Jessica Haight's Blog, page 119

What Will Martha Learn at the Beach?

Twelve-year-old Martha wants to be a writer when she grows up. What she never knew was that her shy classmate, Olive, also wanted to be a writer. She only finds out when Olive dies in an accident and her mother brings Martha a page from Olive’s journal. The page of secret thoughts brings with it many realizations for Martha, only one of which is that life is short and anything can happen to any of us at any time. When Martha heads to the Cape for their yearly trip she has no idea how many other changes are in store for her this summer. Being at the beach, with her eyes open, will have her noticing and experiencing things that will excite her, sadden her, worry her, and help her to grow. What is going on with her grandmother? Why is her dad so unhappy? Does she have her first crush, and does he like her back? Martha wants to be true to Olive and do right by her, but can she do it? Reading this realistic fictional book will make you think about your own life and how you want to live it! 
Olive’s Ocean by Kevin Henkes is a deep book with lots to contemplate. Martha is a thinker and she analyzes what is going on around her. She is someone on the cusp of moving from childhood to the teenage years, and her experiences and thoughts reflect her age.  I think this book would be especially helpful for kids who have lost a classmate or kids who are on the brink of becoming teenagers themselves. I found the story to be touching and eye-opening. Martha is going through the same thought process that other kids like her are going through, and it's helpful for kids to know that they aren’t alone in their thoughts about their first crush, betrayals, and new grown-up worries. I especially liked how the beach was a backdrop for Martha. Through her experiences there she grew and reflected on her life. I always find that the beach helps me to think and clear my head, so I felt it was easy to relate to Martha. The book has some sadness, but through the story we are reminded that, although life has its ups and downs, it's important to appreciate each other, our differences, and to follow our heart. We can’t lose sight of what it important. I would recommend this book to kids in fourth grade through middle school because of the insights that Martha has and what she is going through. Also, although it didn’t bother me because I found it fit Martha’s emotions, there were a couple instances of mild bad language throughout the book (but it does go along with Martha’s up and down feelings throughout the book). It is a story that settled over me and wormed its way into my mind. I liked the slow way it made me think about life and to appreciate each day.

Has anyone else read Olive’s Ocean? Or have you read another book by Kevin Henkes? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading! ~ LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! A Trip to the Beach!

Great guessing Riddlers! We're keeping our toes in the sand and whisking you away to the beach! Lizzy's review will bring us to shore, and Thursday on Top of the Heap, we'll tell you about our coastline. Friday, Margo is popping by to share a children's story with us, and Saturday we always enjoy hearing from you on The DMS Wants to Know. See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

I'm a dividing line at an edge; a squiggle of land lacking rock or ledge. I stretch out far and sometimes wide, but you'll stay dry if you pick my side. There's salt on my breath, and I've sand for feet; you sometimes sit with me in the heat. When waves come to call, I hold them back- keeping your visit right on track. But remember, should they ever choose to rise, those who leave surly are wise. 

What am I?Answer: The beach (or shoreline!) 




Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations  

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I  Available in all e-book formatsDownload for only .99¢ on SmashwordsFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! The Current Edge...

Hello Riddlers! It's that time. Can you guess the theme this week? I feel like I'm on the edge of something deep ; ) ~ F

I'm a dividing line at an edge; a squiggle of land lacking rock or ledge. I stretch out far and sometimes wide, but you'll stay dry if you pick my side. There's salt on my breath, and I've sand for feet; you sometimes sit with me in the heat. When waves come to call, I hold them back- keeping your visit right on track. But remember, should they ever choose to rise, those who leave surly are wise. 

What am I? 

I gave you a clue! 



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle was cryptic, and Lizzy's review of  The Klipfish Code  by Mary Casanova cracked the code. Thursday on Top of the Heap , we told you about two interesting types of code, and Friday, it was awesome to chat with Timothy Davis about his ocean adventure Sea Cutter: Book 1 in The Chronicles of Nathaniel Childe.  Stop by the post and enter to win a copy of this exciting middle grade book- g iveaway ends Sunday, August 4th. Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS Wants to Know: 
Have you ever sent anyone a message in secret code? What type of code did you use?

We'll tell you ours, if you tell us yours! 



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Timothy Davis

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Timothy Davis . Lizzy recently reviewed his story Sea Cutter: Book 1 in The Chronicles of Nathaniel Childe, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours. We are excited to learn a little bit more about the story behind the story. So, without further ado... take it away, Timothy! 
What inspired you to become a children’s author?
I lived in a world of imagination as a child. For example, I stood at the edge of Long Pond, Cape Cod, and took my clothes off to go swimming...only to snap back to reality to find my second grade teacher shaking me, and all the kids laughing at my natural condition. Books sailed me into new worlds of imagination, especially Treasure Island. My parents caught me reading it under my bed covers by flashlight. As a teenager, I joined Renaissance Festivals and the like. I’d go around the festival juggling and inviting children to the next Children’s Story Time. At the Story Time tent, I would tell classics such as “The Elephant’s Child” by Kipling or “The Tinder Box” by Anderson. In high school, I took a career placement exam. I wanted to join the Coast Guard, but the test result said that my career should be “telling stories to children.” “That sounds high paying,” I thought. Flash forward ten years. I was intellectually restless, so I decided to try writing a novel. I remembered how I’d been caught reading Treasure Island under my blankets, and wanted to write a book that would get some other child in trouble. A child caught reading my book by flashlight – I kept that image in mind whenever I wrote. And, guess what. I had a blast, loved every minute of writing. Accent Publications published the result – In Search of Perlas Grandes , the precursor to Sea Cutter .
What made you decide to rewrite In Search of Perlas Grandes into Sea Cutter?
Flash forward twenty years. I’ve earned my Ph.D in English, taught Children’s Literature at university, and become disabled. Searching for something that I am able to do, I decided to rewrite In Search of Perlas Grandes. I wished to use what I’d learned about children’s literature, and I also wanted to reach a wider audience – both adults and children. Once again, I had a blast. I hired editor and writing coach, Lisa Costantino, to take a look at Sea Cutter (she’s quite affordable and still taking clients.) She immediately spotted egregious errors in my creative-writing style, and gave me suggestions about how to fix them. I still remember the moment that a supernova exploded in my brain, and I “got it.” I rewrote Sea Cutter to read fast, turning a 179-page book into a 99-page book, while also inserting new scenes. Thank you, Ms. Costantino. I like the result quite a bit, but do I think I’ve written a book as good as Treasure Island? A resounding no.  I appreciate readers’ comparisons between the two, but Sea Cutter is leagues below Treasure Island. So, if you haven’t read Treasure Island, stop reading this interview and go read it. While you’re at it, pick up E. L. Konigsburg’s From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler . And also pick up….
How many drafts did you write of Sea Cutter: Book 1 in The Chronicles of Nathaniel Childe?
Between the first draft of In Search of Perlas Grandes and the final version of Sea Cutter, I wrote fourteen drafts. LOL. “Writing is rewriting.” I kept visualizing that nine-year-old child under her or his blankets, and did not want to confuse or lose her or him even for a moment.
Where did you come up with the characters: Nat and Paulo?
I modeled Nat after two people–after a twelve-year-old boy named Steve who used to crew with us on our sailboat races, and after myself. I modeled Paulo after Darshan, my best friend when I lived in India as a child.
Where do you like to write?
I like to write at my desk in our study. I’ve tried carrying my laptop to a bench by the Pacific, but the splendor distracted me. Besides, I share our study with my wonderful wife, and I like to bounce questions off of her. Of course, our cats think they own the study, so I’m obligated to pat them whenever I’m trying to think through a sticky problem–another bonus.
Most of Sea Cutter: Book 1 in The Chronicles of Nathaniel Childe takes place on a boat. Do you have a boat? If so, what kind?
Yes, I own a tugboat. It’s made of orange and yellow plastic, and I play with it in the bathtub. I got most of my sailing experience as a teenager on Cape Cod, crewing on Rhodes19 (Hurricane class) races. I wish that I owned Wayland’s sloop, Sea Cutter. I modeled Sea Cutter after a sloop docked in the Wellfleet Harbor–gleaming white haul, polished oak deck, and beauteous lines. I loved that sailboat.

I know that you are currently rewriting, Red Stone: Book 2 in The Chronicles of Nathaniel Childe.  How many books will be in the series?
After I rewrite and republish Red Stone, I plan to write a third and final book. Ideas? The historic British Naval firebombing of Falmouth, Massachusetts (now Portland, Maine) – the city to which Nat’s family moves in Red Stone. Wayland, Nat, Paulo, and Ruth sneaking Sea Cutter through the historic British blockade of Boston Harbor. And…


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Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle gave us the code, and Lizzy's review of  The Klipfish Code  by Mary Casanova revealed a secret story about a young girl struggling to survive in Norway during WWII. Friday, Timothy Davis will be stopping by to tell us about his story Sea Cutter: Book 1 in The Chronicles of Nathaniel Childe, and Saturday, we always love to hear your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know . Today, we'll crack the code! 

This week's top of the heap: Secret Codes : ) 

Fairday: There are so ways to transfer information cryptically, but I think the most amazing one is through DNA. How mysterious it is to know that the answers to most of our questions is kept safe in the cells of our own bodies- our "inner space". What's so miraculous about DNA is that it carries a genetic code from one form to another- like life's map or diary. Every living thing has a code spiraling around in its cells, which has been written in by creation. The greatest thrill is experiencing your own code and recognizing its unique pattern. ~ F

Here's the definition of DNA: (fascinating when you consider it for a moment!)
NounDeoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes.The fundamental and distinctive characteristics of someone or somthing, esp. when regarded as unchangeable.
Here's what DNA looks like:
Space radiation hitting a cell DNA: photo credit: NASAHere's a fun experiment with the DNA code of a strawberry:






Lizzy- There are so many types of codes, but I have to say that I love secret codes. I have always enjoyed being able to communicate with my friends and have no one else know what we are saying. It certainly makes passing a note less stressful if I know most people won’t be able to decipher the message if it falls into their hands. There are so many types of secret messages, invisible ink, mirror writing, and letters for numbers, just to name a few. Each one is a blast and has its benefits. My favorite type of secret code is Pig Latin, even though a lot of people can speak it. It always makes me giggle to rearrange the letters and tell someone something using Pig Latin because it sounds silly. My grandma taught it to me, and I taught it to Fairday. If you speak it really fast it can be hard for most Pig Latin speakers to understand, so practice is a must! It can come in handy! Or should I say t-ihay an-cay ome-cay n-ihay andy-hay! ~ L


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

What is the Code?

It is 1942 when the Nazis occupy Norway. Marit is only twelve, and she and her younger brother, Lars, are sent to live with their grandfather and aunt because Marit’s parents are part of the resistance fighting back. Marit adjusts to her new town and even makes some friends. Of course, it's a little strange at first to have her aunt for a teacher, but at school she gets to see her aunt in a whole new light. Nazi soldiers are all around the town and they have taken sheets, blankets, food, radios, and other important items from the Norwegians. They have even forbidden people from having or wearing the bunad, the traditional outfit worn for special occasions, but Marit is thrilled when she finds out her aunt is sewing her one in secret. It seems the Norwegians are sticking together and will not give in to the Nazis. Which is why Marit is feeling so annoyed by her grandfather, who seems to give in to each request made by the Nazis. It is driving Marit crazy to see him give up so easily, and she is even more upset when the Nazis come and take her aunt from school. No one knows where they have taken her or if she is still alive. When Marit and Lars are out in their row boat they stumble upon an injured resistance soldier. Marit hatches a dangerous plan to get him to safety, even though she must hide him from the Nazis and her grandfather. When the soldier gives her a secret code and begs her to deliver it right away, Marit has a tough decision to make. Should she deliver the message even though she has no idea what it means? What will happen if the Nazis or her grandfather catch her breaking the rules? Is the code worth the risk? Will Marit ever see her aunt or her parents again? You will be captivated from the start and will want to read until you turn the last page so you can find out how everything turns out. I couldn’t put it down!
The Klipfish Code by Mary Casanova is a fabulous book about a brave girl and dangerous times. Marit has a lot of spunk, and she has strong beliefs. I really felt as if I knew her, and I was biting my nails as the adventure unfolded. It was interesting to see how Marit changed during the war. This is an excellent book for kids in fourth through eighth grade. Older readers will enjoy it as well! Be prepared to have history unfold for you as you read about Marit’s experience. I learned a lot about what life was like in Norway during the war and I loved discovering the Norwegian words sprinkled throughout the book (there is a glossary in the back). At the end of the book the author includes notes about her research and I liked reading them because it helped me to see what parts of the story were based on facts (almost all of it). This book touched me and made me think about the hard life people had during WWII, and I am still thinking about the characters even though I am finished with the book. I look forward to reading more books by Mary Casanova! This is one of the best books I have read about life during WWII, and you won’t regret following along with Marit as she tries to navigate through her new life.
Has anyone else read The Klipfish Code? Or have you read another book by Mary Casanova? We would love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Reading! ~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Get the Code: 10101001

