Jessica Haight's Blog, page 123

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle gave us courage, and Lizzy's review of Thunder from the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow showed us a brave face. Friday, get ready, because Sharon Creech is stopping by to tell us about the story behind her stories, and Saturday, we can't wait to hear your bold thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know ! Today, we thought we'd shout out to those who understand what it means to be brave.

This week's top of the heap: Being Brave!

Do you know who this is? Fairday: I think the bravest people are those who aren't afraid to be themselves. It's easy to lose yourself in the world; easy to accept familiar ideas and labels- but, a brave soul sees it all, loves it for what it is, and remains grateful for the chance to be themselves and enjoy life!

My mind skips to the musicians and artists who are brave enough to follow their dreams- immeasurable characters who inspire the spirit and expand the creative space that fills us all, infinatly. : ) ~ F



Lizzy: I think the most courageous people are those who are willing to sacrifice their own safety to save another- firemen, policeman, rescue workers. What these people accomplish is amazing! They are true heroes and the bravest of souls. ~ L


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Thundering Courage...

 
It's 1923 and Tom has been an orphan for the past ten years. He's been dreaming of being part of a family and having a dog.  Because he's thirteen years old, he is sent to live and work for Enoch and Fiona Murray in Newfoundland. Back o’ the Moon Island is small and everyone knows each other, which can be good and bad.  Enoch is a fisherman, and Tom is going to learn to help him with his trade. On his first fishing trip, there is a storm and Tom ends up rescuing a Newfoundland dog, who he decides to name Thunder. Unfortunately, another family from the island wants Thunder. When they find out they can’t have him, they decide to get even by tracking down Thunder’s owner.  Sadly, they will go to any length to get Thunder, and the dog suffers an injury from their selfishness. When news comes that Fiona is pregnant, Tom worries about his place with the Murrays. Will they still want him? Will Thunder’s owner be found? Can Tom fight back his fears when Fiona needs him most? Travel with Tom and Thunder to discover what bravery and determination can do.
Thunder from the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow is a touching historical fiction book about a boy, a dog, and a family who will capture your heart. Tom is a character that I could really connect with, and I feel as if I know him. I felt sad for him that he was an orphan, and I worried about what would become of both he and Thunder. This is an excellent book for people of all ages, and I think kids in fourth through eighth grade will especially relate to Tom and Thunder. The book gave me a peek at what life was like for people in the fishing and farming industries during the 1920s. We get to see a typical family in Newfoundland struggling to make ends meet and working towards their dreams. I found myself hoping that good things would come their way and was impressed with their perseverance. I think Tom would be a wonderful friend because he is kind and hard working. I like that he doesn’t back down to people trying to bully him. If you have not read this book yet, I recommend it. You will enjoy seeing how important our relationship with animals is, and you will see how courage can make a difference!
Has anyone else read Thunder from the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow? Or have you read another book by Joan Hiatt Harlow?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading! ~L
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Home of the Brave!

Excellent guessing Riddlers! This week, we'll wear a brave face as Lizzy's review whisks us away on an adventure. Thursday, we'll stay strong on Top of the Heap, and Friday, we'll keep it real. Saturday, we always enjoy hearing your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know . See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F


If you're frightened, there's no need to worry- this strength keeps you away from the scurry. A feeling conjured from the inside that helps you to stand when your wish is to hide. Just like gold, this quality name- though only awarded when the gallant are game.  A boldness sought when things do get rough- one that makes you strong and tough.  Fear is a rag doll covered in moths; nothing but flutters, buttons, and cloth. Praise for those who see it this way- for, they whistle and smile and live for the day. 

What am I referring to? Answer: Bravery/ Courage 





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




FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! Pillars of Strength

Hello Riddlers! Sometimes, I'm amazed at how much of this my little sister, Margo, has ; ) Can you guess the theme this week? ~ F

If you're frightened, there's no need to worry- this strength keeps you away from the scurry. A feeling conjured from the inside that helps you to stand when your wish is to hide. Just like gold, this quality name- though only awarded when the gallant are game.  A boldness sought when things do get rough- one that makes you strong and tough.  Fear is a rag doll covered in moths; nothing but flutters, buttons, and cloth. Praise for those who see it this way- for, they whistle and smile and live for the day. 

What am I referring to? 

I gave you a clue!






FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's riddle  was a peek into the week, and Lizzy's review of  Partners in Crime: Sleuth or Dare by Kim Harrington  let us see that being a witness can change everything. Thursday on  Top of the Heap , we told you about one of our favorite ways to see the world, and Friday we let you  be the witness . Today, we want to hear from you!
The DMS wants to know: What is something amazing that you have witnessed? Or is there something you would like to witness?
We told you ours. Now, let's hear yours!FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

You Be the Witness...

Something different, just for fun!

Perception is everything when you're the witness. What will you see? What does everyone else see? It's always interesting to find out how others perceive the scene.

Today, we thought it would be fun to hear what you believe is going on at this mysterious party. What do you think you are witnessing? (brought to you by the master of mystery, Edward Gorey )





FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Galilean Telescope, 1661We were all witness to Monday's Riddle, and Lizzy's review of Sleuth or Dare by Kim Harrington cracked open the case. Friday, we have something fun in store, and Saturday, we'll witness your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know . Today, we thought it would be fun to shout out to something that we've been able to witness by just living in the world right now!
This week's top of the heap: Amazing space / cool telescope technology
Fairday and Lizzy: Here's to the awe inspiring space that surrounds our world, and thanks to the many advancements in technology that have given us the insight to know that we are a part of it all! 
We've come a long way! Gran Telescopio Canarias






Witness the amazing expansion of our universe! 
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Do the Partners in Crime Have What it Takes?

When best friends Norah and Darcy decide to create a fake detective agency for a school project they aren’t planning on solving any cases. All they want is a good grade. But, after they present their project to the class, they get an email asking them to help find a long lost twin. Since Darcy loves mysteries and Norah likes helping people, they decide to go ahead and open up their agency, Partners in Crime, to figure out who needs their help and why. As they begin to crack the case, they take notice of the kids in their class and try to decide if the case is real or just something to make them look foolish. Is there really a case? What will they uncover as they put their skills to the test? What will they witness and how will that impact the case? Will Darcy and Norah be able to put the pieces together before it is too late? Read this book to see if you can crack the case along with them! 

Sleuth or Dare: Partners in Crime by Kim Harrington is a book that allows the reader to join the characters in solving a mystery. Norah and Darcy are both really smart and don’t have many friends. But, they don’t care because they have each other. Opposites in so many ways, they each have unique characteristics that made them easy to connect with right from the start. When their agency is on the case, I enjoyed solving the mystery and making sense of the clues. I recommend this book for kids in fourth through seventh grade. Anyone who likes a challenge will have fun examining each clue and trying to solve the first case in the series. Throughout the book I was reminded of why it is important to be surrounded by friends, and  I learned that being a witness to something can change things in ways you could never imagine. At the end of the book we learn that there is more in store for the dynamic duo and I look forward to seeing where their future investigations take them. Oh- and I LOVE the cover!  (I can totally relate to it.)Has anyone else read Sleuth or Dare: Partners in Crime? Or have you read another book by Kim Harrington? We would love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Reading! ~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Mondays' Riddle

Great guessing Riddlers! This week, we're keeping an eye out! Lizzy's review will crack open the case, and Thursday on Top of the Heap , we'll find something awesome to observe. Friday, who knows what you'll witness? And Saturday on The DMS Wants to Know , we always enjoy hearing what you think! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F



When you know what's been done, will or won't you tell someone? Something odd in your scene? Did you see what shouldn't be seen? If asked to recall, will you sing? What news to the table do you bring? When coveting the facts to reveal the plot- they'll want to hear all you've got.  

What are you? Answer: A Witness! 


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! Did you see?

Hello Riddlers! Here's the puzzle- I'm keeping an eye out this week ; ) Can you guess the theme? ~ F

When you know what's been done, will or won't you tell someone? Something odd in your scene? Did you see what shouldn't be seen? If asked to recall, will you sing? What news to the table do you bring? When coveting the facts to reveal the plot- they'll want to hear all you've got.  

What are you? 

I gave you a clue! 



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED