Free book for boys and reluctant readers
Flynn’s Log is free on the following devices
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US$8.99 Paperback
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Reading is important
Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him. –Maya Angelou
Most adults would agree that reading is important, but many kids detest reading. Video games, devices, and TV are preferred entertainment and escape. They provide instant gratification. Reading takes time. For some kids, reading isn’t engaging.
I had this same problem with my son, so I solved the problem.
The classic stories I remember enjoying as a kid don’t interest my son and his immediate attention span. If he doesn’t enjoy the story from page one, he will not read further.
So how did I get my son to read?
I showed him how much fun it is to get sucked into a story.
Your book is amazing I can’t stop reading it – Joseph Young via twitter
Contemporary and Classic titles alike don’t interest many kids. Don’t worry, the love of reading is learned. We need a starting point. We need that one book that is just as engaging on the first read as the fifth, just like a really great movie that kids want to see again and again. A positive association with reading will make kids want to read more.
A love of reading is cited as the number one indicator of future success. My son didn’t have the desire to read. He didn’t care about the books I chose to read to him, and was overwhelmed with the selection at the library. I want my son to succeed, so I had to do something. Since we struggled to find books he cared to read, I wrote one. An epic saga about the things he loves. I put it in a world he loves and addressed the issues he faces in his life.
I just love your books I’ve been reading them over and over again. -Carson via twitter
But it’s a video game book
Don’t worry; it’s not a book about video games, nor is it a game strategy book. Flynn’s Log is a hero’s journey that takes place inside the Minecraft world that today’s kids know and love. The protagonist, Flynn, naturally flows through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (builds shelter and tools, learns what to eat and discovers a digital friend) and faces questions about his destiny. He learns important life lessons about friendship, integrity, and trust. Flynn’s Log is good for kids without being boring.
Thank you so so much for the free ebook. My son loves Minecraft now with this book I can get him to read to me. – Jennifer Wilkins
Start your son or daughter on journey today, reading Flynn’s Log 1: Rescue Island. Free on available these devices and apps.
Flynn’s Log is free on the following devices
Choose your device
KindleiPad/iPod/iPhoneGoogle Play (Android Tablets)nookkoboRead Online
US$8.99 Paperback
Why is Flynn’s Log 1 Free?
My son loves reading — finally. If you have experience with a reluctant reader then I know your pain and I want to help. I’ve seen thousands of kids transform with this book. My readers, who don’t usually read books during the summer, couldn’t put Flynn’s Log 1 down.
Good book I thought I would never read a book on my summer but I feel I’m gonna finish it soon – Multigamer 47 via twitter
Let this book change your kid’s life too. You have nothing to lose and an avid reader to gain.
Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.
–Frederick Douglas
I am giving away Flynn’s Log 1 free because I want to give you a risk-free way to hook your reluctant reader.
Please and I mean PLEASE, WRITE MORE! I absolutely love it! They’re outstanding books.
-Devon123321 via twitter
What are Books for Boys?
I spend lots of time with teachers and parents. I hear parents ask, “How do I get my son to read? Do you have books for boys?”
I wrote the Flynn’s Log series for my son, and this book is interesting for boys. However, the series is a non-stop read for both boys and girls, especially those who are interested in Minecraft.
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
—Dr. Seuss
What are you waiting for?
You have nothing to lose!
Flynn’s Log is free on the following devices
Choose your device
KindleiPad/iPod/iPhoneGoogle Play (Android Tablets)nookkoboRead Online
US$8.99 Paperback
News for Parents of Reluctant Readers
Get Reluctant Reader Book News from Stone Marshall
Minecraft to stop shipping updates to Xbox 360, other legacy consoles after Update Aquatic
Minecraft’s next update will be its last for a selection of older consoles. The team at Mojang confirmed today that Minecraft for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PS Vita, and Wii U will no longer receive updates after the Update Aquatic.
The update will arrive a little later for these older consoles, as well as the PlayStation 4 version as well. Players on the Java Edition, along with the newer Bedrock Engine versions for Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, mobile, and Windows 10 will be the first to receive the Update Aquatic.
The Minecraft team says it made the decision to drop support for the older consoles because they represent a minor portion of the game’s player base. From Mojang:
Although we’d love to keep bringing new content to all our players forever, the older generation of consoles now make up less than 5% of our active players, so we’ve made the difficult decision to focus our efforts to support players where they play Minecraft the most and where we plan to add new features: on Java, PlayStation 4 Edition and the versions of Minecraft made with the Bedrock Engine on other consoles, mobile, and Windows 10.
The Update Aquatic will be a pretty major update for Minecraft, taking the game underwater with a boatload of aquatic species, mobs, and items. The update is currently in beta testing on Xbox One and Windows 10.
Minecraft to stop shipping updates to Xbox 360, other legacy consoles after Update Aquatic
Play Oregon Trail Inside Minecraft: Education Edition
Two beloved learning games are coming together. Microsoft has partnered with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the company that owns the rights to The Oregon Trail, to bring the classic historical simulation game into Minecraft: Education Edition.
The new Oregon Trail Experience inside Minecraft: Education Edition will let students take a trip across North America while learning about the “wonders and challenges that pioneers encountered on this famous journey,” Houghton Mifflin Harcourt SVP Caroline Fraser said in a statement.
This new experience offers the “complete storyline of The Oregon Trail from Missouri to the Pacific Coast … reimagined in the open world of Minecraft,” according to Microsoft.
During their virtual journey, students will encounter more than 15 different educational lessons covering everything from history and geography to math, science, government, and language arts. Students will “think through the ratios of supplies needed, strategize on crossing rivers, and learn how the postal service relied on military outposts before the days of email,” Microsoft said.
Other lessons will challenge students to craft a short Public Service Announcement as they learn about the dangers of the Oregon Trail, solve math problems as they begin to understand how long and challenging the trail was, research fur trading companies to learn about economic concepts of monopolies and supply and demand, and more.
Students will also have the opportunity to “create their own 19th century communities along the journey,” the companies wrote.
Head here to download the new Oregon Trail experience.
Minecraft Update Aquatic Is the Last for Old Consoles
Some people find a game and continue to play it on their console or handheld of choice well beyond the end-of-life of the hardware. Minecraft is no exception to that, with around five percent of players continuing to load it up on a PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, or PS Vita. And those players will soon be able to enjoy the Minecraft Update Aquatic, but it will be the last update they get.
Microsoft announced that Update Aquatic forms the last expansion/update those platforms will receive. No further updates should be expected because the percentage playing Minecraft using the older generations of hardware has fallen so low. It means that going forward, only Minecraft players on PS4$399.00 at Walmart, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch\n” data-commerce-image=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41UY4Pnw0SL._SL75_.jpg” data-commerce-smallimage=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41UY4Pnw0SL._SL75_.jpg” data-commerce-largeimage=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41UY4Pnw0SL.jpg” data-commerce-mpn=”HACSKAAAA” data-commerce-upc=”045496452292″ data-commerce-ean=”0045496590086″ data-commerce-providerid=”14″ data-commerce-canonicalvendor=”Amazon” data-commerce-priceoverride=”” data-commerce-ctatext=”” data-commerce-vendoroverride=”” data-commerce-cached=”n” data-commerce-productid=”B01LTHP2ZK” data-zdcserendered=”true” style=”box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(226, 3, 9); line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700; border-radius: 3px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4px; padding: 1px 2px 2px;”>$299.00 at Amazon, PC, and mobile will be supported.
Xbox One$499.99 at PCMag Shop and Switch players won’t actually get the Update Aquatic. That’s because it comes bundled with a brand new “Bedrock engine” version of Minecraft for those platforms. Xbox One owners can download it for free and Switch owners get it as a free patch.
Full details of the additions and changes are available on the Minecraft Wiki.
Ryan Reynolds Urges Fans Not to Spoil Deadpool 2 in the Most Deadpool Way Possible
With the release of the Deadpool 2 just a little over a week away, some fans are getting nervous about having the highly-anticipated sequel spoiled for them.
Luckily, Ryan Reynolds, the movie’s star, is already doing his best to nip that problem in the bud. Reynolds took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a message from Deadpool that not only warned fans about spoilers, but also managed to take a shot at the Avengers.
In a hilarious recreation of the letter that Marvel directors Joe and Anthony Russo tweeted leading up to the release of Avengers: Infinity War, the Merc with a Mouth urges fans to keep quiet about Deadpool 2‘s plot.
“To the greaterest fans in the whole universe,” the note reads. “Only a handful of people know the film’s true plot. One of them is not Ryan Reynolds. We’re asking that when you see Deadpool 2, you don’t say a f—ing word about the fun s—t in the movie. Cause it’d be super lame to spoil the fact that Deadpool dies in this one. Kidding. Not Kidding. Kidding? Godspeed.”
Deadpool 2 hits theaters on May 18.
Read the full message below.
Ryan Reynolds Urges Fans Not to Spoil Deadpool 2 in the Most Deadpool Way Possible
Future Minecraft updates won’t come to last-gen consoles
After years of continued updates and support, the Minecraft team has announced that the coming Update Aquatic content drop will be the last significant update to hit the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, and Wii U versions of the game.
Mojang notes that the decision to leave these versions behind was driven by a need to support the platforms where most of Minecraft’s player base dwell and, all together, the legacy systems listed above only account for less than 5 percent of the game’s active players.
Additionally, the studio notes that players using the older Xbox One and Nintendo Switch versions of Minecraft won’t be receiving the update, but downloading a free upgrade to Minecraft’s latest release on those platforms will grant players on those platforms access to Update Aquatic when it drops.
Though the game first officially released in 2011, Minecraft hit the Xbox 360 in 2012, PlayStation 3 in 2013, Vita in 2015, and WiiU in 2015. In the years since, Mojang has continued to deliver updates to both legacy and current generation versions of the game, but now notes that, going forward, only Minecraft’s Java Edition (PC), PlayStation 4 Edition, and “Bedrock Engine” releases of Minecraft for mobile, Windows 10, and consoles will be supported by future updates.
Microsoft will kill off Minecraft on older consoles, as upcoming ‘Aquatic’ release will be final update for Xbox 360 and other platforms
Mojang, the developer behind popular video game Minecraft, has announced that after the upcoming ‘Update Aquatic’ release, the game will not update on older consoles.
Players on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PS Vita and Wii U will all receive the latest update shortly after the initial launch hits newer systems.
But this will be the last new update that is compatible with these platforms.
Scroll down for video
Minecraft players on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PS Vita and Wii U will all receive the Update Aquatic shortly after the initial launch hits newer systems, but this will be the last new update that is compatible with these platforms
‘This will mark the last big effort to keep those editions up to date with our newer versions of the game,’ Mojang said in a post on their website.
‘Although we’d love to keep bringing new content to all our players forever, the older generation of consoles now make up less than 5 percent of our active players’
‘So we’ve made the difficult decision to focus our efforts to support players where they play Minecraft the most and where we plan to add new features,’ they added.
Minecraft will still be available on Java, PlayStation 4 Edition and the versions of the game made with the Bedrock Engine on other consoles, mobile, and Windows 10.
The company also will not be releasing Update Aquatic on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, as users can upgrade to the newer version for free.
Minecraft was first released in 2011, and by early 2018 over 144 million copies had been sold, making it the second best-selling video game of all time.
Minecraft was first released in 2011, and by early 2018 over 144 million copies had been sold, making it the second best-selling video game of all time
In September 2014, Microsoft announced it was buying Mojang and the Minecraft intellectual property for $2.5billion.
Microsoft recently released a major overhaul to the quality of Minecraft’s graphics.
With the update, launched in 2017, it gave users 4K HDR graphics and be given access to the ‘Super Duper Graphics Pack’, which adds stunning effects to scenes such as sparkles on rippling water and dynamic shadows.
Minecraft has also been used in educational environments, especially in the realm of computing systems.
Gaming has been found to teach students to be resourceful, and the previous study’s have suggested that video games have a role to play in the future of education.
Next ‘Minecraft’ update will be the last for older consoles
If you love playing Minecraft on the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U or PS Vita, the game’s developers have some bad news for you. The next update, called “Update Aquatic,” will be the last that is compatible with these platforms.
Only about 5 percent of active players use Minecraft on these older consoles, and the team has chosen to put its resources where the majority of people who play the game are. The PS4 will continue to receive updates, as will mobile and Windows 10 versions.
The Xbox One and Switch versions of the older game will not receive the Update Aquatic because users can upgrade to the newer version. Therefore only the newer version of the game on these two consoles will continue to be updated. But don’t worry, this isn’t a cash grab: Xbox One users can download the upgraded version of Minecraft from the Microsoft Store for free, and Switch users will receive the update as a free patch to the existing game.
Minecraft’s Next Big Update Will Be The Last For Legacy Consoles
It was only a matter of time before Microsoft began edging Mojang away from supporting the old seventh gen systems when it comes to new content and updates for Minecraft. Well, that day has finally arrived, or it will soon, as the next big update for the game will be the last for the legacy consoles.
Over on the official Minecraft website, Mojang announced that the Aquatic update will be arriving for all major game consoles and platforms, including the legacy consoles from the seventh generation of gaming. This means that after the Aquatic update goes live, there will be no new updates for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, or the Wii U versions of the game.
The reason for the abandonment of the older consoles is because Mojang wants to focus on the newer consoles and the newer iteration of the Bedrock Engine, which is no longer supported on the legacy consoles.
Mojang also notes that new features and updates will only arrive for Windows 10 systems, PlayStation 4, Java, mobile, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch versions of Minecraft.
Now there is something to keep in mind if you’re playing on the Xbox One or the Nintendo Switch, you will eventually need to upgrade to the newer version of the game running on the Bedrock Engine. The older, legacy versions of the game available for Microsoft and Nintendo’s eighth gen consoles will eventually stop receiving updates. So you’ll want to update the game as soon as possible.
The Bedrock Engine originally made its debut back in 2011, but it didn’t actually manage to release for home consoles until 2017, where the Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch received the Bedrock updates during the third quarter of the year.
The newer version of Minecraft offers gamers the ability to export worlds, import worlds, and create their own play space just like the older version of the game, but it has the added ability to utilize advanced shaders, improved touch controls, and the ability to make use of virtual reality functionality, which was introduced as part of Microsoft’s initiative to dive into the AR/VR field after teasing HoloLens support for Minecraft during E3.
Sadly, for those of you still wanting to utilize HoloLens for Minecraft, the tech is still heavy in development and the devkits are still the only physical release available for the mixed reality headset. On the upside, the Microsoft Mixed Reality headsets are available to offer you a cheap VR alternative to the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, along with the Gear VR from Samsung, enabling you to dive into Minecraft with VR support.
All of that is to say that Mojang, Microsoft and the other port houses working on Minecraft are moving away from the older legacy consoles due to the newer engine not being able to support those old devices. In order to keep advancing and moving the brand forward, it will require leaving some of the older and less compatible platforms behind.
Even still, if you own a PS3, Xbox 360, or Wii U, take solace knowing that you can still enjoy the Aquatic update.
Minecraft’s Next Big Update Will Be The Last For Legacy Consoles
The correct order to binge on Marvel movies before Avengers: Infinity War hits the theaters
Avengers: Infinity War premiered in Los Angeles on Monday night and the lucky ones who got to be there have reacted on social media and website. The screening has increased the excitement among Marvel Fandom. Come to think of it the Marvel Cinematic Universe has produced 18 movies over 10 years now. The Infinity War, however, is the epic finale of the superhero amalgamation. The movies can be watched in three phases:
Phase one:
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
The First Avenger is set during World War two and could be the perfect beginning for the superhero franchise. At the end of the movie Nick Furry tells Captain about a “new assignment”.
Iron Man (2008)
In spite of The First Avenger being on top of the order Iron Man is officially the first feature in the MCU. The mention of the Avengers could be seen in the post-credit scenes.
Iron Man 2 (2010)
The movie further dwells into the life of Tony Stark and introduces Natasha Romanoff as Black Widow. The post-credit scenes reveal the first Thor movie when Agent Coulson finds Thor’s hammer in a remote crater outside Mexico.
