Jessica Haight's Blog, page 158

Top of the Heap!

In the wake of Memorial Day, Monday's Riddle reminded us how truly wonderful it is to feel free. Lizzy then railroaded us back to the 1800's, sharing her thoughts about another side of the tracks in her review of Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark. Last night, we were chatting on the phone and ended up on the topic of the freedom of speech and its importance. Banned books came up and we checked out the list . There were quite a few titles that really caught our attention. But, here are two that we just couldn't get over...
This weeks top of the heap: Fabulous Banned Books! 


Fairday: I truly find it bizarre that James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl is on the banned book list. This is one of the most fun, creative stories I have ever read. Poor little James, living with his horrid aunts, doing all their chores. What's better than him saving a spider, planting a magic bean, and then soaring away to freedom on a giant, juicy peach accompanied by enormous and charismatic insects? It's a wild journey and a rush of an adventure! Hard to believe that anyone wouldn't want to read it- right?  ~ F

★★★

Lizzy: After reading through a few of the different lists of banned and challenged books I realized that some of my favorite books could be found on one list or another! Since there are so many fabulous ones on the list I decided to spotlight the book that I am most shocked to find there. This was tough because most of the stories I have read I can’t say enough great things about. Some books that are on the list don’t surprise me because I know that some people don’t like books about witches (Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, etc.)- even if I don’t agree. The book that I was most shocked by was The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I can’t figure out why this book would be challenged. Every time I read it I think about love and the lengths people will go to for those they care about. I always find the story sad and touching at the same time. I think the boy should be nicer to the tree, but I see how much the boy means to the tree. Looking through banned and challenged books- what did I learn? I learned that I am thankful that everyone has the freedom to write what they want so we can have all of the wonderful books to read!  

More from the banned book list... Hatchet by Gary Paulsen The Lorax by Dr. Seuss The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein A Wrinkle in Time by Mary L'Engle


HAPPY READING! 





FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Will Martin Make it to Freedom?

It is the mid-1800s and fifteen year old Laura Eastman has just returned to her home in upstate New York after living with her aunt and uncle in the South for the last few years.  During her time away she has changed and so has her family.  It is clear that Laura believes that slavery is necessary and right.  Her younger brother, Bert, couldn’t feel more different and is actually working with their father to help slaves as part of the Underground Railroad.  When Laura awakens in the night to voices from downstairs she creeps closer and is appalled that a slave is in their home, hoping to escape.  Martin is a young slave who has been treated poorly. His family has already made it to freedom, but he was sick and was not able to flee with them.  Now Laura’s childhood friend and her brother are determined to help Martin get to The Promised Land, Canada. Will Laura help Martin to freedom?  Will the slave catchers that are all around town find out what they are up to? Will Laura turn in her brother and friend? You must read this book to find out how everything turns out! 
Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark is a fantastic historical fiction book about slavery and what it means to be free. I liked seeing the way the characters developed and changed as the story progressed.  The author did a great job showing two different sides to the slavery debate that was going on during the 1800s.  It is a wonderful book for people of all ages and I think kids in fourth through seventh grade will especially relate to Laura, Bert, and Martin. I know I would like to be friends with Bert because he stands up for what he believes in. This book is a great example of what people will do to have the freedom they want and deserve.  The book takes place in Lewiston, NY and there are statues and historic sites to visit that are mentioned in the book. I know one place I will be visiting this summer!  If you have not read it yet, I recommend it! J
Has anyone else read Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark? Or read another book by Margaret Goff Clark?
Happy Reading! ~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Feel Free!

Patty nailed it! Thanks for stopping by to check out Monday's Riddle. Our theme this week is, you guessed it, Freedom. Lizzy will be reviewing an inspiring story on Wednesday, and we have something really interesting planned for Top of the Heap on Thursday. Have a lovely, free day! ~ F

Nothing is more important than me. Take a look and you will see. Each in their own among the draw. The truest right to one and all. Even in chains or barred away, in your head is where I stay. I live inside your thoughtful mind, letting you out no matter the bind. Those who hold me deep in their hearts will shine on tomorrow and cheers many great starts.  


What am I? Answer: FreedomFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! One and All...

Wishing everyone a peaceful Memorial Day ~ F

Nothing is more important than me. Take a look and you will see. Each in their own among the draw. The truest right to one and all. Even in chains or barred away, in your head is where I stay. I live inside your thoughtful mind, letting you out no matter the bind. Those who hold me deep in their hearts will shine on tomorrow and cheers many great starts.  
What am I?
Check back later if you need to get a clue!FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

The plot thickens as the pieces fall into place and the secret is revealed. The answer to Monday's Riddle was the clue that gave it away. Our theme this week has been a mystery. Lizzy kept you all in suspense with her review of 43 Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise. People are the detectives on the case, but what are their tools? Their logic, perseverance, intellect, and... their equipment! What is cooler than spyware? The Detective Mystery Squad opens up every case prepared with our packs. We have all sorts of great detective tools that we use to help us solve mysteries. Today, we want to hear from you! 


The DMS wants to know:  What type of detective equipment would you want to use to investigate a mystery? 




We'll tell you about our DMS packs, if you tell us about yours : ) FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Margo's Musings: Frederick by Leo Lionni

My original copy of Fredrick  : ) This week I decided to take over Margo's post and feature my own favorite children's story, Frederick by Leo Lionni. It is a beautiful tribute to story-tellers. My copy is somewhat tattered and worn with love, but it is as special today as it ever was- the words never change.

Fredrick the field mouse is a dreamer. His family works hard all summer, collecting berries and stocking up on grain for the winter months. But, Fredrick doesn't join in. He sits in the sun. He collects thoughts. The others ask him why he won't work, what is it that he is doing? Fredrick tells them that he is gathering words. The cold comes. And, at first, the food is plentiful, the conversation light and fun...but then, the gloom sets in. The world is frozen; the supplies much less. The family of mice turn to Fredrick, remembering what he had said. Through his quiet mouse voice, he lifts them into their imaginations and their hearts are joyous, as if by magic : )  ~ F

Who scatters snowflakes? Who melts the ice? Who spoils the weather? Who makes it nice? Who grows the four-leaf clovers in June? Who dims the daylight? Who lights the moon?


Four little field mice who live in the sky.
Four little field mice... like you and I.


One is the Springmouse who turns on the showers. Then comes the Summer who paints in the flowers. The Fallmouse is next with walnuts and wheat. And Winter is last...with little cold feet.


Aren't we lucky the seasons are four? Think of a year with one less... or one more!




(excerpt taken from Frederick by Leo Lionni)




FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

The DMS loves a good mystery! Monday's Riddle kept us all in suspense and Lizzy's Book Review took us on a trip to 43 Cemetery Road, where a few odd characters are just dying to meet. We were both looking forward to Top of the Heap this week because we are all about finding clues and solving mysteries. After all, the Detective Mystery Squad has been on the case for a couple of years now, but I must say, since discovering the Begonia House, business has definitely picked up! So, on the topic of mystery...

This weeks top of the heap: Favorite Mystery Stories!

Fairday: My pick for best mystery writer is Edward Gorey . His work is so unbelievably subtle, yet as dramatic as it gets. One thing I really enjoy is the drawn out suspense- you literally have no clue what's happening. A story will randomly start and abruptly finish, you're baffled. The next book that you read will fascinate you, but it won't make any sense either. Then, you will read a third story, and something will click- BUT, the books are not labeled as having anything to do with each other, so you pretty much just have to sort it out for yourself. How entertaining! I only have my theories about what's happening, but who knows? It's all up to the interpreter. Brilliant. The  YouTube video will take your imagination for a ride. There is a clue or something mysterious that happens in each segment, which will help you put the pieces of the mystery together.  I would love to hear what you guys think! ~ F




Lizzy: I love to curl up with a good mystery.  When I think of mysteries I think of my all-time favorite series- Nancy Drew .  Once I read my first one I was hooked!  I couldn’t wait to read more. I go to my local library every week and check out a few books and I am almost finished with them all!  The best part is my mom read them all when she was a girl, so it is such fun to talk to her about Nancy, Bess, George and the fantastic mysteries they solve. I also get lots of ideas for ways I can help the Detective Mystery Squad (DMS) figure out cases in the future. ~ L



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Too Close for Comfort

Ignatious B. Grumply (I.B. Grumply) moves into an old Victorian home for the summer hoping to get some writing done. In fact, he must get some writing done because he is suffering from a major case of writer’s block and he has a feeling that the quiet will help get his ideas flowing. He must finish the book series he has been working on and he doesn’t have much time left. Unfortunately, it isn’t long before he learns that he is not alone in the aging home. An eleven-year-old named Seymour Hope, his cat, Shadow, and a ghost, Olive, are all sharing his space. As his name suggests, I.B. Grumply is not the least bit happy with the other occupants. Will he be able to write with the distractions that have cropped up around him? Is it possible to break free of the writer’s block that has prevented him from finishing his spooky series? What are an eleven-year-old, his cat, and a ghost doing in his home in the first place? 
I had so much fun reading 43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise! It was such a unique book that I was easily able to read it in one day and had to go out and get the rest of the books in the series. Having a story revealed through letters, pictures, notes, and newspaper articles was intriguing. The names of the characters were unique and the puns the author used had me thinking. I didn’t want to miss a thing!  Since the book involved the supernatural world I was never sure what was going to happen. I recommend this book to kids and adults of all ages. A sense of humor is a must! It is especially fun to notice all the clever names and hidden meanings. 
Has anyone else read 43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise? Or have you read another book by Kate Klise?
Happy Reading! ~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle: It's all in a Mystery!

Good guessing everyone! The theme this week is a mystery : ) How fun! ~ F





Something unknown or left to uncover. Perhaps a crime by a jilted lover. Maybe a stage set up for a ruse- a quest in the dark, searching for clues. Something's amiss, then the stories unwind. It's truth that the seeker hopes to find. You're in for suspense if you tag along. You must pay close attention or you could get it wrong. 

What is it? Answer: A mystery  


Mona Lisa by Leonardo DaVinci
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! Drop a Hint or Two...

Okay, here's this weeks riddle, which falls into the category of itself- sort of an enigma wrapped in a conundrum- reminding me of stories by Edward Gorey . I just packed this post with clues, lol! Can you guess the theme this week?

Something unknown or left to uncover. Perhaps a crime by a jilted lover. Maybe a stage set up for a ruse- a quest in the dark, searching for clues. Something's amiss, then the stories unwind. It's truth that the seeker hopes to find. You're in for suspense if you tag along. You must pay close attention or you could get it wrong. 

What is it? 

Here's a hint: The DMS is all about this!  


Illustration by Edward Gorey
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED