Thought for the Day:
“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”
~ Louis L’amour ~
Gifts for My Writer Friends:
Anne R. Allen’s blog is always a good read. Her post HERE entitled How to Write a Professional, Not-Embarrassing Query to an Agent, Reviewer, Editor, or Blogger is one of the best I’ve read.
Every writer needs to do some research at one time or another. For me, it’s about my favorite part of writing. The Creative Penn has a terrific post HERE with 7 Tips for Researching a Novel.
I remember being taught somewhere along the way that things in stories happen chronologically, so there is no reason to use the word “then” when writing. But there is more to it than that. Check out the post from Louise Harnby HERE for some explanation and great examples.
It isn’t often (not nearly often enough!) when a book makes me laugh out loud, not just once or twice, but virtually all the way through. Homerooms & Hall Passes by Tom O’Donnell had me laughing out loud a ridiculous amount. I often stopped what I was doing to read passages to anyone I could find. The story is so clever and smart. Get your hands on this book any way you can, and then pass it along to any kids around. Do you have a reluctant reader? This book will have them reading. Do you have kids who think they should be reading up? This book is so clever, they won’t mind reading a middle-grade book. I sure hope there is a movie in the works, because I can’t wait to see it. Here is the review I wrote for the Manhattan Book Review.
Bríandalör is a land with wizards, barbarians, elves, thieves, demons, and more. A group of young Bríandalörians meets at a local pub to play a game called Homerooms & Hall Passes, a game they play with their avatars, set in a suburban American middle school, JADMS. Unfortunately, one of the group, Devis, stole a jewel that carries a curse, and they are sucked into the game, finding themselves as their avatars at JADMS. It’s a good thing it is Dress Like a Pirate Day, or they would have a much more difficult time blending in. But blend in they do, all except Albiorix, who, as Hall Master, had no avatar. But as a wizard, he manages. And what could possibly go wrong in this scenario?
Author Tom O’Donnell has written a laugh-out-loud, down-right hysterical book that absolutely nails what middle school is all about. The writing is crisp and the dialogue snappy and perfect for the characters. One doesn’t have to be a gamer to enjoy this book. In fact, it likely will draw gamers away from their consoles for a while. This book should not be missed. Adults and kids will enjoy this clever book.
I have a gently-used ARC of this book for one of you. All you need do is be a follower or subscriber (it’s free!), have a U.S. address, and leave a comment below. If you would like extra chances, please share the link to this post on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media outlet and let me know you have done that. And don’t forget to check for other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at the Greg Pattridge’s blog HERE.
Rosi Hollinbeck 
Oh, PLEASE!! I want to laugh out loud, too. Thank you for all of the fun books you find for us, Rosi.
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This really is funny and, yes, we do need to laugh these days. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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Laugh-out-loud books are wonderful! We all need a laugh these days… And it does sound as if this would make a fantastic movie.
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Every day that passes makes laughing all the more important. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Good luck in the drawing.
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Yes! Hurray for funny books! The world (and kids!) needs more of them.
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Hurray indeed! How nice to see you here. Thanks for commenting. Good luck in the drawing.
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Humorous books are my favorite! Thanks for sharing your ARC with one of us. I shared this post on twitter, facebook, tumblr, and pinterest. I’m headed to Goodreads to add this book right now.
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You will like this one, Danielle. Thanks for the comment and for sharing my link. Good luck in the drawing.
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I love humorous books! I’ll be checking this one out for sure.
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It’s the funniest book I have read in a very long time. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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Wizards in human avatars…nice twist!
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Such a great twist. Don’t miss it. Good luck in the drawing. Thanks for stopping by.
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Funny books are the most requested from kids. I’ll take a funny book any day to offset the sadness that prevails in quite a few MG books. I hope this is the beginning of a trend.
Loved the links this week and the query post is a keeper!
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I’ll bet your students would love this one. It’s a bit long, but could be a good read aloud. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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With all that’s going on in our world right now, I could honestly use a few laughs! I also enjoyed your quote from Louis L’Amour; I have enjoyed many of his novels over the years. Thanks for sharing both of these bookish treats for MMGM, Rosi!
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You are welcome. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Good luck in the drawing.
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such a fun one! glad to see you enjoyed it as much as I did!
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It is a terrific book. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Nice to see you here.
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Sounds like a fun book. Plus fantasy elements make it sound even better. Thanks for the giveaway.
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This is such a good book, Natalie. I know you would enjoy it. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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What a fun-sounding book! I will sometimes smile at books, but to actually laugh out loud? Wow!
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It is a wowser of a book. You will like it. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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Count me in! Thanks
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Okay. You are in.
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Wow! What a wonderful review of an entertaining book. I am all for a really good book making kids laugh — life is too serious! I remember laughing out loud as I read the Joey Pigza series.
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I have one of the Joey Pigza books, and I have never gotten to it. I will have to move it to the top of my stack. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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What a hilarious and clever premise! I’ll pass on the giveaway, but this book sounds fantastic! Thanks for the review!
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I know! Why didn’t I think of that? I hope you get a chance to read this one. Thanks for stopping by.
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This sounds like a lot of fun. Though not my usual ‘cup of tea,’ I know kids will find it to their liking. Thanks for sharing it on MMGM.
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I think kids will gobble this one up. Thanks for the comment.
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What a great-sounding book! I love humorous books. Those are the ones I go back and re-read more than once. Thanks for such a good review. Good luck to the winner!
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Ah, if I had time, I would probably read this again. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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Sounds fun! Unfortunately, my library doesn’t have it. (A downside to moving to a small town.)
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That is too bad. Maybe your library will buy a copy if you request it. Or maybe you will win. Good luck in the drawing. Thanks for the comment.
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What a great review! and thanks for the links. I clicked over and read the one about the use of then and before – great advice!
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I found that post really helpful too. Glad you like the links. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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The combination of humor and fantasy is really intriguing. I suppose that’s what made Harry Potter so good. I think my gaming son would love this too. And thanks for the link about then. That is one of my writing tics.
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I always search for then and find far too many of them. I think your gaming son and you would really love this book. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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Love your review – you make it sound so good. Definitely adding it to my TBR list because who doesn’t want to laugh and smile when reading a book? Plus, I know a reluctant reader and my last two attempts at offering a good option failed, perhaps this will one will do the trick.
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