Since 1998, YABooksCentral.com has been one of the leading teen book review communities on the Web. We feature book giveaways, author interviews, cover reveals, and much more! Join the community atwww.yabookscentral.com
Mission
To promote reading and literacy and also children’s and adolescent literature and authors. Basically, to spread the love of reading and help create a new generation of readers!
Company Overview
YABC is one of the leading YA and Kid lit sites on the Internet featuring monthly book giveaways, reviews, author bios & interviews, and much more. Visitors can submit reviews for a chance to win a box of books every month and learn about your favorite authors. And Authors — it’s always free to post your bio & book information! Paid advertising is also available (it goes directly to operating costs and is greatly appreciated).
YABC was founded by Kimberly Pauley, author of Sucks to Be Me, in 1998. In 2010, MG Buehrlen came on board to continue the mission. The site features the reviews of a number of writers, librarians, and also teens. Be sure to check the About this Site page for the current bios of all reviewers!
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Recently YABC asked a bunch or authors and readers to help make a video for Fiesta Movement. They are trying to win a Ford Fiesta to use as a Book Mobile. The video came out great. Can you spot me? I had so much fun making my section LOL!
I hope we win and get a Book Mobile. *taps foot and waits impatiently* And in the mean time, while we’re waiting, you can check out the TOUCHING THE SURFACE reviews at YA Books Central.
What’s your favorite thing about YABC? How cool would it be to have a Book Mobile? Haven’t heard of YABC before? Get on over there!!!!
Yesterday I spent most of my time working on my newly returned notes on THE OPPOSITE OF GRAVITY from my critique partners. Woo hoo! And here are some random thoughts that have popped into my head now that I’m delving back into the story…
* I love critique partners who not only tell me that I spelled something wrong or that I abused a semi-colon, but also give me a running commentary of what they’re thinking. It is so much fun and so helpful to see how their thought process unfolds as they interact with my words. This is true when you hear an OMG! I didn’t see that coming but it was awesome! It’s also just as valuable when I get an Ummmm I have no idea what’s going on here???? Both of these are helpful and needed.
*After a couple weeks with my MS on the back burner, I love it again. Phew! Honestly, by the time I’d passed it off to my friends, I was pretty sick of it and convinced, that while it was vastly better than it was before, it was still poo.
No, I don’t mean that kind of Pooh.
Writers, when you look at something for too long–it begins to look like poo. And then you have to learn to walk away from the poo, because when you’re knee deep in the poo, you can not get perspective. Don’t be afraid to pass the poo to a friend. That’s what friends are for (In the writing world or if you’re a mom with a new infant) And usually, what you get back (book or baby) is never quite as bad as what you thought you gave away. Your brain needed a break and now it’s working again.
*Speaking of the brain, it’s incredible how it will not see your mistakes no matter how many times you look at your own words. Your brain can do weird and wonderful things. To prove my point…
Acocdrnig to an elgnsih unviesitry sutdy the oredr of letetrs in a wrod dosen’t mttaer, the olny thnig thta’s iopmrantt is that the frsit and lsat ltteer of eevry word is in the crcreot ptoision. The rset can be jmbueld and one is stlil able to raed the txet wiohtut dclftfuiiy.
It blows me away and sort of scares me how easy it was for me to read that.
*I still growl or moan when I’m made aware of a plot hole or an inconstancy, even if I know it’s absolutely true. I tackle it, but it comes with sound effects. *head thunk*
*I really dig writing metaphors. I need to make this a component in the conference proposal I’m working on. One of my favorite parts of the writing process.
*I can get so engrossed in the revisions that I forget to write my blog post until almost midnight. *yawn* But because I want to get back to working on it (with a fresh mind) I’d better stop having random thoughts and get my butt to bed.
Any words or wisdom or bits of insight from your revision fort?
And don’t forget, there is still a chance to win a signed copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE for your local or school library. Enter HERE!
On March 23rd, I’ll be participating in a NYC TEEN AUTHOR FESTIVAL event at the New York Public Library!!!! In my humble opinion, this is too stinkin’ cool. But I LOVE all libraries, no matter how big or small. I love them with or without lions. I love school libraries or public libraries. In my opinion, they are all very special places and to celebrate my library love–I’m running a Library Giveaway. *fist pump*
If you were a winner in the last library giveaway I conducted, you may enter again as long as the book goes to a DIFFERENT school or public library. Looking for more information about the NYC TEEN AUTHOR FESTIVAL? Click the link above–events involving 80 different authors will be happening all week.
Since we’re hugging libraries, I was wondering if you had a special book that you took out over and over when you were a kid? One of my favorites was The Borrowers!!!! I KNEW they were living in my house too. Or at least I was hoping LOL!
2. As I’m writing this I’m a day and a 1/2 into the first phase of the 9 Day Isagenix Cleanse. As predicted I’m mean, crabby and hungry. Grrrrr I also have a headache. It sort of reminds me of drafting–I forget how hard it is until I’m actually doing it LOL! But I also remember how great it is to come out the other side.
My brilliant cleanse observations…
*Toxic crap is much more enjoyable going in than it is going out.
*Life is about perspective. If you told me to exchange three regular meals for two healthy shakes and a small healthy meal I would have felt deprived. On the other hand after two days of cleansing and not eating much at all–those shakes and a small meal are looking pretty darn good LOL!
*There are people in the world who are hungry like this all the time and they never know when it’s going to end.
3. My Friday Reads…
Yes, I’m reading them all at once. LOL! Some are on audio, some are with my kids, some are stuffed in my pocketbook and some are on my nightstand. And no, I never used to read multiple books at a time, but having kids allows you to multitask.
5. I’m also thrilled to be participating in the 2013 NYC Teen Author Festival!!!! The festival (a mix of public and private events) starts on Monday March 18th and ends Sunday March 24th with roughly 90 authors participating over the week and almost 50 authors doing a Mega-signing at Books of Wonder. To get the full schedule and the most up-to-the-minute news, be sure to stop by Facebook and hit the LIKE button…
I have a new addiction and it is so much healthier than the chocolate covered potato chips from the alps.
And yes, I sampled them when I went down to take the picture. Wouldn’t you? LOL! But hey–back on task–let’s talk about my other addiction. Squee! It’s school visits. Seriously people, they make me very, very happy. I’ve mentioned before that I was a teacher and that I was ok leaving the profession because it wasn’t a perfect fit for me. But author visits–It’s like taking a salty potato chip and dipping it in your favorite chocolate. It just works. It feels really good. I get to take the best parts of me (that I brought to the table as a teacher) and combine them with the heart and soul work I’m doing as a writer. Seriously, I could go on and on ad nauseam, but vomit isn’t pretty, so I’ll stop right after I tell you about the middle school boy who asked me to sign his arm yesterday. He mumbled something about not realizing he should have gotten the book. *heart squish* The thing is, there is more than one amazing thing going on when you’re an author for young adults. You have the potential to connect thorough your book, but you also have the weird ability to connect outside of your book. When you talk to a classroom of students, there may be kids who don’t pick up the book you’ve written, but they still hear what you say. And those words might be the right words at the right time. The possibilities and the potential are endless. But I promised to stop babbling. *covers mouth with hands*
Did you really think I’d shut up? Silly you. If you are located in the Hudson Valley area, I would love to arrange a visit to your local school. If you’re interested, let a teacher or librarian know that I’m available and how to contact me.
And because not everyone is close enough for me to stop over while my kids are in school, I’m doing a TOUCHING THE SURFACE giveaway for your favorite middle school or high school. Anyone can enter and the contest details are below.
And in case you still want to chat, I was wondering if any of you have stories of influential guest speakers visiting you in school. Did they make an impact on you? Didn’t have any guest speakers or they were duds? What author would you have loved to come and speak to you?
On Monday mornings I usually find myself cleaning up from the weekend. Seems like my tiding up is extending to my online life also. Here are a few loose ends–all in one location.
*The Class of 2k12’s year is almost over and our Class of 2k12 Epic End-of-the-Year giveaway of 20 Authors, 21 Books and just ONE winner ends on the 12-12-12. Don’t miss your chance to enter to win!!!!
*I’m still looking for people to become Hot Spots for TOUCHING THE SURFACE. (Details HERE) I have one or more Hot Spots in…
FL, TX, SD, PA, CA, MI, NY, PA, AL, CT, IL, UT, NC, KY, IN, OK, NJ, SC, GA and WA
How was your weekend? Mine was great but went way too fast. Are you ready for the holidays or has your inner holiday elf run from the house screaming in fear? Have a marvelous Monday!
Woo Hoo!!!! GOOD NEWS NELSON is the second picture book by my wonderful friend and critique partner Jodi Moore, author of WHEN A DRAGON MOVES IN. My boys and I were thrilled to receive a copy of GOOD NEWS NELSON for review from Story Pie Press. Here’s a little bit about it to get you started.
GOOD NEWS NELSON
By: Jodi Moore
Publication Date: December 4, 2012
Nelson delivers the news. Cranky old Mrs. Snodberry complains about the news. But when the headlines expose the plight of 100 abandoned cats, they both realize that the news is more than just a paper on a doorstep. Challenged by Mrs. Snodberry’s statement that “no one cares anymore,” Nelson develops a plan that will not only help the animal shelter, the cats, and ultimately the environment, but a plan that just might change Mrs. Snodberry’s pessimistic view of the world. The story dramatizes that children can do big things…and that bad news can turn to good news when everyone works together.
Here’s what the Jodi Moore fans in the Sabatini household had to say about GOOD NEWS NELSON…
Aidan (age 7)–“I liked how it was so creative–how it started one way and ended another way.”
Ty (age 9)– **spoiler alert**“I liked how a lot of things were connected, like how delivering the news led to saving the kittens.”
Jamison (age 11)–“I liked how thoughtful it was. Not a lot of people go out of their way like Nelson did.”
All three boys were unanimous that their favorite characters were Nelson and the kittens.
Now, here’s my take on GOOD NEWS NELSON: This is a quiet, simple book and I say this in the most complimentary of ways. I’m raising three boys who often find themselves in the position of wanting to make a positive change in the world, but they aren’t really sure how to make that happen. GOOD NEWS NELSON is a story that shows it’s readers how small, but heartfelt actions, can make a big difference. It empowers children. It also illustrates the benefits of having a positive attitude and reminds us that saying “good morning” is a worth while investment. GOOD NEWS NELSON clearly shows that people are interconnected and we are all at our best when we work together–that is a message that I want my children to be exposed to. My kids loved this book, I loved this book and I know you’re going to love it too.
At this point, I know you’re already sold on GOOD NEWS NELSON, but the good news is far from over. Story Pie Press, in addition to putting out eco-friendly, fun, inspirational books for children, also connects each book it publishes with a charitable cause. GOOD NEWS NELSON supports The Humane Society of the United States with 30% of it’s proceeds. This isn’t just good news–it’s GREAT NEWS!
If you’d like to be a part of spreading the good news about GOOD NEWS NELSON by Jodi Moore AND help The Humane Society of the United States in the process, it is available for pre-order here…
Since I am absolutely going to be purchasing copies of this book for my children and their school and local library (and I hope you might consider doing the same) I will be giving away my review copy to one lucky reader of my blog today!!!! I want to share the GOOD NEWS!!!!
Have you read any Class of 2k12 books this year? How many? Have a favorite? Were there any unexpected surprise? Do you still have one you’re dying to get your hands on? Let’s talk fiction that ROCKS!
Four times a year teamTEENauthor has a dare day, but today is also the kick-off to a massive scavenger hunt that ends on November 10th. The more people that enter, the more prizes are unlocked. All the details can be found HERE! But before you go take a walk down memory lane with me. I decided to participate in the Dare Day fun and do Dare #3–Post pictures and other links all about your celebrity teenage heart throb. I know that you never would have expected this since I look so young, right? But here he is…
Shaun Cassidy
And here was the first album I ever owned.
And just so you get the full effect…
The Da Doo Ron Ron was my favorite Shaun Cassidy song. I was seven when it came out. *squee!* And I used to watch him on the Hardy Boys ALL THE TIME!!!
I usually get all sappy, talking about this topic, but today I’m going to keep it light. You didn’t know I had it in me, did you? LOL!
What is the opposite of banning a book? PROMOTION!!!! Every time you spread the word about a book you love, you help to marginalize the impact of narrow minds. It gives me tingles just thinking about it. So, this week I’m encouraging you to spread the word about books you love–particularly those that are banned. *rifles through drawer to find banned books bracelet*
And because it’s October and TOUCHING THE SURFACE launches in 26 days!!! *jaw drops* I’m running a little contest that will help me with my own promotion. I just ordered TOUCHING THE SURFACE T-shirts and they should be here in about 2 weeks. I’m giving one away on Facebook and one here on the blog. If you pre-order a copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE between now and the time the T-shirts arrive, you’ll be eligible to win one. Here’s what they are going to look like…
All you have to do to be entered is let me know the date you pre-order SURFACE and also let me know what your favorite banned book is. Feel free to write it in caps so I know you’re shouting it to the world. <3 Additionally, if you share this blog post–leave me the link and you’ll get an extra entry.
To make it easy on you–here’s some awesome places you can pre-order…
You can also find out more about Banned Books Week (September 30th-October 6th) HERE. I have soooo many beloved banned books but the first one I’ll shout out is…TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee!!!!
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