Romantic Travel Pick: Two Summers

Two Summers
by Aimee Friedman
Point
2016
368 pages
ISBN: 9780545520072

Sweet, upbeat (for the most part), fun, and entertaining, Two Summers will find its audience who long for a quick beach read. A fresh take on a parallel stories book. Summer Everett is excited to be going to France for the summer to see her absentee, somewhat famous painter father. He skipped out on Summer and her mother after being noticed by the art world. Summer's mother is less than optimistic to see her only child visit her father. Summer has conflicting emotions of whether she should stay home and watch while her  best friend Ruby falls in love or should she go into uncharted territory and visit her dream country France?  What if her mother is right? What if her father is less than thrilled to see her?

She opts for France. On the airline ramp, Summer's phone rings. It's nearly dead and she decides not to answer it. This one decision is the turning point of the book. It is the ring of an unanswered phone that seals the fate; it is the kismet that changes the outcome of each story. One story tells the story of Summer landing in France, finding her father's house, discovering his living situation and his absence (once again!), finding romance, following her mother's footsteps during her college years, seeing the same sights her mother saw, and learning that decisions made early in life have lasting repercussions.

The other story is the story of Summer staying home and seeing how a possible crush will play out. Either way, Summer will have to go through changes and make decisions. Family secrets are reveled that will change Summer forever.

A light, quick read for those long, hot dog days of summer. YA romance readers will be thrilled.

Highly recommended grade 8-up. Mature situations. Family drama.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

Non-Fiction Pick: So You Want To Be a Comic Book Artist?

So, You Want To Be a Comic Book Artist? The Ultimate Guide on How To Break Into Comics!
By Philip Amara
Beyond Words/Aladdin
2012
176 pages

Comic book lovers, part-time doodlers, daydreamers and dreamers, graphic novel fans, and serious young artists will want a copy of this helpful and informative guide to breaking into comic book fame. From the beginning basics of the difference between a comic book and a cartoon, or zines, graphic novels, and manga, steps on how to set up an artist’s studio, the basics needed for comic books including: art supplies, a drawing table or desk, and good lighting, to drawing and inking thecomic panels to beginning a artist’s portfolio, Philip Amaro has hopeful young artists covered.

How do you get your comic noticed? What about the internet? Is there a way to self-publish?

This book also gives insight on how to proceed once your comic is noticed. Just what is a contract anyway? Who owns the rights to my work?

A list of comic publishers, art study websites, links for featured artists, comic book conventions, and art suppliers is included and are likely to be the most dog-eared pages.

The colorful cover with vibrant comic heroes and dialog bubbles is a real eye-catcher and comic panels from featured artists are fun pages and help young readers begin to see the difference in techniques and topics.

So, You Want To Be a Comic Book Artist? Pick up a copy of this amazing new book!

Highly, highly recommended for any budding young artist or comic book lover grades 4-up.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.
This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)