Bumbling Bea

Five Tips for Writing an Engaging Book Review

July 11, 2024 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

How to Write an Engaging Book Review

Sometimes I select topic for the blog which I know very little about in hope that I can learn something new and share it here with you. However, I know a lot about this particular subject. I’ve written two books, one a fiction--“Bumbling Bea” and a non-fiction, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101. If you think writing the book is challenging, just wait until you try to obtain reviews of the book! Today, I want to discuss five tips for writing an engaging book review.

Writing a fiction or non-fiction book review can be both enjoyable and rewarding. By sharing your thoughts and insights, you can help others decide whether the book is worth their time. If you’d like to know more about Bumbling Bea, check out: Surprising Bumbling Bea Reviews and a FREE Chapter

According to BrightLocal.com ,a website that tracks local searches, citations and monitors on-line reviews, the percentage of consumers ‘always’ or ‘regularly’ reading online reviews has held fast over the last three years (75% in 2024 against 76% in 2023).

Five Tips for Writing an Engaging Book Review

Here are five essential tips to guide you through writing an effective and engaging book review.

1. Summarize the Content
When starting your review, it’s important to provide an overview of the book’s main topics and arguments. To begin with, explain the subject matter and the scope of the book without revealing too much detail. This summary should be short and give your readers a clear understanding of what the book is about and what they can expect to learn from it.

An example for my new book, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” In “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” Deborah Baldwin explores her journey from being a frazzled teacher to an enthusiastic one by using a unique teaching tool–drama integration, in this case radio theater. Through compelling stories, history and research, Baldwin delves into the subject with passion and an expansive knowledge of the subject.

2. Assess the Author’s Expertise
Next, the reviewer should evaluate the author’s qualifications and expertise on the topic. Mention any relevant background information or credentials that establish their authority and credibility. Additionally, this helps readers understand why the author is a reliable source of information.

Example: “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101, Baldwin brings a wealth of knowledge and first hand experience to this unique teaching tool. Additionally, her extensive tips as as video clips to demonstrate the qualities of a good radio theater show production and lend significant credibility to the book’s insights.”

Is the Book Well Organized?

3. Analyze the Structure and Organization
It’s important for the reviewer to discuss how the book is organized. First, are there clear and logical sections? Does the structure enhance the reader’s understanding of the topic? Also, comment on the flow and readability of the text. A well-organized book can significantly impact the reader’s experience.

Example: “The book is divided into eleven chapters from rationale of teaching with radio theater to a three-week unit for teachers to use to teach their own students about the subject. in addition, the book includes video clips, diagrams, checklists, a do-it-yourself live sound effects, etc. Plus, she gives step by step directions on how to adapt a story into a radio play. One of the most important items it includes is a video demonstrating the hand signals one uses when directing radio theater! This clear structure helps readers easily navigate through different aspects of habit formation and change, making complex concepts more digestible.”

Speak to the Author’s Experience

4. Evaluate the Research and Evidence
Examine the quality and depth of the research. Most importantly, are the arguments well-supported by evidence? Does the author cite reputable sources? Remember to consider the balance and fairness of the presentation of information. This research is crucial for the credibility of non-fiction work.

Example: “Baldwin’s arguments support a wealth of research. She includes studies from experts in the drama integration and leading experts. Furthermore, she meticulously cites her sources, providing a robust foundation for her claims.”

5. Reflect on the Impact and Relevance
Finally, remember to share your personal thoughts on the book’s impact and relevance. Furthermore, how does it contribute to the field or topic? Is it thought-provoking, informative, or groundbreaking? Additionally, offer your personal perspective on the book’s strengths and any areas where it may fall short.

Example: “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101″ is not only informative but also incredibly practical. Baldwin’s insights into the importance of teacher’s scripts and warm up exercises are applicable to both the core class teacher and theater arts ones, too. Not surprisingly, this book is a jam packed with information for the reader to consider and reflect upon. It even includes a reflection sheet at the end of each chapter. In conclusion, it is a valuable read for anyone looking to understand and improve their teaching habits.”

Just be Yourself

If all of these suggestions seems daunting, you can just write, “Great book! I can’t wait to use it in my classroom.” Honestly, although these five suggestions are worthwhile, but it isn’t required that you go to such lengths if you are reviewing a book. That’s up to you.

