Tuesday, February 02, 2021
10 Young Adult LGBTQ+ Books To Look Forward To in 2021
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells Welcomes Winter Holidays with Christmas-themed Collection Event
Zayn Malik Shows Signature Style with Special Avatar and Message for Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells Fans
Bringing style to the season, international artist and known Harry Potter fan Zayn Malik has worked closely with the Zynga team to create new customization elements for the magical Match-3 title. To replicate more life-like features for his avatar in Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells, Zayn worked to create new eyebrow, earring, beard and eye customizations which will be available in-game to all players in the new year. Malik has shared artwork of his in-game avatar on his own social channels in December, with an invitation for his fans and fellow gamers to share images of their own.Players enter a Match-3 adventure brimming with the spells, humour, colour and characters of the Harry Potter series. Featuring the soundtrack and voiceover recordings from the original Harry Potter films, fans follow an authentic, mobile retelling of Harry’s journey through the wizarding world.
“I really enjoyed working with the Zynga team coming up with new elements to the avatar creator,” said Zayn Malik. “I feel like seeing the animated version of myself in the game made it way more fun and with these new customizations that are coming soon, all players will have the opportunity to feel more connected to the game and make their character look more like themselves!”
Additionally, as the calendar arrives at Christmas Eve, players can also visit the Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells social channels for more surprises and holiday cheer during the last week of the year.
“As any fan of the Harry Potter books and films knows, Christmas at Hogwarts is a very special time,” said Yaron Leyvand, Senior Vice President of Games at Zynga. “For the first winter holiday for Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells, we wanted to treat players to a range of new content and seasonal rewards, released throughout December. We’re excited to celebrate the season with players, and also have many more magical Match-3 events and activities in store for next year.”
Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells is playable on iOS and Android devices worldwide, as well as on Amazon Kindle and Facebook. For more information and to connect with other fans, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit the game’s website at www.harrypotterpuzzlesandspells.com.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Book Review: This Is How We Fly by Anna Meriano
Please Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher as apart of the digital book launch and tour. All opinions are my own. I do not receive commission if you click on any of the links in this post. If you'd like to send me a book or product to feature, check out my work with me page. Thank you for supporting my site! |
The strong centerpiece of the book that tethers Ellen with the supporting characters and their conflicts is Quidditch. Fans within the Harry Potter community strive to make the fandom as welcoming as possible, and the use of Quidditch as a network of characters who help Ellen understand her gender, sexuality, and inner strength is satisfying as a fellow Harry Potter fan.
As endearing as Ellen and her journey of self-discovery is, where the book could’ve improved upon more was the exploration of Ellen’s identity. It was wonderful to see the diversity of characters, especially with the book led by a vegan feminist and second-generation Mexican American. And the range of her friends offer more diversity as well, so the book highlights a group of young adults who are finding their identities. However, it felt like some of these details could've been cultivated with more exploration. This is somewhat in contrast to how seamless and descriptive Ellen’s voice is as she paints a picture of her self-doubts, participating in Quidditch, and feeling ostracized by her parents. Otherwise, Ellen is still a refreshing central character who can easily become a fan favorite for readers and leave a lasting impression for Harry Potter fans.
This Is How We Fly is a charming coming-of-age tale that explores the traditional growing pains of life after high school. As the story unfolds around Ellen, it’s easy to get wrapped up in her world and finish the book feeling victorious like you caught the Golden Snitch.
Tuesday, December 08, 2020
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite Unleashes Iconic Villains in New Adversaries Release
Adversaries is an all-new way for witches and wizards to face off against powerful enemies in the real-world and build up the power and skills to duel some of the most iconic villains from the franchise.
Each monthly update will feature new challenges and increasingly powerful foes to battle against, including Slytherin’s Basilisk, Fenrir Greyback, Draco Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange and more. Players will receive a variety of rewards including Wizarding XP, Challenge XP, a chance at Defense Against the Dark Arts Books and more based on how many villains they defeat to continue growing their powers in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.
Additionally, players will have access to Adversaries Registry pages with over 75 new collectibles, even more combat lessons to improve Professions skills and further rewards to advance in SOS Training lessons.
Everything you want to learn about the exciting new Adversaries addition can be found below with the press release and exclusive images.
The Harry Potter Alliance To Host Its Annual Book Drive: Accio Books!
Reading Is Fundamental is the largest children’s literacy non-profit and is committed to serving a literate America through inspiring a passion for reading among all children, providing quality content to make an impact, and through engaging communities in the solution to give every child the fundamentals for success. Anne Beers Elementary (ABES), which is located in Washington D.C., provides its PK-5th Grade students with a rigorous curriculum that focuses on STEM. ABES is committed to providing over 400 students with exceptional educational opportunities.
The HPA is reaching out to supporters to donate new and gently-used books from friends, family, community members, and even their own bookshelves in support of the partner organizations.
To donate books, contact a local partner or Anne Beers Elementary, which serves 450+ learners within the general, autism, and special education populations between PreK-5th grade Title-I.
The Harry Potter Alliance (www.thehpalliance.org) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that turns fans into heroes. For more information regarding the Accio Books! campaign, visit the website and happy donating!
Friday, November 20, 2020
Universal CityWalk Introduces “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Sweets & Treats" for the Holidays
Universal Hollywood's gates to the theme parks remain close for the time being as California enforces strict curfews and guidelines in an attempt to decrease the number of Coronavirus cases.
However, that doesn't mean that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter can't conjure as much magic as possible. Universal CityWalk is introducing "The Wizarding of Harry Potter - Sweets & Treats" to guests and fans to enjoy magical confections and snacks.
Starting Friday, November 20th, 2020, Butterbeer favortes and more will be served at Universal CityWalk's newest seasonal walk-up location "The Wizarding of Harry Potter - Sweets & Treats" - which will be open for a limited time during the holiday season.
The menu includes traditional, cold, and hot Butterbeer along with Butterbeer-flavord hard pack ice cream, Chocolate frog confections, Gilly Water and classic cinnamon Churros. The Butterbeer beverages will be available for purchase in a cup or souvenir stein.
"The Wizarding of Harry Potter - Sweets & Treats" will be open on the weekends from Friday through Sunday during CityWalk's operating hours noon to 8pm. Free self-parking is available to all-guests during the initial re-opening phase.
This attraction is currently only available at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park in California. With Florida having re-opened most of its travel destinations, fans and guests can visit Universal Orlando Resort during the pandemic while maintaining the physical distance.
New health and safety protocols are now implemented at Universal CityWalk. Before you go, it's best to know that the location controls the capacity enforce physical distancing - so parking and entry may be limited. Additional guidelines includes:
- Temperature checks for all Guests upon arrival. Temperature checks for all Guests upon arrival. If temperatures exceed 100.4° Fahrenheit / 38° Celsius or greater, Guests will not be permitted to enter.
- Face coverings required for all Guests throughout their visit. Face coverings also will be available for purchase.
- Controlled occupancy at all CityWalk venues to help enforce physical distancing. Some areas and programs may remain temporarily closed.
- Physical distancing practices at all locations throughout CityWalk.
- Cashless payments and “no touch” policies wherever possible.
For more information about Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood is available at the official website with regular updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.