HIGH PRAISE from some tough critics for LMBT

I got this in a recent email from BookLife, a website owned by Publishers Weekly that helps self-published authors promote their books. But they also run a highly competitive contest, the BookLife Prize, from which the following Critic’s Report was issued for Little Mountain, Big Trouble. I’m jazzed that the critic gave it such high marks! Worth bragging about.

BookLife Prize 2023

CRITIC’S REPORT

Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10

Originality: 10 out of 10

Prose: 9 out of 10

Character/Execution: 9 out of 10

Overall: 9.25 out of 10

Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Little Mountain, Big Trouble sheds a positive light on the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, while offering plenty of adventure and peril at the same time. The ending will warm hearts, as will the story’s relatable characters and relevant situations that are perfect for middle-grade readers.

Prose: Norbury captures tension exceptionally well, and the crisp prose sparkles with just the right intensity.

Originality: The novel’s spotlight on mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters make it stand out among others, and Norbury’s obvious experience with the organization lends the story authenticity.

Character/Execution: EJ is determined and gains confidence throughout the story, even when it seems the odds are stacked against him. He is a likable character who knows where to turn for help, and middle-grade readers will easily relate to his situation.

If you’re finally convinced to buy the book, click on the cover above and you can buy a signed copy directly from me. OR, track me down at one of my in-person events coming up.

Upcoming Events

DON’T MISS A FANTASTIC MAKERS’ MARKET, THE RUSTIC MAMAS’ MARKET at the Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna, next to the county fairgrounds. Dozens of outstanding artisans and craftspeople with unique, giftable products. And then there’s me: ye olde bookselling author. I’d love to see you and sign a copy or two of my books that you don’t already own. ESPECIALLY, Little Mountain, Big Trouble. And of course, I’ll do some bragging about the BookLife Critic’s Report. 🙂

• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Rustic Mamas’ Market, Four Seasons Centre, Owatonna, MN
• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Riverwalk Market Fair Summer Market, Bridge Square, Division & 4th St., Northfield, MN.
• SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm. Deep Valley Book Festival, Mankato, MN 
• SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Twin Cities Book Festival. Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul MN—with my cohorts from Midwest Mystery Works. All our members’ books will be available. I’ll be manning our table from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm.