Giveaway & Review: The League & The Lantern

Do you have a tough time finding books for your kids that are age appropriate and entertaining?  I know I do. It's hard to find something your middle school/young adult reader will like that Mom will, too!  So when I was given the chance to let my son read The League and the Lantern by Brian Wells, for a review and giveaway, I was thrilled to say yes!

We just got the book late last week, but David has jumped right into it - reading a little each night before bed.  He says these characters are fun and relateable. The adventures they find keep him reading - he wants to find out what happens next! I am glad this is a book that is appropriate for his age so I don't have to worry about the content.  Something that can't be said about many books meant for readers his age.  This series is targeted for readers 9 - 14.  I usually read his books first to be sure they are good for him, but I'm ok with him reading this one first!

Here is the synopsis: It all starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover. He escapes along with two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, only to face a 48-hour fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. The kids unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and an incredible secret about Jake’s family. Along the way they learn unexpected lessons about courage, family and friendship.

A little about the author of The League and the Lantern - Brian Wells is a concerned father who couldn't find quality entertainment for his kids.  As a producer of 15 movies, he has worked for the major networks, and this is his book debut.  He shares "As my wife and I tried to find great, engaging entertainment options for our kids, we realized that other parents and teachers shared our struggle. We couldn't find stories and series for our children that were both flat-out awesome entertainment and reinforced the kind of character we wanted to build into our kids.  Our thought became 'What if we created an adventure series that was first a fast-pacced roller coaster adventure with great characters and humor and also wove in thems such as family, friendship and compassion?' "

The book is already receiving accolades from organizations such as The Association of Christian Schools International, Parents Television Council, Focus on the Family, American Family Association, Great Homeschool Conventions and others!

Author Brian Wells 

The League and the Lantern is the first in a new adventure series that your kids will want to read! It's written for middle school readers. As a mom who homeschools,  I love the educational aspects the author included - there are 140 key middle school vocabulary words used throughout the story. and historical sites are used as settings for the book.  The vocabulary words are the top 140 words needed for success - they are seamlessly woven into the story.  This helps our kids stay sharp for school during summer/winter breaks - but they just think they are reading a great story!

There are great moral lessons too - including family, friendship, mercy and compassion.  So while my son thinks he is just reading an exciting adventure story, he's really getting a little history, vocabulary and more.  I couldn't be happier about this new book series!

If you purchase your book from the official website, they will give a copy to a child in need, too - how awesome is that?  There is also a section on the website with bonus material - some for kids and some for parents - including a vocabulary guide.

David is already looking forward to the next book in the series - I hope it comes out soon because he is surely hooked!

Now you can enter for a chance to win a copy of this book in my giveaway!

 All you have to do is enter via the rafflecopter widget below.  You MUST complete the mandatory entry and leave a comment in order for your other entries to be valid.  Good luck!

Review: Great book series for reluctant young readers!

I am fortunate to have a child who loves nothing better than a good book. He comes by it honestly, from his mama!  I've literally got books started all over the place - one is always in the van, in case I have to wait somewhere. Then there's a bathtub basket of books, and one on my nightstand too! You might even spy one on my kitchen table, and one on the coffee table!  So you can understand why I'm thrilled that he loves reading so much, too.  Some days after his school work is done, you'll find us both cozied up in my bed with our books, or reclining on each end of the sofa reading.  It's definitely a passion for us both!

D's breezed through several series of books this year - including the Maximum Ride books and the Gone series, plus the Maze Runner and The Giver.  When I had the opportunity to check out the first book in a series by author Jeff Gunhus, I knew my son would be excited too! I read the description and knew he would be hooked.

The series is called The Templar Chronicles and so far, there are four books in it.  Book one is Jack Templar, Monster Hunter.  You can read more about it here!  My son gave me his mini-review to share: "GREAT characters, a plot that was fast-paced with lots of action, and I really liked reading about all of the monsters in the book!"  He was really bummed when he finished the last page of Jack Templar, Monster Hunter. Well....he doesn't know it, but he will be getting the next book for New Year's, so he can continue the series!  (there will eventually be seven books in it). If your kiddos enjoyed Harry Potter, or Percy Jackson, they are going to love this series too.  Even a child who doesn't love reading will enjoy all of the action and adventure in Jack Templar!

If you are still looking for a last minute Christmas gift for a special kiddo in your life,  this book (or all four!) would be great for young readers (maybe 5th/6th grade and up)   You can get it for kindle too - no leaving the house required!

Jeff Gunhus also has a highly rated book for parents with kids who don't love reading. It's about reaching the reluctant readers in your life, and you can find out more and purchase it here.
Over on Amazon, learn how he turned his son, a reluctant reader, into an avid reader!

You can see all of the books from Mr. Gunhus at his website.  I'm thrilled that my son loves his books so much - we are now big fans of his work and look forward to finishing this series!

I received a free copy of the book for my son to read for this review.  No other compensation was received.