series books

Stealing Liberty: A New Dystopian YA Novel

ByMichael Thal July 13, 2017

Author Jennifer Froelich has her eyes on today’s headlines—legislative gridlock, red states vs blue, and partisan politics—for future outcomes. From the depths of her imagination, and keeping in mind the worse case scenario of constant Washington bickering, she has created a dystopian society in the next century that is sadly possible as a result of…

5 YA Books Critics Have Enjoyed

ByMichael Thal July 10, 2017

During these long summer days, it’s always nice to get out of the heat, sit down by the AC, sip ice-cold lemonade, and read a book. Below are five books by award-winning writer, Michael Thal. Goodbye Tchaikovsky Paperback: $9.99 IBook: $9.99 A violin virtuoso is plunged into a deaf world, necessitating him to adapt to…

Krait’s Redemption: A YA Fantasy Book Reveal

ByMichael Thal July 3, 2017

About the Book Title: Krait’s Redemption (The Cat’s Eye Chronicles Book 5) Author: T.L. Shreffler Genre: YA Fantasy With winter solstice fast approaching, Sora and her companions are running out of time. She must stop The Shade from awakening the Dark God, yet a powerful force has overtaken her Cat’s-Eye necklace, rendering the stone almost…

A Twilight Zone Story for Kids

ByMichael Thal June 27, 2017June 27, 2017

Many young readers may not know much about “Twilight Zone,” an anthology series hosted by Rod Serling that ran for five seasons from 1959-1964. Episodes included psychological horror and thrillers, fantasy and science fiction. Usually an episode ended with a macabre twist. Author Majanka Verstraete undoubtedly was influenced by Serling’s TV show when she wrote…

2017 Summer YA Reading List

ByMichael Thal June 20, 2017June 20, 2017

Summertime is that special time of year when we can lay out on the beach, absorb some rays, and catch up on our reading wish list. Below you’ll find the six best YA books Pop read this past year and figures you’d enjoy it, too. Flying to the Light Author: Elyse Salpeter Kindle Edition:…

Book Review of Dreamwalkers: A YA Fantasy

ByMichael Thal June 17, 2017June 17, 2017

Narciso (Ciso) di Angelo is a sixteen-year-old homeless boy living on the streets of Rome, Italy. During the day he panhandles tourists, and at night he walks in the dreams of strangers. Ciso believes he’s one of a kind, but soon discovers there are others like him who “Walk the bridges between two worlds, between…

YA Fantasy About Life After Death

ByMichael Thal May 12, 2017

Michael is a 17-year-old high school student whose only worries are tests, girls, and playing with his 6-year-old deaf brother, Danny. All of that changes when his parents are kidnapped and he and Danny must run for their lives when they are accused of being spies and murderers. Thus begins Elyse Salpeter’s riveting YA novel,…

An Exciting Paranormal Mystery

ByMichael Thal April 18, 2017

Summer McCloud runs a successful occult shop, Tarot and Tea, in peaceful small town Ames, Connecticut. The serenity of the village is suddenly broken when the body of a woman is discovered near a river, and the only clue to her murder is a book of poison recipes purchased at Tarot and Tea. Summer soon…

A Child’s Picture Book about Kid Rats is a Fun Read

ByMichael Thal March 21, 2017

Tuesday mornings at 10:46 am rat children meet up at Rat Park for fun and games. The big rats think they are so tough and prove it in contests of stamina and strength. But such challenges become old and new ideas are a must to keep Tuesdays special. Brock had the idea that won…

Solomon’s Bell: A YA Fantasy Release Blitz

ByMichael Thal March 8, 2017

About the Book Title: Solomon’s Bell Author: Michelle Lowery Combs Genre: YA Fantasy To save her family, Ginn uses her newfound genie powers to transport herself and her friends to 16th century Prague. Only one thing there remains the same as at home: she can’t let anyone know what she really is. The Emperor of…