Review of Unsigned Hype

Debut Author from World of Hip-Hop
Delivers Story that Brings the Urban Young-Adult Experience to Life

Synopsis of the novel -

Tory Tyson may only be in high school, but he knows what he wants out of life--a successful music career. And he's not going to learn about all that at school. So when school lets out next month he's not going back. He's finally ready to stop spinning old records at parties and start laying down his own beats--and the Unsigned Hype music contest is the perfect place to launch his career. But will he be able to handle the fame and fortune he seeks?

A review of the novel -

I had my 17 year old son, Aaron, read and review this book. Here's what he had to say:

"This is a great story about a young man taking the right steps in life to become successful. This kid named Tory Tyson, "Terror Tory", has an incredible, God-given talent to create and produce music that inspires everyone to come together and enjoy life. While on his journey to stardom he goes through the good and bad things that come with being popular and famous. He still strives to do things the right way through the good and bad. Author, Booker T. Mattison's plot was great. Everything flowed smoothly and transistioned well. The characters were well thought out and perfect for this story. This story will inspire all young people. It shows that even though you grew up in a bad neighborhood and around negative people, that you can still overcome the overwhelming odds and obstacles in life and be successful and do good things with your life." ...Aaron McKnight

I'm going to make him a writer out of him yet. :o)

Aaron enjoyed the book. He read it in two days which is always a good sign, so this is a highly recommended one for the young set.

About the author -

Booker T. Mattison is a writer and filmmaker who wrote the screenplay for and directed the film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston’s “The Gilded Six Bits,” which aired on Showtime. His films have been screened at the Smithsonian Institute, the Library of Congress, the Directors Guild of America, and Harvard University. He has also written and directed music videos for Grammy-nominated the Cross Movement, as well as other Christian rap and R&B artists. His music videos have aired on BET, MTV Europe, the Gospel Music Channel, and TBN. Mattison lives in Newburg, New York, with his wife and four children. This is his first novel.

Visit him at http://bookertmattison.com/ and Facebook

Stephanie Perry Moore Two New Teen Series

Stephanie Perry Moore has to have two days in this feature, because she has so many books. This year she released two new series; one for the younger and older teens. Here's a little about the second books in both series:


Yasmin Peace Series

It all Begins with Faith

In this second book of the Yasmin Peace series, family tensions and school unrest soar to a fever pitch. A school counselor begins the LIGHT club, a club dedicated to helping eighth grade girls deal with issues like gangs, depression, teen suicide, and self esteem. Yasmin discovers that there is hope on the other side of every obstacle—if she holds on to her faith.



The Beta Gamma Pi Series


Pledging wasn't in Malloy Murray's plans, but it might be exactly what she needs...


Malloy Murray has never had any close girlfriends, so she wasn't really feeling the whole "sorority" thing, but Malloy has to pledge?her mother, the National President of Beta Gamma Pi, is counting on it. After meeting some of the sisters at a party, the idea of becoming a Beta isn't actually so bad. And when Malloy runs into Kade, the guy she's been crushing on, things heat up fast, especially when Sharon—a Beta sister and Kade's girlfriend—vows to do everything to keep Malloy away from Kade and out of the sorority. Now to survive the school year, Malloy’s got to look deep into her heart to find the real meaning of sisterhood.

STEPHANIE PERRY MOORE is the author of many Young Adult Christian fiction titles, including the Payton Skky series, the Laurel Shadrach series, the Perry Skky Jr. series, the Faith Thomas Novelzine series, the Carmen Browne series, and the Beta Gamma Pi series. She is also the co-editor for the impactful BibleZine, REAL. Mrs. Moore speaks with young people across the country, showing them how they can live life fully and do it God's way. Stephanie currently lives in the greater Atlanta area with her husband, Derrick, a former NFL player and author, and their three children. Visit her website at http://www.stephanieperrymoore.com/.

A selection for older teens - Zora and Nicky

I'm reposting Dee Stewart's April 2008 review of Zora and Nicky below:

A Review Inspired

by Dee Stewart

I love to read, but lately all I've been doing is reviewing and editing books. These tasks somehow drain my love for reading until this month. My friend, Claudia Mair Burney, who write the hot pants off me sent me three of her latest novels, all divine, but this one--Zora and Nicky: A Novel in Black and White--it did something I rarely get, something that justifies my reasoning for writing inspired fiction...illumination.Zora & Nicky in short is an interracial/interdenominational love story. How do people of different races build a world together? How do people of different ideas of sound doctrine live a life together? How do people love through Christ? A not so simple love story written with simple, elegant, honest, passionate prose. Best book of the year so far.

My favorite passage:
Because I have broken into a million pieces. Click here to read more.

I have to agree with Dee. It's a masterpiece. I recommend it for the older teens. 17 and up I'd say.

Nikki Carter's A So For Real Novels

Fifteen-year-old Gia Stokes knows exactly what she needs to make her life fantabulous:

Get her mother Gwendolyn to let her relax her hair

Find a boy to ask her out

Get on the Hi-Steppers dance squad

Gia doesn't have the hair or the clothes, but she's got the moves and the attitude to make her sophomore year at Longfellow High unforgettable. But not everyone agrees, so Gia decides it's time for a makeover. With her stylish new look, she scores a date with hottie football player, Romeo, snags a spot on the Hi-Steppers dance squad, and makes a ton of new friends. Gia's on top of the world?until things go horribly wrong. Now Gia feels like all she has left is her mom and her faith. That's not going to stop Gia, she's just got to convince the Hi-Steppers and everyone else at school, to follow her lead and step to her beat.

Gia and the Longfellow High gang are back in full effect! Ricky – Gia’s BFF and almost-crush - is now the starting quarterback of the Longfellow Spartans. Along with that comes not one but two crushes from Hi-Stepper Valerie and Gia’s cousin Hope, leaving Gia scrambling as the middle man. Valerie’s on a mission to win the Homecoming Queen title and will stop at nothing to get her crown. In the middle of all the drama, Gia now has to contend with a new stepfather and sticky-fingered stepsister. Will Ricky choose Hope or Valerie? Or will Ricky and Gia get past their fear of the crush unknown and lay it all on the line? You’ll have to read and find out!


It Is What It Is coming June 30th. Click here to pre-order.

Interview with YA author, Michelle Stimpson

Today I welcome author, Michelle Stimpson to Urban Christian Fiction Today. Michelle is one of several women's fiction authors who also writes for the young adult market.

Michelle, introduce yourself to my readers. Hi, Rhonda’s readers! I’m Michelle Stimpson – a wife, a mother, an educator, and a writer. I live and worship in the Dallas area. I’m a native Texan and I enjoy getting together with my girlfriends for fun and relaxation. I’ve been writing since I was twelve years old, when I started keeping a regular diary to deal with the sudden absence of my mother, who was severely injured in an auto accident. During her recovery, I started journaling to deal with the stress of suddenly being the “little mother” of the family. I’m so thankful that God kept me with the gift of writing and the Holy Spirit protected me from all the other harm the enemy intended for me while my parents were busy dealing with my mother’s recovery. I just Bless Him for being a fence all around me!

Tell us about your debut young adult novel, Trouble In My Way. Trouble In My Way is a novel about 16-year-old Karis Reed who wants to the right thing, but sometimes trouble does get in the way – especially when her mother (a women’s minister) reads her diary! Karis’s mother finds out that Karis went to a young man’s house, unauthorized, and that’s where the trouble begins. The funny thing about Karis is that she really doesn’t see the problem with doing things her way. In fact, maybe if her mother’s rules weren’t so strict, Karis wouldn’t have to lie and sneak around! I think it’s a fun, poignant read for both mothers and daughters.

I’m laughing because I remember my mother would question me about things in my life and I assumed she was psychic. It never occurred to me that she was reading my diary. LOL. Tell me what inspired you to throw your hat into the young adult market. Actually, I’ve always write something for teens. In fact, my first fiction pieces (short stories) were written for young adults when I was teaching high school. I had been toying around with the idea when I sat down with ReShonda Tate-Billingsley in late 2006, shortly after the release of her first young adult novel. She encouraged me to give it a try and even referred me to her agent. (Thanks, ReShonda!) Once I got started on the manuscript, the rest was history.

Tell us about the main character, Karis. What sets her apart from her peers and why do teens need to know her story? Karis is a good girl at heart. She knows right from wrong and she’s been raised in the church, so she knows what God has to say about being obedient to her parents. But according to Karis, the problem with her parents (who are divorced) is that her mother is too strict, and her father is dating a woman who isn’t much older than Karis. Add drama with boys, friends, and driver’s-ed – and you’ve got the wild and crazy life of Karis Reed! The thing about Karis is that she knows better. Knowing better makes all the difference.

Teens need to read this book to take a peek into the life of another young person who is facing some of the same struggles and know that God is concerned about teens’ lives as much as adults. My hope is that readers will journey through Karis’s crazy tale and discover the importance of integrity right along with her.

I’m impressed that with adult fiction writers who are able to capture the young adult voice. I’ve tried with no success to find my inner teen. :o) Tell me how you do it, Michelle. One of the things that helps me is to go back and review all of those diaries I kept as a teen. When I read them, I recall the voice, the logic, the intense emotions, the newness of experiences and situations that I now recognize almost immediately as an adult. It’s a very refreshing perspective and it helps to get into the mindset of a teenager.

Ha, ha, ha - I go back and read my diaries and wonder why I wasn't medicated. Drama!

Anything else you’d like to share? Just want to encourage readers to pick up a copy and share it with a blessed young lady with a wonderful, bright future ahead of her!

Tell readers how they may find you on the Internet. http://www.michellestimpson.com/


Make sure to also check out Michelle's adult novels. She weaves a compelling tale with lots of great plot twist and awesome character development. I highly recommend her novels. As a matter of fact I did in my list of the best Christian Fiction authors at the beginning of 2009.

Bluford Series for male "tweens"- Grades 6 to 8

Someone asked me about books for males in that tween age. I don't know of anything in Christian fiction, but I do know about the Bluford Series. I purchased the first 13 for my son years ago. Lots of educators use these books in the classroom, and they really are good values based literature. There are 15 books in the series and get this? If you order from the publisher's website it's only $1 per book. I'm not kidding. $15 plus minimal shipping.

Here's a little about the series:

The Bluford Series is a collection of FIFTEEN young adult novels that focus on the lives of a group of high school students and their families. The series draws its name from the school which many of the characters attend: Bluford High, named after Guion "Guy" Bluford, America's first black astronaut.

Set in contemporary urban America, each novel addresses complex topics relevant to the lives of today's students: family, friendship, trust, isolation, violence, and peer pressure, to name a few.
In addition, the books feature male and female characters and include elements from many literary genres, such as mystery, suspense, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. In other words, the Bluford Series offers something for almost every reader.


Check it out by clicking here.

Books For Our Male Teens

Stephanie Perry Moore penned a captivating series for our young men. Last year my 17 year old read each new release of this series in one day flat. This is the kid I used to bribe or threaten to read, so they had to be good. The series includes five books that focus on a young man named Perry Skky, Jr. Here's a little about the first book:

Prime Choice

Torn between his desire for sex and his desire to please God, Perry Skky Jr. needs some guidance—before he lets down both himself and the Lord…

It’s Perry’s senior year—and he has every reason to feel good about himself. One of the most popular kids in his class, he’s not only the best football player in the state, he’s also acing every one of his AP classes. College recruiters are beating down his door to sign him. He even has such a good thing with his girlfriend, Tori, that he finally feels ready to take their relationship to the next level.

There’s only one problem. Tori isn’t ready. Her Christian beliefs tell her she needs to save herself. And with plenty of girls to choose from, Perry is tempted to break up with Tori and start spending time with someone who is ready for something more. The choice is his: to do what feels good—or to do right by God.

