Alicia Connected-The Big Gift by Derek Fisher | Review
A book blog tour from iRead Book Tours.
Thank you to the author, publisher, & Lauren at iRead for providing me the information for this tour. 
Book Details
The Big Gift by Derek Fisher Series: Alicia Connected #1
Published by Securely Built United States on 05/09/2020
Genres: Educational, Fiction, Children's, Family Life, Middle-Grade, Teen, Inspirational & Personal Growth, Parenting
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 90
Alicia is finally entering a new world of technology when her parents give her a tablet for her birthday. She has seen the many uses of this technology through her friends as they access apps and games that Alicia has yet to experience. Until now.
But using such technology can bring a set of challenges that are new to both Alicia and her parents. Understanding the different apps and games and how to use them properly can be tricky. Will Alicia know how to use it in a way that is fun and allows her to connect with her friends while being safe? Will she be able to avoid some of the more problematic interactions while using technology?
Both she and her parents learn how to provide a safe and fun environment for Alicia as she jumps headfirst into using technology!
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Source: Amazon Purchase, iRead Book Tours, Kindle Unlimited, Received from the author or publisher for review.
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Purchase Links for Alicia Connected-The Big Gift
Amazon Amazon UK BookShop/IndieBound
Waterstones The Book Depository
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My thoughts on Alicia Connected-The Big Gift
Alicia Connected is a well-timed book. Children are using tablets, phones, and devices at a younger age than ever. Knowing how to be safe and secure on the internet is imperative.
This easy-to-read story entertains while subtly teaching safety basics to children and adults.
The characters are very relatable and easy to like. The story comes in at about 90 pages, which I find a good length for this age group—enough to hook the young reader, yet not too long to lose their attention.
There are a plethora of tips in this story such as creating an avatar and ID, not communicating with people you do not know personally, and also checking with parents when you are unsure or feel uncomfortable.
Heather Workman added illustrations to the beginning of each chapter. These drawings helped to bring this tale to life.
I recommend this delightful and informative story to all young readers and their parents. It would be a suitable addition to daycare and school libraries.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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About Derek Fisher
Derek Fisher has spent decades in the computer engineering field with the last decade in cybersecurity as a leader, speaker, and instructor.
His passion has been to take complex security topics and make them simple and easy to understand. He holds several security certifications and teaches cybersecurity at Temple University where he is also an external advisory board member to the cybersecurity program.
Alicia Connected: The Big Gift was inspired by Fisher’s desire to make children aware of the dangers that kids face online and help them learn how to properly navigate the challenges imposed by a digital world.
“I saw an opportunity to take my knowledge of the cybersecurity field and experience raising my own digital native to put together a series about children growing up in the digital age,” said Fisher. “Technology is ever-evolving, and parents are often struggling to keep up with trends and ways to ensure their children are staying safe online.”
Through this engaging, relatable, and easy-to-understand story — which cleverly weaves in subtle security and privacy concepts —Fisher hopes to teach kids how to stay safe and secure.
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Author Interview
How did you do the research for your book?
I’ve spent many years in the cybersecurity field, as well as raising a daughter who has had very early exposure to technology. Both of these allowed me to live many of the experiences in the book, whether specifically with my daughter or through my experience in the cybersecurity field.
Which was the hardest character to write?
Megan was difficult to write since she is a character that has very specific quirks. Her character was not based on someone I knew, so I wanted to make sure she stayed consistent throughout the book.
The easiest?
Probably Alicia, as she was modeled very closely to my daughter. Knowing that my daughter will have a copy of this book now and forever put a lot of pressure on making sure that she was portrayed in a way that she would be proud of.
What made you write a book about safety and security online?
I’ve spent a good amount of time in cybersecurity teaching and giving talks at conferences. I always enjoy raising the awareness of others regarding the use of technology. Technology can be wonderful and brings us closer to others, and enables us to perform tasks that were impossible even twenty years ago. However, with that technology comes risks. I want to be able to use this book to bring that awareness to children while they are being introduced to technology.
What advice would you give budding writers?
Just start writing; the process will follow. There is a lot to learn about how a book becomes published, but you need to take the first step of formulating your story and writing it down. Never get discouraged either. I often told myself that I’m not trying to write the next Harry Potter. I set out to simply tell a story and hope that it reaches some people.
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Giveaway!
ALICIA CONNECTED: The Big Gift Book Tour Giveaway
Please visit more stops on the tour for extra chances to win!
June 28 – Rockin’ Book Reviews
June 28 – Cover Lover Book Review
June 29 – The Momma Spot
June 30 – Writer with Wanderlust
June 30 – Writer with Wanderlust
July 1 – A Mama’s Corner of the World
July 2 – The Bespectacled Mother
July 6 – Lisa’s Reading
July 7 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest
July 8 – Splashes of Joy
July 9 – Reading is My Passion
July 12 – Jazzy Book Reviews
July 13 – Gina Rae Mitchell
July 13 – @twilight_reader
July 14 – Bound 4 Escape
July 14 – Literary Flits
July 15 – Sandra’s Book Club
July 16 – Kam’s Place
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Purchase Alicia Connected-The Big Gift online from a local book store.
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[…] might be interested in my review of book one of the Alicia Connected […]
With school being virtual in so many places, all kinds or kids as young as 4 or 5 were online. Very timely story indeed.
Thank you Carla! The transition to virtual has certainly made things more difficult for parents and children.