Spine Chillers Empty Eyes Book Review

Empty Eyes (Spine Chillers)

by Nancy Gray

Genre: Horror

Age category: Middle Grade

Release Date: October 26, 2018

“You will face a difficult task in the future. The card is reminding you that every person has a part of themselves they like to hide. Even when times are hard, you must not lose yourself.”

Ian frowned as Mrs. Marcas read his fortune. The school Halloween carnival was supposed to be the highlight of Halloween, but something about the card he picked seemed ominous. As he headed for the storyteller, things quickly took a turn for the worst when the school bullies chased him into an abandoned house. Inside, the children with EMPTY EYES decided to make Ian their friend. A black living mass twisted and coiled in his chest and closed in on his heart. Time was ticking away with every infected beat, and if Ian didn’t act quickly he really would lose himself forever.

The middle grade book Spine Chillers: Empty Eyes by Nancy Gray, left the reader 

amazed by how awesome and creepy it was at the same time. The author Nancy Gray 

wrote this book with precision and it was written in third person. The main character Ian 

was pretty cool and he would always feel good about himself in the end, even after he 

did bad things. The supporting character Duane was a good person because he stuck with

Ian no matter what. I enjoyed this story!

I enjoyed this story because it was just like one of those really good horror movies 

that are shown in a theatre. Just like a really good plot in a horror movie, you just can’t 

stop watching it because you want more and more. But in this case, you just can’t stop 

reading the book! For instance in one part of the book, Ian was in his room and one 

minute everything was going normal then boom everything went crazy! I just couldn’t 

stop turning the pages. Also, there were special powers that the antagonists in this story 

held that I really thought were cool. All in all the characters were well written, the conflict 

in the story kept me reading and the pace of the story was perfectly done. I wouldn’t 

mind reading more of Nancy Gray’s horror reads. I hope she will write more like this 

down the line. 

I rate this book 5 stars and recommend to all kids out there that enjoy a creepy 

horror tale! 

You can find the Empty Eyes on Goodreads

You can buy Empty Eyes on Amazon

Nancy Gray has published a number of works including her young adult fantasy series Blood Rain. Her short story “Chosen” appeared in Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal Author Quest: a Penguin Special from Grosset & Dunlap. Her work also appears in various anthologies.
Nancy Gray has been writing for over ten years. Gray lives in South Carolina with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys books, video games, anime, manga, and horror.

Other Works by Nancy Gray:
Blood Rain
Blood Moon
Blood God
Spine Chillers: The Scarecrow
Spine Chillers: Big Bad Wolf
Spine Chillers: The Beast of Black Pond
Spine Chillers: Empty Eyes
Spine Chillers: The Firefly

You can find and contact Nancy Gray here:
- Website
- Blog
- Facebook
- Goodreads

Multicultural Children's Book Day 2017 Book Review Ellis and The Hidden Cave! #readyourworld

 Multicultural Children’s Book Day 

2017 (1/27/17) is its fourth year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Our mission is to raise awareness on the ongoing need to include kid’s books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.  

Despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. Using the Multicultural Children’s Book Day holiday, the MCBD Team are on a mission to change all of that. This event has also proven to be an excellent way to compile a list of diverse children’s book titles and reviews for parents, grandparents, educators and librarians to use all year long.

Ellis Monroe has always been curious about the world. When his father brings home an ancient mirror with the power to reveal the truth about the people and things around him, Ellis begins to see the world in a whole new way. But things get more than a little strange/even more interesting when Ellis brings the mirror to school. While on the playground with the mirror and his best friend Toro Quispe, Ellis discovers that someone or something is hiding out at Harriet Tubman Elementary and trying to stop children from learning. Determined to solve the mystery, Ellis, Toro, and his little sister, Freddye go on a secret mission to find out the truth about the mischievous Buddy Cruster and stop whatever he has planned. Join Ellis, Freddye and Toro as their quest leads them deep into the forest and on an adventure you will never forget.

 

Current Sponsors:  MCBD 2017 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board. Platinum Sponsors include Scholastic, Barefoot Books and Broccoli. Other Medallion Level Sponsors include heavy-hitters like Author Carole P. Roman, Audrey Press, Candlewick Press,  Fathers Incorporated, KidLitTV, Capstone Young Readers, Author Gayle Swift, Wisdom Tales Press, Lee& Low Books, The Pack-n-Go Girls, Live Oak Media, Author Charlotte Riggle, Chronicle Books and Pomello Books

Author Sponsor include: Karen Leggett Abouraya, Veronica Appleton, Susan Bernardo, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Maria Dismondy, D.G. Driver, Geoff Griffin,  Savannah Hendricks, Stephen Hodges, Carmen Bernier-Grand,Vahid Imani, Gwen Jackson,  Hena, Kahn, David Kelly, Mariana Llanos, Natasha Moulton-Levy, Teddy O'Malley, Stacy McAnulty,  Cerece Murphy, Miranda Paul, Annette Pimentel, Greg Ransom, Sandra Richards, Elsa Takaoka, Graciela Tiscareño-Sato,  Sarah Stevenson, Andrea Y. Wang

Our family read this book in our homeschool. My youngest son Eli is the initial reviewer for this book. I went on his word alone for how he related to this book and what he initially thought of it. Now just to let my readers know, he had no idea that this book was going to be featured in the Multicultural Children's Book Day 2017. I wanted him to tell me anything special about the characters and the first thing that he noticed was that the main character was a person of color. 

Starting off he came forward to tell me about the protagonist and that he was a person of color. Now that really had me happy, just for the fact that it stood out to him. My son is 9 years old and this book was a winner in our homeschool! The authors Cerece Rene and Aryeh Rennie Murphy really made our son happy. Sometimes when we get books to do for review he is not as enthusiastic as he was with this book and that means something in our homeschool. Something good to say the least! 

Having a good book to read in the homeschool can sometimes be a challenge. A challenge because sometimes mommy can not always tell what the kids will enjoy. Well this time I am so happy that the book was chosen for me and it was a good choice. So, I asked Eli what he would rate this book on a scale of 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. He said a fantastic five! So there you have it my awesome readers, this book passes in our homeschool with flying colors. 

Just as an added note to my readers we used this book for his writing as well as reading course. He read it and then did a verbal story telling to me on the story line as well as characters and then he filled out one of my character sheets for presentations. 

Thank you authors, sponsors and the entire Multicultural Children's Book Day Team! You guys did an awesome job!

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Cerece Rennie Murphy fell in love with science fiction at the age of seven, watching "Empire Strikes Back" at the Uptown Theater in Washington, D.C., with her sister and mom. It's a love affair that has grown ever since. As an ardent fan of John Donne, Alice Walker, Kurt Vonnegut and Alexander Pope from an early age, Cerece began exploring her own creative writing through poetry. She earned her master's degrees in social work and international relations at Boston College and Johns Hopkins School for Advance International Studies, respectively, and built a rewarding 15-year career in program development, management and fundraising in the community and international development arenas - all while appreciating the stories of human connection told in science fiction through works like Octavia Butler's "Wild Seed," Frank Herbert's "Dune" and "The X-Files." In 2011, Cerece experienced her own supernatural event - a vision of her first science fiction story. Shortly after, she began developing and writing what would become the best selling "Order of the Seers" trilogy.

Cerece lives in her hometown of Washington, D.C., with her husband, two children and the family dog, Yoda.

Maria Explores The Ocean A Kids Yoga Colors Book Review!

 

     This book was another awesome read. Giselle Shardlow really gives her readers something to learn!!! Also the illustrator Vicky Bowes knocks the little guys out with her detailed underwater artwork, not to mention the lovely people. This story leaves the young reader feeling refreshed and ready to get down on their yoga mat and trying out some of their new moves shown in this excellent story. The reader is well aware of the yoga moves made to mimic certain animals of the ocean as well as the stress and importance of keeping a healthy oceanic environment too.

     This book comes equipped with full color illustrations, directions on the certain yoga poses and names and numbers to follow along while reading too. My little guy loves the kids yoga series and was delighted to have this read to him this evening. I rate this book a full FIVE fabulous stars out of five stars! Our family appreciates this author's writing style as well as the illustrators artistic work! If you are interested in an awesome series for your young one to follow along with in the yoga field pick this one up today! 

*Our homeschool was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and I have not been compensated for them. 

 

Book Review of Sea Island (Earth Watchers Series) by Lester Ferguson

and 

RATING

Today is a good day, and I am so happy! Why you ask? Because I got a chance to read the book Sea Island written and illustrated by Lestor Ferguson. This book is in the Earth Watchers series by Lestor Ferguson. So far, I have read two books from this series, and love both of them!

Environmental issues are a real hot topic today, since many of the earth's natural resources are definitely running extremely low. Like for instance, the fish in the oceans are predicted, if things continue as such that the oceans will become over fished and remain without fish in the near future. That sounds horrible, yet it is a fact of life that earthlings have to face. On the other hand, this book not only confronts environmental issues but racial diversity as well. Both of the main characters in this book were of two different racial backgrounds, but they were able to work together and reach many of their goals. Even though, legal segregation is no longer an issue, it was at the time for the two main characters In this book.

 

This really was a true eye opener, especially with so many problems with environmental issues, racism should not be so prominent yet, it definitely is in this story.

I certainly feel like this book helps the reader to see past racism as well as take heed to what is happening environmentally that is dangerous to all living beings. All of this to say that it helps one to become a better person in life. 

I rate this book a FULL FIVE Stars and encourage parents everywhere to take an interest on hot topic environmental issues affecting our communities across N. America. Not only was this an excellent read but the illustrations were fantabulous! 

* I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and I have not been compensated for them. 

REVIEW Whip Eye

    The fictional book Whip Eye by Geoffrey Saign, was a spectacular book, which tells a great story about a girl named Samantha, and how her entire life changed after becoming best friends with a parrot named charlie. She had a break through to seeing what most people can'
t, put right in between a war against good and evil. She went from grieving from the loss of her mother, to being chased after by Magnar a keeper of shadow monsters, which he wants charlie. Samantha and her neighbor Jake defend themselves from Magnar and the shadow monsters, along with the goodness in animals. Their main goal is to keep charlie alive and safe and that’s the key.

    I believe this book was detailed so well it was as if you were there along for the ride. Especially how well it was put together from page to page, it got even better with every word. The author wrote this book with a vast amount of suspense for the reader, which made me hunger for more and more. Yet it was humorous at some points, which made the book even better. I recommend this book to all fantasy and adventure story lovers, and if you  haven’t read one this would be a perfect book to start off. Geoffrey Saign most definitely did an outstanding job on this book

Nish Homeschool Book Review The Trees Have Hearts Author: Mrs. D.

Nish Homeschool Book Review

The Trees Have Hearts

Author: Mrs. D.

     Children in any social setting can be down right mean and hurtful when it comes to language barriers, or any other issues that cause another child to stick out. Too many children today are outcasts from the popular crowd and strive earnestly to fit in. Feeling left out as this story relates is just not fun. Mrs. D. helps her young readers see just how important being inclusive is with other children. Yet she also helps to define happiness without the crowd. Addressing the social aspects of bullying and exclusiveness in children's social settings is an excellent way to write a book.

      We read this book aloud in our homeschool and my family enjoyed it very much. My youngster understood the pain that the main character felt in this book and he was filled with empathy for her. Not only that, but he was amazed with the trees and the wind and how their emotions ran wild at times. This is an excellent story to help children understand the ill effects of bullying. The author empowers her readers to build self esteem in order to persevere on their own, especially if they are defined as different from the core group. We recommend this book to all!

The Liberation of Norma Jean Book Review

The Liberation of Norma Jean was a perfect weekend read. I curled up in my chair and took some time out to enjoy this book and I am glad that I did. 

 

     The reader could feel the empathy flowing from the pages by those who supported the main character throughout the book. The author keeps the reader turning pages, with perfect details for her readers to follow the storyline fully. The main character is well developed and the reader can certainly feel empathy for her as well as those that are touched by her kind heart. Undoubtedly the author wants her readers to understand why the main character responds to life's uncertainties the way that she does, and she does not leave her audience trying to guess what happened in the past. Strong details and attached heart strings keep the reader wanting to know what happens next, and this was a plus for me. This book challenges the readers to look deep into the problems of child abuse at any age and stage as well as mental illness and the consequences and shame of rape. I feel that the author gives an objective point of view on these common dysfunctional attributes of families that are struggling on the fringes of society. This is a story that awakens the soul of humanity and proves that there is something much greater than hate!

Nish Homeschool Book Review: The Snow Cat

Nish Homeschool  Book Review: The Snow Cat 

By Lester Ferguson

This book is one in the series of Earth Watchers written by Lester Ferguson. Ferguson surely writes for a crowd of youngsters to cheer them on to become wild life lovers and activists. The book The Snow Cat, gives the readers time to immerse themselves in a beautiful wild life expedition within the Himalayan Mountains. The reader is introduced to the snow leopards and given a short time to grow close to them before the true expedition of this story is revealed. Parents and children alike will find this story fascinating and an honest truth to the struggle of wild life activists across the world. The excitement level is fast paced and the reader is always ready to move on to the next page to find out what will happen next. Not only will the reader experience excitement when reading this book, they will also come to understand the natural way of life in the far eastern mountains. Ferguson shares important data that reflects the region and guides the reader to the history and culture of illegal animal poaching.  As an added bonus it also includes a small colorful map in the back of the book and fun facts on tigers. The included map helps the young reader to easily navigate where the setting will take place in this story.  I truly loved this book. As a political/animal activist I honestly feel that this book was well written for a child to grasp an understanding of the dangers in standing up for what they believe in and morally right. Ferguson definitely knows how to write an interesting book complete with educational materials as well. We give this book a thumbs up and recommend it to our homeschooling families and others!

• DISCLOSURE STATEMENT:

“I received a complimentary copy of The Snow Cat By Lester Ferguson from the publisher/author in exchange for my honest review”

Book Review: Hello Bali

BOOK REVIEW:

Hello Bali

Hello Bali is another super yoga book by author Giselle Shardlow that gives parents and children an easy yet engaging introduction to yoga. My six year old son and I read this book together and he was able to do the moves and feel confident in front of others while practicing. Easy learning and fun is what this book is all about. Shardlow entertains her readers by giving them an awesome introduction to yoga by including colorful and exquisite details on many of the introductory moves to yoga. Young children can follow along at home at their own speed with their yoga mats and get right into the moves. This book is well written and comes with everything that a parent needs to start off a yoga adventure with their young child. Not only does Shardlow find creative ways to bring about the founding culture that yoga started in but she also includes a small dictionary with pictures to describe Indonesian words for children to learn. This gives the children not only an introduction to yoga but a real piece of Indonesian culture to learn and explore. With the simplicity of the moves and detailed artwork children and parents can complete them with ease and feel confident to go onto the next level of poses. This book is highly recommended for beginners and first time parents and children alike that are interested in the practice of yoga. 

Lost Little Penguin Book Review By Nish Homeschool

The Lost Little Penguin by Tracey Corderoy and Gavin Scott was an astounding tale of adventure and love that each and every reader will enjoy! Parents will enjoy this story just as much as children will. It starts off with a foreshadowing of danger leading the reader to understand that there is definitely a reason to be worried for the protagonist, Plip the penguin. This foreshadowing allows the reader to imagine a big bad wolf like character and all the danger that goes along with it. The author helps young readers and parents alike to understand that we should not judge a book by it's cover, figuratively. This was done in a way that captures the imagination of children and keeps them turning the pages of this revealing tale. The emotion of love is felt throughout the story as well as the sense of urgency and excitement. This story keeps the reader turning pages and the interest is always held.  In my personal opinion I believe that keeping the interest of the child is the main point for a children's book. It is not only beneficial to the authors to keep the reader in tune but also it benefits the new emerging readers. This benefit builds upon the literacy of a child and leads them to a lifelong love of reading and this is why it is so important to keep their interest. By keeping the attention of the child reading, Corderoy and Scott are doing much more than telling a story but building upon literacy in the life of a child! Our homeschool recommends this book with flying colors! 

Anna and her Rainbow-Colored Yoga Mats Book Review

One thing that I have to say about this book is that I totally loved it and so did my kids. I read this book aloud in my homeschool this afternoon shortly after it arrived. The author gives her readers a chance to understand what a child may go through while encountering bullying or just being different in relation to their peer group. She gives the reader a chance to see a super strength that flows through the protagonist via the actions of yoga. This book helps children to understand the value of being different and allowing others in their environment to be different as they are, without a direct negative outlook on the child. This book will help any teacher or parent that wants to explain bullying to their children and how to react when confronted with it. This is an excellent read for all elementary school age children.

Book Review of Little Orchid's Sea Monster Trouble

 

This story gave meaning to what family really is. I read this book aloud to my homeschool children, usually I use a device to read from but my wi-fi went out and I had to read from the computer. Nonetheless it kept the boys and I entertained for the last few days. The author has a figurative imagination that bursts with life and love in this book. The images of how the characters grow into different beings are vivid and the feelings of love and trust are felt through her usage of words. I could also feel the intensity of the pain and rejection felt by the protagonist during the period when she felt isolated due to her status in the home of her upper class friend. My children never had to question what the character was feeling because this character was totally brought to life right from the pages of this book! The author knows how to grasp the attention of children as well as adults and keep her audience wanting to read continuously. I appreciate this style of writing and wish that more could grasp and compete for the eyes and hearts of children such as this author. Little Orchid's Sea Monster Trouble will always be a favorite in our house!