A Deaf Heroine and a Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #232!

Today I'm sharing four photos that I took at Kaleidoscope, formerly known as the Blind Institute in South Africa. Many of you are aware that I've been volunteering there as a reader in a sound room for the past seven years.

I wanted to do this post, because I recently finished reading a science-fiction story about a spunky teenager who is also deaf. I was so impressed that the heroine was deaf! I prefer characters who aren't perfect. For me, it makes them seem even braver and Starla in Starfall doesn't disappoint! You can find my review of that book below.

The photo above is of a plaque that hangs outside a room with special computers for a few South Africans who are both deaf and blind. If it wasn't for the institute (now Kaleidoscope) these people would be living in a very dark and lonely world.

The photo below is of a gentleman who went deaf and blind after a childhood illness. He has spent most of his life at Kaleidoscope. He learned how to feel spoken words by placing his hand by your mouth and throat, so that he knows what you are saying. The lady below demonstrated this for us. They had a conversation together. He also had to relearn how to use his voice to speak so that others could understand him.

I have included links below if you want to find out more about the people and the work they do. The motto at Kaleidoscope is, "Let the blind lead!"

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Click on my photos to see them at their best!

The garden where the blind residents can relax.

A sign in the coffee packaging department.

Related Links on
my blog, 1camera1mom:

Institute for the Blind

Let the Blind Lead - Part 1

Let the Blind Lead - Part 2

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Latest Book Review:

Starfall
by Jessie Kwak
Meet Starla, a spunky teenager
who is also deaf in this exciting
new science-fiction series!

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Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

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Weekend Linky

Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link-ups I take part in.

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Starfall by Jessie Kwak

Starfall

by Jessie Kwak

About the Book:

Title: Starfall - A Durga System Novella | Author: Jessie Kwak | Pages: 120 | Genre: Science-Fiction | Recommended Age: Young Adult

Book Description:

A headstrong teenager. A world-weary crime lord. A dangerous prison break. Starla Dusai is fifteen, deaf — and being held as an enemy combatant by the Indiran Alliance. Willem Jaantzen is a notorious crime lord about to end a fearsome vendetta — and most probably his life. When he learns his goddaughter has been captured by the Alliance, will he be able to save her? And her, him? STARFALL is a book in Jessie Kwak’s Durga System series, a fast-paced series of gangster sci-fi novellas set in a far-future world where humans may have left their home planet to populate the stars, but they haven’t managed to leave behind their vices. And that’s very good for business. You’ll find captivating characters and heart-pounding adventures, all with Kwak’s customary sprinkling of wry humor. Buy this book to start reading this epic tale of independence, family bonds, and mafiosos today!

Purchase on Amazon

Kindle | Paperback

My Review:

Starfall is an exciting new science-fiction adventure series about a spunky teenager named Starla. Starla is deaf, which makes her a refreshingly interesting heroine. Her godfather has a death wish until he finds out that his goddaughter has been captured and her parents are missing, possibly even dead. He hardly knows her and hasn't seen her for many years, but he still feels bound to lay aside his death wish and fulfill his promise to her parents.

The characters are intriguing with their backgrounds in the world of crime. Are they villains or heroes? There are plenty of suspenseful elements too that keep the story moving with the right amount of world building, but not too much that it gets boring. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Author Jessie Kwak

Jessie's Kwak's thoughts on

the character of Starla:

Starfall actually began as a character backstory sketch while I was working on a trilogy of full novels set later in the same universe — but I liked Starla's story so much I fleshed it out and published it. I first "met" Starla while working on the trilogy (which is still unfinished). At that moment, she was in her late 20s. (She's 15 in Starfall.) I knew right away she was strong-willed, that her personality was prickly (yet she was fiercely loyal to friends), and that she didn't take any guff from anybody. And, as the scene progressed, I realized that she was deaf.

In a way, it wasn't a conscious decision. She showed up fully formed in my imagination, from her haircut to her combat boots. Once I realized I was going to write Starfall from her point of view, though, I put as much effort as I could into researching what it would be like to experience the world as a deaf person, by reading books about Deaf culture and by Deaf authors, and just learning as much as I could.

About the Author:

Jessie Kwak is a freelance writer and novelist living in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not writing B2B marketing copy, you can find her scribbling away on her latest novel, riding her bike to the brewpub, or sewing something fun.

Website | Twitter

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book for my honest review.

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70th Birthday and a Linky - Part 1

Welcome to my Picture Perfect

Party Linky #253!

Sisters relaxing by the eco pool -
Jessica, Samantha and Amanda

Last weekend was my mother-in-law's 70th birthday. The celebration was held at Angala, a five-star boutique hotel near Franschhoek. I'll be sharing photos over the next few weeks. These pics were taken on Saturday afternoon when we arrived. This is Part 1.

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.

Click on the photos to see them at their best!

Jessica studying

Amanda and Samantha being served
sandwiches by Lorenzo

My salmon salad

Tina (that's me)

Amanda

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Here's a peek at
my latest post

on 1camera1mom:

Kruger National Park - Part 4

Lilac-breasted Roller

Cape Glossy Starling

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My Latest Book Posts:

Bessie, Queen of the Sky

has arrived!

Sweet T and the

Turtle Team

and a $75 Giveaway!

*********************

Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

and

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
• Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
• If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
• Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

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This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.

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Bessie, Queen of the Sky has arrived!

Bessie, Queen of the Sky

First Book in the Queen Girls Series

Amanda and I received a free digital copy of Bessie, Queen of the Sky, at the end of last year, before the book was out in print. We were promised a physical print copy once it was published. Recently, we collected a package at the post office and were delighted to discover that the book has finally arrived! Here are two photos of Amanda with her new book. I'm also including our original review below.

Queen Girls

Stories of real women turned into fairy tales. Inspiring girls to follow their dreams!

About the First Book in the

Queen Girls Collection:
Bessie, Queen of the Sky

The first fairy tale is ‘Bessie, Queen of the Sky’ inspired by the story of Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to hold a pilot’s license. The book will be available in English and Spanish.

‘When Bessie was growing up, no one could have imagined that a girl from a humble family would get out of the cotton fields and become a pilot. But with the help of her best friend Bloony, Bessie uses her courage and determination to make her dream come true!’

● Available in English & Spanish

● Recommended age - 4 to 7 years

● 32 pages, hardcover & digital

A peek inside...

Order One for One
Bessie, Queen of the Sky
on INDIEGOGO!

Or Purchase on Amazon:

Kindle | Hardcover

MY REVIEW

Bessie, Queen of the Sky is a beautifully illustrated picture book that brings to life the true story of a girl who had the courage to follow her dreams no matter what roadblocks she faced along the way. This book teaches that a person's gender, skin color, or social position does not equate with ability. As long as you are willing to work hard and persevere, you can be just as good or better than anyone else.

In an ideal world, all people ought to have equal opportunities. Unfortunately, our daughters are not growing up in an ideal world, but things are changing. My own daughters do not feel the same restrictions that I felt growing up and I believe this has a lot to do with the brave women who went before us. We can be thankful for girls and women like Bessie who have trail blazed ahead, making it easier for us to follow in their steps.

When I got to the end of the story, my 8-year old daughter, Amanda, was impressed to see the photograph of Bessie and to learn that it was based on a true story. For me, this has been one of my favorite picture books that I did with her this year. It was truly inspirational. I highly recommend it for girls ages 4 to 8.

To find out more, visit my original post:
Bessie, Queen of the Sky

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

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Horrors of Shark Finning and a Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #231!

Our family is very interested in protecting the environment. We are also interested in the fair treatment of animals. Amanda and I have had the honor of reviewing books along these topics. One topic that Amanda and I recently covered was on shark finning. She learned about it for the first time in The Shark and the Volcano. I get excited when I see authors reaching young readers by using fun stories to touch on important topics.

Shark finning is a horrific industry with around 73 million sharks being slaughtered a year. Their fins are often removed while the sharks are still alive! Amanda and I learned in our book review that people are willing to pay $150 for a bowl of shark fin soup! Watch the short video and visit the links to find out more. Our book review is also below.

Related Links:

Shark Fin Soup - National Geographic

Shark Finning - Shark Life Conservation

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.

Click on my photos to see them at their best!

The Shark and the Volcano

Our Review:

The Green Kids are on another adventure in The Shark and the Volcano. This one takes them to the waters of the Hawaiian Islands where they find out about the plight of sharks due to finning and their capture. Finning was a new word for Amanda. I had learned about the awful practice over a year ago and explained it to her. There is also an explanation at the back of the book. Amanda was surprised to read that people are willing to pay $150 for a bowl of shark fin soup! She also read other facts about sharks at the end of the book and was impressed to learn that sharks can have up to 3,000 teeth at one time!

In the story, the Green Kids ride dolphins and they meet a mystical warrior princess of the seas. Together they stop a group of fishermen from taking the fins from sharks. The princess tells the fishermen that what they are doing is wrong and that sharks are endangered. The princess warns them that if they don't stop, they will experience the wrath of the volcano.

Amanda and I enjoy the Green Kids Club picture book series. Not only are the stories fun, but there are neat things to be learned. We also care about animals and the environment. Let's make our kids, Green Kids!

Disclosure: We received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Related Reviews:

Green Kids Club

Wolf Howls and Other Books

YooHoo and Friends

from the Green Kids Club

Website:

Green Kids Club

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Our Latest Book Review:

Sweet T and the Turtle Team

*********************

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.co.za/" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

Weekend Linky

Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link-ups I take part in.

Read More

Sweet T and the Turtle Team

Sweet T and the Turtle Team

Blog Tour and a $75 Giveaway!

About the Book

Title: Sweet T and the Turtle Team | Author: Cat Michaels | Illustrator: Irene A. Jahns | Publication Date: July 2017 | Publisher: 2101 Ink | Genre: Early Chapter Book | Number of Pages: 72 | Recommended Ages: 6 to 11

Summary: It’s nesting season for loggerhead sea turtles on North Carolina's Gull Island. Nine-year old Tara (or Sweet T as her family sometimes calls her) is determined to see hatchlings make it safely from their nests to their ocean home.Summering on Gull Island with Great Aunt Mae could be tons of fun, but T is having a hard time making new friends with island children, let alone finding kids to help her monitor a sea turtle nest.There’s little sister Jenna, but Jenna is, well, little. Fuzzy is around, too, but Jenna’s blue stuffy rabbit gets lost all the time. Besides, a toy bunny can’t help protect turtle nests.

Tara befriends Billy, a moody island child. He teaches her skimboarding and shows her the best shelling spots. But Billy stomps away when she asks him to read the "Turtle Team Guide" and join her in saving baby sea turtles.

What’s up with Billy? He’s nice one minute and grumpy the next. And why does he refuse to join T’s Turtle Team? T can't figure him out.

A tropical storm threatens Gull Island just as the sea turtle nest is ready to hatch. T must abandon the nest and prepare for bad weather.

• Will Sweet T and her friends keep safe from the storm?

• Will the sea turtle nest survive angry ocean waves?

• Will Billy reveal his secret?

Dive into adventure, fun and secrets on Gull Island with "Sweet T and the Turtle Team" to find out!

"Sweet T and the Turtle Team" is the third book of the Sweet T Tales Series of chapter books for early and reluctant readers by Cat Michaels, MS., Ed. With a glossary, comprehension quiz, sea turtle hatch photo gallery, and discussion questions, "Turtle Team" delivers powerful messages about protecting marine life while helping young readers empathize with children who struggle to read.

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Pre-order Now!
Available July 21, 2017

Amazon | iTunes

Take a peek inside the book...

My Review:

Sweet T and the Turtle Team is an early chapter book teaching the values of friendship, acceptance, and caring for the environment. Sweet T is Tara's nickname and she is in the 4th grade. While visiting her Great Aunt Mae on Gull Island, she meets a boy named Billy who is a year older and also in the 4th grade.

The story is interesting with beautiful illustrations. Amanda's thoughts on Tara and Billy is that they have to learn to work together and solve problems. We recommend this book for children ages 6 and older.

Related Post:
Sweet T and the North Wind

Watch the book video...

About the Author

Author, blogger CAT MICHAELS, M.S., Ed., has more than two decades of experience helping students from kindergarten to college with learning disabilities and Asperger’s syndrome.

Her chapter books and Sweet T Tales series for beginning readers tell of every day life with a twist of magic and mischief.  Cat’s books encourage young and reluctant readers to use their imagination and solve kid-sized dilemmas as they enjoy reading.

Cat lives in North Carolina with her family, where she enjoys digital photography and graphic design, creates pocket gardens, works out as often as she can, and writes.

Website/Blog  |  Facebook |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Instagram

Find Cat’s books on Amazon and iTunes

Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a 75 Amazon gift card or $75 PayPal cash prize; winner's choice
Giveaway ends: August 9, 11:59 pm, 2017
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Cat Michaels and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book for my honest review.

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