Blog Tour and Giveaway

 

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the WHEN THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN by K. Ibura Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Title: WHEN THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

Author: K. Ibura

Pub. Date: February 1, 2022

Publisher:  Scholastic Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 288

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle,
Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

What do you do when the world shuts down? A heartwarming story of friendship and overcoming adversity in a time of COVID, When the World Turns Upside Down is about community, giving back, and understanding the world around us through the power of generosity from debut middle grade author K. Ibura.

Nobody expected a tiny little virus to change the whole world in such a big way, especially not Shayla, Liam, Ai, and Ben. But when school closes to keep everyone safe, their lives turn upside down. It is one thing to learn that the
outside world isn’t safe, but why does it seem that the virus is causing trouble inside their homes too?

As they each struggle to adjust to life in quarantine, they discover they are not alone: their apartment building is full of people who need their help. Working together, they begin to see that there is power in numbers. When they cooperate, they can ease each other’s challenges and help their neighbors Through tough times. It’s a lesson they’ll need when protests explode in the streets. Soon, each friend has to decide what it means to be part of a community—and how much they’re willing to do to make this world safer for everyone.

Set against the onset of COVID, When the World Turned Upside Down navigates issues of race and social justice in a heartwarming story of generosity, friendship, and the power of youth.

Reviews:

“When The World Turned Upside Down is as clear-eyed as it is
engaging, as timely as it is timeless. I fell in love with every single student
in this book. And days after reading it, each of them remains with me.” ―
Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl
Dreaming“

A beautifully written story that will inspire young readers to work for
positive change even in times of turmoil and stress. This book reminds readers
that all of us can make an impact and find ways to shine bright.” ―Angela
Cervantes, author of Pura Belpré Honor Book Lety Out Loud“

A hope-filled book dealing with the struggles children face in
extraordinary times, K. Ibura has crafted a story perfect for young readers
looking to make sense of current events. Timely and important.” – Adrianna
Cuevas, author of Pura Belpré Honor Book The Total Eclipse of Nestor
López and Cuba In My Pocket

“A heartwarming call to action.” — Kirkus Reviews

I like books to come alive as I read them, so I seldom do more than glance at a synopsis. I don’t want hints and pieces given to me ahead of time. That said, I enjoyed seeing where this story took me.

Most likely will understand some of the emotions that are associated with happenings in 2020.

In this book, children face a time when schools are closed. They not only experience what it’s like to be taught through virtual learning, but they witness how COVID works its viral fingers throughout their apartment building. The effects of this virus touch many families and individuals. 

The four friends in this apartment complex attempt to figure out what they can do to make the world a better place. The topics include not only COVID but current events such as Black Lives Matter and George Floyd.

My Concerns

I wonder if kids and adults might be exhausted with talk of COVID, racism, and various current events? It felt heavy-handed in the presentation and agenda.

Final Thoughts

Author K. Ibura brought many challenges to light that children may have faced in 2020 due to the pandemic and other current events. Those who are interested in current events are apt to find this book enjoyable.

A variety of subjects and personalities attempt to pull this story together, but it just didn’t work for me. I would suggest you read other reviews since what doesn’t work for one, works beautifully for another.

My thanks to Rockstar Book Tours and the publisher for a gifted copy. I was free to write my feelings regarding this book.

About the Author

K. IBURA is an essayist, science fiction and fantasy short story writer, and painter from New Orleans, Louisiana. The middle child of five in a family of human rights activists, she grew up in a hardscrabble neighborhood with oak and fig trees, locusts and mosquitoes, cousins and neighbors. Her short story collection Ancient, Ancient won the James Tiptree, Jr. Award for 2012. Ibura’s debut YA novel will be coming out with Alloy and Harper Teen in spring 2022.

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Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of WHEN THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN, US Only.

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