Confessions of a Book Addict

Friday, November 7, 2025

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Magic Maze Trilogy

Upper elementary and middle grade fantasy is one of my favorite genres, and it’s actually what brought me to blogging many years ago. Many of my students have always gravitated toward fantasy, especially books that transport readers into unforgettable, imaginative worlds. Today, I’m excited to share a new novel that fits this description perfectly. The Magic Maze Trilogy by Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor will appeal to fans of fantasy titles like Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. With a founding member of Firesign Theatre and an award-winning playwright joining forces, readers can be certain this novel will be something special.

Learn More About the Book Here:

The Magic Maze Trilogy

Written by Samuel Warren Joseph & Phil Proctor

Ages: 9-12 | 244 Pages

Publisher: Sam/Phil Books (2025) | ISBN: 979-8-9927464-6-4

Publisher’s Book Summary: "The Magic Maze Trilogy includes three books: Tyler and Tess in the Magic Maze; Madness in the Magic Maze; and Escape from the Magic Maze. It is about eleven-year old fraternal twins, Tyler and Tess Porter, who accidentally get sucked up into the bizarre world of the Magic Maze. Geared to appeal to children from seven to thirteen and older fantasy fans as well, the story propels the twins into an “Alice in Wonderland/Wizard of Oz” world. In order to return home, they must get through twelve separate parts of the maze. Each is its own world with strange rules, riddles and puzzles that the twins must solve using their wits, knowledge and athletic prowess. Tyler and Tess learn how much they mean to each other as they evade the evil QUEEN ZEBRA and her ZENTAURIAN GUARD of two-faced POLINERDS, and a duplicitous wizard, SIMON PERCIVAL. They form alliances with the rebel TRIDGETS (tiny trolls with Mohawk hairdos) led by the feisty BELKIN, and an assortment of other bizarre and funny characters. At the end, they must track down and put back together three parts of a MAGIC AMULET before they can be finally transported home, safe and sound."

Readers can purchase their own copies of The Magic Maze Trilogy at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Amazon. To learn more about the authors, visit the series website and Phil Proctor’s website.

The Giveaway

Teachers, you are going to love this giveaway! I've partnered with Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor to host a giveaway to celebrate the publication of The Magic Maze Trilogy. One lucky winner will receive a classroom set of The Magic Maze Trilogy in paperback. Good luck!

The Magic Maze Trilogy: Book Giveaway

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Santa's 18-Wheel Chrome-and-Steel Sleigh

When my sons were young, there was a period when everything revolved around trucks—monster trucks, construction trucks, fire trucks, you name it. Trucks are almost always a top pick for toddlers, and I love how this new picture book not only captures that fascination, but also blends in the holiday spirit. Plus, it includes a QR code so kids can listen to a companion song if they enjoy singing along. I’m sure Santa’s 18-Wheel Chrome-and-Steel Sleigh by J.Brandon Boron will be a big hit with young readers this holiday season.

Learn More About the Book:

Santa’s 18-Wheel Chrome-and-Steel Sleigh

Written by J. Brandon Boron

Illustrated by Shaun Ivie

Ages: 4-8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids (2025) | ISBN: 979-8891383333

Publisher’s Book Summary: "With the reindeer sick and Christmas on the line, how on Earth will Santa get all of those toys to those good girls and boys?

Don’t worry—With 18 wheels, a little help from his friends, and a lot of milk and cookies, Santa has a plan!

Climb aboard and join Saint Nick and his pals as they make the most important delivery of the year!"

Readers can purchase a copy of Santa's 18-Wheel Chrome-and-Steel Sleigh at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Amazon. Also, you can learn more about J.Brandon Boron by visiting his website and connecting with him on Facebook and Instagram.

The Giveaway:

I've partnered with J. Brandon Boron to host a giveaway for Santa's 18-Wheel Chrome- and-Steel Sleigh. One lucky winner will receive a prize package. Good luck!

Santa's 18-Wheel Chrome-and-Steel Sleigh: Book Giveaway

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

The Ultimate Holiday Reading List

November is here, and you know what that means—holiday book season is upon us! I’ll admit, I actually started reading holiday books a couple of weeks ago because I needed a little escape, and there’s nothing more comforting than curling up with a festive story this time of year. Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorite “back list” holiday books, plus a peek at the "backlist"ones on my TBR for the season.

December always gets so busy, which is why I’m making it a point to dive into my holiday reads early this year. If you’re eager for a roundup of the newest holiday releases, stay tuned—I’ll be sharing those this week, too!

You’ll notice a 🎄 next to some titles—these are my top recommendations! Want to know more about a particular book? Just click the title to read my full review.