Jessica Haight's Blog, page 133

Brightness Sailors Shine On...

Brightness is blowing by on an easterly wind, and we are happy to catch the breeze and sail onward. We are jumping right into the swelling tide of cheer and crashing up onto your shore. Hop onboard this little ship and hear our stories of memories past and people who have helped to shape our worlds. This ripple of fortune began in Singapore, carrying with it the whimsical spirit of a beautiful writer, Gueh Yanting, Claudine . Her latest children's picture book Brightness Sailors: Bit by Bit is heading your way! So, shine on sailors, and tend to the turbulent waters as they flood and flow, and carry us off...



~ Stop by Carry Us Off Books and download this new children's picture book as a gift for sharing in spirit of brightness! Also, you can dock at a few more sunny ports today on this cheery ride of inspirational stories. ~






John Haight, 2nd in on rt.Jess: The story I would like to share with you is about my grandfather, John Haight. He was the chief of police in Ridgefield, CT, and an M.P. during WWII. He was also a family man, who helped my grandmother raise three boys. Pop was an awesome pop, and some of my fondest memories are of playing at his desk, pretending to write checks or using his typewriter- one of my favorite games. He told me stories, one of which was the inspiration for The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow. Both he and my grandmother were great influences in my life, and I am very grateful to have known and loved them. 

John & Marion Haight
It was hard when Pop developed dementia. He was always such a steadfast figure in my family. But, as he aged and his mind began to deteriorate, he had to move into a home for his own safety. He couldn't remember who he was anymore. Most of the time, he believed that my grandmother was alive and that he was still the chief of police. Once in a while, he would come back to himself- that was the hardest time.


As his dementia progressed, he eventually forgot who his family was. Everyone, except for my dad, was a stranger to him. As sad as this made me, I decided that I could turn it around in a way that we could both be happy. One thing that he always complained about was the food at the home, and he was still capable of eating anything that he wanted. I knew that he loved fried clam bellies from a place called Cooks. So, every time that I went to visit him, I brought a huge plate of clam bellies and some fresh coleslaw with me. He may not have known that I was his granddaughter, but he sure was happy to see me when I came to visit! I loved watching his eyes light up and seeing the enjoyment on his face as he smacked down those greasy, delicious fried clams. It was a special feeling to have the power, though small and in the form of clams, to bring joy into his life, even if only for a few moments in time.

Remembering the spirits of my wonderful grandparents has been a real gift for me. Thank you, Claudine, for the inspiration to write this post  : )
~ Jess









Stephanie:  The last time I saw my Grandma Elaine we had some wonderful conversations. Some of our conversations were repeated over and over again over the course of my visit, because she would forget that we had already discussed them. I told her about my plane ride over twenty times, but I knew she was hearing it each time for the first time, so I tried to put the same detail and interest into my answers.  

Although I was in my late twenties and already working as a teacher, I could tell from the questions my grandma asked me that she wasn’t quite sure how old I was. Still, I felt lucky that she knew who I was. Seeing my grandma struggling to remember what was happening “now” and doing her best to hold conversations still tugs at my heart when I look back at our last visit. 

I do remember her warm smile, quiet way, and the love I felt from her during the time when her brain wasn’t as clear as it used to be. But just like my grandma remembering me when I was younger, I remember her best from the years before she started forgetting. Our walks to pick raspberries, her homemade doughnuts, the coffee she was always drinking, and her patience and peaceful way sparkle the brightest when I think back on our time together.  ~Stephanie






FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle captured the spirit with a rhyme, and Lizzy's review of Island of The Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell took us on a quest for survival. Thursday on Top of the Heap , we told you about two fictional characters that we feel have amazing spirit, and Friday, we were excited for the chance to chat with  Anne Ursu , and learn a little more about the story behind her heart-warming story Breadcrumbs. Stop by the post, and enter for your chance to win a copy of this new middle grade book, plus a signed bookplate- giveaway runs until Sunday, March 3rd. Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: Out of all of the characters that you know (fictional or real), whose spirit do you admire most? What are the qualities they possess that make you feel this way?

We told you ours. Now, let's hear yours! 



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Anne Ursu

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Anne Ursu , author of the middle grade novel  Breadcrumbs . Fairday reviewed this heart-warming story, 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, Anne! 

What inspired you to write Breadcrumbs?

I read Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale "The Snow Queen," which is about a small boy named Kai and girl named Gerda who are best friends until one day Kai gets a shard of magic mirror in his eye, and then he's cruel to Gerda and goes off with The Snow Queen. It struck me that this story was about losing friends as you grow up--except in this case, Gerda fights to get her friend back-- and I wanted to write about that, using contemporary kids. I started making notes as soon as I put the fairy tale down. How long did it take you to write Breadcrumbs?I ended up writing the first draft in kind of a fever--it took me about 6 weeks, and the draft was about 180 pages. It sat for awhile, and then I had a furious bout of revising, and then another one, and the book grew about 80 more pages. All in all the process took about 10 months.What was your inspiration for the characters Hazel and Jack?



I have a writer friend who once got a report card that read, "She is doing better in class, but still has a tendency to stare out the window and look stupid." That's Hazel--the girl who's looking out the window, thinking great thoughts and imagining wonderful things, and no one around her gets it. I wanted Jack to be imaginative and fun, someone who could bring out the real Hazel in a way no one else could.




What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you? 
A great deal of my identity has been shaped by Anne Shirley . I also loved Noel Streatfeild's Shoes books. Of course, I read every Judy Blume book a million times, and I'm sure she's responsible for a good deal of the way I think about middle grade fiction. I also liked stories with a bit of magic to them--contemporary kids with real powers, like Lois Duncan's A Gift of Magic. I probably had that one memorized!

If you could live anyplace real or fictional, where would it be? Why?
Maui, because it's impossible not to be relaxed and happy when everything around you is so beautiful. Then again, I'd probably never write anything again, because I would be too relaxed and happy. 
If you could befriend a character from a fairy tale, who would you befriend? Why?
The Beast, from Beauty and the Beast. Men suffering under the weight of a terrible curse are highly attractive. 
If you could sit down and chat with the Snow Queen, what would you want to talk with her about?

The fairy tale doesn't really make clear why she took Kai in the first place, and I'd be curious. Also, when Gerda arrives at the Snow Queen's palace, the queen has just gone off to vacation in a warmer climate, leaving Kai on his ice floe. This seems a strange choice to me, especially for someone who calls herself, "The Snow Queen." I have questions.

Where can we purchase your books?

Why, at a bookstore near you !

Amazon ☞  Barnes and Noble  

Connect with this author:
Author Website ☞ Facebook ☞ Twitter



Read the reviews!


✭ Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Breadcrumbs, plus a signed bookplate!         
  
Giveaway ends Sunday, March 3rd! Open to US and International : )  a Rafflecopter giveawayFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle was a spirited rhyme, and Lizzy's review of Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell was a lesson about survival. Friday, we have something exciting hiding up our sleeves, and Saturday, we always enjoy hearing your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know. Sunday, get out your sunglasses, because we are turning up the brightness! Today, we want to tell you about two fictional spirits that really won us over  : ) ~ F

This week's top of the heap: Amazing character spirits ♨

Fairday: The character spirit I admire most is Hazel from Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu . Hazel sticks by her friend, Jack, when he is lost and embraces a harrowing journey in order to lead him back to saftey. Hazel is a good friend and a guiding force. Even in the face of adversity, her spirit shines bright. So, here's to you Hazel. Thank you for reminding me how special my friends really are! ~ F

Lizzy: The character spirit I admire most is Auggie from Wonder by R.J. Palacio . Auggie watches the world from behind his face, just like all of us- but Auggie's face is extraordinary. It's different, and he stands out. Through his amazing spirit, a simple understanding arises. He is exactly the same on the inside as everyone else, and he feels just the same when he is hurt. Auggie's small spirit is as big as can be! So, here's to Auggie! Keep being your-wonderful-self! ~ L

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Can Karana Make it on Her Own?

Twelve-year-old Karana lives on an island in the Pacific. The Aleut people come to her island to hunt sea otter in exchange for goods. Once her village realizes that the Aleuts are not being honest, a battle breaks out and many lives are lost. Most of the people in the tribe die, including Karana’s father, the chief. A new chief takes over and leaves the island for a place he feels will be safer for all of them. Karana and what is left of her tribe are rounded up to travel by boat to their new home. Unfortunately, her brother is trying to get his fishing gear and isn’t ready to leave. The boat cannot wait for him, and Karana jumps off to be with her brother, Ramo. Back on the island there is not much left for Karana and Ramo to use to survive, since their tribe had packed up all of the important weapons and food. A pack of wild dogs makes life even harder when they take Ramo’s life. Now, Karana is on her own and can rely on no one for help. She is on a path to self-discovery and the obstacles won’t be easy. Does she have what it takes to make it? How will Karana survive? Is there anyone who will be able to keep her company, and is there any way for her to be saved? Find out how strength, independence, and perseverance can see you through life’s darkest days.
What a wonderful book! If you haven’t read Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell I highly recommend it for both boys and girls. This book is perfect for anyone in third grade and up. Not only will you learn ways to be resourceful, but you will be amazed at the ways Karana learns to believe in herself. When I read it, I had no idea that this book was based on a true story. After I found out that Scott O’Dell used the story of Juana Maria as the inspiration for Karana I was even more impressed. I think that the author did a fantastic job creating a main character that everyone can relate to in some way. I was able to connect with Karana and loved watching her change and grow throughout the book. You don’t want to miss this one!

Has anyone else read Island of the Blue Dolphins? Or have you read another book by Scott O’Dell? What did you think?
Happy Reading!
~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! In the Spirit of You!

Great guessing Riddlers! This week, it's all about perseverance, and that independent spirit within each of us that gives us strength and moves us on through the world. Lizzy's review will be an adventure into survival, and Thursday on Top of the Heap , we are looking forward to some spirited conversation. Friday, we have something special in mind, and Saturday, it's always such fun to hear from all of you on The DMS Wants to Know . Sunday, we have a bright spotlight set to shine and spread some cheer, so be sure to check back! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

The small you inside it all will pass right through the wrecking ball. No matter the things, nor the strife- you will walk on through your life. Set to move and carry by- look disaster in the eye. A guiding voice when the time is right; a force or will to flee or fight. Living as one, we travel afar, having adventures, catching our star. I am the you that keeps it calm when facing danger or avoiding harm. No need to worry, for I am there- a you to keep you forever aware. 

What am I? Answer: Your Independent Spirit 



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

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

Monday's Riddle! The Who in You

Hello Riddlers! Happy Presidents' Day! Can you guess the theme this week? I hope everyone is getting a chance to relax and let the creativity flow- it's good for the soul ; ) ~ F

The small you inside it all will pass right through the wrecking ball. No matter the things, nor the strife- you will walk on through your life. Set to move and carry by- look disaster in the eye. A guiding voice when the time is right; a force or will to flee or fight. Living as one, we travel afar, having adventures, catching our star. I am the you that keeps it calm when facing danger or avoiding harm. No need to worry, for I am there- a you to keep you forever aware. 

What am I?

I gave you a clue!




FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle was enveloped in mystery, and Lizzy's review of Regarding the Fountain by Kate Klise was a case wrapped up in letters. Thursday on Top of the Heap , we enjoyed telling you about our ideal post, and Friday, it was great to learn a little more about  Elisa Carbone , author of the historical middle grade adventure Blood on the River: James Town 1607 . Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: If you could write a letter to any fictional character and have them respond, who would you choose? Why?

We'll tell you ours, if you tell us yours!FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Elisa Carbone

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Elisa Carbone , author of the middle grade novel  Blood on the River: James Town 1607 . Lizzy reviewed this historical adventure, 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, Elisa! 


What inspired you to write Blood on the River?
I was inspired to write this book because I thought it was a fascinating, exciting story that I could make really interesting for young readers. Also, the reason I started writing in the first place was that I felt I had something to say to young people -- I wanted to encourage them to follow their dreams, find the courage inside of them, believe in themselves, choose love over fear -- and I felt that presenting those kinds of messages within the pages of exciting novels was the best way to communicate. So writing Blood on the River was another opportunity to send a message, while at the same time helping kids learn about the Jamestown colony.
How long did it take you to write Blood on the River?
It took me three and a half years to research and write Blood on the River. (My best estimate: about 4,000 hours).
You do a lot of research for your historical fiction books. We have read that you read books, interview others, and sometimes reenact events or visit sites. What was your research process like for Blood on the River, and was there any aspect to it that was the most interesting?
Yes, I did loads of research. I got a lot of my research materials directly from Jamestown, Virginia. I used original records—materials written by the men and boys who were there at the time. I interviewed historians and reenactors who work at the James Town village—many of the reenactors are also scholars of Jamestown history. I camped out and tried to experience what Samuel experienced, hearing the same insects at dawn and dusk as he did, even going hungry for a few days to see (a little bit) what it was like for him. To learn more about the Powhatan tribes, I went to the Pow Wows held by descendents of those Indians, and visited one of the reservations where the descendents still live. I interviewed members of the tribe, spent an afternoon with the daughter of a chief, and even had a chance to interview one of the chiefs. I’d have to say that was the most interesting part of the research—to have the privilege of learning about the culture of Virginia’s Native Americans.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
I loved to read when I was a kid, and my favorite books at that time were the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis. I loved the fantasy aspects of those stories, and when I set about to write my first book, I wrote a fantasy novel. Unfortunately, that was at a time when nobody wanted to publish fantasy, so that book still sits in my file drawer!
If you could live during any time period in history, when would it be? Why?
NOW! Why? Because from everything I’ve learned from my historical research, things have never been better on earth than they are right now. People have never been kinder, life has never been easier, clothing has never been more comfortable, activities have never been more interesting, and humans have never had more opportunities. When people wax sentimental about the “good old days” I like to slap them back to reality with a simple statement about something horrendous from that time period that they either didn’t know about or forgot existed.
If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
Oh goodness, I have to choose? Alright, I’ll settle on two. Either Ann Maria Weems, from Stealing Freedom because her life and courage became so fascinating to me, and became so much a part of me while I was writing her story (and because she was a real person.) Or Critter from Jump , because he has such a firm handle on what life is supposed to be about, and because he’s funny.
Running the Dry Fork River in West Virginia
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
I’m very happy living in the mountains of West Virginia for part of the year, and getting the heck out of here during mud season in the spring and gun season in the fall and going to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to spend some time on the water. Then we spend our holidays in Maryland, which is central for our parents, kids and grand kids to come visit. So, I guess I am already living where I want to live – it just happens to be three places!
Where can we purchase your books?
My first suggestion would be your local independent book store – give them a call and if they don’t have my books in stock, have them order whichever books you want. Then, when you go pick them up you can spend some time browsing, and you might find something else you want to read. If you want to buy online, my best suggestion is bn.com.
Amazon ☞  Barnes and Noble  

Connect with this author:
Author Website 

Read the reviews! 




FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Psst... here's a note to all of you... 



Monday's Riddle was a mystery in your mail box, and Lizzy's review of Regarding the Fountain by Kate Klise was told in a creative note. Friday, we can't wait to share our post with you, and Saturday, we are always excited to hear your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know . Today, we thought we would spotlight two letters/notes that we would love to receive.

This week's top of the heap: Amazing letters/ notes from stories!

Lizzy: There are so many cool stories that have secret notes or interesting letters, but nothing tops getting into Hogwarts. Every morning, I still get up and look out the window, and, just for an instant, there's that little spark of hope that today will be the day that there's an owl waiting for me, carrying my acceptance letter to Hogwarts in its talons. ~ L






Fairday: Although I am right there with Lizzy on this one- and would be over the top excited if my owl from Hogwarts showed up- I also think that the automaton in Hugo Cabret is very magical and mysterious. Imagine having a mechanical man, poised to write you a secret message from your father. Now imagine that it's broken, and the only way to fix it is to muddle through your father's old notes. It's a great story, and the illustrations are wonderful. You will be on pins and needles waiting to see what the automaton has to say to Hugo! ~ F

Read our review of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED