Jessica Haight's Blog, page 136

Can You Walk the Walk?

It is six months after Rosa Parks made her famous bus protest and refused to move to the back of the bus. The Alabama bus boycott is still going strong and Alfa Merrifield and his family are having a tough time making ends meet. He, his sister, Zinnia, and his grandmother, Big Mama, walk everywhere and pool their money to pay for their shabby home. Walking everywhere isn’t easy, but they stick with it because they know the system needs to change. Twelve-year-old Alfa works hard to help with the bills and must walk to and from work each day. Things are bleak and go from bad to worse when they find out their rent money is missing, again. With only a little time left to get the money together Alfa and Zinnia are trying to find out who is taking their money. When their family gets accused of stealing thousands of dollars from someone else, it looks like things will never get better. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s  words stick with Alfa and inspire him to solve his problems without violence. He is also determined to solve both mysteries. Will they discover who is stealing their rent money? Can they manage to stay off of public transportation? If they do, will the laws ever change? How long will the bus boycott last? Alfa and Zinnia may not be prepared for what awaits them. Take a ride back in history and learn about how our world has changed.
Walking to the Bus-Rider Blues by Harriette Gillem Robinet is a delightful historical fiction book about a family who will capture your heart. Alfa is a character that I could really connect with and I feel as if I know him. I worried about him, felt sad for him, and laughed along with him when he saw the humor in the world around him. This is a wonderful book for people of all ages, and I think kids in fourth through eighth grade will especially relate to Alfa and Zinnia. The book touches on issues in history and allows us to look at life during the 1950s. We get to see what life was like for a typical African American family struggling to make ends me and fighting peacefully for their rights. I found myself hoping that good things would come their way and was impressed with their perseverance. I think Alfa would be an excellent friend because he is kind and hard working. I like that he keeps the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with him at all times and does his best to solve his problems with nonviolence. We can all learn a lot from a character who keeps hope in his heart in the face of adversity. If you have not read it yet, I highly recommend it. You will enjoy seeing a slice of history come to life and you will be reminded of how far we have come towards equality. Working together, we can set our goals and make a difference.
Has anyone else read Walking to the Bus-Rider Blues by Harriette Gillem Robinet? Or have you read another book by Harriette Gillem Robinet?

Happy Reading! ~L
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Go for the Goal!

"You miss 100% of the shots you never take." ~ Wayne Gretzky
Great guessing Riddlers! In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, we will be spreading his message of hope and equality; living your dreams and going for your goals. So, follow along with the DMS this week as Lizzy's review takes us on a bumpy bus ride through history. Thursday on Top of the Heap , we can't wait to tell you our thoughts, and Friday, Margo has something special in mind to share with us. There's still time to enter to win an e-book copy of the magical middle grade novel, The Black Shard by Victoria Simcox - giveaway runs until January 23rd. Feeling creative? Send us a drawing of a scene from The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow by J. Haight & S. Robinson , and enter the Drawing Contest for your chance to win a fabulous book prize pack- contest runs until February 3rd. Also, Fairday's Riddles: Volume 1 is now for sale on Smashwords ! Download the e-book for only .99¢ today, and spend some time riddling a rhyme! Saturday, we look forward to hearing from you on The DMS Wants to Know ! Happy reading people, see you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

These are ideas that live in your mind. When they rev themselves up, they're easy to find. They are something you hold; the time they do bide, wishing for you to seek and not hide. What do you want? Where are your dreams? They lead you on forever it seems. Take care with these visions and set them apart, for they will help to sustain and set a good start.


What are they? Answer: Your Goals!










☞ Download Fairday's Riddle's: Volume 1 just .99 ¢ on Smashwords!    ☆ Set aside time for a riddling rhyme : )    ☆ Enjoy a compilation of 62 original riddles and illustrations    ☆ Available in e-reader- all formats! 

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! A List of Dreams...

Hello Riddlers! It's that time again. Can you guess the theme this week?  ~ F
These are ideas that live in your mind. When they rev themselves up, they're easy to find. They are something you hold; the time they do bide, wishing for you to seek and not hide. What do you want? Where are your dreams? They lead you on forever it seems. Take care with these visions and set them apart, for they will help to sustain and set a good start.
What are they? 
I gave you a clue!
Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
Illustration by Bryan Collier








☞ Download Fairday's Riddle's: Volume 1 just .99 ¢ on Smashwords!    ☆ Set aside time for a riddling rhyme : )    ☆ Enjoy a compilation of 62 original riddles and illustrations    ☆ Available in e-reader- all formats! 
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

The NeverEnding Story Monday's Riddle led us into the realm of magical creatures this week, and Lizzy's review of The Black Shard by Victoria Simxox told us about Krisitna and her journey back into the mystical land of Bernovem. Stop by the post to enter for your chance to win an e-book copy of this fun adventure! Giveaway runs until January 23rd. The Drawing Contest is happening all month long, so if you are feeling inspired, pick up a pencil and send us a drawing of a scene from The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow by J. Haight & S. Robinson and enter for your chance to win a fabulous book prize pack! Contest ends February 3rd. Thursday, we told you about two of our favorite fantastical animals on Top of the Heap , and Friday, we were excited to learn a little more about Peg Kehret and her intriguing story Saving Lilly. Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: 
If you could pick a magical creature for a pet, which would you choose? 