Excellent guessing Riddlers! This week, Lizzy's review will crack the code, and Thursday on Top of the Heap we'll tell you something cryptic. Friday, Timothy Davis will be stopping by to tell us about his story  Sea Cutter: Book 1 in The Chronicles of Nathaniel Childe , and Saturday, we always enjoy hearing from you on The DMS Wants to Know ! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

A sequence or pattern put into place, left to leave an unmarked trace. Those who figure out the key, will surly unlock a mystery. Open Sesame gets you in. With the right numbers you're bound to win. A password or secret known by you, leaked to another if that's what you do. It could be a name or date of birth. It can hide something small or of measurable girth. A puzzle or word that opens a door if, of course, you're the person it's for. 

What am I referring to? Answer: Secret Code



Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations  


Fairday's Riddles: Volume I  Available in all e-book formatsDownload for only .99¢ on Smashwords



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FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! A Secret Way In...

Hello Riddlers! Can you guess the theme? The DMS is all about this. ; ) ~ F

A sequence or pattern put into place, left to leave an unmarked trace. Those who figure out the key, will surly unlock a mystery. Open Sesame gets you in. With the right numbers you're bound to win. A password or secret known by you, leaked to another if that's what you do. It could be a name or date of birth. It can hide something small or of measurable girth. A puzzle or word that opens a door if, of course, you're the person it's for. 

What am I referring to? 

I gave you a clue! 



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

A Gathering of Characters : )

We are excited for the chance to chat with Pete and Weasel from the middle grade adventure Alligators Overhead by C. Lee McKenzie. From what we've read about this duo, we're in for a real adventure. So, let the meeting commence! ~ DMS

Roundtable Feature: Alligators Overhead by C. Lee Mckenzie 


Lizzy:  Pete and Weasel, it's so cool to have you here today. We have lots of questions ready for you guys. Pete- Aunt Lizzie has more to her than meets the eye. What is the best part about living with her?



Pete: That's easy. She's a darned good cook. Her pot roast is the best in the world and when she's not giving the mayor what she says is "a piece of her mind" she even bakes pies. Apple's my favorite, but strawberry's a close second. Then there's her pancakes. I'm making myself hungry here.
Fairday: You two seem to get into quite a bit of trouble together. Weasel, what was the best thing you guys ever got away with? Was there anything that you got in trouble for that was worth it?
Weasel: I have to give this some thought because right now I'm thinking we never got away with anything. Aunt Lizzie says she has eyes in the back of her head, and I kind of think she might. But I guess we did sneak into the swamp a few times and she didn't find out, well not until later. Then it was too late to ground us because we were about to get killed or arrested anyway. As to being worth it, I guess we did a lot to help out Cenozo and the other alligators, so maybe going into the swamp was worthwhile. Oh, and just so you know, going into the swamp was not my idea. Not ever. But Pete can't stay away from that place. He can't stay out of trouble even if you tie him in a chair.
Marcus: For a while when you were thinking something, Pete, it came true or happened in one way or another. Are you still able to do that, and what is the best thing you ever made happen?
Pete: Harriet Hadley's teaching me about how to handle that kind of stuff. I'm getting better. Like, last time I thought about ice cream I didn't get ten gallons all at once. I only got a cone for me and one for Weasel. Pretty cool, huh? But the best thing I ever made happen is still the Hadley Mansion. I mean who do you know who can call up a great big house out of nowhere?

Lizzy: Pete, I know you can communicate with others using your thoughts. How does it feel to have other voices floating around in your thoughts?
Pete: It takes some getting used to I can tell you that. I mean, sometimes I'm having this "conversation" with Harriet, and then I'll blurt out something to her, and Weasel will go all "What did you say?" And I'll have to explain I wasn't talking to him, then he rolls his eyes and buries his nose in a book, like, I'm bothering him. It's hard. But being with Harriet and Weasel is hard anyway. One is bossy. One is stubborn.
Fairday: Most wizards and warlocks have cats or other animals as their familiar. Pete, you have an alligator. How is Fanon doing, and do you like having a unique familiar?
Pete: Fanon's the coolest. Me and him--He and I--are buds now. His Uncle Cenozo's giving him some tips on being my familiar, so we get together once in a while and practice. I think Weasel's kind of jealous sometimes, but he doesn't have any warlock in him, so I can't get him a familiar. No sense in that.  
Marcus: Weasel, the adventure at the swamp sounded scary, but exciting. What was the scariest part for you?
Weasel: Have you ever been up to your neck in swamp water? I mean, there are serious snakes in that water, and snorkeling with alligators takes some getting used to. Of course, being arrested wasn't the best time of my life either, but the sheriff's not as scary as snakes and alligators.
Marcus: I know you two try to shake up your town a little bit and make things more interesting.  Do you have some new adventures coming up?
Weasel: Adventures are Pete's department. I'm just looking for another interesting book to read. I've almost finished the one I couldn't get to while Pete was free all the time. But he's always scheming about how to stir up things in Hadleyville, so once he's done with that special school at Harriet Hadley's place, I know I'm going to be busy figuring out how to get out of trouble.



Lizzy: If you guys could transform into something else, what would you want to be?
Pete: I'd be a G-normas guy with x-ray vision who could fly.



Weasel: Shaking head. I guess I'd just be me, only with the power to hide from the G-normas flying guy with x-ray vision. Fairday, you see what kind of situation I'm in all the time, right?
Fairday:  Definitely! If you were each granted 3 wishes, what would you wish for?
Pete: Jumps to feet. I'd want a MegaPlex movie theater in downtown Hadleyville. And a pizza parlor that delivers. And then one of those great big swimming pools with a high dive. And—

Weasel: Hold it. Fairday said 3 wishes. It's my turn. I'd want a bigger library for one thing.



Pete groans and Weasel ignores him. Then I'd ask for more of Aunt Lizzie's pot roast and a lock on my front door that Pete can't unlock.
Pete: You'd miss the fun. I know it.
Weasel: Not likely. 
DMS: Okay guys! Thanks so much for hanging out with us today. We can't wait to hear about your next cool adventure. : ) 

The next CBC meeting will be hosted by our friend Millie , and she'll be chatting with the colorful characters from the story A Pirate, a Blockade Runner, and a Cat by Beverly Stowe McClure. 

To find out when the next Character Book Club will be, sign up for our monthly newsletter.
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Next Roundtable Feature:
  A Pirate, A Blockade Runner, and a Cat

FAN ART CHALLENGE

Do you love to draw? Are there times when you find yourself holding a pencil, not realizing that you had picked it up? Is there a scene in your head you just have to see on paper? 

If so, why not enter the fan art challenge? Send us an original illustration of a scene from  Alligators Overhead , and you will be entered to win a signed copy of this new middle grade book. 
Enter to win:Scan and email your picture to: haightjess@gmail.com
Snail mail your picture to:DMS6 Butternut LaneNew Fairfield, CT 06812
Fan art contest ends: Sunday, August 18th
Looking for a little bookish mischief? Stop by Pete and Weasel's corner of the book block at The Write Game. 
Psst. Just heard this through the Hadleyville whisper circle. Pete's in trouble again. Even Weasel's worried about him. Harriet Hadley and Aunt Lizzie have gone to ask Cenozo for help. Do you have any idea what kind of trouble Pete's in this time? Post your idea in the comments. The best idea will show up her next book. . .with credit to the writer of that idea. 

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED