Black |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars!
Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations - especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family’s true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs…and not a moment too soon. Because when evil both natural and supernatural comes to show itself in town, it’s going to take every bit of the magic she has inside her to see her through."
Root Magic's main character is named Jezebel. The book is based in the 1960's and in the South Carolina. During that time discrimination and racism was very much alive. Jezebel at the very start of the story loses her grandmother. The story begins during her grandmother's aka "Gran's" funeral. I remember listening to the story on Audible while I was cooking dinner. Before I knew it my eyes were leaking tears for Jezebel. I also remembered how I felt when my grandmother passed, and the story started to reach my heart instantly. The story goes on to introduce other characters like her twin brother, Jay and her Uncle Doc. As well as her loving and protective Mother. I got a sense of a close bond between her family right away. The story gets really scary when the local Sheriff Collins comes by as soon as they get home from the funeral. I could sense a very threatening presence and it shook me to my core. I then cried more tears as this Sheriff intrudes on their time of mourning. You can feel the pain in Jeze's voice as the narrator the voice of, Imani parks, speaks on Audible. I was originally reading to know if this was a book I wanted to share to my children as well but then it became clear that this was a book that I needed to read/hear.
During the story integration among schools begins and Jezebel has to attend a class differently than her brother. She is then surrounded by children she has never met before. Early on you learn how lonely Jezebel is and how she struggles to make friends in school. I recalled how much I struggled at a young age as well. I kept mostly to myself and books. I remember how timid and shy I used to be. How often I was quiet and often bullied. Jezebel too experiences similar through a bully named Letty. Letty and her family (and many others) looked down on Jezebel for being part of a family who does "root work". They deemed it old fashioned, and taboo. However, many of the people in the community were seen at Jezebel's Uncle's Cabin for help with all kinds of things like health and other healing needs. Letty enjoyed taunting Jezebel and making her feel less than she was even though Jezebel was kind. Soon Jezebel makes friends with a kind girl named Suzie. They begin sitting together for lunch.
The story goes on to grow with Jezebel and her brother Jay as they being to learn the family's legacy. Root work with their Uncle Doc. You could almost picture his cabin in the mind's eye. The creaking cabin floor, the cobwebs in the corners, the smell of all kinds of potions and herbs. I began to understand some of what root magic was and how much it helped others. There was a time when only white people could go to the hospital or see doctors. Root Workers stepped up and helped when no one else would. I was very sad to hear how many people who practiced this type of magic were looked down on for it. They truly were holding many communities up and helping carry on their traditions. The story goes on to follow Jezebel as she comes into her power. Her twin brother Jay seemed to feel as if he was falling behind her. Jezebel seemed to grow into her power a lot quicker. I also noticed that there is a noticeable difference in what changes girls go through versus what boys do. In school Jezebel is called a "witch" and Jay isn't terrorized as Jezebel is. She begins growing in her abilities and many times she is almost killed or hurt by something who wants the power she maintains. Without giving too many spoiler alerts, the story goes on two have a few exciting moments. Some left me wide awake at 3 a.m. and fighting to keep the night light on.
You also notice the southern tones in the book. There are things spoken and thoughts that are clearly a southern thought. Being from the south I totally understood the concept and that is why this book felt more real.
This story felt like a special gem to read. I felt like the writer herself was telling me a story from the heart. One of love of family, Gullah-Geechee culture, and African folklore that is often times misinterpreted as evil or taboo. I felt a closeness with Jezebel and my younger self. When she was scared, I too became scared. I cried multiple moments for the pain Jezebel's family had to endure at the hands of a racist Sheriff. It was a very powerful story because of the many levels of subject matter. I was deeply touched at the level of bravery Jezebel had and the love her family shared together. That despite all of the scary things happening at that time they remained together and faced the world hand in hand. All the while trying to preserve the Gullah-Geechee culture and it's practices for their families. I gave this book a five-star rating because I feel I am a better person having read this book. The Author's Note at the end was especially knowledgeable and I felt like I needed the education. I want to learn more about the Gullah-Geechee culture and the folklore as well. I will be following the Author Eden Royce's journey from here on out. What a great book she has written. My heart was touched, and I bought the book for my Homeschool Library. I DID NOT feel like it was too scary to read for middle grade.
This story has:
- Supernatural Elements
- Monstrous creatures
- Bullying amongst peers
- Growing up during the deep south's racism and the fear that goes with it.
- Loss of loved ones.
- The growth of a young girl and her journey.
- The love and strength of family.
Thank you so much Author Eden Royce for writing such an amazing book. And for sharing the Root Magic culture and knowledge with us readers. I cannot wait to read anything else you write. This book will have a permanent home on our Homeschool Library Shelf.
-A. BookWitch
Author Eden Royce is a Southern Gothic writer from Charleston, South Carolina.
Did you know she is a Shirley Jackson Award nominee? WOW! Her middle grade book, Root Magic is a Walter Award Honoree. WELL DESERVED!
Fun fact: She loves to roller skate! How fun!
Author of Southern Gothic Fiction (edenroyce.com)
You can find a copy of Root Magic on Amazon and wherever books are sold!
Here is an Author Interview as well to hear more from Author Eden Royce:
Five Star Review! 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hey, readers! It is time for another great book review! Grab your tea and your cozy spot. Let's dive in!
Eighteen-year-old Sara is not normal, and she’s losing her grip on hiding her inexplicable power. Hunted by a dark witch and facing devastating losses, Sara finds refuge in Ware Woods—a spellbinding forest protected by witches, shapeshifters . . . and thorny secrets. Here she discovers true magic and an electric connection with Thomas, a wickedly charming and equally headstrong witch from a dangerous family.
But Sara is an outsider who has brought darkness and a fatal prophecy to the forest. To prove she belongs in Ware Woods, Sara is tested and pushed to master new magics, all while concealing the monstrous force that makes her undeniably different.
As the dark witch closes in on her and an insidious blight threatens Ware Woods, Sara must release her full power—and either save the forest and everyone she loves or destroy everything.
When I began to read, Witch of Ware Woods, there was no real expectation. I came into the book with a small idea of what it was about. The beginning of the book became really clear that it was not just a normal quick read. This book was something so much more. It is not often that I find myself in my old teenage reading feels. A young girl sitting back reading a fantasy book without any knowledge of the world she is about to enter. A young heart eager for knowledge on falling in love, self-confidence, and balancing life. I remember that feeling being young and getting into more detailed books of love and fantasy. The main character (MC) Sara was so relatable from the very beginning. Her constant battle between her abilities and her need to figure out if she was evil was intriguing. I kept reading every day after the kids went to sleep. I wanted to read this book for myself and for my daughter who is thirteen. I Eventually it became so intense I began to just read for the fun of it. You know that moment when a book has your full undivided attention. The more I read of the story the more I began to remember a part of my old self. The young teenage girl I used to be who could not stand to close a book. The girl who hated to stop to eat because she just "had" to know what was going to happen next. This book made me feel that way again. It reminded me of why I enjoy reading as a hobby. It reminded me why I write and why it is important I never lose sight of the young girl in my heart. Her magic that she was capable of doing was astounding and very intense. I enjoyed reading how she would learn to use them and discover any new ones that lay under the surface. I think my favorite part of the book initially was when she first got to Ware Woods. Sonja did an amazing job at building this forest and visually creating this world for her characters. I can tell that she spent time on creating each section of the forest until every inch of it was just as real to her as it was for us the reader. The description of the trees and the homes were so vivid I could almost see them in my mind's eye. She basically did what a painter does on a canvas, but she did so with her words. I most enjoyed reading about each relative and person who lived inside the forest. It was very reminiscent to Twilight, when Jacob's family was introduced. But to me this story does a better job with a back story for everyone. It's as if Sonja understands exactly how important it is for the reader to know everyone and how deeply connected, they are. I think that is why she chose trees as the main focus because trees are deeply rooted and connected to the Earth. They are strong and steadfast. They provide shelter and comfort on rainy days. Family that is there for you with love so big can do the same thing. Family that is strong like an Oak tree for example, can make anyone fight for their home and for those they love. Sara continued to fight with the monsters within herself through the book, but it was not written in a way that would be annoying or repetitive. The buildup of her frustration within herself and her situation was a natural one which made the book more believable. The pain she felt during a really hard time in the book was also just as raw as loss would be. Loss is dirty, it is messy, it is anger, and it is pain. Sara felt all of those things and she pushed through them. I appreciated that message within this book as well, and I think young readers will find comfort in the story line. Now, I cannot write a review without addressing the love interest of the book.
Thomas! Someone go get me a spray bottle of water, because those pages were steamy! Now wait a minute, steamy for a YA Fantasy steamy. There was a wonderful amount of chemistry, flirtation, and such between Sara and Thomas but I feel like it was done in a very tasteful way. Even the steamiest scene was done eloquently, and I feel like it would be okay for my daughter to read in a year or so. The way the relationship develops over time for those two is equally as entertaining as it is captivating. The way she wrote Thomas's dad was an amazing addition as well as his sister. I enjoyed watching her fight back towards Kane, and her ability to stand up for herself. I found myself wanting to know more about them and what was going to happen. Every day was a new discovery and a new lesson. As a parent I would rate the love interest part of the book about a PG rating. It wasn't as inappropriate as most and that was very refreshing. I like books my daughter can safely read off the YA shelf in our library.
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| Me, literally loving this book. |
review was the evil, dark witch that seemed to lurk in the shadows. I will not provide any more information other than the fact that she was really nasty. However, just like life, everyone is not going to be kind, or easy to be around. As far as villains go, I believe the ones in this forest were stellar. But in a very good way.
More about the Author:
Sonja F. Blanco and I met on Instagram many moons ago. We share similar witchy passions. We both enjoy trees and nature. She is truly someone that I've come to look up too and admire. She grew up in New England where she ran barefoot through the woods, chased lightning bugs, and tapped maple trees for syrup.
Having an ancestor who was hung as a witch, Sonja is naturally drawn to all things magical and fantastical—trees and cemeteries in particular.
At 5’2” she is often caught climbing tables, chairs, and small children to reach the upper shelves. She likes coffee and tea equally, both of which most certainly contributed to her diminutive stature. She writes fantasy as if it were real, because believing makes it so.
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