Jessica Haight's Blog, page 143

Author Interview with Matthew Cody

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Matthew Cody , author of the middle grade novel  Powerless . Lizzy recently reviewed this action packed 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, Matthew! 


What inspired you to write Powerless?


There’s a tried and true plot in middle grade fantasy in which a young hero discovers a terrible threat while at the same time discovering a secret heritage of power – family of wizards, demigods, etc.

While I love these stories myself, I wanted to turn the tables a bit and write a book about a young hero who wasn’t any of these things. There’s a line in the book referring to Daniel feeling as ordinary as bread, and that’s what I was going for. He feels powerless, but of course no one really is.
How long did it take you to write Powerless?
It took about a year, with all the re-writing involved. I’m a pretty fast writer, but I spend a lot of time on revisions, even before I’ve handed it over to my editor, because that’s where a story is made or broken. I firmly believe that.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
I was one of those “reluctant readers” that librarians and teachers always talk about, so I didn’t really read much of what would today be considered middle-grade fiction. That being said, when I finally did start reading I loved The Hobbit by J. R. Tolkien . Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie made a big impact on me as well, though not the one you might assume. Peter wrestling with his shadow terrified me, an idea that actually made it into the opening chapter of Super . . .
Where did you come up with the character Daniel?
While Daniel is a normal boy, he is remarkable in a few ways. He’s brave, loyal and one heck of a good detective, but he’s not perfect by any means. He’s jealous at times, and can feel sorry for himself a bit too much, but his good qualities outweigh the bad. I wanted a main character that the readers could both identify with and admire, and I think Daniel fits the bill.
Powerless Fan Art: By Vince Dorse
 If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
Rohan has a great outlook on the world, owing to the fact that he can literally see things we can’t. Plus, he’s a loyal friend with a great sense of humor. I think friends that can make you laugh are the best kind.




Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
These days I write mostly at home, though I’ll get out to a coffee shop every now and again when I’m editing. I find it hard to do first draft stuff with distractions, and so I need to stay home where it’s quiet (although I am the father of a four year old, so quiet is all relative!)
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
I love IreIf you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
When I was a kid I used to have this reoccurring dream that I would wake up in the morning and fly out the window. Then I’d soar over all the bus stops and wave at the poor kids waiting to be taken to school. Then I’d shout “See ya, suckers!” That answer it?
Where can we purchase your books?
Just about anywhere. I’d start with your local, independent bookstore . If they don’t have them in stock, I’m sure they’d be happy to order them for you.

☞ You can meet Matthew Cody at R.J. Julia Bookstore in Madison, CT on November 15th!
☞ Amazon ☞ Barnes and Noble ☟
Connect with this author:☞ Author sit e  ☞  Blog  ☞ Facebook ☞Twitter ☟

Read the reviews! 
✭ Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Powerless! Open to US and International  
  
Giveaway ends Sunday, November 25th! 

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Top of the Heap!

Let's talk some turkey! Monday's Riddle was the key to discovery, and Lizzy's Review of Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Elisa Carbone took us into the New World. Friday, we will be chatting with Matthew Cody , author of the middle grade novel Powerless, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know.

Discovering a new world is exciting! There is so much to explore, and around every corner the unknown becomes known. Our history is rich and textured, but there's still a wealth of knowledge to be gained about the world we live in. Sometimes there will be conflict, but once communication and understanding are established, anything is possible!

This week's top of the heap: Settling into the new world ; )


Fairday: I love learning about Pocahontas . I find her story to be fascinating. It's interesting to think about the two very different worlds that she lived in and the perspective that she gained from being the daughter of a tribal chief, and then the wife of an English tobacco planter. She was said to have saved Captain John Smith from punishment by her tribe and was presented to English society as a "civilized savage" in hopes of stimulating investments in the Jamestown settlements . Her tale is an engaging one, and I enjoy watching the Disney movie with my family this time of year.


On another note, just because we are on the topic of new worlds and discovery, I thought I would include a musical interlude that always reminds me of what it must have been like to come in to the New World. It's about the Mason Dickson Line. Enjoy! ~ F

Sailing to Philadelphia by Mark Knopfler and James Taylor  ♫ ♪♩♬ 




Lizzy:  Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving is one of the best picture books I have read about Thanksgiving and the settlers. The author focuses on Native Americans in his writing, and I love the authenticity he brings to his stories. Learning about the first Thanksgiving from Squanto’s point of view was different than anything I have ever heard about the event. Seeing through the eyes of a Native American at that time gave me a whole new perspective on the events that took place and the tradition that has become so important to our country. This book is touching and honest. The illustrations add a lot to the experience. This is a picture book that will get you thinking! ~ L


The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth by Brownscombe
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

What Really Happened in Jamestown?

It is the early 1600s, and twelve-year-old Samuel Collier has just become a page of Captain John Smith. He leaves his street urchin ways to sail across the sea. It is not an easy time. The journey is rough, and Samuel is determined to keep to himself. The fact that they are bound for the New World gives Samuel some hope because he has heard about the wonders that await him there. Unfortunately, once they arrive in the New World, he is in for a few surprises. The land is beautiful, but there are many gentlemen who want others to do the work while they sit back and get rich. There are natives who have different ways than the Englishmen. Captain Smith has a way of communicating with the native people that is very diplomatic. Samuel is impressed by what he sees and he realizes that working with other people is necessary to survive. When Captain Smith leaves the settlement will the good relations with the natives be maintained? What will become of Samuel in the New World? With all of the dangers everywhere he looks will Samuel be able to survive? You must read this book to find out how everything turns out!


Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Elisa Carbone is a rich and intriguing historical fiction book about one of the first settlements in the New World. I liked seeing the way the story showed us what this new settlement meant for the native people and the settlers. This book really brought the scene to life and, after reading the author’s note, it was interesting to learn that the characters mentioned in the story are true to history. Anyone who enjoys reading about history will enjoy this book. It would be a challenging book for most kids that are younger than fifth grade, but if they are interested in the time period and they read it with an adult, they will probably be as fascinated as I was. Samuel really grew throughout the story and it was great to see the lessons he learned. With Thanksgiving coming up this month, this would be a wonderful read for people who are interested in seeing the start of our nation unfold before them. A book you will learn from this November!
Has anyone else read Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Elisa Carbone? Or read another book by Elisa Carbone?

Happy Reading! ~ L


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! A Whole New World!

Map of the world in the 1500's Great guessing Riddlers! You guys are so smart! Adriana & Alex guessed the clue correctly- the hint was a picture of Jamestown, the 1st  permanent English settlement in the Americas, established on May 14th 1607. This historical event opens up the topic of discovering new worlds. And, since the season of Thanksgiving is upon us, we are looking forward to sharing the bountiful worlds of stories with all of you! Lizzy's Review  will be quite an adventure, and Thursday, we look forward to chatting about this on Top of the Heap . Friday, we will be hosting a special guest , so, keep your seat belts buckled, because we will be racing into the unknown all week long! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

Something unknown rises ahead. Perhaps a new spot to set your bed. A journey's end proclaims a start, and the adventure rolls on like the wheels on a cart. Here it seems strange, and you search for a clue. Finding your way, you must learn what to do. What is this land that seemed lost, but is found? What seeds will you sew in the depth of its ground? A place always there, but not seen 'til connected; drawn in time, and then hence, elected. 

What am I referring to? Answer: Discovering New Worlds! 





FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle: Journey's End...

Hello Riddlers! If this puzzle you uncover, you'll be ready to discover ; ) Can you guess the theme this week? ~ F

Something unknown rises ahead. Perhaps a new spot to set your bed. A journey's end proclaims a start, and the adventure rolls on like the wheels on a cart. Here it seems strange, and you search for a clue. Finding your way, you must learn what to do. What is this land that seemed lost, but is found? What seeds will you sew in the depth of its ground? A place always there, but not seen 'til connected; drawn in time, and then hence, elected. 

What am I referring to?

I gave you a clue!

* Blogger is being a little naughty today! If you cannot comment on this post, please leave your answer on Fairday's Facebook Fan Page. We would love to hear your guess! ~ F & L 



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle inspired our spirits this week, and we've been on the topic of ghosts. Lizzy's review of Scary School by Derek the Ghost took us on a thrilling tour of a monstrous school. Thursday on Top of the Heap , we told you about a couple of our own haunting stories, and Friday, Margo's Musings swept us right up into The Witches' Supermarket by Susan Meddaugh .

Swapping ghost stories among friends is such a timeless event, and it will always be a part of the mystery of being human. We enjoyed sharing our thoughts on this spooky subject. Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: Have you ever had a ghostly experience? 
What happened?

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

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

A Witches' Supermarket?

Well, this October has been a monstrous delight! The Halloween season brought with it thrills and chills, and we were excited to see all of the seasonal spirits and spooky stories haunting the book block. Margo has requested that I end this month of fright with one of her absolute favorite Halloween tales of terror. The Witches' Supermarket by Susan Meddaugh will take you on a fun adventure into a grocery store that you won't forget. Hold onto your brooms, because this book brings with it all of those wonderful, spooky feelings that we love to digest with lots of candy!

Helen is a little girl and Martha is a dog, and they find themselves in a spot of trouble on Halloween after they follow a portly woman in purple, who leads them down a dark alley and into a strange, unknown place. Helen becomes increasing aware that this particular grocery store seems a bit off as she walks past the strange produce department and Martha takes note of the disappointing pet section. When the brooms start to fly, Helen suddenly realizes that they are in the company of witches and cats in the middle of a witches' supermarket!

This story will sweep you up into the mystical world of witches and magic! Margo insists that she's seen the plump lady in purple, and swears that the witches' supermarket is really located behind the Ashpot town library! I think this story was the perfect choice to end the spooky season, and also to welcome in the eating season! So, thanks to Margo for plopping it in my lap, and thanks to all of you for lurking around our corner of the book block ; ) ~ F


Here's a bit more about this fun story! 

Cats, cats, and more cats roam the aisles. All the shoppers look somehow peculiar. The smell of rotten eggs pervades the dairy section. There are brooms of every size and...speed?

This is no ordinary, everyday supermarket. And when Helen and her dog, Martha, find themselves caught inside, they'll need luck and lots of Halloween magic to begin trick-or-treating on time.

Beware! The witches' supermarket is not for the weak at heart. But if you're looking for some wickedly funny holiday craziness, grab a shopping cart and step right in.

Happy reading! ~ F





Read the reviews! 

☞ Amazon ☞ Barnes and Noble

☞ Author site  FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle dug up the spirits, and they have been haunting us all week long! Lizzy's review of Scary School by Derek the Ghost made us all appreciate what it would be like to have monsters and ghouls as teachers- imagine the homework! We are also giving away a copy the fantastical, new middle grade novel, The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox, so be sure to float by and enter the Book Giveaway for your chance to win! (Giveaway runs until Sunday, November 4th). Friday, we are planning something spooky to cap off this chilling October season. We hope that everyone has weathered the storm well and managed to enjoy a safe and frightfully, delightful Halloween!

This week's top of the heap: Real Ghost Stories!



Fairday: Okay, this is my favorite picture to show people at Halloween. I can't find the article I clipped out about it- but here's the gist... Since I was a little girl, I have been obsessed with the blue house on Main Street in Newtown, CT. I just think it's just so darn spooky and lovely! My family used to drive by it during holiday travel. Main Street in Newtown is amazing during the holidays, especially Halloween. The old, fancy houses are all decked out for the annual Trick or Treat Street . Kids in costumes are everywhere. It's truly an event! Unfortunately, Halloween around here has been canceled for the past two years. So, to resurrect a little scare- Here's what I know about the blue house...

The story goes something like this... During the civil war a procession of starving soldiers was walking down main street and smelled baking bread. The hungry men broke into the house, startling the family. They then chased the father up and down the road, eventually killing him in the front yard.


I took this photo because I wanted to have a picture of the blue house. When I downloaded it, I couldn't believe my eyes! WHAT in the world is happening in there??? I would love to hear what you guys think! 
Happy Haunting : ) ~ F





Lizzy: My mom and I head to Cape Cod every summer to visit my Aunt Forsey. I always love to go hiking around the Fort Hill area. The scenery is amazing, and I am fascinated by the Penniman House . It's so beautiful and regal looking, and I enjoyed learning about the history of the whaling captain, Edward Penniman, and his wife called "Gustie".  Here's my ghosty photo of the Penniman House to share with you! Aunt Forsey took it, and there's been no editing done other than cropping. Weird! ~ L

 I would also love to hear what you guys think about this picture! ( Are the images the sun's reflection on the glass, or... something else ???)



The Penniman House: A Whaling Story

Captain Edward Penniman steps outside his house on Fort Hill in Eastham, Massachusetts in the late summer of 1881. He can feel the chill of the winds blowing off the Atlantic Ocean. He can smell and taste the salt air. By habit, he scans the white-capped horizon in search of a whale's spout. Soon he would leave on his fifth voyage across the world's oceans to hunt these "leviathans of the deep." The voyage could last for four years. 
Would his wife Gustie come along this time? Would any of their children accompany them? Where would he find his crew? Would this whaling voyage be successful?

Read the rest of this article...

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Can School Get Any Scarier?

Derek the Ghost used to attend Scary School- before he was killed. Now he is the tour guide through the halls of the school. Principal Headcrusher has made sure that Scary School offers and education to both monsters and humans, but this is not the case for most schools for unusual creatures. Yes, there is some danger for humans, but it does make school a little more exciting if you have to worry that the teachers will destroy you if you misbehave. Especially beware the rules in some classes- even reading them can be bad for your health. Yikes! When the annual Ghoul Games are scheduled to take place at Scary School, everyone is anxious for them to begin. The excitement is short lived when they learn that the school that loses will get eaten by the winning monsters. What kind of competitions will there be in the Ghoul Games? Who will win the competition? Will the humans get eaten if they lose? Will the humans want to eat the monsters if they win? Reading this book will make you laugh out loud and you will be fascinated by the teachers and monsters at this strange school.


If you like funny books with unique characters then you will be enchanted by Scary School by Derek the Ghost. Derek is a character that I could easily relate to because he is nice and does like to help other people. Plus he is witty and tells the story with such honesty. The school is definitely dangerous, but even with all of the deaths it wasn’t very gruesome. I thought the names of the teachers in the book were very creative. There were also drawings to go with each chapter, which added a lot to the book. It was fun to see if the monsters looked like what I imagined them to look like. As this is the first one in a series and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book which is already out. This is a great book for people ages 8 and up. It is a perfect book to read during the spooky months of October and November, but it can be enjoyed at any time of year. Not only will you laugh out loud, but you will learn a few lessons from Derek the Ghost along the way, too.


Has anyone else read Scary School by Derek the Ghost? Or have you read another book by this author? What did you think?
Happy Halloween! Try not to get spooked!  ~ Brocket the RocketFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Is it a Ghost?

Great guessing everyone! This week we will be talking about those ever elusive entities we call ghosts. Lizzy's review is sure to set us up for a good scare. And, we are looking forward to telling you about a couple of spooky encounters of our own on Top of the Heap. The Spooktacular Book Hop will be running until Halloween night, October 31st , and you can still enter to win a copy of The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox- this book giveaway will run until Sunday, November 4th. We have something terrifying planned for Friday, so be sure to check back. See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

I took this picture at Fairfield Hills Hospital, which is an old, abandoned mental institution in Newtown, CT- and it's supposed to be extremely haunted!

A bump in the night shakes you awake. A creaking door opens, and your hands start to shake. But, nothing is there, nor under your bed. You think you're alone, except that voice in your head. Still, there's a charge that moves through the room; a chilly passing of wind or an eerie, green gloom. Who's to say what it is, in the dark of the night? If you're lucky, these spirits will stay out of sight. 

What am I referring to? Answer: Ghosts


Happy Haunting!

The rest of the picture- creepy!

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED