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Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife and mom. Karen grew up in Connecticut and currently lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and three children. In June 2011, Karen published her first middle grade children’s novel for 7-12 year olds called Nate Rocks the World, which won First Place for Children’s Chapter Books and the Grand Prize Overall in the 2012 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for a Global E-Book Award for Pre-Teen Literature. In 2012, Karen published the second in the Nate Rocks series, Nate Rocks the Boat, followed by middle grade novel, Millicent Marie Is Not My Name. Karen is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI).
Reviewed by Anne Billings for Readers' Favorite
I was hooked on this series when I read “Nate Rocks The World.” For those of you not familiar with Nate, aka Nathan Rockledge, he is a ten year old fourth grader with a larger than life imagination. Nate's family consists of his sister Abby, a fourteen year old pain; his mother, a terrible cook; and his father, a bit of a nerd. Nate spends a lot of time day dreaming that he is a hero where in reality he tends to be a bit fearful. In this latest installment of “Nate Rocks”, his parents are sending him to overnight summer camp. Abby and best friend Tommy will be going with him. At first Nate was reluctant to go, but after thinking of eating camp food verses his mother’s cooking, he was convinced it would be fun. Right before he leaves for camp Lisa, his next door neighbor and schoolmate, whacks him in the nose with a horseshoe, leaving Nate with a black eye and bloody nose. He certainly does not want to tell fellow camp mates that a girl gave him a black eye. Camp brings a whole new set of challenges for Nate, a bully, competitions, and war. However, as long as Nate has his sketch pad with him, nothing is too big for Nate to overcome.
“Nate Rocks The Boat” is a fantastic tale filled with adventure, action and, most importantly, imagination. In this installment we meet a whole new cast of characters/campers. Not all boys are athletic, many prefer to read, draw and use their imagination. The “Nate Rocks” series recognizes that it is alright to be different. It also shows the pressure that most kids go through. It is difficult to find books that interest boys but this one is sure to pique their interest. I suggest giving your favorite fourth grader a copy of “Nate Rocks The Boat” and sit back and listen for the giggles.