Thor (2011)
The first Marvel movie which extends beyond the planet as Thor was sent to Earth as a punishment by Odin, his father and ruler of Asgard. The post-credits reveal the Loki meeting the Tesseract and hence The Avengers.
The Avengers (2012)
This marks the biggest crossover of the superheroes where the Avengers fight Thor’s half-brother Loki and his army of Chitauri warriors.The last movie of phase one, The Avengers post-credits reveals Thanos.
Phase two:
Iron Man (2013)
The last stand-alone feature for Tony Stark, this point marks the beginning of phase two and other Avengers make off time appearances. The post-credit reveals Dr Bruce Banner.
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
This movie now focuses on building a bigger picture around Thanos and the infinity stones. Thor’s girlfriend Dr Jane Foster discovers the Aether or the Reality stone. This also sets up Guardians of the Galaxy.
Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014)
The second in the instalment Winter Soldier brings Bucky into the picture, he is an old friend of Rogers now a trained agent for HYDRA. Bucky fights Rogers. The end revels first glimpse of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
This MCU now shows whole another universe introducing Galaxy’s most lovable outlaws. It also features Gamora and Nebula, the two adopted daughters of Thanos who turn out to be assassins.
Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (2017)
The second installment comes after 3 long years and fits perfectly before Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
The second part introduces Scarlet Witch and Vision. The Mind Stone is added to the MCU roaster in this one as The Avengers create Vision out of it to battle Ultron. The post-credit reveals Thanos as he is seen wearing the infinity gauntlet.
Ant Man (2015)
This is an origin story. Nevertheless, it introduces Ant-man and the Wasp. It is also a prelude to Captain America: Civil War as Rogers looks to protect Bucky from the rest of the Avengers.
Phase three:
Dr Strange (2016)
The MCU introduces new world to the fans as a whole new story with Dr Strange. Dr Stephen Strange possesses the Time Stone which gives him power to alter reality. The post-credit reveals Thor: Ragnarok where Thor asks to take Loki back to Asgard.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
The third instalment in the series marks the break in the Avengers as Tony Stark seeks revenge from Bucky for the murder of his parents. This movie introduces Spiderman and Black Panther.
Spiderman Homecoming (2017)
This is an origin story for Spiderman has nothing to do with the Infinity War whatsoever. This is a break from the intense build up for the Infinity War.
Black Panther (2018)
The most successful in the MCU, Black Panther made five times more money than any movie in 2018. We see the world of Wakanda, King T’Challa is crowned after the death of his father in Civil War. The post credit scenes shows Bucky seeking refuge in Wakanda which was now open for the world.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
The last edition of the Thor franchise and a perfect set-up for the Infinity War. As Asgard is destroyed, the people are now in a ship as Loki asks Thor if taking them to Earth would be a good idea. A big ship arrives towards them which could well be Thanos’ ship and forms the opening scene of Infinity War.
With less than three days to go for Avengers: Infinity War, all you need is precisely one day, nine hours and 52 minutes of Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The correct order to binge on Marvel movies before Avengers: Infinity War hits the theaters
Mario Coming to Minecraft on New Nintendo 3DS
A nearly hour-long Twitch stream from the official Minecraft Twitch account yesterday answered some questions players may have had and revealed information about an upcoming update to the New Nintendo 3DS Edition of Minecraft.
The stream unveiled a new Mario-styled world in the game, the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack that’s already on the Wii U and Switch versions of the game. This blocky version of Mario features giant statues of in-game characters, pipes players can run through, mushrooms extending toward the sky, and boss castles for you to find.
With the update, the base Minecraft game on the New Nintendo 3DS will run at 60 FPS, though in order to increase the draw-distance the framerate was turned down to 30 for the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack.
An in-game store will be coming to the New 3DS Edition in the future, which the developers promise to reveal more information about “in due time.” They’re also still working on bringing the game to the European market.
The stream also revealed Minecraft’s upcoming aquatic update for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Vita, and Wii U will be the last major content update for those systems, though a date for that update has yet to be announced.