Jessica Haight's Blog, page 30

Nine, Ten: A September 11th Story

Will, Sergio, Aimee, and Naheed live in different parts of the United States, but their lives intersect at an airport on September 9th. They're all at the same airport, but each is caught up in their own worlds. Then we follow along through their daily lives on September 9th and 10th. Learning about their struggles and the things they’re worried about makes the reader care about each character. Will lives in Pennsylvania and has spent the last year trying to live without his dad, who died in a car accident. Sergio is angry at his absentee father, and the streets of New York City help him blend in when he decides to ditch school. Moving to California is hard on Aimee, who is upset that her mom is away in New York City on business and not there for her on her first day at a new school. Naheed has just started middle school in Ohio and, for the first time in her life, is feeling self conscious about the head scarf she wears as part of her faith. When the events of September 11thbegin to unfold, each experiences what happens in a big way. How will their lives be impacted?
Nine, Ten: A September 11th Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin is a book that tells the story of September 11thin a way that middle grade children can understand. You get to see the evens through the eyes of the four kids, and it’s told as tastefully as possible, while still giving the facts. I like how this book brought to light the historical events of September 11th because anyone who is 17 or younger has no memory of the events on that day.  All of the kids seemed realistic to me and I liked getting to know each of them. Learning about the days leading up to the tragedy was a unique way to understand more about the events of September 11th. I would recommend this to kids and adults from fourth grade and up. I especially recommend it for parents and kids to read this one together and have some important discussions. I’ve read other books by Nora Raleigh Baskin and enjoyed them, and I look forward to reading more of her books.

Has anyone else read Nine, Ten: A September 11th Story? Or have you read another book by Nora Raleigh Baskin? We'd love to hear your thoughts.
Happy Reading! ~L
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Fall into the Season!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week we'll be falling into September. Tune in Friday to find out how the answer ties into Lizzy's book review. See you all around the book block!

Fairday's Riddle: Time to Turn...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? Sad to see summer ending, but I love what comes next (not the cold so much).

Drum Roll, Please...

Who won a copy of Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China? Elizabeth Voradan
Heather HoldenThe Armchair Squid
Congratulations! Please email us with your mailing address.


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

End of Summer Break!

Hello, Readers! We'll be taking an end of summer break. We'll be back next week with another great book to share with you.  ~ F & L

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Margo's Musings: Would You Dare Stay With A Bear?

When we were at the library this week my little sister, Margo, couldn’t wait to pick out some new books. We’ve read and enjoyed Mother Bruce by Ryan.T. Higgins, so I knew as soon as we saw Hotel Bruce it would be our pick.
I had no idea that Bruce was the star of a picture book series. In his first book, Bruce, a grumpy bear, accidentally becomes the mother of baby chicks. That’s what happens when a bear loves eggs and those eggs actually hatch before he can cook them. Let’s just say that Bruce tried everything he could NOT be the mother of the chicks. But—nothing he did worked, and he tried some funny things. He was a reluctant mom for sure. 


Hotel Bruce continues right where the first book left off.  Bruce and his goslings arrive back to his den after their beach vacation. Unfortunately, they are not alone. It seems that while Bruce was away relaxing from the demands of motherhood (or parenthood) some mice had set up home in his den. The mice were out to make a buck or two and had rented space to many other animals as well. Bruce may have had a chance at getting rid of these unwanted guests, but the crafty mice put the goslings to work as bellhops! Will Bruce lose his temper? Is there a way to get the hotel guests to leave? Will he really be happy if they do leave? Read this funny story to find out!

Margo and I especially love the expressions on the faces of Bruce, the goslings, and other animals. Since Margo is little, I think some of the humor went over her head. And based on the way my father was laughing when we read it- I’m guessing some of it even went over my head. We’re so excited that there are more books with Bruce. His grumpy ways do get us laughing and we look forward to finding out what else he's up to and how he will try to solve his problems. I think this would be great for parents and kids to read together. Fun for the whole family!




Has anyone else ever read Mother Bruce or Hotel Bruce? Or have you read another book by Ryan T. Higgins? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Reading!~F

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Stop and Stay!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week we're staying in a hotel. Tune in Friday to find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block.

Fairday's Riddle: Leave a Light On...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? It's a grand time!

Author Interview: Sherry Ellis

read our review of the book We're excited to interview Sherry Ellis and find out the story behind Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China.  Sherry is an award-winner author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis, her husband, and their two children live in Atlanta, Georgia. Without further ado, take it away, Sherry! 



What inspired you to write Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China?
When I was a kid, I tried to dig a hole to China. Maybe because my parents said I couldn’t and I wanted to prove them wrong. Since I lived in Florida at the time, I got nothing but a hole full of water. But, what if you could dig a hole to China? What might happen? I bet a lot of kids wonder the same thing. So, I made a story that starts with a hole to China.

How long did it take you to write Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China?
Ten years! I’m not kidding. The first draft took about four months, but it has been revised many times. It started as a story written in the third person point of view. Feedback from a publisher who had rejected it, prompted me to change the point of view to alternating first person, where the main characters, Bubba and Squirt take turns telling the story. I think it’s helped readers get to know their personalities better.
You must have done a lot of research for this book. What is your research process like? Was there any aspect of your research for Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China (or another book) that was the most interesting?
Yes, you are absolutely right. I did an enormous amount of research. I went to the library and got a lot of books on China. Then I read through them, taking notes as I went. I found things I thought were interesting and worked to incorporate them into the story. I
learned about the history of China, specifically focusing on the Qin dynasty which was the time when Emperor Ch’in lived. (He’s the ghost in the story.) I also learned about the language and customs of China. I had a lot of fun researching Chinese superstitions and ghost stories. I think kids are going to enjoy those elements of the book!  What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl is one of my favorite books from childhood. I remember my teacher in the second grade read it, one chapter a day, after recess. I couldn’t wait for the following day to find out what was going to happen next. I’ve been influenced by many authors. I’d say the biggest influences for Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China were Mary Pope Osborne, the author of the Magic Tree House series, and Rick Riordan, author of The Heroes of Olympus series. 
You have written numerous picture books, but Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China is your first chapter book. Can you tell us some of the things you noticed about writing for different ages? 

Writing a middle grade book is a lot different than writing picture books. I think the biggest difference is how much more descriptive the text for chapter books must be. You don’t have pictures to tell the story. You have to do it through words, and this includes using all of the senses. You also have to give your characters depth and some kind of journey. In some ways, there’s a lot more to think about when you write a chapter book. It’s definitely been a learning experience for me!
You are a professional musician. Do you think you will ever write a book that involves musical instruments?
Many people have told me I should. I’m toying around with a couple of ideas for a picture book. We’ll see what happens. One thing I made sure I included in Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China was information about a Chinese violin called an erhu. I couldn’t resist!

Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
Usually, I write at my desk or at the kitchen table. But since I write everything with a pencil and
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
I have travelled to many places, and although I’ve seen many beautiful countries, I’d have to say that I wouldn’t want to live anywhere but the United States. I like the open spaces, the green grass lawns, and the variety of landscapes across the country.  I’m happy right where I am.

Are you currently working on a book? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?

Yes, I’m working on the possible second book of Bubba and Squirt’s adventures. It’s called, Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Treasure. In this one, the two will travel through the vortex from the first book and end up in Belize. They’ll have to stop thieves from stealing ancient Mayan artifacts, and in the process will discover an amazing treasure.

Where can we purchase your books?Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China can be found on  Amazon and Barnes and Noble. To see all of my books, you can visit my Amazon Author page.



Meet the author 
Book 'Em North Carolina: 9/22/18 www.bookemnc.org.


Milton Book Festival:11/10/18 www.miltonliteraryfestival.com


Enter the giveaway for one of three paperback copies of Bubba and Squirts Big Dig to China! Comment below for a chance to win or comment on the review. Three winners will be randomly chosen. Good luck!

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Can You Really Dig a Hole to China?

Bubba says he can dig a hole to China, but his big sister, Squirt, doesn’t believe it. Bubba digs with a special shovel, and they're both surprised when the hole swallows them up, transporting them to a dark place surrounded by Terracotta Warriors. What is going on? How did they get here and why? Will they ever get home to their family? Things become even more curious when the ghost of an emperor tells them he needs his missing pi. Is it possible to find the pi in a place where they aren’t familiar? Making matters worse- someone seems to be after them. Will Bubba and Squirt solve the mystery and find the pi? You’ll have to follow along on this adventure to find out!


Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China is the first chapter book I’ve read by Sherry Ellis. I was curious about it because at the beach I’ve tried to dig a hole to the other side of the world. Mine didn’t work! I can’t imagine trying to dig that deep in a yard! Bubba was determined though. Bubba and Squirt are a very realistic brother and sister pair. I think kids will be able to relate to their sibling relationship. I liked that they learned a lot on their travels through Chinese culture and about what a “pi” is. The story weaves in history and interesting facts. This is a great chapter book for kids who are beginning to read longer texts and for those who may have a hard time picking out books. I would recommend this book to kids in second grade and up who like stories with adventure, magic, and humor. I enjoyed reading about Bubba and Squirt’s adventure, and I look forward to reading about more adventures in the future (hopefully). 

Has anyone else read Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China? Or have you read another book by Sherry Ellis? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Stop back Saturday for an interview with the author.