Monday, April 25, 2016

Joshua's Island: Revised Edition (James Madison Series Book 1) & Review

GOLD MEDAL WINNER - 2015 READER'S FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS

WINNER - 2015 STARGAZER LITERARY PRIZE
FINALIST: 2015 WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
FINALIST: 2015 DANTE ROSETTI AWARD

Joshua is small for his age. He has been bullied relentlessly for years, and all of his friends have drifted away from him. Eve is a pretty girl who has just been recruited into the popular clique. The two couldn't be more different.

As they begin their final year of middle school, the unlikely pair find themselves partners in Science class. At first reluctant to work with him, Eve soon discovers hidden truths about not only Joshua but their school that turn her world upside-down.

The two form a relationship that will teach them both the true meaning of friendship, loyalty, and love... a relationship that will end up changing not only their lives, but the entire complexion of their school.

About the Author

Patrick Hodges

I currently live in Arizona with my wife, Vaneza. After years of writing for several different entertainment-related blogs, I have found new life and vitality by writing fictional stories about young teens and preteens that are entertaining for ALL ages.

I was bullied badly in middle school and high school, and I am of the opinion that not enough books are written on the subject, and those that are come off as preachy or heavy-handed. It was my goal to tell a story that a young person could read and enjoy, a story that would not only entertain them but given them a perspective on a touchy and relevant subject that they may not have had otherwise.

I make it a point to bring an empathic view to all my books, to give readers a view into what it's like for kids at that age when they just start to mature into young adults. For me, it's all about the characters. I love creating characters that jump off the page, that feel like real people no matter how old the reader is. Because without great characters, you really don't have a great story, do you?

Trailer

My Review

Joshua is one of those kids in school who doesn’t stand out as anything great. He’s little for his age and he’s not popular. Eve on the other hand, is popular, and she’s been accepted in a clique'‘wana-be in’'circle. When scrawny Joshua gets put as her science partner, Eve isn’t thrilled to say the least. But important things in life sometimes come from situations we don’t think worthy, cool or convenient, and that is what Eve will learn. As she gets to know Joshua, the reality of her school will be exposed to her. Patrick Hodges has a really nice writing style that paints vivid, word pictures of the scenes throughout. Some of the bullying situations are hard to take, but at the same time Patrick has intertwined them into the story well, and it puts a message out there, against bullying. This is a wonderful, heartwarming story with a needed message.

Author Links

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/jdz5gyl
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/jeht2jp
Twitter: Twi@Shrykespeare