When I was researching this topic, I happened upon a site, Buildbookbuzz.com with a terrific explanation of the reasons readers don’t review books:

The process is intimidating. They don’t know how or where to start, or what they should even share in a review.
They think writing a review will take too much time.

Now I have a PDF for book reviewers to use when they review my books. Talk about helpful.

Two Excellent Examples of Book Reviews

Below, I’ve quoted two strong reviews written about my new book. I hope they help you!

Here is a recent review of “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” by Douglas P. :

Great Tool for the Teacher Toolbox

“We’re Live! Radio Theatre 101” is a valuable tool that has now been added to my teacher toolkit. As a Theatre and English teacher, I now have the knowledge to incorporate Radio Theatre into my classes. Baldwin includes many resources in her work to assist with getting teachers started using radio theatre. Her passion for this art shines through in her stories and writing and provided the motivation I needed to start planning out a unit and production for my classroom. Baldwin also provides ideas on how to incorporate radio theatre across the curriculum and embrace AI technology with this historical art form. Truly, a great tool that you won’t regret taking a look at!

Here is another review of We’re Live! Radio Theater #101 this time by Tiffaney W.:

Engaging, Entertaining, Enlightening

I enjoyed learning about the history of radio theater. The author shares her own personal love affair with theater and then gives practical tips of preparing students for productions. I love the tongue twisters, games, and tips on sound effect creation. It’s like the author predicted my questions and prepared answers. The scripts and QR codes are valuable, and I appreciate the modern recommendation of using AI to develop scripts, too. Wow! What a detailed resource…I feel I’m radio-ready! Let the Action begin!

In conclusion, writing a book review involves more than just summarizing the content. By assessing the author’s expertise, analyzing the book’s structure, evaluating the research, and reflecting on its impact, you can provide a comprehensive and engaging review. Happy reading and reviewing!

Do you review a book? Do you worry about what to say? I’d love to hear about it. Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Surprising Bumbling Bea Reviews and a FREE Chapter

June 7, 2019 By dhcbaldwin 4 Comments

Surprising Bumbling Bea Reviews–

I never thought I’d be writing that!

When Bumbling Bea was first published, I was very surprised by the reviews. I hoped middle school students would enjoy the story, but I never considered readers of all ages (some as young as seven and one a sixty-five year old grandma) would appreciate it, too. I’m flattered.

So, if you are seeking reviews of Bumbling Bea check out Amazon at http://tinyurl.com/lk5db54

There are nearly 50.

If you are wanting to read a few snippets, here are some:

“Quirky, fun and intensely close capturing of middle school angst.”

******Emily Bassinger

“In Bumbling Bea, author Deborah Baldwin creates an enjoyable look into growing up. Hilarity, missteps, and bungling follow as Bea and Michiko come to terms. The plot line is written skillfully.”

****Verabookreviews

“Deborah ensures that her story constantly generates mental images and tugs at heartstrings. The choice of words used reflect the effort that she must have put in to make this story both child-friendly and adult-friendly.”

*****Rajalakshmi Prithviraj\

“This book is utterly charming, with many fun and surprising twists that equally offer loads of entertainment as well as a variety of opportunities to feel validated!! Thank you, ‘Bumbling Bea’ for teaching me that these awkward moments we experience during our most awkward years are forgivable and not defining, and more importantly, that they are ALWAYS opportunities to LEARN ******Becca Ayers

“Baldwin reached out to an audience that is often overlooked in writing (the middle school theater crowd) but does it in a fun and humorous way.”****Amy Dawn Kostecki

“Bumbling Bea is a wonderful example of what is like to be a middle school student trying to figure just who you really are and how the world really works. Baldwin does an excellent job sharing Bears inner turmoil, thoughts, emotions……. As a theater lover and teacher myself I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who works with children, has children, is a child at heart, or who enjoys the stage!

*****Blair McCotter

Bumbling Bea was a finalist in the 2016 Wishing Shelf Book Award Contest

Are you looking for a different way to teach about drama in your classroom?

Consider Bumbling Bea.

AND…..you can download the first chapter and its study guide for FREE here: Dramamommaspeaks Store–Bumbling Bea

If you haven’t heard of Bumbling Bea, here is a short synopsis:

Beatrice thinks she has no acting talent but that doesn’t stop her from auditioning for the annual middle school play. Easy! Except Michiko, a new girl from Japan, shows up and ruins everything! So begins Beatrice’s diabolical and hilarious plan to scare away Michiko. But Michiko has goals of her own with no plans to leave soon. Then there’s that other girl who is such a blabbermouth. What’s a girl to do? Plenty. A great book for those who love theater and every part of it–the good, the bad and the crazy.

Why did I write this book?

When I was a young student, I didn’t know I loved theater….yet. It wasn’t until I was in high school when I first was cast that I realized theatre was my thing.

Also, I didn’t get to study drama until high school either. Just imagine how much happier I would have been if I had studied it sooner like so many students do at present.

I wrote Bumbling Bea for those kids, just like me. There aren’t many books focused on drama and there are certainly no books about Kabuki theater AND drama….until I came along.

You can find Bumbling Bea on Amazon at: Bumbling Bea and at Barnes and Noble at: Barnes and Noble

I’d be really flattered if you’d take a look at it. It’s not what you think when you begin the book. That’s my favorite kind of book–it surprises you.

What’s your favorite book? I’d love to hear from you.

Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

The Top Three Reasons Summer Youth Theater Camp is Awesome

February 4, 2019 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Summer is coming to an end. Darn. It has been lots of fun, relaxing, invigorating and fulfilling. My husband and I spent most of our summer away from home–our daughter was married, we took a trip to Glacier National Park and ran two drama camps in Mexico, Missouri. Every one of these experience was great!

If you are looking for an outstanding drama camp for your son or daughter then Presser Performing Arts Center in Mexico, Missouri is the place for you! The camp was created eight years ago by Lois Brace, the Artistic Director of Presser. I am the camp production director.

We offer two camps. They are tuition based (several scholarships are available) and perform their productions for the public. The number of campers each summer runs from thirty-five to fifty students. Every student who enrolls in camp is very involved in the production (some students playing multiple roles). We like to keep our kids busy, not waiting around backstage for their one scene. In addition to the musicals, we teach drama games, acting exercises and what it means to be a cast member and young artist.

One week camp

First, we have a one week camp (which runs in June) for those students who are beginning theater students entering grades fourth through ninth. The camp runs each weekday from 9:00 am. to 4:00 p.m. In the one week camp, we present a Music Theater International musical, usually one of the kids versions. These shows were specifically developed for this purpose–they introduce musicals to the students, run around forty-five minutes in length, simple costumes, sets and props.

To date we have produced Kids versions of Annie, 101 Dalmations, Jungle Book and Aristocats. Students are expected to audition (which includes singing a song and reading from the script), but generally all those who audition are accepted into the camp. This camp is more processed based. We want the students to leave camp having learned some basic knowledge about theater, the process of presenting a musical, making new friends and fun! Tuition is $175 which includes thirty-five hours of instruction, a cast tee shirt and cast party.

Two Week Camp

Secondly, we have a two week camp (which runs late June and into early July) for those students with experience in theater entering grades fourth through college. As with the one week camp, it runs jfrom 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each weekday with a Saturday morning dress rehearsal the day of the performance. We perform the show twice–once on Saturday evening and once on Sunday afternoon. Again, we produce a MTI musical, but they are the junior musicals that are longer (around 90 minutes), more complicated singing (many songs in three part harmony), dancing, detailed costumes, sets and props.

Students in the two week camp are held to a much higher standard than the one week campers for obvious reasons. It is not uncommon for our campers to have spent their school year prior to camp taking voice and dance lessons and to have been very involved in their school or community theater productions. This camp is also audition based, but we are a bit more choosy in our casting. Sometimes we accept students who enroll in both camps, but usually most students are involved in one camp or the other. Tuition is $300 which includes seventy hours of instruction, a cast tee shirt and cast party.

Technical Track

Both camps have a technical track class as well. These students are under my husband’s tutelate. Tim has designed sets, lights and sound for over thirty years. His campers build and paint the production’s set, learn to and run the light and sound equipment and serve as the crew for the productions. Only students entering grade six through college are accepted into the class. For those students interested in theater but don’t want to perform, this is the class for you! Tuition is $175 which includes the same amount of instruction, cast tee shirt, etc.

If you would like more information (you are from out of town and your child would need lodging, enrolling several siblings, etc.) about the Presser Performing Arts Camp, please see their website at presserpac.com. Or you can just ask me through my blog.

We hope that you or your young theater lover will join us!

Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

I’d love to hear from you.

What I Learned From Making My Own Book Video

August 30, 2018 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Here is what I learned from making my own book video.

I hadn’t really given it much thought until I started writing this post.

For four years, I tried making my own video and it just wasn’t working. Either it looked corny or ammateur. So, I tabled it.

Every year I’d put myself through this ordeal, over and over.

I saw indie author friends proudly sharing their book videos and I was tempted… but still too nervous to try.

I felt like the little girl too scared to jump in the swimming pool even though she could swim well. Duh.

I even stuck a toe in and looked into having someone create the video for me but the price was too much for my wallet.

So, to the back burner the video project would go again.

I had several struggles I wasn’t grappling with too well.

First, I knew I needed to make a video, but to be frank I didn’t think I had enough knowledge of marketing to know what would work and what wouldn’t. Another challenge is Bumbling Bea was written for middle grade students, but many adults read it as well. Do I try to market this to both groups?

So what did I learn about making my own book video?

Don’t do it. Let someone else.

Oh, that sounds so curt and cynical and honestly I’m not.

I thought I could create one myself. Well, you know how that goes, right?

These are questions I needed to ask myself, but I was too overwhelemed to do so:

What did I want to say?
How long should the video be?
What mood of music?
What colors?
Which photos? (That was a toughie because finding two royalty free photos of young girls who express the essence of the characters was nearly impossible. Plus, one girl must be Japanese or at least look like she is of Asian heritage.)
Should I include any of the artwork from the book itself?
Who am I trying to reach?
Should I include quotes from reviews?
Should I mention awards Bumbling Bea has won?
What do I do with it once it is created? (This question nearly stopped me in my tracks. I don’t like to waste time. I think time is too valuable. What if I go to all this work and nothing comes of it?)
Do I put it on Youtube? Yikes.

You can see how all of these questions rumbling around in my brain in the early hours of the morning (usually around 4:00 a.m.) were bothering me. Ha, not bothering me enough to do anything about it though, right?

If you aren’t familiar with Bumbling Bea, here is a little synopsis for you:

Beatrice thinks she has no talent, but that doesn’t stop her from entering the annual middle school play. Easy. Except a new girl from Japan comes along and ruins everything! So begins Beatrice’s humorous and diabolical journey to scare away the visitor. Except Michiko has goals of her own with no plans to leave soon. What’s a girl to do? Plenty.

If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of Bumbling Bea, go to: Bumbling Bea on Amazon.com

Do things occur in your life which point you in the right direction, even though you weren’t even looking for them?

In May out of the blue, a guy contacted me about creating the video. I won’t give you his name, because after he made it he wouldn’t communicate with me any more. I guess he’s a one shot deal with no changes. I wish he’d told me that. On the other hand, I didn’t sign a contract or anything.

It was a great deal, really.

What did I learn from making my own book video?

Don’t do it. Let someone else. (I sigh with relief just admitting that to you.)

See what you think.

Have you had a similar experience? Do certain things of your interest or business absolutely pretrify you like they do me? Let’s talk.

I’d love to hear from you. Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

A Movie You Want to See This Weekend

August 7, 2018 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

There is a movie you want to see this weekend about an eighth grade girl. It is aptly titled, Eighth Grade.

I’m thrilled!

Eighth grade is probably one of the toughest times in a person’s life, don’t you agree?

I’m guessing most of you reading my blog have survived eighth grade, too.

That’s why I wrote my middle grade book Bumbling Bea.

If you’d like more information about Bumbling Bea, check it out here: Bumbling Bea

Here’s a trailer from the film:

In my book, Bumbling Bea the main character, Beatrice is a lot like Elsie. Both are the epitome of an eighth grade girl and I’m glad someone has finally shone a light on this awkward age.

Why is this such a difficult time in a young person’s life?

Think about it–everything is changing.

Body

Emotions

Hormones (or as a friend of mine says, “their whores are a moanin'”)

They aren’t little kids protected by their elementary teachers anymore. They are only a few months away from high school which for them feels like adulthood is looming right around the corner.

And it is looming around the corner…

Society thrusts them into young adult hood too fast or we hold them back too much trying to shield them from the world.

Man, what a balancing act for all of us.

I’m excited to see how someone else addresses what it is like for eighth grade girls.

I wrote Bumbling Bea because I think eighth grade girls are forgotten. If you haven’t read my book, here is a quick synopsis just to whet your appetite.

Beatrice thinks she has no acting talent but that doesn’t stop her from auditioning for the annual middle school play. Easy! Except Michiko, a new girl from Japan, shows up and ruins everything! So begins Beatrice’s diabolical plan to scare away Michiko. But Michiko has goals of her own with no plans to leave soon. Then there’s that “other” girl who is such a blabber mouth. What’s a girl to do? Plenty.

This isn’t your ordinary middle school experience either. My story is full of conflict from Beatrice and Michiko, to Beatrice’s parents impending divorce and Michiko’s problems with her demanding mother, to a first cruch, poison ivy, flag dinners, paper airplanes and crazy antics during the play performance.

I’m hoping to see “Eighth Grade” this weekend, but until then I’ll think about my experiences in eighth grade.

I know my life wasn’t as fraught with drama as Beatrice’s.

Times were different from now of course.

We didn’t have cell phones are sexting, but we did have note writing and lots of telephone talking. I remember cheerleading (the closest thing I could get to performing), piano practicing, pimples, my hair on sponge curlers, makeup and panty hose. I had a boy friend for an entire year and I felt so special because of it. (There was LOTS of making out which I’m sure my mother was aghast by but never said anything.)

I was a Girl Scout, too so I was trying to walk the very slim line of being a good girl AND trying to be part of the crowd. Even now I can feel the angst of that.

So remember, if you have time this weekend a movie to see is “Eighth Grade”. Give yourself a little treat or take a childhood friend with you. I’d love to hear from you after you see it.

Until then.

Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Maya Angelou’s Thoughts on Creativity

May 12, 2018 By dhcbaldwin 10 Comments

I have to agree with Ms. Angelou. You can’t use up your creativity.

It seems the more I imagine, the more I scoop from the creativity pool. It is never ending.

Are you a person who has to make yourself sit down to create? Sometimes I am the way. In fact, I can easily distract myself. Of course, I can always blame it on the ease of using the internet and “researching” for my next book. Usually, I end up on social media sites reading about kittens being saved from flood waters or something like that….

Honestly, I think my procrastination has to do with fear or failure.

I can’t really measure the value of something I’ve created. I’m too close to it, or from my standpoint my work isn’t as good as someone else’s.

Nothing will stifle your creativity faster than comparing yourself to someone else.

I’ve been reading “The Big Magic” and let me tell you, Elizabeth Gilbert’s book is helping me in ways I didn’t expect. It is very comforting to read a popular author admitting they don’t think they have much talent and are in a quandary why someone would want to read her books.

These are things I know about myself if I want to create:

I have to have brain space. If there are too many variables in my day (being grandma to our darling granddaughter, teaching and lesson plans, creating Teacherpayteachers products, daily goings on like the laundry needs to be done or we need to run errands,) I simply can’t create.
I have to be rested. If I’m tired or stressed, forget it. I simply can’t imagine.
I need classical music or sound tracks playing in the background.
My ideas arrive most fluidly between 9:00 and 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
I do my best creating on a rainy day.
I have to have some plan before I begin whether it’s a synopsis or an outline.
I like my life to be balanced. If I spend too much time creating lesson plan products or grading papers, then I need to do something such as cook a new recipe, or color in a coloring book or maybe write.

I used to think I was an “emotional perfectionist”. That’s a person who needs to feel emotionally balanced in order to function well in life. In some respects, I am one. It is difficult for me to create anything of quality if I am stressed or worried. (I can write really good poetry then, though. Ha!)

I think I will always have problems with self confidence and I have to be on guard to the little voices in my brain which like to distract me. Those little boogers never seem to go away.

What do you do when you want to create? Do you have certain steps you take to nurture your creativity? I’d love to hear from you.

Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

If you’d like to read more about my journey as an author, read here:

https://dramamommaspeaks.com/2014/08/07/a-writers-journey-a-really-really-long-one-but-worth-it/