Jessica Haight's Blog, page 141

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle gave us the golden ticket, and Lizzy's review of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl took us into a deliciously magical world full of surprises. The book giveaway for a signed copy of Loser by Jerry Spinelli will be running until Sunday, December 2nd- so be sure to stop by and enter for your chance to win! Friday we will be visited by a charismatic spirit, and Saturday, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know . Today, we thought it would be fun to chat about the winners of those ever elusive golden tickets that gave them a glimpse into a palace of chocolate and candy- YUM!

This week's top of the heap: Willy Wonka's Winners ; ) 


Fairday: I love the character of Veruca Salt. I think that she represents the ultimate spoiled brat- and she gets her just desserts in the end! Her father is always hot and bothered, fussing over her every little whim- he reminds me of Uncle Vernon from Harry Potter. Anyone watching her throw a temper tantrum can clearly see how ridiculous the behavior is, and any kid that watches her scene, realizes immediately that they don't want to act like her. So, here's to the brat of the pack, Veruca Salt! ~ F




Lizzy: I have to pick Charlie Bucket. He's such a kind and gentle spirit. His life is hard, but he is surrounded by a loving family, and he always holds onto the hope of better days. I think it's a good lesson that after he broke the rules in the chocolate factory, he came forward, and, in the end, was greatly rewarded for his honesty. I also like the scene when they are all signing the contract to enter the chocolate factory, and Charlie politely asks Grandpa Joe if it is okay for him to sign- whereas all of the other children completely disregard their parents advice- and Grandpa Joe says, "Sign away, Charlie. We haven't anything to lose." What a great sense of freedom. You go Charlie Bucket! Live the dream! ~ L



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Do You Have a Golden Ticket?

Charlie Bucket is a poor child who lives with his parents and all four grandparents in a small house. His family doesn’t have a lot of money for treats, so Charlie looks forward to his birthday each year. On his special day he gets a chocolate bar, which he can savor for months- eating and enjoying only a little at a time. When Mr. Willy Wonka announces that he will be opening his chocolate factory to the public and that to gain entrance one must find one of the five golden tickets- the world goes crazy. Charlie knows he won’t have a chance; after all it isn’t his birthday. But when he finds a dollar, which leads him to the golden ticket- his luck begins to change. The next day Charlie and Grandpa Joe show up at the factory and things really become interesting. Just why has Mr. Wonka opened his factory to the winners? Will the winners get to try as much chocolate and candy as they want? What will happen to those who don’t follow the rules in the factory? You must read this book to see what happens to Charlie, Grandpa Joe, and the rest of the winners once they enter the factory!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is a book that captured my interest right from the start. I loved this book and even laughed out loud at some of the scenes.  Charlie is such a kind character that I couldn’t help but root for him right from the start. He is definitely someone that would be a good friend! I especially like his patience and the way he thinks things through. The songs, Oompa Loompas, character names and the variety of candy made this story very enchanting. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a book that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Younger children could read this book with an adult and together they could share many laughs. Kids in third grade and up will wish they could get inside of a chocolate factory to sample the delectable treats! I have read many books by Roald Dahl, and he always surprises me. The drawings that were included throughout the story made it even better. Pick up this book and you will want to find your own golden ticket!
Has anyone else read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Or another book by Roald Dahl? What did you think? 

Happy reading! ~ L FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! You're In!

Great job Riddlers! Sharon and Ann Marie have won the golden ticket! Yes, this week you all have admittance to our show! Lizzy's review will be a delicious adventure, and Thursday, we look forward to chatting about the big win on Top of the Heap. There's still time to enter the book giveaway for a signed copy of Loser by Jerry Spinelli , which will be running until Sunday, December 2nd. Friday, we will be haunted by a pretty charismatic ghost, and Saturday, we can't wait to hear from you on the DMS Wants to Know . It's going to be quite a ride! So, be sure to check back. See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

Hold your breath and grasp me tight-I'll get you in when the time is right. Come inside for just a spell- promise that you'll never tell. For all the world cannot know, just the ones that make the show. I will shine and shimmer gold, always lucky to whom I'm sold. When, at last, you've made it in, my worth is judged by what you win. 

What am I? Answer: The Golden TicketFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! The Grand Prize!

Hello Riddlers! Here's this week's puzzle. Can you guess the theme?  ; ) ~ F

Hold your breath and grasp me tight-I'll get you in when the time is right. Come inside for just a spell- promise that you'll never tell. For all the world cannot know, just the ones that make the show. I will shine and shimmer gold, always lucky to whom I'm sold. When, at last, you've made it in, my worth is judged by what you win. 

What am I? 

Here's a clue!



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Catch the Latest Book Buzz!

We are excited to announce that The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow has been updated! You can check out the new chapters online and tell us your thoughts about Fairday's story. During the month of December, we will be hosting a drawing contest, where you can enter to win a signed hardcover edition of the book, plus a surprise bonus gift! Details for the contest will be posted soon, so get your pencils ready! ~ Jess & Stephanie

Happy reading! And, remember...





Chapter One: The Begonia House
Fairday Morrow couldn't help but agree with Dorothy. She was definitely not in Kansas anymore. She stared out the car window at the passing trees and fields, not quite seeing all the “endless possibilities” her parents talked so cheerfully about. It wasn’t fair, moving to stupid Ashpot. The Morrow family cruiser bumped and jerked down the road and her two-year-old sister, Margo, giggled noisily, bouncing up and down in her seat. Fairday turned her attention back to the aged, brown leather book resting on her lap. It was one of her most prized possessions, and just the sight of it improved her mood. A hint of a smile caught her lips as she heard her grandma’s voice in her head reading The Wizard of Oz. Fairday began to lose herself in the sway and motion of the ride and relaxed into the story.                    The car made a sharp right turn and began to ascend the narrow, winding road that led up to the Begonia House, or, as of today, the Morrow House. Fairday glanced up, and other than the rough road that tossed them about, she could see nothing but a tangled mesh of woods that seemed to spread out over the entire hill. Margo had fallen asleep, and her parents had stopped talking. It was very quiet in the car as they trundled up and up. Finally, as the road began to level out, they reached the front gate. It was enormous and made of iron. Twisted vines were wrapped tightly around its pointed, black bars, making it look like the entrance to some kind of morbid secret garden. Across the top of the gate, in large letters it read:
BEGONIA HOUSEFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
“Weird,” Fairday said. “It should say, ‘fear not living a thousand miles from civilization.’”“Oh, now, Fairday, no eleven-year-old as clever as you ever died of ennui. That’s another word for boredom,” Mr. Morrow said cheerfully. He was an avid English teacher and was constantly throwing out new and exciting, as he called them, words to improve Fairday’s vocabulary. “I’m sure you will find lots to do here. Incidentally, this house has a pretty interesting history, very mysterious. Right up your alley with your little club and all, the Detective Mystery Squad, right?”“That’s right!” Mrs. Morrow piped in. “You can invite Lizzy for a sleepover once we’re settled in, and you guys can investigate. I’m sure the town library has all sorts of information on the history of this house. It’s very famous in these parts. After you girls have conducted a thorough investigation, you can fill me in on all the juicy details about the scandals and mysteries that took place in the home.”“Hmph,” sulked Fairday at the mention of her best friend’s name. She had met Lizzy Mackerville in the second grade and, from that day on, they were inseparable. Everything about Lizzy was jolly. She had bouncy, blonde curls that framed a pink, heart-shaped face, and a cheerful, bubbly disposition. Fairday was the exact opposite of Lizzy. She was tall and lean, with long, black, shiny hair that she usually had pulled in a ponytail, which hung right down to the small of her back. She was always very pale and never had the usual amount of cute baby fat most people cooed over and pinched cheeks about.One feature Fairday liked about herself was her eyes. They were a very unusual charcoal gray and the reason she had such an uncommon name. Her mother always said that Fairday’s eyes reminded her fondly of the swirling tides of blue-gray waters that swelled up onto the sandy shores of Nantucket, which was where she grew up. When the weather was less than pleasant on the island, the fishermen would inform the tourists who came eagerly to charter their boats, “Jus’ waiting on the fair day t’morrow.” And so, Fairday was named, Fairday Theresa Morrow, or Fairday T. Morrow. She had to field some annoying criticism in school about it, which went something like, “Fairday? What kind of a name is that?” or, “Fairday, more like bad hair day.” But, she didn’t care. She liked the story, and she liked her name.
***
Mr. Morrow exuberantly found the key to the gate, which was as black and bizarre looking as the gate itself, and held it up for everyone to see. It had sharp, skeletal teeth and the handle was shaped into what looked like some sort of grim flower. He made a drum roll sound and then exclaimed emphatically, “Here we go! I am now going to open the gateway to our future!” Mr. Morrow climbed out of the car and walked over to the creepy gate. The key slid easily into the lock, which resembled a wide, gaping mouth, and it clicked loudly as he gave it a turn. He pushed the heavy double gates, and they slowly swung open.The family was quiet as the car passed through the iron barricade. Even Margo, who had just woken up, was wide-eyed and straining against her car seat to check out the new scenery. The woods began to thin out as they continued on towards the house. The drive was now less bumpy and thankfully, thought Fairday, they were no longer going up.  Mr. Morrow turned the car around a corner, and the outline of an enormous house came into view. He pulled around the circular drive and put the car into park.“Here we are!” he said excitedly, and turned in his seat to face Fairday. “Is it as big as you remember?”“Uh, yeah,” Fairday mumbled in response. She looked up at the great, old house apprehensively and added, “and just as creepy,” under her breath.“Well, let’s get a move on,” Mr. Morrow said eagerly and banged open the car door.Mrs. Morrow pulled Margo out of the car seat and lifted her up over her shoulder. Margo cooed and squealed, pointing at the house, “Uggy, Mommy!”“See, even Margo thinks it stinks,” Fairday said triumphantly.Mrs. Morrow laughed and replied, “Yes, it’s not as beautiful as it once was, I’m sure.”“But,” Mr. Morrow interrupted loudly, “it will be!” He gave Mrs. Morrow a kiss, made a silly face at Margo, and patted Fairday on the head. “Let’s leave our trunks here for now and come back for them after we’ve had a chance to investigate our new abode. Abode is another word for dwelling, Fairday,” Mr. Morrow said. He located the right key and, once again, held it up dramatically.Fairday rolled her eyes. Her father loved to over-emphasize everything. Enough with the key drama, she thought. “We get it, Dad. New house, key to the future,” she quipped. “Can we just go inside now?” Mr. Morrow looked a little hurt and unlocked the door without saying anything else. Fairday instantly felt terrible. “I’m sorry. I’m just missing home and it was a long drive,” she said apologetically and hugged her father.“I know sweetie, it’s a big move. It will take some time to adjust, but I promise you, this is going to be a real adventure for all of us,” Mr. Morrow said lovingly and squeezed Fairday tight.

Keep reading...
Read the reviews! Young Readers Critique Bulletin Board for Teachers and Parents Into the Begonia House About J. Haight About S. Robinson

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle opened up the floodgates of gratitude this week. Lizzy's review of Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Palacco told the tale of a girl inspired by a wonderful teacher, and Thursday, we found ourselves grateful for time with family and good food on Top of the Heap . Friday, Jerry Spinelli popped over to chat with us, and it was amazing to hear the story behind his story. We are giving away a signed copy of Loser by Jerry Spinelli, which will be happening until Sunday, December 2nd- so be sure to stop by and enter for your chance to win! Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: What is a unique Thanksgiving (or holiday) tradition in your family? 

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


Currently up for grabs on Fairday's Blog! 
Open to US and International ; )


Read the reviews!
Enter to win a signed copy of Loser
Ends Sunday, December 2nd 










Read the reviews!
Enter to win a copy of Turtle in Paradise
Ends Sunday, November 25th 











Read the reviews!
Enter to win a signed hardcover edition of The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow
Ends Sunday, November 25th 









Read the reviews!
Enter to win a signed copy of Powerless
Ends Sunday, November 25th










A bonus $10 gift card to Amazon.com! 
HAPPY READING : ) 
Ends Sunday, November 25th  FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Jerry Spinelli

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Jerry Spinelli , author of the middle grade novel  Loser . Lizzy recently reviewed this wonderful 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, Jerry! 




What inspired you to write Loser?

For years I'd been giving talks on the value of failure. Loser is my fictional take on that idea.

How long did it take you to write Loser?
About a year, which is typical for me.

What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
Hah. This is a writer who didn't read much as a kid (which may be why I have Maniac Magee carry a book everywhere he goes). In sixth grade I had a subscription to Bugs Bunny comic books. My reading devotions centered mostly on the sports pages of the Norristown (PA) Times Herald. My favorite writer was the sports editor, Red McCarthy.

Where did you come up with the character Zinkoff?
From looking at the one kid who is running south while the other 99 are running north.  
Authors Stephanie Robinson & Jerry Spinelli
2012 UCONN Children's Book Fair

If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
I would say Amanda Beale from Maniac Magee . My kind of kid.



Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
I write (when I'm not on a long-distance train) in my office at home. No music.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
Right where I am, a few miles from where I was born in southeastern PA. I will always be, in part, the place where I began, so I can travel the world, as I have, and always return to myself.     
Zinkoff really enjoys school and learning. Do you have a favorite teacher or memory of school that stands out to you?
I fondly recall many teachers, more so than subjects. I dedicated Fourth Grade Rats to Miss Coleman, my fourth-grade teacher.     
Where can we purchase your books?
Independent Bookstores ☞ Amazon ☞ Barnes and Noble
Author Website ☟

Read the reviews! 
✭ Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Loser!         
  
Giveaway ends Sunday, December 2nd! Open to US and International : ) 




a Rafflecopter giveawayFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Happy Thanksgiving! 
This week's top of the heap: Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes!

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Thank You, Mr. Falker

It’s that time of year when those of us in the United States are thinking about what we are thankful for. In the spirit of the season, I am going to take a break from reviewing a middle grade chapter book today. Instead, I will be spotlighting a favorite picture book of mine, which ties in with the theme of gratitude.


Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco is a book that I have read many times. The girl in the story, Trisha, starts off enjoying school. She quickly changes her mind when the words she sees don’t make sense. As much as she wants to read, she can’t. Not only are the other kids in class noticing the fact that Trisha can’t read, but they are calling her a dummy and picking on her. Luckily, a kind teacher realizes that Trisha is struggling and has her stay after school. He works with her using different techniques. Mr. Falker believes in Trisha. Can he get her to believe in herself? Read this heartwarming story to find out!


I think anyone who has ever had a teacher help them learn will love Thank You, Mr. Falkerby Patricia Polacco. I could easily connect with Trisha because I had trouble learning to read. I would practice over and over again, but I couldn’t put the words into sentences I understood. It took me a long time, but eventually I became a reader. Once I started reading, I have never wanted to stop. I am thankful that I am able to read. It takes me places I have never been before. Reading about Trisha’s experience made me stop and think about the teachers that I have had so far and the different ways they have helped me. I am lucky to have had teachers that really care about me. There are many people who don’t come from loving homes, and a teacher may be one of the only people who treats them with love and kindness. Mr. Falker sounds like a teacher I would like. I enjoy this story because it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside each time I read it. This is a great book for people ages 8 and up. Younger kids might enjoy it too, but it is a longer picture book, with lots of words. If you are looking for a book to inspire you and make you feel thankful, then look no further!

Has anyone else read Thank You, Mr. Falker? Or another book by Patricia Polacco? What did you think? Stop by Storyline Online to have the book read to you!
Happy Reading! ~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle: An Attitude of Gratitude!

Great guessing Riddlers! It's the week of Thanksgiving for all of us here in the US, and we are looking forward to some good eats and time with family. Lizzy's review is sure to be fascinating, and there's still time to enter the Gratitude Giveaway , which will be running until November 25th- enter for your chance to win a copy of Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm , a signed hardcover edition of The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow by J. Haight & S. Robinson , plus a bonus $10 gift card to Amazon.com. 

We love sharing our thoughts and ideas, and we are very grateful to have gotten a chance to get know all of you so well. Friday, Jerry Spinelli will be popping by, so be sure to check back! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

I will always make you smile- if only for a little while. A fleeting word that holds you warm, keeps your mind from any harm. So much of me I have to give- with no thing there, only love to live. The easiest feeling that you can think- though hard at times when thoughts do sink. Hold me close, teach me near- give me to those you hold so dear. In a time of need, when you're feeling low, remember me in the worlds you grow.  

What am I? Answer: Gratitude



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED