Why Read? Why Not?

Do you like to read? Do you like book giveaways? If you said yes, this is the blog post for you.

When I was a child, I loved to go to the library. It was a place of adventure and fun even if you had to be really quiet. I devoured Nancy Drew and Little House on the Prarie. Reading is one of the few things that’s fun to do and actually good for you. I wish the same could be said for chocolate!

Why are books important for children?

I can give you a few reasons I found on Annabelle Short’s, Imagine Forest blog, July 25, 2017 post.

1. Reading expands a child’s vocabulary.
2. It makes them better readers.
3. It helps build independence and self-confidence. They start to understand the world on their own.
4. Reading leads to future academic success.
5. Reading enhances imagination by forcing the reader to picture what the character looks like and where they are.
6. It entertains them and improves grammar and writing skills.

If you are in elementary or middle-school and love to read, you’ve come to the right place.

I know some great MG writers who are also members of The Storyteller Squad.

Victoria Kimble has published a delightful series for middle-grade girls. Four books make up The Choir Girl series. Soprano Trouble, Alto Secrets, Harmony Blues, and Solo Disaster.

The series begins with Summer McKidd a bright, compassionate 7th grader who gets pulled into a mean prank. Each book focuses on one girl and the unique issues in her life but the other girls are in each volume. I’ve read all four and I love getting to know a bit more about each character as the series goes along. By the end of the last book, I felt like these girls were my best friends.

Julane Fisher has published a great book entitled Sour Lemon and Sweet Tea.

Eleven-year-old Lillie Mae Liles plans to play baseball all summer, and why not, since she has a baseball diamond in her front yard and enough brothers and sisters to form a team. As hard times hit Triple Gap, Georgia, Lillie finds herself dodging insults from the richest and snobbiest girl in middle school. When Lillie discovers a buried family secret, she turns her habit of spying into serious detective work. Believing that someone is trying to steal the farm, Lillie gets herself in one tangled mess after another. Rich in Southern humor, Sour Lemon and Sweet Tea is an irresistible journey of self-discovery, overcoming rejection, and the power of forgiveness.

Please don’t think I’m leaving the guys out. Burton Cole writes the funniest books that both boys and girls will enjoy. Bash and the Pirate Pig, Bash and the Chicken Coop Caper, and Bash and the Chocolate Milk Cows.

Bash and the Pirate Pig is the story of a cranky city kid named Raymond “Beamer” Boxby who must spend summer vacation at his younger cousin Bash Hinglehobb’s farm. Beamer prefers air conditioning and video games. He can’t see what good can come of this so-called country fun that includes riding cows, river rafting with a pig, or playing with skunks. But hang tight, Beamer, because Bash’s zany adventures with his “Fishin’ and Farmin’ book” (The Bible) just might lead to the coolest Discovery of all.

I always look forward to critiquing one of Burt’s chapters because I know I’ll get a good laugh.

I almost forgot to mention (not really) my book A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace.

A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace is a collection of short stories for children, ages seven to eleven. The stories are biblical, historical and contemporary. The biblical section includes Daniel in the Lions’ den from the perspective of one of the hungry lions and the apostle Peter’s miraculous escape from prison. In the historical section the reader travels to England in the middle ages and encounters a queen, knights, and a ship full of pirates. Modern young Christians face a variety of issues in the contemporary section. A devotion, prayer and scripture follow each story.

CONTEST NEWS!!!!

Christmas is around the corner so I’m giving away an autographed copy of A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace. It’s easy to enter. Scroll to the bottom of this post and leave a comment. Let me know one of your favorite books or just say hello.

The contest ends at midnight on November 26 and I’ll have a random drawing from everyone that made a comment. I’ll post the winner on The Storyteller Squad on Tuesday, November 27. So get to commenting and tell your friends.

By the way – check out my Facebook page  www.facebook.com/sharonreneauthor.com  I’d love to get to know you better!