Sophie Washington: Hurricane by Tonya Duncan Ellis (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Sophie Washington: Hurricane

by Tonya Duncan Ellis

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GENRE: Children's

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BLURB:

#Sophie Strong

A hurricane’s coming, and eleven-year-old Sophie Washington’s typical middle school life in the Houston, Texas suburbs is about to make a major change. One day she’s teasing her little brother, Cole, dodging classmate Nathan Jones’ wayward science lab frog and complaining about “braggamuffin” cheerleader Valentina Martinez, and the next, she and her family are fleeing for their lives to avoid dangerous flood waters. Finding a place to stay isn’t easy during the disaster, and the Washington’s get some surprise visitors when they finally do locate shelter. To add to the trouble, three members of the Washington family go missing during the storm, and new friends lose their home. In the middle of it all, Sophie learns to be grateful for what she has and that she is stronger than she ever imagined.

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EXCERPT

“Let me see those pictures,” I shove my way into the group, and all my friends are bent over their phones, laughing at the photos Valentina took of me and Nathan.

We’re tangled up on the checkered school floor like a Twister game gone wrong. My mouth is open in a scream, and Nathan’s eyes are bulged out.  The most embarrassing is the shot of the frog leaping over our heads.

“Nathan wishes he could jump that high on the basketball court,” jokes Toby Johnson.

“It looks like Mr. Toad and Sophie are smooching,” giggles Valentina, her brown eyes twinkling. “Like mi abuela always says, Sophie, you need to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince.”

I want to slap her but don’t say anything. At least she put the pictures on SnapShot so they should be gone by tomorrow.

“Very funny, Valentina,” says Nathan. “If anyone happens to see Mr. Toad, please let me know because I need him to finish my science project.”

“Sure thing, bro,” Toby gives him a fist bump.

“I’m sorry for laughing, Sophie,” says Chloe. “I’m glad you guys weren’t hurt.”

“We’re fine,” I say, as I wring more water from my plaits. 

Amazon

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Tonya Duncan Ellis was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She loves reading so much that as a child she took books with her everywhere. She knew she wanted to become a writer after an article she wrote was published in her hometown newspaper when she was a teen. Since then, Tonya has worked as a journalist and freelance magazine writer. 

She's an Amazon bestselling and award-winning author of the Sophie Washington children's book series, geared towards readers ages 8 to 12. The books recount adventures of Houston, TX preteen Sophie Washington and her diverse group of friends. Each funny and heartwarming story teaches lessons about friendship, responsibility, truthfulness and perseverance. 

Books in the series include Queen of the Bee, The Snitch, Things You Didn't Know About Sophie, The Gamer, Hurricane and Mission Costa Rica (Due to be released June 2018). When she's not writing, Tonya enjoys reading, biking, swimming, travel and spending time with her husband and three children. She lives in Houston, TX.

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The tour dates can be found here



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My review:

4.25 out of 5 stars

Sophie Washington: Hurricane by Tonya Duncan Ellis continues the adventures of Sophie and the rest of her family as they cope with everyday life near Houston, Texas. Not only does Sophie have to deal with her jealousy of a girl named Valentina who is coaxing away Sophie’s friends, but a natural disaster causes all kinds of challenges. Every day is an adventure.

I love this series of children’s books because it features a personable young heroine who is realistic. Sophie is an All-American little girl, coping with peer pressure, trying to find her way through school, dealing with a precocious little brother, but no matter what, she has her family unit to depend on. I love watching her deal with everyday things, experiencing the normal feelings when she thinks someone else is getting something she feels should be hers…whether it is her brother or her friends getting focused on something that excludes her. The best thing about these books is joining her on her journey of discovery, whether that is finding out that something scary is improved by being able to depend on her parents’ strength or learning that a classmate has her own challenges to overcome. It’s so much fun watching Sophie grow and I look forward to many more of her adventures.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review