Learn more about the series at Stephanie's website by clicking here.

Diamond.
India.
Veronqie.
Aaliyah.

What does that spell? DIVA!!

The Divine Divas. They're fifteen and they're fine, and they want to be the hottest, hippest new girl group to hit gospel music. First they'll have to win the team talent competition. But with looks, energy, and voices like theirs, they are sure they'll go right to the top.

Diamond Winters is the one who formed the Divas. With her wealthy, loving parents and an endless supply of charm, she's always been able to sweet-talk her way into anything. But this time, has Diamond talked her way right into trouble? Diamond has support for her group from her family and church, but she has a lot going on. She's made it onto the school's varsity cheerleading squad, and she's caught the eye of the totally cool senior Jason Xavier. Jax is sweeping her off her feet, but Diamond is starting to feel as if she's in over her head.
Diamond has always been so sure she's in control. Will she have the courage to ask for help and guidance when she needs it? And will the Divas even manage to stay together long enough for the first round of the talent competition?

While India Morrow is happy her BFFs included her in the Divas, she knows she's not cute like Diamond, cool like Veronique, or smart like Aaliyah. Maybe if she were supermodel-thin, like her mom, she'd stand out in a crowd, but dieting never seems to work for her. The Divas are poised to win the next level of the competition and India is scared she'll let her friends down. With only fifty-eight days to get it all right, her cousin Jill tells her the secret -- how to lose weight while still eating.

The pounds start falling away; India is finally getting lots of attention. If only she didn't feel bad about keeping a secret. She's scared of what her friends, parents, and Pastor Ford would say. What she's doing isn't so wrong, is it? All she wants is to be a star...but will the price be too great for her, body and soul?

Veronique wants to be a star just as much as her fellow Divas do, but there's more to it than just fame for her. Unlike her middle-class friends at Holy Cross Prep, Veronique is there on scholarship, and if she wins a recording contract, she can move her mother and brothers out of their crummy apartment.

But Veronique has another dream that's hers alone. She longs to meet her dad, who disappeared to New York when she was just a baby. Could going to the Big A with the other Divas be Veronique's big chance to find him? Veronique knows she'll have to do some legwork on her own, though, so she turns to the internet for help. While it seems like a miracle when she gets a response, her friends aren't so sure. Is Veronique putting herself in danger, just when the Divas are on the brink of really making it big? And will her faith and her friends be enough to keep her safe?

To learn more about Victoria or the the DIVINE DIVAS, visit www.victoriachristophermurray.com and/or www.thedivinedivas.com

Look for the last installment of the series, Aaliyah coming October 2009.

Interview with author, Jacquelin Thomas

Today, I welcome author, Jacquelin Thomas, to Urban Christian Fiction Today. Any of you who read Christian Fiction probably know who Jacquelin is. Having stepped out on faith to write the novels the Lord called her to write even though she had a very successful career established in mainstream romance, Jacquelin is one of the early pioneers in this genre. I can still remember reading Jacquelin's first Christian fiction novel, Singsation and crying. Then almost eight years later, reading her novel, Redemption and being moved to tears again. She's way over due as a guest on this blog. For those who aren't familiar with her work, you've been missing out, but as you know, it's never too late to discover a great author. Today we're going to talk about Jacquelin's young adult fiction.

Welcome, Jacquelin. Introduce yourself to my readers.
Hi, I’m Jacquelin Thomas and I am published in romance, women’s fiction and young adult. I have over thirty books in print and have enjoyed a successful career that’s lasted 12 years. The highlight of my career has been seeing one of my books adapted into a television movie and being nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award.

Tell us about the Divine Series.
The series features Divine Matthews Hardison, the teenage daughter of two celebrity parents and sheds light on what it’s like to be a Hollywood princess who has been transplanted to a small town in Georgia, surrounded by ‘normal’ teens and away from the media spotlight. It is in Temple, GA that Divine learns some of life’s greatest lessons.

The books deal with real issues such as Internet dangers, teen domestic violence, teen pregnancy, virtual marriages and challenges faced by blended families.

Jacquelin, you've written four books about Divine. Tell us what makes this character standout from amongst her peers? Divine is a typical teenager, although she comes with a hefty trust fund. She’s a total fashionista and diva, but is fiercely loyal when it comes to family and friends. She’s not perfect and gets in trouble from time to time, but Divine is pretty good about learning from her mistakes.

Learning from their mistakes is something all parents desire for the children. Tell me what have you enjoyed most about interacting with young adults as a result of these books? I’ve always interacted with young adults in one form or the other. I enjoy their zest for life and their honesty refreshing. I’ve found that most teens just want a listening ear, but without judgment.

Share a special email or comment you received from a reader that touched your heart. I love the letters from teens who write to tell me that they are members of the Big ‘V’ Club just like Divine or that they read my books and that they’ve helped them make better decisions.

What’s next for Divine?
Readers have asked for stories about some of Divine’s friends, so coming this month is the first book in the Divine & Friends series: It’s A Curl Thing, which features Rhyann. Divine, Mimi & Alyssa will all put in appearances.

Rhyann Hamilton could not be more jazzed for her sophomore prom. The big event is one day away, and getting prepped is a family affair: thanks to her aunt's designing magic, she's got a dreamy Valentino look-alike gown, and her sister Tameka's doing her hair. But something goes terribly wrong -- and Rhyann's hair color is a total disaster! An emergency trip to a luxury salon saves the day, but how will Rhyann pay for the high-priced appointment? Thanks to the kindhearted owner, working at the salon becomes more than just a way to pay a debt -- for Rhyann is about to discover how beautiful things can happen when your heart is open, and how one bad hair day can be a blessing in disguise.

Sounds "divine", Jacquelin. How can readers learn more about the books on the Internet? They can visit my website: http://www.jacquelinthomas.com/ or http://www.simplydivinebooks.com/
I’m also on MySpace & Facebook.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Jacquelin. I look forward to having you back when your next women's fiction title The Ideal Wife is released in October.

Teen Fiction Showcase - May 17th - May 29th

I can't believe it's almost June. The kids are going to be out school in a few weeks. Time to find them some reading material to keep them busy during those lazy summer days. How about some Christian Fiction? Good choice. Christian fiction will speak for you when you're not there.

Don't have kids of your own - what about neices and nephews, little cousins or some kids in your neighborhood or church. It doesn't really matter who plants a seed. As long as it falls on good soil, it'll grow.

Look for titles by these authors:

Jacquelin Thomas, Victoria Christopher Murray, Stephanie Perry Moore, Nikki Carter and more...

Beta Gamma Pi Novel Series

Stephanie Perry Moore has an exciting new series. It's a five book series about black college, sorority life. Each novel focuses on a different young lady’s pledge experience. In addition to friendship issues to be overcome and dreams and goals becoming clearer each girl also falls in love. The stories cross over, but happen over a five year time span. The stories will be heartfelt and will touch readers to understand the true meaning and worth of sororities when then operate the way the founders intended. The sorority Colors are "Sunrise and Sunset" (Teal & Purple).

Book 1

WORK WHAT YOU GOT

They’re about to learn what true sisterhood is all about…

Here's a synopsis:

Between moving off-campus, learning to live with three roommates, and gearing up to pledge a sorority, Hayden Grant is about to become one very busy Beta. But in the midst of all the excitement, can she still put her faith first—and keep her ego out of the way?

College sophomore Hayden Grant has wanted to be a member of the Beta Gamma Pi sorority since fifth grade, when her own mother became a Beta. Now it’s Hayden’s turn, and she’s especially excited because her three roommates, Myra , Bridget, and Chandra, are going to pledge with her. At least that’s the plan—until they announce they’re each pledging a different sorority. Can Hayden and her girls hold onto their own sisterhood—and share an apartment—even as they pursue different organizations? And speaking of pursuit, Hayden’s caught the eye of Creed, a hottie she met her first year. There’s just one complication: Hayden’s ex-boyfriend heads the fraternity Creed’s pledging. It looks like it’s going to be one crazy year of trials, tribulations, and unexpected lessons—in leadership and love.

Book 1 Subject- Leadership

Hayden is a sophomore and she is the president of the college’s niece. Her mother is in this sorority and she longs to pledge. However, she is on a line that has many problems when old heads who have graduated come back to cause trouble. Many are suspended when a girl on the line gets dramatically ill. After Hayden’s line makes it, they vote her to be the sorority president. At first, she feels she is born to lead, but then tries to dictate and alienates much of the group. Her beau who is pledging himself and her close friends who pledge different sororities help her lose the ego and truly get it all together.

Book 2

The Way We Roll

Book 2 Subject-Sisterhood

This lady is the National Presidents daughter. She is not wanting to be a part of it though, but does because of her mom. A girl from Hayden’s line does not like her because this soror and the president’s daughter both like the same guy. This girl does pledge and her line becomes really close as she learns what joy sisterhood can bring when you care for someone else with your whole heart.

To see other titles visit her website at http://www.stephanieperrymoore.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Rhonda

Interview with author, Stephanie Perry Moore

Today, I welcome back author, Stephanie Perry Moore. Stephanie has two exciting new book series that I know you’ll look forward to sharing with the young readers in your life.

The first book in the series is titled, Finding Your Faith.

Welcome back, Stephanie. Tell us about the Yasmin Peace series. Thanks for having me back. I’m so excited about this new series. Yasmin is an 8th grader from the inner-city in Jacksonville , Florida who is trying to get her world in order. She is a triplet; it’s herself and two brothers. All three are very strong willed and extremely different. They are being raised by a single mom, holding down three jobs to take of them. Their father is incarcerated. At the start of the series, they have just come back from burying their older brother.

Book 1

I view it as a modern day Good Times. Though the Peace family struggles with not having much material wealth they find much joy and love as they face their problems together. There is peace during the storms of life if you just look for the positive in your situations.

Sounds extremely interesting and so timely for our young people. With respect to our young people, you’ve written for pre-teens, teens and even college age young adults, who is this series targeted to? This series is written for middle school aged kids and high school students. The series is bridge between middle school and high school. It deals with feeling good about one ’s self regardless of what others think of you. It also is about doing the right thing. Young people 12-15 years old will really relate to the storyline, but of course all can enjoy it.

Book 2

What would you like young people to learn from this series? Young people often admire and want what they don’t have. I pray this series teaches every reader that what you have is plenty. It’s okay to desire more, but be a good steward over what you have. If you don’t treasure the gifts God has bestowed on you, you could look up and they could be gone. The other big lesson in this series is God is there in the tough times and He will see you through.

Book 3

My son loved your Perry Skky, Jr. series. Anything in the future for young men?
Again, with the two brothers, York the street King, and Yancy the scholastic prince, as well as Yasmin’s next door neighbor and best friend, Myrek, who is the basketball stud. Young men will get a lot out of this series as well.

I'm glad to hear that. I'll make sure to share the first book with him. What’s next for Stephanie Perry Moore? My other new series I’m so blessed and happy to release is called the Beta Gamma Pi series. It is about a fictional sorority set on a college campus. Like the Yasmin books it will be a five books series as well. The series will teach young people about leadership, sisterhood, higher education, Christian principals and public service. Work What You Got is the first book, and the world of pledging has many twists and turns in this sassy novel.

Stephanie - we'll make sure to highlight this series next month. Sounds like an excellent option for our teen ladies who love to read about college life. How exciting.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
At http://www.stephanieperrymoore.com/ this is detailed info on my books as well as a link to write me. I loved to hear from your readers and I thank you for allowing me to talk about the new series I pray will bless many.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Stephanie.

To read more about Stephanie's other series please read her interview at from last summer by clicking here