Jessica Haight's Blog, page 135

The DMS Wants to Know!

Salvador Dali   Monday's Riddle was a trip into our varied perceptions, and Lizzy's review of Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen took us into the scene from two different sides of the story. Thursday on Top of the Heap , we enjoyed playing mind games with you ; ) and, Friday, we were very excited to chat with Gary Paulsen and learn a little more about the story behind his exciting middle grade book, Hatchet . Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: If you could hear any story from another point of view, what story would you choose? From whose point of view would you want to hear it? 


There's still time to enter the Young Adult Hop . Chase down Katniss and Peeta in the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins ! Stop by and enter for your chance to win a copy of this amazing story, along with a signed hardcover edition of the spooky, new middle grade novel, The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow by J. Haight & S. Robinson. Follow along with Fairday and the DMS as they uncover the dark secrets and hidden pasts lurking behind the crumbling walls of the old Begonia House. But remember... fear not the unexpected !
Giveaway ends February 4th!


The February issue of DMS News & Highlights is now available! By subscribing, you will receive updates about our upcoming events, author interviews, middle grade and children's picture book reviews, as well as the previous months highlights. The newsletter will arrive on the first of every month. It is free, and you can unsubscribe any time. So, if you're feeling like an adventure, add a little mystery to your inbox today!

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Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Available in all e-book formats
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(expires Monday 2/4/13)

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

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Interview with Gary Paulsen

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Gary Paulsen , author of the middle grade novel  Hatchet . Lizzy reviewed this exciting 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, Gary! 


What inspired you to write Hatchet?


I was spending a lot of time in the brush, with the dogs, and I didn't have access to stores. I had to carry everything I needed, do without, or find a substitute on the trail. I was prepared and got better at knowing what I'd need with each trip, but I wondered how well I'd do without any supplies.
How long did it take you to write Hatchet and the other books in the Brian Robeson series?
I never know how to answer that question because I spend years thinking about books before I write them. When I sit down to do the work, the process goes very quickly because I type fast.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
I was not a great reader or student as a kid. I didn't pick up a book for ages and I can't remember what I read. Only that, once I started getting lost in the story and fell in love with that excitement, I read anything I could get my hands on.
Where did you come up with the character Brian?
I wanted to put a kid who didn't know the wilderness smack in the middle of rough country. I'd always been good foraging in the woods and streams, but I wanted a kid who hadn't been raised like I was, on my own, in the brush.
If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
Probably Brian or Sam from Woods Runner; they seem like people who could figure out any problem if they had to.

Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
I write anywhere I am--in a dog kennel, on the back of my sailboat, in motel rooms when I took the Harley to Alaska, next to a campfire when I'm out riding trail with my horse, at my desk on my computer, longhand on a notepad if I'm on a plane. It doesn't matter where I write or how, just that I do it. I like listening to classical music, but I don't need it to work.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
Exactly where I am -I have a ranch with horses in New Mexico, a sailboat on the Pacific and a dog kennel in Alaska. They're my home.
Have you ever had to survive in the wilderness? If so, can you tell us about it?
Yes, many times. When I was a kid, I would run away from home and make camp in the woods. Later, when I was running dogs, I had to make winter camp on the trail. I spend as much time as I can on the ocean. And, even when I'm at home, I try to sleep on my porch more than in my room. I do best when I'm outside, houses and buildings and towns make me edgy.
If you had to survive in the wilderness, what would you like to have with you?
Waterproof matches, extra dry socks, good boots, and a weapon.
Where can we purchase your books?
Independent bookstores , online book stores, chain bookstores. Visit the library.  

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FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle opened up the topic of perception, and Lizzy's review of Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen gave us both sides of the story. Friday, Gary Paulsen will be stopping by to tell us a little more about his middle grade book, Hatchet, and Saturday, we always enjoy listening to your point of view on The DMS Wants to Know : ) 

In the spirit of a teenager, the Young Adult Hop is running wild. Stop by and enter for your chance to win a copy of The  Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins , plus a signed hardcover edition of the spooky, new middle grade novel The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow by J. Haight & S. Robinson . 

Today, we thought it would be fun to share two fascinating mind games with you. They show you just how much the human brain is hard-wired to alter perceptions.  


This week's top of the heap: Excellent Perception Brain Games : ) 



Fairday: Rotating Silhouette Pirouette
On what leg is the dancer standing? The direction of rotation of silhouettes may be ambiguous. This dancer created by Nobuyuki Kayahara stands on her left leg when she appears to be rotating clockwise, but on her right leg when she appears to rotate counter-clockwise.



Put Mouse Pointer Here to Animate
(This link will direct you to another site and then you have to click it again)


Lizzy: Three Streams
Apparent movement of the streams is created by afterimages as our eyes shift to examine the picture.




FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

What Will Happen When the Situation Gets Flipped?

Juli Baker meets Bryce Loski as soon as he moves to her neighborhood in second grade. Once she looks into his beautiful blue eyes it is love at first sight. Bryce doesn’t have the same feelings, at all. For the rest of her time at elementary school, Juli follows Bryce around like a puppy. She asks him to play and watches him with great interest. She memorizes everything about him and gets lost in his gorgeous eyes time and time again. Bryce tries to get away from Juli’s excessive attention. Unfortunately, she misunderstands his signals. Bryce can’t stand when she climbs the sycamore tree that she is so attached to at the bus stop, because not only does Juli want him to climb it, but she shouts out how far the bus is from their stop. Later when the town is threatening to cut down her beloved tree she begs Bryce to help protest with her. He doesn’t want any part of it. In middle school, Bryce even tries dating Juli’s enemy, but that plan ends up backfiring. As they advance through middle school, Juli’s crush continues to grow, and she tries to figure out ways to get Bryce to like her back because she knows that he will be her first kiss. 
When Juli raises chickens for the science fair, they lay a lot of eggs. She sells the eggs to people in the neighborhood. But, because of her love for Bryce, she picks out the best ones for his family and gives them away to them, free of charge. What Juli doesn’t know is that Bryce’s mom thinks the eggs may not be clean enough, and he was supposed to tell Juli that his family didn’t want the eggs. But he didn’t, and for two years, Juli delivered eggs to his family until one day when she sees him throw them in the trash. Juli is hurt and now Bryce wants to make it up to her. Will she ever talk to him again? After loving someone for years, is it possible to stop? Have Juli’s blinders finally come off? Is there any way for Bryce to make up for treating Juli badly for many years? Is Juli right and Bryce will be her first kiss? Reading this book will make you see that there really are two sides to every story!    
I think anyone who has ever experienced their first crush will enjoy Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. You will really connect with the characters, especially if you have tried to capture the eyes of someone who didn’t seem all that interested. Each chapter is told from an alternating point of view and it was interesting to see two characters’ viewpoints of the same scenarios. I liked having the chance to see the truth in between the “he said, she said”. While I was reading the book I found that I could relate to Juli and Bryce. Both of them are funny, and the way they see things so oppositely makes you realize how often two people probably see the same situation differently. I kept thinking how important good communication is and that when we don’t let people know what we think, things can really fall apart. I like that the book made me think about how we act and how our actions can hurt others. This is a fantastic book for people in fifth grade and up. I have heard there is a movie, and I can’t wait to see it! Crack open the pages and see what happens when things get flipped.Has anyone else read enjoy Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen?  Or have you read another book by this author?  What did you think?
Happy Reading! ~L

Thanks to the lovely Heidi over at  Rainy Day Ramblings  for hosting the  Fire & Ice Tour ! Stop by and check out some of the other hot spots along the tour.



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Thoughts Become Visions...

Great job Riddlers! You are all guessing along the right lines. This week, we're delving into our brains and talking about how we each perceive the world around us. Lizzy's review will show you two sides of the same story, which is being brought to you by the Fire and Ice Tour happening over at Rainy Day Ramblings. Stop by to heat up, and then cool off while you check out some excellent book reviews and a few awesome giveaways! The Young Adult Giveaway Hop is running on Fairday's Blog! Stop by the post and enter for your chance to win a copy of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins , plus a signed hardcover edition of the spooky, new middle grade book, The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow by J. Haight & S. Robinson- hop runs until Feb. 4th! Thursday, we look forward to opening up a few can of worms on Top of the Heap, and Friday, Gary Paulsen will be dropping by to tell us a little more about his amazing story, Hatchet . Saturday, we always love to hear from you on The DMS Wants to Know!

Previous Contest Winner!
Julia, 5th Grade StudentIf you are feeling inspired, the Drawing Contest is happening on Fairday's Blog! Pick up a pencil and send us an illustration of a scene from The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow by J. Haight & S. Robinson , and enter for your chance to win a signed hardcover edition of this spooky, new middle grade book, plus a $25 Gift Card to Amazon.com .

Contest ends February 3rd!


In other news : ) The DMS Monthly News & Highlights will launch on February 1st. We will be sending out a monthly e-newsletter that will highlight the new middle grade and picture books that we review, a schedule of book giveaways and blog tours, and links to upcoming events. We will also be hearing from some pretty incredible authors as the days roll by, so be sure to keep in the loop!

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Thank you for all of your support! We truly appreciate our readers and hope that a monthly update from the DMS will add a little mystery to your inbox : )



There's still time to enter to win a signed copy of Martin's Big Words written by Doreen Rappaport and Illustrated by Bryan Collier. It's a beautiful book to own and a lovely story to pass on to others, so stop by and enter for your chance to win! Giveaway ends February 3rd!



Words twist and turn, there's tit for tat- she saw what I saw, I can tell you that. But he didn't listen, and went on his own way- though, that's surly not what he would tell you today. 

It's all in a notion, at the scene of the crime. What could have happened? Who broke the line? One will hear this, one will say that- who really knows where it's all at? 

There's two sides to each story, so they say- I am the thoughts that like to see it your way. 

What am I? Answer: Your Perception 




Fairday's Riddle's: Volume I is now available for download in all e-book formats. Collect all 62 original riddles and illustrations, and make time to riddle and rhyme!

Only .99¢ on Smashwords! 

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Young Adult Giveaway Hop!

Thanks to  I Am A Reader, Not A Writer  and Book Love 101 for hosting the Young Adult Giveaway Hop!  Fairday's Blog!  is giving away a paperback edition of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, plus a signed hardcover edition of the spooky, new middle grade adventure, The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow  by J. Haight & S. Robinson . Enter for your chance to follow along with Katniss as she heads into the Hunger Games, and then settle into a clever mystery with Fairday and the DMS!

The Young Adult Giveaway Hop will run from January 29th- February 4th, so, join in the fun! This is a huge hop, and there are lots of delightful blogs participating, giving away all sorts of books and other fabulous prizes. 

Open to US and International : ) 

☞ Be sure to visit the hopping blogs! ( click here for the list )

Enter to win:1) Follow Fairday's Blog!2) Leave a comment and let us know: 
If you were trapped in the wilderness, what would you want to bring with you?3) Fill out the Rafflecopter form below

The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsAmazon ☞ Barnes and Noble  Read the reviews!



The Begonia House keeps its secrets. Everyone knows that. Everyone, that is, except for clever eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow, whose family has just moved in. Being the Senior Investigator in the Detective Mystery Squad, more commonly known as the DMS, she’s ready to uncover the mysteries hidden within the strange manor. As the investigation gears up and the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, the DMS enters into a world where anything is possible, and the danger is most definitely real. Follow along with Fairday and her friends, as spooky meets lovely in this twisting tale of dark secrets and hidden pasts.   Read the first seven chapters 

☞ Read the reviews!
☞ DMS Home Site 
Thanks for popping over! We hope that you will stay and visit with us for a while. Below, you will find an overview of the topics that we discuss on  Fairday's Blog!  They range from riddles, to reviews, to just things that we like to shout out about : )

What Fairday's Blog! is all about...
Fairday's Riddles  are posted on Mondays- they can be written about anything and everything, all at the same time!

Lizzy's Book Reviews  are posted on Wednesdays. Lizzy has read just about every middle grade novel out there, and she loves to share her thoughts and, of course, her opinions.
The Top of the Heap  is a post we put up on Thursdays. We thought it would be fun once a week to put up two things that we appreciate and have been thinking about during the week.
Margo's Musings  Fridays belong to Margo, Fairday's little sister. This post focuses on reviewing local children's book authors, which we follow up with an  Author Interview .
The DMS Wants to Know  was a post we came up with for Saturdays because when we get together to hang out on the weekend, we always chat about different situations and ideas that are floating around in our brains and we like to listen to what other people think about them- some of the comments we've gotten have been absolutely fascinating!

a Rafflecopter giveawayFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! Two Sides to the Story...

Hello Riddlers! Here we are again on this lovely Monday. Lizzy may see it differently ; ) Can you guess the theme this week?

Words twist and turn, there's tit for tat- she saw what I saw, I can tell you that. But he didn't listen, and went on his own way- though, that's surly not what he would tell you today. 

It's all in a notion, at the scene of the crime. What could have happened? Who broke the line? One will hear this, one will say that- who really knows where it's all at? 

There's two sides to each story, so they say- I am the thoughts that like to see it your way. 

What am I?

I gave you a clue!





FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle set our goals this week, and Lizzy's review of  Walking to the Bus Rider Blues  by  Harriette Gillem Robinet was a trip through time. Thursday, we enjoyed telling you about two of our life goals on Top of the Heap , and Friday, Margo enjoyed sharing  Martin's Big Words  written by  Doreen Rappaport  and illustrated by  Bryan Collier  with you. We are giving away a signed edition of this unique book- giveaway runs until February 3rd. If you are feeling inspired to create something magical, the Drawing Contest is happening on Fairday's Blog! Stop by to find out all the details and enter for your chance to win a fabulous book prize pack- contest runs until February 3rd. Fairday's Riddle's: Volume 1 is available for e-book download for only .99¢! Collect all 62 original riddles and illustrations, and make time to riddle a rhyme! So here's to our goals, may we all reach the ones that are important, and remember to enjoy the ride as we move through our space. Today, we want to hear from you. What lies behind the gateway to your dreams? 

The DMS wants to know: 
What is a dream that you hope to achieve?
We told you ours. Now, let's hear yours! 
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Margo's Musings!

Margo and I are excited to share a wonderful book with you that we read this past week. Martin's Big Words written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier is a treasure. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s powerful message is masterfully crafted in this intricate collage of our collective history. The simple words and complex illustrations set the scene in time, and the story resonates within us all. This beautiful children's picture book captures it perfectly! Happy Reading : )  ~ F & M


*The DMS was lucky enough to get to meet the illustrator, Bryan Collier at the 2012 UCONN Children's Book Fair , and we are giving away a signed edition of Martin's Big Words to one lucky winner!



Fill out the rafflecopter below and enter for your chance to win!

Giveaway runs until Sunday, February 3rd
(Open to US and International : )  



☞ Amazon ☞ Barnes and Noble ☟

☞  Read the reviews!

a Rafflecopter giveawayFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle helped set our goals this week, and Lizzy's review of Walking to the Bus Rider Blues by  Harriette Gillem Robinet was a lesson learned in time. Margo will be chiming in on Friday, and Saturday, we can't wait to hear from you on The DMS Wants to Know .

Setting goals for yourself can be very liberating! It's important to remember to pay attention to what you are doing in the moment, but it's always good to have a plan. And, having goals to achieve those things that you enjoy can be quite a fun ride. We thought we would tell you about two of our long term goals- the ones that we love to think about and imagine : )

This week's top of the heap: Best Life Goals

Fairday: Ah, to have a horse. Seriously, that's my goal. I have been on this for as long as I can remember. I have tortured my parents about it every Christmas and Birthday. When is that little paint pony going to appear in my backyard??? When, I ask you??? Now that I've gotten that out- I do have a goal to own a horse someday. I always take note when I learn something new about them or I see an opportunity to bring them closer into my world. ~ F

Lizzy: Easy for me- I have set a goal to travel and visit as many places as possible. I love traveling and learning about new cultures. I have been cross county twice, and each adventure was amazing! So, this goal may take me a lifetime to achieve, but that 's just fine with me! ~ LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED