Monday, September 22, 2014

The Actual & Truthful Adventures of Becky Thatcher by Jessica Lawson - and a Giveaway

First, I have a winner to announce from the LUG giveaway. Drum roll please............ 

The winner is.......


SUZANNE WARR



Congratulations, Suzanne! Look for a message from me asking for your mailing address. 


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Today's MMGM features another debut novel. And it's the debut of our own Jessica Lawson! 

For other MMGM posts, look for the links on Shannon Messenger's blog.






Jessica Lawson from her website







The Actual &Truthful Adventures of Becky Thatcher by Jessica Lawson, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno  (for ages  8 to 12, Simon & Schuster, July 2014)

Source: purchased from B&N

Synopsis (from the book jacket): Becky Thatcher is sick and tired of that tattletale Tom Sawyer following her around! Becky is determined to have her own adventures, just like she promised her brother, Jon, before he died. When she joins the boys at school in a bet to steal from the Widow Douglas, the rumored town witch, Becky recruits her best friend Amy Lawrence to join her in a night of mischief. And that's when the real adventure begins.

Why I recommend it: What a fun read! This is one of those delightful stories you could easily read over and over again, especially if you're eleven or twelve. You don't have to be familiar with Tom Sawyer or Sam Clemens, but it helps. This is a smart, funny book, and best of all, it features one of the strongest female protagonists I've encountered this year. Or in a lot of years. The sassy and tomboyish Becky is a joy to get to know. You'll have a great time tagging along as she searches for adventure, escaped convicts, and maybe even treasure.



What MG novel could you read over and over again? Tell me in the comments.



Now for the GIVEAWAY details:


My very own hardcover copy (*hugs book*) is staying right here in my house, but the author herself has generously offered a FREE hardcover copy for one lucky winner, who will be chosen by randomizer. This giveaway is open to US/Canadian addresses only. To enter, you must be a follower and you must leave a comment on this post. If you tweet about the giveaway or mention on facebook or your own blog, I'll give you extra entries, but please include the links. Thanks! This giveaway ends at 10 pm EDT on Friday Oct 3, 2014 and the winner will be announced on Monday Oct 6.


29 comments:

  1. This book sounds like so much fun! I love clever takes on old classics. I'll be looking for it in my bookstore.

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    1. Hope you do get a chance to read it, Andrea. And hey, maybe you'll win this copy. You never know.

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  2. I really enjoyed this too. And I'm SO excited for Jess and that she's sold 2 more books. Let someone else win your copy since I read it and gave it away too.

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    1. I saw that announcement too, Natalie. How thrilling for Jess!

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  3. Thanks so much for featuring my book! You're the best :)

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    1. Jess, thanks so much for the generous giveaway. And for stopping by my blog. I'm honored.

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  4. Great concept in giving Becky Thatcher the stage for once. I have it on my TBR list. The one book I keep re-reading every few years is BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA. The writing is superb and it helps me become a better writer.

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    1. Ah, that's a wonderful book, Greg. I've read it at least twice. Maybe it's time to read it again.

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  5. I love the concept of this book. I have been hearing about it and am more convinced now I need to read it. Thanks for the reminder and the chance to win a copy.

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    1. It's a terrific concept, Rosi, and skillfully executed.

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  6. I've been wanting to read this book ever since I read the premise. I think I first saw this in an online contest--and I'm so excited to see it in print. Coincidentally, my son is reading Tom Sawyer right now, so I think this may be one he'd enjoy as well. Thanks for the feature!

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    1. Definitely, Jenni! After your son finishes Tom Sawyer, hand him this.

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  7. I have heard amazing things about this book! So wonderful to see it spotlighted here. I love that you enjoyed it so much. :) Thanks so much for the giveaway- I would love to win.
    ~Jess
    tweeted: https://twitter.com/dmsfiles/status/514236658867134467

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  8. Yay me, yay me! lol Really looking forward to LUG! :D

    And also, it is the absolute truth that I must read The Actual Truthful Adventures of Becky Thatcher! It's waited long enough, it's time has come. Thanks for the nudge so I could make it so!

    --Suzanne
    www.suzannewarr.com

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    1. The book should be on its way to you shortly, Suzanne. Enjoy. And yes, you must read The Actual & Truthful Adventures!

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  9. This sounds amazing! :D

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  10. I like the sounds of this book. Would love to read about Becky! Thanks for the review and the give a way.

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  11. Becky was always my favorite (besides Huck) - so yay for her having her own "true" story to tell. Can't wait to read it.

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    1. Then this book would be right up your alley, Sue.

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  12. I've read The Phantom Tollbooth at least 30 times. :)

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    1. Caroline, I LOVE The Phantom Tollbooth! Although I've probably only read it three or four times. I wanted a tollbooth and a car like Milo's when I was in fifth grade.

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