Jessica Haight's Blog, page 152

The DMS Wants to Know, What Will You Find Beneath the Slashings?

Monday's riddle took us for a walk in the woods, and we followed our theme deeper into the majestic forests of the world.  Lizzy reviewed the historical fiction novel Beneath the Slashings by Michelle Isenhoff , which told the story of Samuel and Grace, two young twins at the end of the Civil War, who had to leave their home to live at a logging camp with their father. We shared our thoughts about this topic on Top of the Heap, and today, we are participating in a fun blog tour announcing the debut of Beneath the Slashings, the third book in the Divided Decade Trilogy. This fascinating story is really making its way around the book block. So, check it out and let us know your thoughts!

The DMS wants to know:What would you think about being uprooted from your present life situation to live at a logging camp? 

It is the end of the Civil War and twins Samuel and Grace are looking forward to having their father back. They have spent the last few years on their aunt and uncle’s farm, but they are anticipating going home to their own farm down the road. When their father arrives, he shocks them all with the news that the farm is sold and they will be going up to Michigan to a logging camp where he will be the new foreman. Their father is thrilled to get back to his roots and the familiar terrain of the woods. Samuel is excited for a new adventure and to have experiences like the stories his dad has always told him. Grace is not the least bit happy, and she doesn’t mind telling her father how mad she is at him. Still, the family moves to the logging community where Samuel and Grace are put to work helping out in the kitchen. A logging camp isn’t a great place for a girl, and the men scare her a bit at first. It doesn’t help that there is talk that the last foreman was killed by someone. Now Grace is upset with her father and worried for his safety at the same time. Will Grace forgive her dad for taking her away from her aunt and uncle and the only life she has ever known? Is there anyone for her to become friends with out in the middle of the forest? Will everyone be able to make it through the logging season alive? You will be kept on your toes as you turn the pages of this book! (Read more of Lizzy's review)
**Beneath the Slashings is the final book in the Divided Decade Trilogy, which views the American Civil War from three different angles. But because they’re only loosely related, each book can be read independently**


Author Website ☞ Blog Tour  ☞ Facebook ☞ Twitter ☟


Copies on sale for .99¢ for the Month of August! 
Kindle ☞ Smashwords ☞ Paperback ☞ Nook ☟


**We will be chatting with Michelle Isenhoff on Friday August, 10th. It will be interesting to hear a little more about the story behind her story!**

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Polly Shulman

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Polly Shulman , author of the middle grade novel The Grimm Legacy.  Lizzy recently reviewed this fascinating book, 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 adieu... take it away, Polly! 


What inspired you to write The Grimm Legacy? 


I worked as a page at the New York Public Library’s grand research library when I was in high school. It was a magical place and I always thought it would make a great setting for a novel. I always loved fairy tales, too—as a child I spent a lot of time imagining what I would do if I found a magical object like the ones in the stories. The Grimm Legacy combines those two ideas.

I just finished writing The Wells Bequest, the next Repository novel. It has the same setting as The Grimm Legacy, but it involves objects from science fiction instead of fairy tales, and most of the characters are new. It will be published next summer (2013).
How long did it take you to write The Grimm Legacy?
About two years, from the time I started until the time I finished, but I wasn’t working on it that whole time. I spent some time writing part of another book that I ended up abandoning, and I also work as an editor at a science magazine.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
I was a voracious reader as a child—still am. I especially loved books about magic: C.S. Lewis’s Narnia books, novels by E. Nesbit and Edward Eager, Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea trilogy, George Macdonald’s The Princess and the Goblin and The Princess and Curdie , and any fairy tales I could find. Diana Wynne Jones’s books came out when I was a little past childhood, but they’re among my favorites.
My ambition is to write stories that give readers the kind of intense pleasure those books gave me—books that make you stay up too late reading under the covers with a flashlight and miss your bus stop.
If you could possess a magical item, what would it be? Why?

Winged sandals and an invisibility cloak. Flying would be so much fun! But I would hate to be mistaken for an enemy aircraft, so I would need the invisibility cloak too. I’d like the invisibility cloak for its own sake, too, since I can be pretty shy. But don’t worry, I won’t use it to spy on you.


If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?


Julie from Enthusiasm. She’s a kind, loyal friend and we have a lot in common—we’re both crazy about Jane Austen.

What is your favorite fairy tale?


Does The Princess and the Goblin count? It’s a novel, but it has a fairy-godmother figure, a magic ball of thread, and a hero who saves a princess. If not, maybe “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” because I always loved the idea of going through a trap door in your bedroom and finding an enchanted palace at the other end. Or maybe “The Ugly Duckling,” which is about finding your true self. It’s so hard to choose!


If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?