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


This book is one of my favorites! Excellent stories and myths : ) ~ F
Dragons and Other Fabulous Beasts by Annamaria MacDonald
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Peg Kehret

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Peg Kehret , author of the middle grade novel  Saving Lilly . Lizzy reviewed this engaging 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, Peg! 


What inspired you to write Saving Lilly?


I was browsing in the exhibit hall at an American Library Association convention. An animal welfare group had a display with information about various problems, including a pamphlet about the abuse of circus elephants. When I got home, I read the pamphlet and then began researching the facts. I realized well-meaning adults took children to circuses where animals are mistreated without ever knowing that their attendance encouraged cruel practices. As with so many problems, education is the key to a solution.
How long did it take you to write Saving Lilly?
I don’t remember exactly, but most books take me about six months.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
For several years on each birthday and for Christmas I received one of Johnny Gruelle’s Raggedy Ann books . I still have all of them. I used to play library, and each Raggedy book has a card taped on the inside front cover with a place for the borrower’s name and a due date. The spaces are all blank, as I could not bear to let my beloved books out of my own possession. Later, I loved Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster . I also identified strongly with Jo in Little Women .
Where did you come up with the characters Erin and Mrs. Dawson?
Of all the characters I’ve invented, Erin is most like me. All my life I’ve had situations where my beliefs and feelings were different from those of my peers, and I’ve learned how important it is to stay true to who I am. Erin does that. Mrs. Dawson was complete fiction, but I did want to try to make her more than a mean teacher by showing the reasons for her actions and by having her be willing to change.

If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
Sunny, in Runaway Twin. Sunny is smart, and she has spunk and compassion despite her unhappy early years which were no fault of her own. At the end of the book, she is beginning her new life with her foster mom, Rita, and with Snickers, the dog. I’d like to give her a hand.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
I’m already living exactly where I choose, in a log house on a ten acre wooded wildlife sanctuary that adjoins hundreds of acres of forest land. I especially love to see the deer bed down outside my windows because I know that means they feel safe here. I feed many varieties of birds, and have natural brush shelters for rabbits and other small creatures. I also do foster care for rescued cats.
What is your favorite animal?
Kids ask me this a lot but I have no answer. Each animal is unique, with special qualities that I appreciate. I like opposums and skunks as much as puppies and kittens. There’s no way I can choose one animal over all the rest.
Where can we purchase your books?
Any book store can order my books if they don’t already stock them. They’re also available from all the on-line sources.
Amazon  ☞  Barnes and Noble  

Connect with this author:
Author Website ☞ Facebook


Read the reviews! 






* Keep an eye out for the new audio release for  Animals Welcome!  FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle set the magical creatures loose, and Lizzy's review of the Black Shard by Victoria Simcox was quite a trip into a fantastical world. Stop by the post and enter to win an e-book copy of The Black Shard - giveaway runs until Wednesday, January 23rd.  Friday, Peg Kehret will be stopping by to tell us a little more about the story behind her story, Saving Lilly. The Drawing Contest is happening on Fairday's Blog! This contest will run until Sunday, February 3rd, so enter for your chance to win a fabulous book prize pack! Saturday, we look forward to hearing from you on The DMS Wants to Know!

Today, we wanted to tell you about two of our favorite magical creatures!

This week's top of the heap: Best magical creatures : )


Fairday: Quick and easy for me, I love Toothless. I have always leaned towards horses- pegasus or unicorn, but when I watched How to Train Your Drag on , all of that changed. Toothless is absolutely my favorite, having all of the perfect magical attributes. Not to mention, he's adorable and looks just like my cat : ) ~ F







Lizzy: I think I would have to go with Hedwig, Harry Potter's owl. How cool is it that she brings the mail! Plus she's smart and loyal, and makes a great pet. Hedwig pretty much does her own thing, but always keeps a watchful eye on Harry, making sure that he gets his messages- perfect for me! ~ L

