Review from Kristi’s Book Nook
Posted: 02 Jun 2012 05:33 PM PDT
C. J. Carter has written a book that is guaranteed to get your kids reading. She has some great insight about her writing and books to share with all of us. Her new book “Junior Dragster Dreams” will be up for grabs as a giveaway. All you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment with your name and email. Please don’t forget to Tweet this post.
KBN: How do you promote kids and reading?
I am writing a 6th grade study guide for “Junior Dragster Dreams.” It’s nearly done; when it’s finished, I’ll promote to teachers and schools.
KBN: Tell us about your website?
My website is my blog. The address is http://juniordragsterdreams.com. It contains all pertinent information about my book.
KBN: Will you be doing any school book tours?
There are none planned, but if the study guide takes off, I would be open to doing that.
KBN: What are your thoughts on the new technology for reading a book?
Anything that makes it easy for a child to read is terrific.
KBN: What advice do you have for parents on getting their kids reading?
Well, of course, reading to young children is one way. Another way is for parents to turn off the TV and read themselves. Monkey see/monkey do.
KBN: Tell us about your book(s) and illustrations.
My book is the first children’s novel about junior drag racing. It is about three crazy kids who get into a whole lot of trouble, but learn a lot in the process. It is about family love and friendship. The unveiling of long-held family secrets is a key factor in the book.
KBN: How long did it take you to get this idea to where it is now?
I was e-mail chatting with a friend from college. When I learned that he had been a professional drag racer, I started asking questions. And one day, with zero foresight, I jotted down the plot that became the book.
KBN: What will kids love most about your book(s)?
All the trouble the three main characters get into.
KBN: What will parents and teachers love most about your book(s)?
The life lessons.
KBN: What’s your next project?
I have written 13,000 words on the sequel to this one, but I stopped writing so as to have time to market this one.
Blog: http://juniordragsterdreams.com
Facebook: The Read for Speed — http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Read-for-Speed/226191994077640
About the Author
C.J. Carter, a journalist, is a native of Sikeston, Mo. She is an alumnus of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. In 1978, she was a founding staff member of Atlanta Business Chronicle where she worked for 18 years, serving as editor of the Chronicle and seven Chronicle special publications.
Carter is author of the 125-year history of Saint Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta. She was an on-air reporter in Atlanta for WXIA-TV’s Noonday show for two years. She was editor of It’s For You: Thirty-One Years of Our Life on the Georgia Tech Campus, a book produced in conjunction with the Georgia Tech Foundation.
Title: Junior Dragster Dreams
Author: C. J. Carter
Illustrator: Margaret Johns
Publisher: Greer Avenue BooksISBN: 0976169223
Review:
Sam is not the happiest kid on the block. He barely remembers his father who was killed in Iraq when was just four years old. He is small for his age and he is constantly bullied by Truman at school. On the bright side of things he does have his best friend Chloe and his puppy Banjo to rely on. As a matter of fact, it’s those two friends who are by Sam’s side when he takes his last retaliation attempt at Truman just a little too far. It’s so bad, Sam, Chloe and Banjo have to make a getaway to Sam’s grandparents home, to hide from Truman and his Dad, and the Sheriff.
Now that Sam’s grandparents are involved, they put Sam and Truman together for the weekend on a project. The two boys are forced to get along and work together to get an old car running again in grandpa’s barn. The two boys find that they have a lot in common when it comes to cars. Things really get ramped up when the boys discover the dragster race track and that kids can drive them too. Sam learns that cars were his fathers passion. This secret had been kept from him because his mother did not want him to follow in the dangerous footsteps of his father and the world of drag racing. How will Sam convince his mother to allow him to compete in the junior dragster races?
Carter has done an excellent job of introducing young readers to the world of cars and drag racing. Kids will learn drag racing terminology and all about the cars. This unusual story brings together two kids who were enemies and turned their world around to friendship. That is a tough thing to do. This story is a quick and fun read with lots of emotional twists and turns. Young readers won’t be able to put this page turner down. Parents and teachers will approve of this heartfelt story of family and friendship.
Thanks so much for stopping by C. J. To learn more about C.J. Carter and her writing please stop by The Neophyte Writer.
