Thanks for stopping in to read this great post from our guest blogger!! You can find more of her work via Marietta Homeschooling Zoo FB page and on her blog. -Alecia @Ice Cream and Cookies for Breakfast...That's Life-
Welcome to my stop on the Innovative Online Books Tours for Nate Rocks the Boat by Karen Pokras Toz. Below you will find synopsis about the book, book excerpt, helpful links, buy now links, youtube trailer video and my review.
ABOUT NATE ROCKS THE BOAT
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 6 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 again from the perils of floods, snakes, ghost, and even the most wanted criminals.
Join Nathan, Tommy, Abby, and a whole new cast of characters as Nate Rock once again proves nothing can hold him back in his second book of the Nate Rocks series.
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| Author, Karen Pokras Toz |
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NATE ROCKS SERIES:
Website: www.karentoz.com
Blog: kptoz.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/karenptoz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/karentoz
EXCERPT:
"Welcome, Hawks. I'm Matt, your counselor. I've been coming to Camp Spring Ridge every summer since I was your age. This is a great place, and it's my job to sure you biys have the best summer ever." Matt looks up at the sky as the wind rustles through the paper on his clipboard. "Now, before it starts raining, let's see is if we an get through some of the camp rules."
"Rules? We don't need any dumb rules! It's summer!"
I look over toward the sound of the husky voice to see a boy who looks more like he's Abby's age than my age. He also appears to have arms as big as my thighs and no-neck. I've never seen anyone without a neck before. I'm sure it's there somewhere. It's just that this kid's head is enormous. I am in the right bunk aren't I?
Matt doesn't seem disturbed by the outburst as he continues right along. "The rules are only there to make sure you have the most fun possible while staying safe. We wouldn't want anyone getting hurt...or worse.
Worse? Tommy and I look at each other. I turn around to scan the dirt road. Dad must still be at Abby's bunk. If I left right now and ran, I could probably get there before he and Mom leave. I'm sure Mom would take me with her to see Grandma once I explained how dangerous it is here at camp. She's always saying we don't get to visit with Grandma enough. Or I could just stay at Tommy's house. I'm certain Tommy would follow me if I took off running. But what is they were already gone? Then I would have to return to my bunk. I cold already her that other kids laughing at me as the camp director returned me to the Hawks.
"Okay," Matt starts, holding down the paper on his clipboard. "Rule #1: Always listen to your counselor - he's the coolest guy here." Matt starts laughing, but quickly notices no one else joins in. He clears his throat and continues. "Rule #2: Stay with your bunk at all times unless you have specific permission to go somewhere. Rule #3: Lights out at 10:00pm. Rule #4: When it's our turn to have kitchen duty, everyone must participate, and the most important rule - Rule #5: Stay out of the forest! Look, you guys are old enough to hear this, so I'm just going to tell it to you straight. The forest may look cool, but it is big and dangerous. Every summer, one or two campers decide to wander in there, and the same thing always happens. They get lost. The camp has to call in a search party with dogs and the whole bit. If you wander too far in, you might run across snakes or even coyotes and wolves. So do yourself a favor and stay out!"
I look around the table to see everyone staring at Matt....Even No-Neck.
My Review - 4.5 stars
It has taken me a lot longer to write this blog post & review than it does most. Not because I did not like the book. Not because it was so-so, but instead I have found myself daydreaming and wandering with my thoughts just like Nate! Now, if I could only become a great hero like Nate and save the day! HMMM.......
Karen has a done a delightful job with writing Nate Rocks the Boat. The creativity and imagination she has given Nate is wonderful. This is actually the second book in the Nate Rocks Series. I will be reviewing the first book, Nate Rocks the World next Tuesday, February 19th, so be sure to check back! There is a less than 3 weeks before the release for the third book in the series, Nate Rocks the School on March 4th. I will be hosting a review and giveaway on Match 7th that you won't want to miss!
Nathan sure does endure a lot. From his evil older sister always giving him a hard time to his Mom's awful cooking to getting a black eye just before leaving for a new summer camp. And from no other than his Mom's best friends annoying daughter, Lisa. There is no way he can tell the kids at camp that he got a black eye from a girl. He has to come up with something, and it better be good. Luckily Abby will be tucked away on the other side of the lake. Nathan's best friend Tommy surely won't tell the truth. WHEW! All is well.....or is it?
Poppy and I have both been reading the Nate Rocks series. Poppy says that she loves the way it blends so seemingly between reality and Nate's daydreaming. She especially liked during the Color Wars when the teams had to preform a skit in front of the entire camp. There are 6 teams, Red Boys, Blue Boys, White Boys, Red Girls, Blue Girls and White Girls. The teams are a mixture and are not based on their cabins. Nate is on the red team and Abby is on the white team. Abby's teams skit is based on how Nathan got his black eye. All of a sudden the Hawks are looking at Nathan, knowing that it is not a coincidence. Guess the cat is out of the bag on that one! OPSSS!!! What are older, evil sisters for after all?
I do believe that regardless if you have a "tom-boy" or a "girly-girly", all children will definitely enjoying reading about Nate's daydreaming adventures. Next month I will begin reading Nate Rocks the World to Yang. Seeing as I have natural daydreamers I feel they are/will be able to relate with Nate, making it ever more enjoyable for them. Or did Karen just give them new things to daydream about? ;)
Wanna know a secret?
Today ONLY you can get Nate Rocks the Boat for FREE on Amazon, & you don't need a Kindle!! (Click here for more info) Plus you can get the audio version for just $1.99 & hear Nate come to life! Hurry up and click below to get your copy of the ever awesome, Nate Rocks!!
DISCLAIMER: I received the aforementioned book for the sole purpose of providing an accurate and honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and all words and opinions are my own.
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Thanks,
Alicia Marietta
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