I love New York City, where I live. I love being just a subway ride or a fascinating walk away from a zillion different activities and cultures. I love being surrounded by friends and neighbors and yet being able to lose myself in a crowd. I love the variety of buildings and parks, the many great museums and libraries, the layers of history, and all the delicious food. I spend hours every day walking around the city. 


Where can we purchase your books?

I love independent bookstores , so that’s what I would try first. If your local independent bookstore doesn’t have my books, you can ask them to order them for you. If you don’t have an independent bookstore nearby, you can try a chain store like Barnes & Noble. Or you can order my books online from a bookstore or from Amazon.com .

 Author Website ☞ Read the first chapter ☞ Scholastic Book Club Video 



Read the Reviews! 


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle took you into the thick of it, opening up our woodsy theme this week. Lizzy reviewed the rustic historical fiction novel, Beneath the Slashings by Michelle Isenhoff, telling us the story about twins, Grace and Samuel, and their experiences living at a logging camp deep in the forest. Today, we want to share with you our thoughts about the magic found in these vast arenas of natural wonder. It was truly a pleasure for Lizzy and I to chat about this topic and we had fun putting together this tribute to one of nature's most amazing canvases.

This week's top of the heap: Great forests

Lizzy: Going into the woods to play or hiking to a beautiful area are two of my favorite ways to spend a day. Living in the city- I don’t get to do either as much as I would like. I have been lucky enough to go on a couple of really cool family vacations. My dad took me and my brother to Yellowstone National Park a couple of years ago, and I fell in love with it. I even became a junior ranger while I was there, which I thought was pretty awesome. There is so much to love about forests, trees, and nature in general. Yellowstone is my favorite park and the variety of forests there is astounding. One thing that amazes me is that even though there have been massive fires in the park, new trees grow, and the park continues to change. Yellowstone has a variety of different landscapes, and it is fascinating to see trees in such unique places. If you look at the forest from far away, you get one image and, as you zoom in, all types of things come into focus. When I am in the forest, or at Yellowstone, I can feel the magic of the woods and I just know that there are many secrets hidden within them. I feel at peace in the forest and I believe that way back my ancestors must have lived in the forest, because for me it just feels right. If you haven’t been to Yellowstone National Park- I highly recommend it. ~L




Fairday: I cannot help but enjoy the freedom of being alone in the woods. I always find that I feel very small, but connected to nature at the same time. It's like how I feel about life-  that it's as big or small as it is, and functions harmoniously without any interference. There is a constant flow of creation and destruction, and in this place of peace, there is always an underlying tone of excitement: an eagle hunting, a fox trotting by, fish gathering in a babbling brook. The stillness and movement of nature is forever at ease, bringing a sense of security amidst the perfectly organized disorder. I tend to stroll, rather thank hike, when I walk in the woods. I usually have my camera and truly enjoy capturing the magic happening all around me. There are so many different dimensions to it when you start to look around. Suddenly, light pours through a silk spiderweb, or a magnificently bizarre bug emerges from under a rock- I find these small, insignificant things to be so enchanting, and, when examined with a quiet mind, the images emerge into what seems like an endless dreamscape of color and creativity- completely and utterly miraculous. I absolutely love how dramatic the trees often seem, and I cannot walk by a patch of moss without touching it ~ F



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Is a Logging Camp Any Place for a Girl?

It is the end of the Civil War and twins Samuel and Grace are looking forward to having their father back. They have spent the last few years on their aunt and uncle’s farm, but they are anticipating going home to their own farm down the road. When their father arrives, he shocks them all with the news that the farm is sold and they will be going up to Michigan to a logging camp where he will be the new foreman. Their father is thrilled to get back to his roots and the familiar terrain of the woods. Samuel is excited for a new adventure and to have experiences like the stories his dad has always told him. Grace is not the least bit happy, and she doesn’t mind telling her father how mad she is at him. Still, the family moves to the logging community where Samuel and Grace are put to work helping out in the kitchen. A logging camp isn’t a great place for a girl, and the men scare her a bit at first. It doesn’t help that there is talk that the last foreman was killed by someone. Now Grace is upset with her father and worried for his safety at the same time. Will Grace forgive her dad for taking her away from her aunt and uncle and the only life she has ever known? Is there anyone for her to become friends with out in the middle of the forest? Will everyone be able to make it through the logging season alive? You will be kept on your toes as you turn the pages of this book!

Beneath the Slashings by Michelle Isenhoff is the third book in a trilogy. The books in the series are loosely related. Still, I was worried that because I hadn’t read the others that I would be confused. This was not the case! It is definitely a book that can be read without reading the others in the series. Grace was unhappy through part of the book, and I wished I could have been her friend at the camp. Sometimes when we are being stubborn and not letting the fun in, we need someone to set us straight. I enjoyed watching Grace get out of her funk. One of her favorite pastimes was reading, just like me. I loved seeing the way reading was spotlighted in the book. I would definitely recommend this book to fourth- eighth graders. I liked the historical aspects of the book. Although I have read some books that take place during the Civil War or after it ended- I had never read a book about a logging camp. I even learned what slashings are- and they were not what I expected! This book makes history come to life! I look forward to reading another book by this author soon.
Has anyone else read Beneath the Slashings ? Or have you read another book by Michelle Isenhoff?
Happy Reading!~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle!

Wow! You guys all guessed great! This week, we will be taking some time to explore the endless adventures found in one of the grandest, natural occurrences on Earth. Tomorrow, Lizzy is reviewing a new book that ties into this theme, and we can't wait to share our thoughts about it with you. Friday, we will be hosting a special interview, where we will be chatting with Polly Shulman , author of the middle grade novel, The Grimm Legacy . - so be sure to check back! ~ F


I am a place of pure, natural beauty, where people can feel their ultimate duty. In the wake of disorder, comes miraculous scenes, all co-existing in the colors of dreams. Bringing clean air and a bounty of food, my settings will shift by the tone of Earth's mood. Deciduous turns, while coniferous stays, hence a vast arena of many different ways. A lively canopy covers it all, whether it be summer or winter, spring or fall. Choose a path, and walk by my stones. Breath me in deep while you rest your bones. 
Where are you?  Answer: A Forest


Vernal pond, Bear Mountain Park- New Fairfield
Can you count the peeper frogs?

Same pond. It's amazing the things you can find in the forest.
 I love this picture! How many peepers do you see now? lol!
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! Natural Harmony...

Here's the riddle. Can you guess the theme this week? Here's a hint- It's one of the best outside places to experience wide open spaces, but only on the inside - lol! Good luck! ~ F

I am a place of pure, natural beauty, where people can feel their ultimate duty. In the wake of disorder, comes miraculous scenes, all co-existing in the colors of dreams. Bringing clean air and a bounty of food, my settings will shift by the tone of Earth's mood. Deciduous turns, while coniferous stays, hence a vast arena of many different ways. A lively canopy covers it all, whether it be summer or winter, spring or fall. Choose a path, and walk by my stones. Breath me in deep while you rest your bones. 
Where are you?  
I already gave you a clue!



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

"Once I knew only darkness and stillness... my life was without past or future... but a little word from the fingers of another fell into my hand that clutched at emptiness, and my heart leaped into the rapture of living."  ~ Helen Keller
Monday's Riddle was a play on words, opening up the topic of discussion this week. Thoughts become words, and in essence, tell our stories. Lizzy reviewed Frindle by Andrew Clements , which brings the concept of understanding a word's meaning to light. On Top of the Heap , we put together a post about our favorite sentences, and Friday, Karen Pokras Toz stopped by to chat about her middle grade book, Nate Rocks the World . There are infinite worlds of words out there, and today, we want to hear about your relationship with them!

The DMS wants to know: What arrangement of words (sentence/phrase) moves you? 


We told you ours, now let's hear yours!

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Karen Pokras Toz

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Karen Pokras Toz , author of the middle grade novel Nate Rocks the World. Lizzy recently reviewed this fun book, 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 adieu... take it away, Karen! 




What inspired you to write Nate Rocks the World? 


In today’s world of electronics, I felt that kids (including my own kids) just weren’t reading as much as they should be. Reading is fun, and interesting, and inspiring and I wanted to spread this message! I wanted to write something that kids would enjoy reading and at the same time be something relatable to things they were experiencing in their own lives.


How long did it take you to write Nate Rocks the World?

Nate Rocks the World took me about six months to write and then another six months or so working on the editing and publishing side.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
Oh absolutely! Judy Blume was and still is one my favorite authors – I loved all of her books, it’s really impossible to pick one favorite. As an adult, I have been enjoying re-reading her books with my own children. She is my inspiration and my mentor. I’ve had a few people compare Nate Rocks the World to Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing (stylistically... to me, that is a huge compliment).
Where did you come up with the characters Nate and Abby?


Nate is a combination of my three children. They are all so creative, intelligent, fun, and funny. There’s a little bit of all of them in Nate. Abby – well – let’s just say I might have been a bit of a pain to my own brother when we were kids (sorry about that!)

If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?


Great question! The answer is - I don’t know if I could choose just one! Let’s start with who I wouldn’t want to be friends with – that know-it-all classmate Lisa Crane. She would drive me insane! I don’t think I would be able to be as nice to her as Nathan is. Abby I could probably handle. Of course I’d want to hang out with Nathan and his friends, Tommy and Sam. I probably have the most in common with Nathan’s mom, so I guess I’d go with Mrs. Rockledge.

Where do you like to write?  Do you listen to music while you are writing?

I love music, but not when I’m writing – for that I need total silence. My husband and I just renovated a small room in the back of our house so that I could have a “real” office. It’s lovely, but I cannot write in there lol! I guess I’m just used to all these years of having to write with my laptop propped on my legs either in my bed or on the couch.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
I don’t know! I’ve travelled to some wonderful and beautiful countries; it’s hard to pick just one location! There are also some equally fabulous places here in the US. I would love to live somewhere that has fabulous views, plenty of culture, mild/dry climate, and friendly people (oh – and hi-speed wifi!)
Where can we purchase your books?
The Nate Rocks books are available pretty much anywhere books are sold, online and in stores. If you don’t see Nate Rocks on the shelves of your local store or library, please ask for them to order it! 
Author Website ☞ Facebook ☞ Twitter ☞ Amazon ☞ Barnes and Noble 

Read the Reviews!

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Monday's riddle was a play on words, and words are the hot topic of discussion these days. Lizzy reviewed the clever story, Frindle by Andrew Clements , which takes the idea of a pen to a whole new level, and Friday, we are thrilled to host Karen Pokras Toz , where we will learn a little more about how Nate Rocks the World . Words are amazing, mostly because their meanings can so easily influence our thoughts and feelings. The human ability to communicate through words is a complex web of stories and perceptions. Today, we want to take a moment to appreciate those words that have been magically weaved together in order to create a wonderful sense of scene.

This week's top of the heap: Awesome phrases/ sentences :)

Fairday: My dad is a huge Pink Floyd fan. One thing I can really appreciate about this classic rock and roll group is the amazing lyrics that accompany the haunting music. This is my favorite lyric taken from the album The Final Cut.



"Through the fish-eyed lens of tear-stained eyes, I can barely define the shape of this moment in time." (Pink Floyd)





I know this sounds somewhat depressing, but the words are beautiful. Through the fish-eyed lens of tear-stained eyes is a brilliant blend of imagery, and the idea of not being able to define the shape of a moment in time is something that we have all felt on a certain level. It's like when you are trapped in your own thoughts and the present moment sort of liquifies in your head. It also brings to point one of my very favorite words, which I will now use to describe this tune; melancholy : ) ~ F 

Lizzy: Figuring out my favorite line from a song, poem, or book was not easy.  For me it is something that changes depending on the day and my mood. There are songs I will play over and over again for days, and passages that I've read, which I am in awe of. After struggling with this, I kept coming back to a sentence that gives me the chills every time I read it. I have read  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone  over twenty times, but still when I get to the last lines of Chapter  10 - I get goose bumps. 

“But from that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friend. There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.”

Ron, Harry, and Hermione have such a fantastic friendship and everything changed in this chapter. I think it sums up everyone’s feelings exactly.  So heartwarming!  ~L
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Do You Have a Frindle?

Nick Allen is the type of kid that other kids want in their class. He is clever and can always find a way to get a teacher off task in order to get the fun started in the classroom. Now Nick is in fifth grade and he may have met his match with Mrs. Granger. Not only is she the oldest teacher in the school, but she loves the dictionary and requires every student to buy one as one of their school supplies. Of course, Nick does what he normally does and tries to get the teacher off track by asking about where words come from. Unfortunately, his plan backfires and his teacher ends up giving him more homework so that he can answer his own question. It is the extra assignment that really gets Nick’s imagination going. He decides that he is going to use his dictionary assignment to get under his teacher’s skin. Nick and his friends make a plan that from now on they will call a pen a frindle. They set the plan in motion and it isn’t long before Mrs. Grange forbids the word frindle from being used in her classroom. Nick and his friends refuse to back down and everything starts going out of control. Will Mrs. Granger be able to stop the kids in her class from calling a pen a frindle? What would you do if your teacher forbade you from saying something? How would your parents react? You must read this book to see what happens to Nick, Mrs. Granger, and the word frindle!


Frindle by Andrew Clements is a fast moving book that you can read in a day. I loved this book and even laughed out loud at some of Nick’s antics. He would be a blast to have in class, but I am not sure that all the teachers out there would enjoy it in quite the same way. Although Nick likes to get into a little trouble, he really just likes to have a good time. I thought he was easy to relate to as the book progressed because he is smart and has some very imaginative ideas.  Frindle is a book that can be enjoyed by boys and girls from third grade through sixth grade. I think older kids and adults may find this book to be entertaining, especially if they like the English language and vocabulary words (I know it a book that Mr. Morrow will have a field day with when I pass it on to him). I am amazed at how the author created such a unique term! I liked that the book was full of surprises all the way up until the end. The drawings that were included throughout the book also helped to make the story come to life and I had a great time examining them. Pick up this book and you will not be disappointed!

Has anyone else read Frindle?  Or another book by Andrew Clements? What did you think?

Happy reading-
~L  FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED