Small Medium at Large Book Launch and Book Review

Small Medium at Large by Joanne Levy

Published by Bloomsbury Kids July 3rd 2012

Reviewed from personal copy

Summary

After she’s hit by lightning at a wedding, twelve-year-old Lilah Bloom develops a new talent: she can hear dead people. Among them, there’s her over-opinionated Bubby Dora; a prissy fashion designer; and an approval-seeking clown who livens up a séance. With Bubby Dora leading the way, these and other sweetly imperfect ghosts haunt Lilah through seventh grade, and help her face her one big fear: talking to—and possibly going to the seventh-grade dance with—her crush, Andrew Finkel.

My Thoughts:

    The character of Lilah is a fresh voice on the middle grade book scene and I adored her. She is quirky, and funny not to mention boy-crazy and I loved her fearless nature. A coming of age novel, Lilah is working out what’s important to her. When she gains the new ability to hear the dead after being struck by lightning, she still must work to discover who she is, but now she has the sweet voice of her grandmother (among others) to guide her. There were many great scenes in the book –one in particular brought tears to my eyes, but  I think my favourite moments were between Lilah and her Dad. Their relationship is a special one and without a mom regularly in the picture they really have had to learn to look after each other.  Lots of laugh out loud moments, the writing style is reminiscent of authors like Paula Danzinger, Judy Blume and Susin Nelson, I look forward to reading much more by Joanne Levy.

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting the author Joanne at her book launch for Small Medium at Large. It was hosted by Bryan Prince Bookseller (a charming bookstore) and had a fabulous turn out. Joanne also gave out fabulous swag bags to all the invited bloggers.

Her podium, and delish cupcakes!

 

Joanne doing a reading from her book (there is truly something special about hearing an author read from their own book) and my signed copy

A pic of the fabulous Toronto Bloggers and Me

Other recaps of the event:

• Just a Lil’ Lost
• Cupcake and a Latte
• Joanne Levy

HarperCollins Frenzy Presents-YA Blogger Night

I was unbelievably excited to receive an invite to the HarperCollins Frenzy night in Toronto this past Tuesday. So excited that I made the drive during rush hour to be there. It was totally worth it. Not only did I have an amazing time, I also got to connect with my favourite blogger gals too. 
The evening started as all evenings should…with pie. We found a seat and then Vikki VanSickle talked about her role at HCC and introduced the other members of the HCC team, including Editor Hadley Dyer.

We got a sneak peak at some fabulous fall titles: 

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

Don't Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon

 

Starling by Lesley Livingston

Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel

Ten by Gretchen McNeil

Debutantes by Cora Harrison

 We were told in the initial invite that there could be a special guest at the event. I knew a certain someone would be in town so I was hoping it would be her and I was right! 

Tahereh Mafi

I was freaking out. If you are a follower of this blog, you know my love for Shatter Me (my review here) and for Tahereh. If you follow her on facebook, tumblr or twitter you know how incredibly awesome and funny she is. Meeting her in person was one of the highlights of my 2 years of blogging. She’s amazing!!

 It was my turn to get my book signed:  I went up, she hugged me:

She is the sweetest

We took pictures together:

SOOOO Happy

 She sat down, and began to sign my book.

Remember when I told you that I always babble and can never get my words out when I meet someone I truly admire?

I meant to say: “You are a gifted writer”
What I actually said: “Gifted YOU are”
So I basically met one of my favourite authors and ended up sounding like…..

Yoda = Jen

 Soooo embarrassing-
Tahereh was so gracious though, look how she signed my book-

The evening was wonderful, HCC even sent us home with wonderful goody bags. Thanks so much to the staff at Harpercollins; especially Vikki, Shannon and Jessica for a great night!