Blog Tour: Terry Baldwin - Tess, Terrorists and the Tiara

Terry Baldwin - Tess, Terrorists and the Tiara

• Pub Date: March 24, 2012
• Publisher: Middleton Books
• Format: ebook, 120 pages
• Age Range: Middle Grade

Tess has never been able to compete with her “perfect” older sister, but now she must—if she wants to inherit her grandmother’s priceless tiara. The two girls have been invited to their grandparent’s lake house for the summer to help take care of Grandma who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The sister who earns the most “helpful points” wins the former beauty queen’s crown.

It’s not easy for Tess, who seems to always get things wrong despite best intentions. But when a secretive family of Muslims moves in nearby and Grandma disappears, Tess learns a lesson about prejudice, fear, and the real value of doing good—a lesson that may be worth even more than the tiara.

This or That

With Terry Baldwin

Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt? Well, first I have to admit being a guy, even though my name's Terry (It's short for Terrence--not a very friendly name. Sounds like someone mispronouncing "terrace.") But, that said, I've never liked Brad Pitt. A lot of people think he's the greatest thing on earth, and he always looks like he agrees with them. So I'd have to go with Depp. (If I were a girl, that is.)

Chocolate or Vanilla? Okay, everyone kids me about liking vanilla. But I like it because more things go with it. Chocolate ice-cream on blueberry pie? Nah...

Computer or Television? Television for sure, since you don't have to even move a mouse around. Although, to be honest, you have to look at my next to last answer* for the full information.

Myspace or Facebook? Is this a trick question????

Sandals or Sneakers? I think this is really a question about socks. 'Cause if you don't like socks, you wear sandals, right? If you wear socks with sandals, people will look at your feet. Some people might like that, but not me--since the other people are probably laughing at you behind your back…or behind your feet. So if you like socks, like I do, you have no choice.

Pool or beach? My dad prefers the pool since he says you stay cleaner. Sure, lots of disgusting things are always going on in the ocean--fish pooping, etc--but I love the feeling you get after you've spent a day in the waves. You lie down for sleep and you can still feel the motion of the water. To me, that's worth getting sandy and salty. Besides, what are showers for?

The Simpsons or Family Guy? I love the Simpsons and (I hate to use the word hate, but I will) hate Family Guy. Something really inappropriate can happen on the Simpsons and it's rollickingly funny. Some inappropriate happens on Family Guy and it's just inappropriate. (Sorry, Family Guy Fan Club Members! If you don't want to buy my book now, I understand.)

Vampires or Werewolves? I feel a little sorry for werewolves since they've never gained the popularity of vampires. But, there could be such a thing as a sexy lady vampire, but I just can't conjure up a sexy lady werewolf.

Mashed potatoes or French fries? Fries are more mobile, of course, but mashed potatoes are supposed to be better for you. On the other hand, if you make mashed potatoes like I do with butter and cream cheese, they're probably not that great. I think I'd have to go with mashed potatoes since they're more posh to order at a fancy restaurant. Just don't drop your fork into them if you're trying to impress a date. (That's another story from my past …)

Blind or Deaf? I think I'd much rather be blonde than deaf. I mean, after all, it's not so bad being blonde. Millions of people are and don't seem to have any problem getting through life. Wait…did I read the question right?

Potato chips or Popcorn? Popcorn since it's called the same thing in the U.K. as it is in the U.S. You can't say that about potato chips.

Cake or Ice cream? Cake. If something's easy, no one says it's a piece of ice cream. Only you can't have it and eat it, too.

Call or Text? Call. I'm old fashioned. Plus my phone has a touch screen for the letters and my fingrz ar 2 fut.

Black or White? For hair, definitely black. For underwear, definitely white. For something found growing on some bread, neither.

Scuba diving or Bungee jumping? Jeepers, this must be another trick question. Think about it. What are the chances of seeing some really cool fish or beautiful coral on a bungee jump? I'd say not that great.

N Sync or Backstreet Boys? I gotta go with the Beatles. (See, I told you I was old fashioned.)

Movies or TV? *Actually, I'm embarrassed to say that I don't like TV very much. Being a writer, I'm really into the art of storytelling and there are a lot of TV shows that either don't even try (Reality shows) or try and don't do a very good job of telling a story. (I won't name names.) There couple of big exceptions but much prefer movies, although I like to watch them on TV. Even though my wife wants me to take her out to the theater.

All or Nothing? I have to go with the Zen Buddhist who went up to the hot dog street vendor and said, "Make me one with everything."

Terry Baldwin lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Megan, and his dog, Rasputin. His is a technical writer for a national trade journal. In his spare time, he volunteers for an organization which provides social work opportunities to young people of various faiths.

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