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Back to Bernovem

It has been two years since fifteen-year-old Kristina Kingsly spent time in Bernovem and became “the chosen one”. Although Hester and Davina were there, too, Kristina seems to be the only one that has any memory of what happened while they were in the magical land. When they all attend horseback riding camp together, Kristina is reminded of why she tries to avoid Hester and Davina. Reluctantly, she takes a secret ride with them, and the three girls end up back in the enchanted land of Bernovem. Kristina is thrilled to see her old friend, Prince Werrien, and she can’t believe how handsome he has become. There are lots of familiar faces, and Kristina feels right at home. She sees fairy friends, talking horses, and gnomes who feel like family. When Prince Werrien asks her to travel with him to his homeland, Kristina can’t wait to set sail. Unfortunately, she keeps getting sick and she can’t figure out if it is the traveling or if it is the food in Bernovem that isn’t agreeing with her. Kristina also doesn’t know what to make of the hag she sees each time she looks in the mirror. Who is it and what do they want? What will happen when Kristina and Prince Werrien find out that important items are missing from the castle and they were the last ones to see them? What is the Black Shard that Prince Werrien found and why does it leave Kristina feeling cold? Read this wonderful book to find out!

I just finished reading The Black Shard by Victoria Simcox, and it is a story that took off from page one. I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed catching up with Kristina and the rest of the characters that I came to know the last time she was in Bernovem. Right away, I was swept up in the adventure! For those who read the first book in the series, The Magic Warble you will find that this book has a nice rhythm and you get to find out more about some of your favorite characters. For people reading The Black Shard without reading The Magical Warble, you will easily be able to read this story as a standalone book. The author does an excellent job creating a world that the reader can get lost in and picture completely. Kristina is easy to relate to and I liked seeing that she is still strong and kind. This book had a little romance, but it was innocent and I liked watching her crush develop a little bit. This would be a great read for people ages 9 and up. It is a fantasy book you will enjoy falling into and a journey you won’t want to end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and can’t wait to get my hands on it!

Has anyone else read The Black Shard by Victoria Simcox? Or have you read another book by this author?
We are thrilled to host a giveaway for one lucky reader. Enter below for your chance to win one of 4 ebook copies of The Black Shard . To find out more about Victoria Simcox stop by to check out our author interview  with her! 

Open to US and International ; )

Giveaway ends Wednesday January 23rd! 
Happy Reading!
~L
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Answer to Monday's Riddle! Animal Magic!

Great guessing Riddlers! This week, we thought it would be fun to hang out with a few fantastical beasts.  Lizzy's review will lure some of these wondrous creatures here on Wednesday, and Thurdsay we will talk about some of our favorite mythical animals on Top of the Heap . Friday, Peg Kehret will be stopping by to tell us about the story behind her story, Saving Lilly . And Saturday, we can't wait to hear from you on The DMS Wants to Know . So, sit back, relax, and fly away on the wings of imagination with us! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

Through the eyes of imagination you will believe, though I may be somewhat strange to perceive. Whether it's fire I bring or a promise of youth. See me once, and you'll know the truth. Sometimes I speak, but sometimes not. Sometimes I walk or sometimes trot. Possibly I fly or howl at the moon. Close your eyes, and I'll be there soon. There are ways to find me written in lore-things that will bring me right to your door. But, I can't be seen, and I must stay hidden. For, I am something of a dream; long lost and forbidden. Those that are clever and take time to look will find me lurking in the pages of a book. 

What am I? Answer: Magical Creature

A sneak peak at what's to come... FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! Under a Veil of Illusion...

Hello Riddlers! It's that time again, so here's this week's riddle. Can you guess the theme? I've been looking for one of these forever ; ) ~ F

Through the eyes of imagination you will believe, though I may be somewhat strange to perceive. Whether it's fire I bring or a promise of youth. See me once, and you'll know the truth. Sometimes I speak, but sometimes not. Sometimes I walk or sometimes trot. Possibly I fly or howl at the moon. Close your eyes, and I'll be there soon. There are ways to find me written in lore-things that will bring me right to your door. But, I can't be seen, and I must stay hidden. For, I am something of a dream; long lost and forbidden. Those that are clever and take time to look will find me lurking in the pages of a book. 

What am I? 

I gave you a clue! 

Clue!
☞ Download Fairday's Riddle's: Volume 1 on Smashwords
Free Monday (1/14/12) & Tuesday (1/15/12) 
Promotional Code: BM89Y 


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle kicked off a week of kindness, and Lizzy's review of Charlotte's Web by E.B. White reminded how much we depend on the thoughtfulness of others. Thursday, on Top of the Heap we spotlighted two inspirational acts of kindness that showed us what miraculous things people can accomplish when they set their minds to it. Friday, we look took a stroll down memory lane with Corduroy,and today we can’t wait to hear what you have to say!  No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. ~Aesop The DMS wants to know:
What's a kind act you hope to pay forward this year?

We will tell you ours, if you tell us yours!  : )FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED