Millicent Marie Tour With Karen Pokras Toz

Welcome To The Blog Tour!! 

I'm so glad you stopped by. We've got so much going on,

 so don't miss any of it!

Today, Millicent has stopped by for a character post she's absolutely positive you will enjoy. So without further adieu, I introduce Millicent Marie, well she says that it's not her name but for now I have no idea what else to call her.

Hi everyone!

I’m twelve years old, and I’m in sixth grade. It’s kind of a big year for me because we get to do all kinds of cool stuff like go on fun trips, do sports, join the Drama Club, and even have a sixth-grade dance. 

I was going to join the soccer club, but there is this girl Haylee, who keeps saying mean things about me. She decided to join the team this year, which meant, I decided not to join the team this year. 

None of the things Haylee says about me are true. I don’t know why she has to make stuff up. She has to know it hurts my feelings. Whenever she says something about me, the other kids laugh, and then I feel even worse. I would never do anything like that. Okay, well maybe I have said some things about people, but they’ve all been true. That’s different right? I’m just reporting back facts; I’m not telling lies just to be mean. Besides, if I didn’t say it, someone else would. I don’t see what the big deal is. It’s not like I’m hurting anyone’s feelings, I’m just . . . Oh no . . . I’m doing exactly the same thing that Haylee is doing! Is that possible? 

I never thought of it like that before, but it’s true! Gossip doesn’t have to be something that is made up. Gossip is just talking about someone else, and at times it can be hurtful! I know, I’ve been on the receiving end, and sadly, it looks like I’ve been on the other end a well. But now that I know, it’s time to stop. There is nothing good that can come out of gossiping. Now I just need to figure out how to spread the message (in a non-gossiping way, of course), so other people can stop as well. 

Can you help me? Have a discussion with a friend or child, and let them know how gossiping can hurt others. Together we can make a difference.

I totally agree, Millicent and I'm definitely going to do my part. Thanks, so much for stopping by! Now, I'd like to tell you what I thought about the book.

ORDER HERE!

About The Book: Twelve-year-old 
Millicent Marie does not like her name. After all, she was named for a woman who died more than fifty years ago and was not the most lovable member of the Harris family. Her friends call her Millie, but when she
writes in her diary she refers to herself as Amanda ñ the name she
always wished she had.
       When Millie ís younger brother finds her
diary on her computer, he decides to publish it as a blog for the entire world to see, including the boy Millie has a crush on. In the midst of all the mayhem, Millie/Amanda discovers she is suddenly Springside Elementary ís most sought after sixth-grade mystery gossip and advice
columnist.
      But not all is fun and games, as Millie quickly
learns, once she realizes feelings are at stake. Nobody, least of all
Millie, expects things to turn out as they do in this tale of friendship
and respect.

First Line: September 9-Sometimes our parents have a momentary lapse of judgment when it comes to their children. 

What I Thought: Karen Toz has really hit the mark with this middle grade novel about what it's like to be in middle grade. When Millie's talking to her brother, her voice is genuine and angst drips from the words. "Go ahead and tell who ever you want. Just be prepared to have to explain to Mom and Dad why it was you were in my room, looking at my personal diary, and then setting up a blog to send it off over the Internet – cause in my book, that’s way worse than anything I’ve done. Now beat it!” The plot is great and everything keeps moving quickly. I love all the blog posts, too. 

Connect:

Website: www.karentoz.com

Blog: http://kptoz.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/karenptoz

Twitter: www.twitter.com/karentoz

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5009570.KarenPokrasToz

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/karentoz

AND NOW....(drum roll please) THE GOODIES!

Comment on this blog for a chance to win your very own Millicent Swag Bag!

Karen Pokras Toz is also having a huge giveaway as part of this awesome blog tour. You won't believe the prizes, they are incredible!

Karen will be on

tour for the entire month of October. Check out the full schedule here. 

The Grand prize is a swag pack plus tote bage, mug, and Amazon Gift Card. You can enter that below!

As usual, don't forget to visit the other incredible middle grade book reviewers for some other great books to add to your TBR.
 I know I am!

Give-Away & MMGM: Nate Rocks The Boat by Karen Pokras Toz

About The Book: The Adventure Continues...With fourth grade finally winding down, 10-year-old Nathan Rockledge is looking forward to a fun and relaxing summer at home with his friends. That is, until his mom decides he has to go to overnight camp with his annoying older sister. When his best friend, Tommy, decides to tag along, Nathan thinks maybe his summer won’t actually be so bad. After all, he does get to be away from his mom's awful cooking for an entire six weeks. Amongst Color War competitions, a flaky counselor, and a bully named "No-Neck,” Nathan turns to his trusty sketchpad, transforming himself into Nate Rocks: 10-year-old extraordinaire. His speedboat ready for action, Nate saves the day time and agan from the perils of floods, snakes, ghosts, and even the most wanted criminals. Join Nathan, Tommy, Abby, and a whole new cast of characters as Nate Rocks once again proves nothing can hold him back. -Goodreads
First Line: "But, why Mom?"
One Great Line: "The children's menu is on the back along with some games," the waitress said pointing to the placemats.
    Really? Going into fifth grade and she thinks Tommy and I are only interested in grilled cheese sandwiches in the shape of boats. Not to mention the fact that I am so hungry I feel like I could eat five burgers.


What Others Are Saying: “Nate Rocks is back and better than ever! This is a must have for the young readers in your life!” -Stacey Rourke, Author of The Gryphon Series 


"Karen Toz has done it again! It's very difficult to find a book that boys will love. Nate fills the bill. This is the second installment in the Nate series. It's fantastic to read about a great kid who knows how to use his imagination. There is a great lesson about friendship in this book. The lesson is given in a fun to read manner. Kids, especially boys, will love this book. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for Nate's next adventure." -Donna Lawrence, Book Lovers Paradise

What I Thought: You know what I love about Nate? His frank and honest tone. Jake's tween view of the world is exactly the right combination of sardonic spark and hopeful optimism.  This is the perfect book for boys who need to have something happening on every page, either adventure or hilarious banter.  

Other books: Nate Rocks The World- See my review and Interview with Karen here. 
   

About The Author:
Karen Pokras Toz
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Who: Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife, and mom. Karen grew up in the small town of Orange, Connecticut and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Finance. She also attended the University of Richmond, where she studied law and business, receiving both a JD and an MBA. Karen is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Karen lives in Montgomery County, PA with her husband and three children.


Be sure to check the other awesome MMGM reviewers in my sidebar.


Come back tomorrow for the second half Socia's look at Twitter.


Wednesday: Interview with Jodi Meadows

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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Nate Rocks The World by Karen Pokras Toz an Interview and a Giveaway

TweetAbout The Book: 

Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan.
Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan’s life as a fourth grader appears to be completely doomed. Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things.
Follow the quirky and imaginative adventures of ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge as his cartoons come to life.    GoodReads

First Line: The score is three to two in the bottom of the ninth with two outs.

What I Liked: One of my favorite passages was when Nate was dreading Valentines day. This was one holiday I never enjoyed. Much like Nate the prospect of spending hours writing out the names of every classmate, especially the boys I didn't like made me crazy. Karen Pokras Toz has captured many of those rituals that we all have experienced, bringing sensibility as well credibility to her narrative.

Author Karen Pokras Toz

Website 

Blog

Publisher: CreateSpace

Who:  Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife, and mom. Karen grew up in the small town of Orange, Connecticut and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Finance. She also attended the University of Richmond, where she studied law and business, receiving both a JD and an MBA. Karen has spent the last several years working as a tax accountant, writing in numbers. She recently discovered a passion for writing with words. Karen enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her husband and three children.

A Visit With Karen

      I really appreciated when Karen contacted me about her book. As an aspiring author and published writer I am seriously watching the publishing industry just like everyone else. When she agreed to discuss her self-publishing journey I was very excited. 

1. What was the main reason you decided to self-publish?

I did query a few agents at the start of the process. While waiting ( & waiting) for responses, I found an incredible amount of information on the Internet about self-publishing. The more I learned, the more I felt it was the best fit for me. I love the fact that I retain all rights and control of my book. I think that was the most important aspect to making my decision. 

2. Did you hire an editor and illustrator for the cover? 

Yes, I hired both. As an independent author, you want to make sure that your book looks as professional as possible. My book went through many rounds of edits until I was satisfied with the end result. The person I hired to do both the cover and interior design was amazing: Deana Riddle from Bookstarter.com - I can’t wait to work with her again on the next Nate book!

3. What do you like best about self-publishing?

I love the freedom of self-publishing. I set the price, I decide on the distribution and format, I promote as my schedule allows, and so on. 

4. Tell us about something you wish you'd known going in.

A lot of the online marketing I have done has been on a “figure it out” as you go basis. I’m still learning everyday, but I wish I had been more established on-line before jumping in.

5. When a writer is trying to decide whether to go traditional or self-publish what do they need to consider?

Think about your timeline. If you have a book that is ready to go, you can be self-published in a matter of weeks. Traditional publishing generally takes months (sometimes years) even after you have signed a contract.  Also - if you are thinking about self-publishing, research and decide on a budget. Editors, designers, and marketing are some of the items you may not have to pay for up front when going the traditional route. You can easily spend thousands trying to self-publish, but it is not necessary. A lot of the work, you can do yourself for free, but you need to make sure you have the time to devote to the workload. Remember that even traditionally published authors have to work hard at self-promotion.




For a chance to win your very own autographed copy of Nate Rocks The World, comment and tweet this post.  


Don't forget to check out the other MMGM posters... you'll find them in my sidebar! 

The Thursday Three Plus One

I'm so impressed with the blogs I keep stumbling upon and thought I would start spotlighting some of them so you can be impressed, too. Each week I will choose three new blogs (by new I mean those that have started in the last year) that I think have a unique take on something, make me laugh or are just plain awesome. I will also highlight what I will call the "oldy but goody" of the week. This will be a blog that continues to deliver when it comes to content, always fresh, interesting or the my-week-isn't-complete-unless-I-stop-there blog.

Feel free to tell me about a new blog you've found or one that you just can't live without. Cyberspace is so vast and I don't want to miss anything!


Here are three new blogs worth clicking into:



In The Next Room by Zoe

This is a another great book review blog but I find her eclectic choice of books refreshing. Zoe also has some additional pages that feature a series on movies vs. book comparison's, an author page where she has links to authors that have visited her site and a challenge page. When you go to the challenge page there are links to several reading challenges that she is in the process of completing and links so you can join them.

Karen Pokras Toz by Karen Pokras Toz

My favorite thing about Karen's blog is her weekly Friday Five. There is always something interesting. Most recently she's been blogging about her kids at camp. Fun times! Karen's writing is energetic and fun, much like her newly released book, Nate Rocks The World. Which I will be reviewing for MMGM on August 8th. She was kind enough to send me a signed copy that I will be giving away a lucky commenter. 

 The Rusty Key by Jordan B. Neilsen

Neilsen is one of the few blogs that have established themselves as an actual virtual place on the internet. When you arrive at the front gate you have several key options, the cellar, the attic, the reading room or the shed. There are also special features. Most recently, Neilsen along with her cohorts, Becca Worthington and Russel Jones have been exploring the "Harry Potter Effect". Their book reviews, interviews and features truly amazing. I will definitely be visiting them often.



And now for the oldie but goody... 

Reading Nook by Brittlit 

Okay, this one isn't very old and only misses my cut-off for new blogs by seven months, but rules are rules. Brittlit is solely dedicated to YA book reviews and has been since June 2009. Her list is vast and her reviews are full of great prose, I really like her format at the beginning of each post. She also adds the first line and favorite lines, which are something I always include in my reviews. I hope she doesn't mind but I'm going to steal some ideas. I love that she reviews the covers. Check it out, you won't be disappointed. 


What blogs have you found that shouldn't be missed?