Today's Featured Books

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Gone to the Dogs, the newest book in the Frankinschool Mysteries series for young readers from award-winning author Caryn Rivadeneira and Red Chair Press.

"Relatable, funny, and just the right amount of creepy, kids will love Fred and his friends and their creative, life-affirming adventures." ~Jennifer Grant, award-winning author of Once Upon a Time Not So Long Ago (on Book 1 of the Frankinschool Mysteries)

Gone to the Dogs

Fred’s emotions have gone to the dogs!

Fred’s teacher and Luisa might be excited about their “old-timey” research trip to the library, but Fred is not. In fact, the whole project—and his continued failures at it—are making him angry! That is, until he realizes he has the perfect solution to his problem: Simply write one of his “What If” poems, tap into the power of pretend, turn into Frankinchool, and voila! Project, cancelled.

Trouble is, the poem doesn’t work, which makes Fred even fussier—especially when speaking to his friends Luisa and Drake. But while on a quest to find Luisa and apologize, books fly off the library shelves, students nod off at their desk, Drake grows head-snakes, and once again, Fred becomes Frankinschool. But this time, they have no idea how or why.

In Book Three of the Frankinschool Mysteries, readers set off on an adventure with Frankinschool through secret passageways and grand rooms of a mansion-turned-library. Along the way, they run into old ghost-friends and a few new ones; they learn about managing expectations, anger, and friendships, and discover that sometimes going-to-the-dogs is a very good thing.

For more information (including a discussion guide), visit Red Chair Press.

Monster Match

In the first book of the Frankinschool Mysteries, Fred is working diligently on his writing assignment when a mist fills the room, and the words on his page come to life, literally. Suddenly Fred (now Frankinschool) and Luisa (now Princess Luisa) need to save the school from the mysterious potion—and the even more mysterious and devious ghost living in the school attic.

For more information (including a preview sample chapter and a discussion guide), visit Red Chair Press.

Praise for Monster Match

• Finalist, Early Readers Category, Canadian Book Club Awards
• Finalist for Best Children's Book 8-12 of 2023, Readers' Favorite
• Semi-Finalist in Middle Grade Fiction: Gertrude Warner Award of the Chanticleer International Book Awards, 2023
• Outstanding Creator Awards Winner, Author and Illustrator
• "A great selection for third- to sixth-grade readers who enjoy books about friendship and supernatural events." ~Readers' Favorite
• "Poignant lessons on forgiveness, friendship, and fairness... Slightly spooky and utterly charming, young readers will enjoy every page." ~Blue Ink Review

The Cupsnake Escape

The second book about a boy named Fred who turns into "Frankenstein's monster" whenever he writes his "What-if" assignments. Fred and his friend Luisa find themselves in trouble once again when the new student mixes up recipes at their class’s bakery field trip leading to snakes running amok.

While the students scramble out of the school in fear, Fred and Luisa suspect their old friend Frank is behind the Great Cupsnake Escape. Once again, they put their creativity, their cooperation, and their courage to the test—but will it be enough to save the school from the snakes?

    

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. They are currently offering two free online exhibitions: Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women (ends Jan. 5, 2025) and Reckoning with Remembrance: History, Injustice, and the Murder of Emmett Till (ends Sept. 15, 2024). 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Martha's Notebook by C. Fulster, the first book of a new zombie apocalypse trilogy. Pre-order your copy now to be among the first to receive this new book when it is released on October 1! 

Bonus: Get the e-book for a special price of $2.99 now through October 5. (After that, the e-book will be available at a regular price of $4.99.)

Martha's Notebook

Before the incident, Martha’s biggest worry was her parents’ divorce. Now she’s hiding from a zombie horde hell-bent on annihilating humankind nicknamed “Chippers.”

But this attack wasn’t spurred by a viral outbreak. Instead, these zombies seem to be puppets of an AI technology gone rogue, and with every day that passes, it’s learning more about how to accomplish its sinister goal.

But why is an AI creating, controlling, and upgrading zombies—and more importantly, how do you stop an ultra-intelligent, world-ending technology that can shift course at a moment’s notice?

Only one thing is clear: there’s no going back.

Martha’s Notebook is the electrifying first installment of a new sci-fi horror trilogy that will keep you on the edge of your seat with every twist. Jam-packed with survival, suspense, and existential dread, it’s sure to satisfy any post-apocalyptic fiction enthusiast.

About the Author

      

We have two great options for free literary events this weekend. If you happen to be in or near Chicago, we recommend Printers Row Lit Fest, a two-day book fair with lots of in-person readings, lectures, and book signings. All events are free, no tickets required. Saturday, Sept. 7 & Sunday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. CDT.

Can't make it to Chicago this weekend? Check out The Back Room discussion of "Big Fall Books" with authors Ally Condie, David Ellis, S.C. Lalli, and Thomas E. Ricks. For our money (actually, it's free!), this is one of the best online reading/discussion series around. Sunday, Sept. 8,  7 p.m. ET.

"Going to Chicago was like going out of the world." ~Muddy Waters

At 18 years of age, John Walker Pattison was diagnosed with cancer. After years of failed chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, his parents were told that he would not survive. Yet today, he is one of the longest-surviving cancer patients in the UK. Later, his daughter was diagnosed with terminal cancer, yet she too went on to defy the odds. Learn more in this inspiring true story. 4.9 stars, 20 ratings. From $4.50 SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on When Shepherds Kill by James Hammonds, a thriller set in Chicago that follows a city councilman as he helps investigate the death of his friend and fellow city councilman. 

When Shepherds Kill

“We are the only people in America who have to protect ourselves from our protectors.” ~Stokely Carmichael

Inspired by the 1963 unsolved murder of Chicago Alderman Benjamin Lewis, this novel follows Councilman David Strong as he gets involved in the murder investigation of his friend and colleague, Councilman Earl Williams.

When Williams is found slumped over his office desk, Detective Harry Johnson persuades Councilman Strong to assist in the murder investigation of their mutual friend.

The dead councilman's constituents are angry, so the mayor has the police make a quick arrest. This strategy to keep the city calm goes south fast as demonstrators demand the release of the incarcerated young man.

David Strong, a reluctant sleuth, investigates Williams’ death while supporting the protestors. His efforts put him in the crosshairs of the police, Russian mobsters, Mexican drug dealers, and local street gangs.

If Strong is going to unravel this murder mystery and come out alive, he must use all of his wits.

About the Author

      

Free online: First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Shanan Ballam, Poet Laureate of Logan City, Utah, and a Senior Lecturer for the Utah State University's Department of English. Shanan survived a massive stroke in January 2022 that left her without speech and without the use of her entire right side, but she never quit writing poetry. Friday, September 6, 12 p.m. CDT. 

"Every year, about 800,000 Americans have strokes. But it seems that, unlike Shanan Ballam, few people found poetry in it." ~Peter Rosen, KSLTV.com

Do you believe in Halloween magic? This collection of contemporary military romance stories takes place around and during Halloween, featuring closely held secrets, ghosts, sexy adult costume parties, and things that go bump in the night. It’s a bewitching 'must-have' collection with various tropes and steam levels, offering something for every reader to enjoy. Heroes, Holidays, and Hope (Vol. 2) is available for a limited time—get your copy before we prepare for Volume 3! Step out of the shadows and pick up your copy today! From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Ronald Mullins seemingly had it all. So when he dies of an apparent suicide, Detective John Keegan starts asking questions. Before long, Keegan is thrust into a web of corruption that could destroy his career—and his life. In Soft Case, Keegan must navigate betrayal and danger as he uncovers secrets that reach all the way to the top. Can he solve the city's biggest case before it consumes him? Dive into the gripping first book of the John Keegan Mystery Series. 4.0 stars, 669 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /