Stephanie Faris's Blog, page 9
July 4, 2017
An Avalanche of Book Birthdays!
Today's a holiday, but it's also a big, big day for children's authors. First off, there's ME...my very first box set is out. Yes, you can now buy books 1-4 of my Piper Morgan chapter book series!!!
But the fun keeps going. There are TWO authors sharing a book birthday with me today. One is Beth McMullen, author of Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls. You're going to want to add this one to your to-read list right this very moment. Go on. We'll wait. And after you've read all about her book, keep scrolling to read about Rachele Alpine's new young adult novel!
Blurb:
A girl discovers her boarding school is actually an elite spy-training program, and she must learn the skills of the trade in order to find her mother in this action-packed middle grade debut.
After a botched escape plan from her boarding school, Abigail is stunned to discover the school is actually a cover for an elite spy ring called The Center, along with being training grounds for future spies. Even more shocking? Abigail’s mother is a top agent for The Center and she has gone MIA, with valuable information that many people would like to have—at any cost. Along with a former nemesis and charming boy from her grade, Abigail goes through a crash course in Spy Training 101, often with hilarious—and sometimes painful—results. But Abigail realizes she might be a better spy-in-training than she thought—and the answers to her mother’s whereabouts are a lot closer than she thinks…
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Bio:
Beth McMullen is the author of the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series and several adult mysteries. Her books have heroes and bad guys, action and messy situations. An avid reader, she once missed her subway stop and rode the train all the way to Brooklyn because the book she was reading was that good. She lives in Northern California with her family, two cats and a parakeet named Zeus, who is sick of the cats eyeballing him like he’s dinner. Visit her at BethMcMullenBooks.com.
Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter
The next book releasing today is by one of my Best. Night. Ever co-authors, Rachele Alpine. If you know me, you know the topic of her latest young adult novel couldn't be more suited to my personal interests. It's about a missing girl. And check out this cover!
Blurb:
A haunting novel about a girl who must face the consequences after her actions indirectly lead to her sister’s disappearance.
Rhylee didn’t mean to kiss her sister’s boyfriend. At least, not the first time. But it doesn’t matter, because her sister, Abby, caught them together, ran into the dark woods behind their house…and never came home.
As evidence mounts that something terrible has happened to Abby, no one wants to face the truth. Rhylee can’t bring herself to admit what she’s done: that she is the reason her sister ran away. Now Tommy, Abby’s boyfriend, is the prime suspect in her disappearance, and Rhylee’s world has been turned upside down. Slowly, Rhylee’s family is breaking—their lives center on the hope that Abby will return. Rhylee knows they need to face the truth and begin healing—but how can they, when moving on feels like a betrayal? And how do you face the guilt of wishing a person gone…when they actually disappear?
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Bio:
Rachele Alpine is a lover of sushi, coffee, and Michael Jackson. One of her first jobs was at a library, but it didn’t last long, because all she did was hide in the third-floor stacks and read. Now she’s a little more careful about when and where she indulges her reading habit. By day she’s a high school English teacher, and by night she writes with the companionship of the world’s cutest dog, Radley, a big cup of coffee, and a full bag of gummy peaches. Rachele lives with her husband and son in Cleveland, Ohio, but dreams of moving back to Boston, the city she fell in love with while attending graduate school there.
Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter
But the fun keeps going. There are TWO authors sharing a book birthday with me today. One is Beth McMullen, author of Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls. You're going to want to add this one to your to-read list right this very moment. Go on. We'll wait. And after you've read all about her book, keep scrolling to read about Rachele Alpine's new young adult novel!
Blurb:
A girl discovers her boarding school is actually an elite spy-training program, and she must learn the skills of the trade in order to find her mother in this action-packed middle grade debut.
After a botched escape plan from her boarding school, Abigail is stunned to discover the school is actually a cover for an elite spy ring called The Center, along with being training grounds for future spies. Even more shocking? Abigail’s mother is a top agent for The Center and she has gone MIA, with valuable information that many people would like to have—at any cost. Along with a former nemesis and charming boy from her grade, Abigail goes through a crash course in Spy Training 101, often with hilarious—and sometimes painful—results. But Abigail realizes she might be a better spy-in-training than she thought—and the answers to her mother’s whereabouts are a lot closer than she thinks…
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Bio:
Beth McMullen is the author of the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series and several adult mysteries. Her books have heroes and bad guys, action and messy situations. An avid reader, she once missed her subway stop and rode the train all the way to Brooklyn because the book she was reading was that good. She lives in Northern California with her family, two cats and a parakeet named Zeus, who is sick of the cats eyeballing him like he’s dinner. Visit her at BethMcMullenBooks.com.Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter
The next book releasing today is by one of my Best. Night. Ever co-authors, Rachele Alpine. If you know me, you know the topic of her latest young adult novel couldn't be more suited to my personal interests. It's about a missing girl. And check out this cover!
Blurb:
A haunting novel about a girl who must face the consequences after her actions indirectly lead to her sister’s disappearance.
Rhylee didn’t mean to kiss her sister’s boyfriend. At least, not the first time. But it doesn’t matter, because her sister, Abby, caught them together, ran into the dark woods behind their house…and never came home.
As evidence mounts that something terrible has happened to Abby, no one wants to face the truth. Rhylee can’t bring herself to admit what she’s done: that she is the reason her sister ran away. Now Tommy, Abby’s boyfriend, is the prime suspect in her disappearance, and Rhylee’s world has been turned upside down. Slowly, Rhylee’s family is breaking—their lives center on the hope that Abby will return. Rhylee knows they need to face the truth and begin healing—but how can they, when moving on feels like a betrayal? And how do you face the guilt of wishing a person gone…when they actually disappear?
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Bio:
Rachele Alpine is a lover of sushi, coffee, and Michael Jackson. One of her first jobs was at a library, but it didn’t last long, because all she did was hide in the third-floor stacks and read. Now she’s a little more careful about when and where she indulges her reading habit. By day she’s a high school English teacher, and by night she writes with the companionship of the world’s cutest dog, Radley, a big cup of coffee, and a full bag of gummy peaches. Rachele lives with her husband and son in Cleveland, Ohio, but dreams of moving back to Boston, the city she fell in love with while attending graduate school there.Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter
July 3, 2017
Mystery Monday: Mikelle Biggs
It's Monday, which means it's time for another...
It sounded like an ice cream truck, off in the distance. The 11-year-old girl and her sister Kimber perked up. They asked their mom if they could have money for ice cream. What mom can deny that?
Image source: ABC News
They waited outside their house, but it was January and Kimber was cold. She finally gave up and went inside. Her mom told her to go get her sister. Kimber walked outside and didn't see her. Her bicycle and ice cream money were found where she'd been standing. The wheels of her bike were still spinning.
Mikelle (left) and Kimber Biggs
That was January 2, 1999. There were no witnesses, no leads. Mikelle just disappeared. In a recreation of the night's events, the police discovered that Mikelle was likely alone for less than two minutes. The perpetrator acted quickly.
Mikelle's bike wasn't exactly where she'd been standing. It was instead part of the way back toward her house. Police dogs tracked her scent to only a few feet from her bicycle, implying she was placed in a vehicle and taken from the scene.
Although police couldn't confirm whether an ice cream truck was present that night, they did question and clear all ice cream vendors in the area at the time.
There have been several false leads, but no suspect has been arrested. Mikelle's father believes a convicted sex offender was responsible, but he denies any involvement.
On the fifth anniversary of Mikelle's disappearance, her family held a funeral for her with an empty casket. They believe she's no longer alive and that whoever took her killed her soon after abducting her. Below is an age-progressed photo of her to age 14.
This is a photo of how she might have looked at age 25.
What do you think happened to Mikelle Biggs?
It sounded like an ice cream truck, off in the distance. The 11-year-old girl and her sister Kimber perked up. They asked their mom if they could have money for ice cream. What mom can deny that?
Image source: ABC News
They waited outside their house, but it was January and Kimber was cold. She finally gave up and went inside. Her mom told her to go get her sister. Kimber walked outside and didn't see her. Her bicycle and ice cream money were found where she'd been standing. The wheels of her bike were still spinning.
Mikelle (left) and Kimber Biggs
That was January 2, 1999. There were no witnesses, no leads. Mikelle just disappeared. In a recreation of the night's events, the police discovered that Mikelle was likely alone for less than two minutes. The perpetrator acted quickly.
Mikelle's bike wasn't exactly where she'd been standing. It was instead part of the way back toward her house. Police dogs tracked her scent to only a few feet from her bicycle, implying she was placed in a vehicle and taken from the scene.
Although police couldn't confirm whether an ice cream truck was present that night, they did question and clear all ice cream vendors in the area at the time.
There have been several false leads, but no suspect has been arrested. Mikelle's father believes a convicted sex offender was responsible, but he denies any involvement.
On the fifth anniversary of Mikelle's disappearance, her family held a funeral for her with an empty casket. They believe she's no longer alive and that whoever took her killed her soon after abducting her. Below is an age-progressed photo of her to age 14.
This is a photo of how she might have looked at age 25.
What do you think happened to Mikelle Biggs?
June 30, 2017
Best Books of June
Since it's the last Friday of the month, it's time to tell you all about the great books I read this month.
If you like dogs, you'll smile at this month's first book. Kristin O'Donnell Tubb is an amazing Southern writer and one of the kindest, most upbeat people you'll ever meet. Plus, her cover is perfect for the upcoming holiday:
I never thought I'd say this about an author, but Kristin captures the "voice" of a dog's inner thoughts perfectly! With A Dog Like Daisy, I actually feel like I understand my own dog much more after reading. Added to that is a touching relationship between a rescue dog and her owner. This is a story that will make a lasting impression on you, no matter how old you are!
Next up is the perfect beach read if you love a little adventure in your summer. J. Murray is always eager to help out other writers with tips on her blog, so you know she has the craft of writing down.
Twenty-Four Days takes us into the world of military technology, with two countries hurrying to find their missing nuclear submarines. As with To Hunt a Sub, I was amazed at the author's level of knowledge about all things military. I especially loved the way each chapter was part of a countdown to the 24 days referenced in the title. It added urgency to the story that intensified the reading experience. You'll love this one!
I love cozy mysteries. There's something about a female sleuth that takes me back to my childhood Nancy Drew-reading days. The next book by Anna Simpson fits the bill perfectly.
White Light: A Mystery Novel introduces us to Emma, a millennial who has formed a friendship with her quirky but lovable neighbor, Mrs. Perkins. Emma is living in her deceased aunt's house, but her aunt isn't quite gone. Thanks to her aunt's meddling, Emma finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. You can't help but smile at the interactions between Emma and her neighbor, but the book isn't short on suspense, either. An all around great read!
Next up is a sequel to a book I've already read. That's exciting because it means its author, Kristin Smith, and I have been friends for a while!
Forgotten continues the story of Sienna Preston, a brave teenager who is determined to get to the truth behind a genetic engineering experiment. She has the help of a guy named Zane, who is the right amount "hunky" to make teen girls crush on him. Problem? She still has feelings for Trey. This has everything fans of dystopian YA love: suspense, action, plenty of twists and turns, and a love triangle!
The next book is my Audible read for the month. Unfortunately, it's been a while since I've read one of these psychological thrillers that I actually liked. Apparently, the quote "the next Gone Girl" is now applied to just about every suspense novel with a female protagonist. But this month's book was one I loved.
Every description you see of Behind Closed Doors lets you know this book is intense. They all also emphasize the fact that the book is unsettling. You think you're signing up for a book about domestic abuse, but that doesn't quite fit. You'll see. And you really don't appreciate the author's brilliance until you get to the end and say, "Oh...I see what you've done here!" I highly recommend this one, but if you're sensitive to dog deaths as I am, you'll need to skip over a section toward the beginning. You'll know when you get there!
What's the best book you read in June?
If you like dogs, you'll smile at this month's first book. Kristin O'Donnell Tubb is an amazing Southern writer and one of the kindest, most upbeat people you'll ever meet. Plus, her cover is perfect for the upcoming holiday:
I never thought I'd say this about an author, but Kristin captures the "voice" of a dog's inner thoughts perfectly! With A Dog Like Daisy, I actually feel like I understand my own dog much more after reading. Added to that is a touching relationship between a rescue dog and her owner. This is a story that will make a lasting impression on you, no matter how old you are!
Next up is the perfect beach read if you love a little adventure in your summer. J. Murray is always eager to help out other writers with tips on her blog, so you know she has the craft of writing down.
Twenty-Four Days takes us into the world of military technology, with two countries hurrying to find their missing nuclear submarines. As with To Hunt a Sub, I was amazed at the author's level of knowledge about all things military. I especially loved the way each chapter was part of a countdown to the 24 days referenced in the title. It added urgency to the story that intensified the reading experience. You'll love this one!
I love cozy mysteries. There's something about a female sleuth that takes me back to my childhood Nancy Drew-reading days. The next book by Anna Simpson fits the bill perfectly.
White Light: A Mystery Novel introduces us to Emma, a millennial who has formed a friendship with her quirky but lovable neighbor, Mrs. Perkins. Emma is living in her deceased aunt's house, but her aunt isn't quite gone. Thanks to her aunt's meddling, Emma finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. You can't help but smile at the interactions between Emma and her neighbor, but the book isn't short on suspense, either. An all around great read!
Next up is a sequel to a book I've already read. That's exciting because it means its author, Kristin Smith, and I have been friends for a while!
Forgotten continues the story of Sienna Preston, a brave teenager who is determined to get to the truth behind a genetic engineering experiment. She has the help of a guy named Zane, who is the right amount "hunky" to make teen girls crush on him. Problem? She still has feelings for Trey. This has everything fans of dystopian YA love: suspense, action, plenty of twists and turns, and a love triangle!
The next book is my Audible read for the month. Unfortunately, it's been a while since I've read one of these psychological thrillers that I actually liked. Apparently, the quote "the next Gone Girl" is now applied to just about every suspense novel with a female protagonist. But this month's book was one I loved.
Every description you see of Behind Closed Doors lets you know this book is intense. They all also emphasize the fact that the book is unsettling. You think you're signing up for a book about domestic abuse, but that doesn't quite fit. You'll see. And you really don't appreciate the author's brilliance until you get to the end and say, "Oh...I see what you've done here!" I highly recommend this one, but if you're sensitive to dog deaths as I am, you'll need to skip over a section toward the beginning. You'll know when you get there!
What's the best book you read in June?
June 26, 2017
Mystery Monday: Polybius
<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073786111 1 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:11.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </style><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's Monday, which means it's time for another...</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9X5lT_BsQR..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9X5lT_BsQR..." width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyone who grew up in the 80s knows how exciting it was to go to an arcade and play video games. Even if you had a gaming console in your home, it was nothing like the experience you had here:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-36hllhqXJg..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-36hllhqXJg..." width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But in 1981, a new video game arrived in arcades. Or did it? Some say the story is an urban legend, while others insist it was real. There is supposedly a picture of the game, though, which was called Polybius:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxwuEkv8vI..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxwuEkv8vI..." width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Polybius allegedly made its first appearance in Portland, Oregon. As the legend tells it, soon after arriving, interest in this particular video game soared, with children lining up to play. Men in suits occasionally stopped by to gather gameplay records from the game.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7V-vru3G9g..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7V-vru3G9g..." /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This led to the theory that the video game was a project of the government, designed specifically to brainwash the youth of America. That version of the story even landed the game a brief appearance on the <a href="http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/Polybius" target="_blank">popular TV show The Simpsons</a>:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRxwKfcnOu..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRxwKfcnOu..." width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What happened to Polybius? Soon after being placed, some children supposedly began having seizures while playing. The game was removed soon after.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSOF98zrlA..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSOF98zrlA..." /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Three children did get sick after visiting an arcade within the same week in the Portland area, although it wasn't connected to this game. <a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/201..." target="_blank">Some believe</a> that is what kicked off the legend.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOpdhqP7c4..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOpdhqP7c4..." width="318" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Interestingly, the legend has led to a series of imitation video games. Today <a href="http://www.minotaurproject.co.uk/Virt..." target="_blank">you can play Polybius</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minotaurproject.co.uk/Virt..." target="_blank"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-badGkFyfed..." width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A group tried to earn enough money <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/..." target="_blank">on Kickstarter</a> to make a film about the legend, but they never reached their goal. Chances are, someday we'll see a documentary on the subject.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you think Polybius was a real game?</span>
June 25, 2017
Best Books of July
Since it's the last Friday of the month, it's time to tell you all about the great books I read this month.
If you like dogs, you
I couldn't wait to read this next book. I've read enough Phyllis Bourne books now to know she never disappoints. Her latest book is a sequel to a book I reviewed here not all that long ago. And the cover is just as eye-catching as the first book in the series!
* Between a Honeymoon and a Hot Mess *
What is the best book you read this month?
If you like dogs, you
I couldn't wait to read this next book. I've read enough Phyllis Bourne books now to know she never disappoints. Her latest book is a sequel to a book I reviewed here not all that long ago. And the cover is just as eye-catching as the first book in the series!
* Between a Honeymoon and a Hot Mess *
What is the best book you read this month?
June 19, 2017
Mystery Monday: Asha Degree
It's Monday, which means it's time for another...
On a night when the moon gazed down like an evil eye, the young prince appeared in Jemmy's chamber.
"Boy! Tumble out of bed. I need a manservant."
Jemmy saw that the prince was wearing a black cloak and carrying a wicker basket the size of a sea chest. "What you up to now! Walkin' in your royal sleep, are you!"
"I'm running away."
--The Whipping Boy, Sid Fleischman
The above excerpt is from a Newbery-winning book read in many elementary schools. In the story, a bored prince asks a young boy to run away with him to be his manservant. Asha Degree's fourth-grade class was reading this book just before she mysteriously left her home in the early morning hours on February 14, 2000. She was nine years old.
Asha Jaquilla Degree lived in Shelby, North Carolina with two very protective parents. They carefully focused their family life on church, school, and their extended family. On February 13, after spending time at church and with relatives, Asha and her brother went to bed around 8 p.m. They shared a room.
At approximately 12:30 a.m., Asha's father returned home from work. He checked in on the two children and confirmed they were both in bed. At around 2:30 a.m., he checked on them again and they were both still in bed.
Soon after, Asha's brother says he heard her bed squeak. He assumed she was just changing positions and went back to sleep. But at 5:45 a.m., their mom got up to wake them and found Asha's bed was empty. She was nowhere to be found.
Later, witnesses reported seeing Asha walking on Highway 18 wearing a white T-shirt and white pants. Another driver reported seeing her at 4 a.m. and found it odd someone so young would be walking alone...in a heavy downpour. He turned his car around but she ran into the woods and was never seen again.
After an extensive search, some signs of Asha were found in a shed near a local business not far from where she'd been spotted running into the woods. Searchers found candy wrappers, a pencil, a marker, and a hair bow shaped like Mickey Mouse. All were identified as Asha's.
In August 2001, Asha's book bag was found 26 miles north of the town where she lived. It contained several sets of clothes, including her basketball uniform, as well as some photos of her family. It is believed that she packed the bag herself and snuck out of the house in the rain that morning...but why?
Why would a nine-year-old girl leave a house on her own? Was she acting out what she'd read in The Whipping Boy? Or did someone convince her to leave and meet them that morning?
On a night when the moon gazed down like an evil eye, the young prince appeared in Jemmy's chamber.
"Boy! Tumble out of bed. I need a manservant."
Jemmy saw that the prince was wearing a black cloak and carrying a wicker basket the size of a sea chest. "What you up to now! Walkin' in your royal sleep, are you!"
"I'm running away."
--The Whipping Boy, Sid Fleischman
The above excerpt is from a Newbery-winning book read in many elementary schools. In the story, a bored prince asks a young boy to run away with him to be his manservant. Asha Degree's fourth-grade class was reading this book just before she mysteriously left her home in the early morning hours on February 14, 2000. She was nine years old.
Asha Jaquilla Degree lived in Shelby, North Carolina with two very protective parents. They carefully focused their family life on church, school, and their extended family. On February 13, after spending time at church and with relatives, Asha and her brother went to bed around 8 p.m. They shared a room.
At approximately 12:30 a.m., Asha's father returned home from work. He checked in on the two children and confirmed they were both in bed. At around 2:30 a.m., he checked on them again and they were both still in bed.
Soon after, Asha's brother says he heard her bed squeak. He assumed she was just changing positions and went back to sleep. But at 5:45 a.m., their mom got up to wake them and found Asha's bed was empty. She was nowhere to be found.
Later, witnesses reported seeing Asha walking on Highway 18 wearing a white T-shirt and white pants. Another driver reported seeing her at 4 a.m. and found it odd someone so young would be walking alone...in a heavy downpour. He turned his car around but she ran into the woods and was never seen again.
After an extensive search, some signs of Asha were found in a shed near a local business not far from where she'd been spotted running into the woods. Searchers found candy wrappers, a pencil, a marker, and a hair bow shaped like Mickey Mouse. All were identified as Asha's.
In August 2001, Asha's book bag was found 26 miles north of the town where she lived. It contained several sets of clothes, including her basketball uniform, as well as some photos of her family. It is believed that she packed the bag herself and snuck out of the house in the rain that morning...but why?
Why would a nine-year-old girl leave a house on her own? Was she acting out what she'd read in The Whipping Boy? Or did someone convince her to leave and meet them that morning?
June 16, 2017
Happy Friday!
I don't normally blog on Fridays, but this is a special day. Two awesome bloggers reviewed my book this week. First up is talented novelist and elementary school master teacher Jacqui Murray. Click here (or on the picture below) to check it out!
Also, another talented author, Beverly Stowe McClure, gave Piper some love on Wednesday. Go check out her review.
Also, another talented author, Beverly Stowe McClure, gave Piper some love on Wednesday. Go check out her review.
June 14, 2017
Too Old for Long Hair?
All my life, I've heard there's an age limit for long hair. At first it was 35...
Then it was 40...
45 surely is way too old for long hair...
Surely 50 means it's time for a drastic haircut.
Okay, then...60?
(I'd go older, but not many actresses survive past 65 in the business.)
I've asked my past two hairstylists what the age limit for long hair is. Both were over 40--one was over 50. Both had long hair. The answer? As long as it looks good, rock that look! Unfortunately, past a certain age, long hair can look stringy instead of full like this:
One article has good news for me. Apparently, if you have a full face (as I ALWAYS have), you can pull off long hair for much longer, with the right layering and styling (and maybe some hair color). Long hair pulls down the face, which is perfect if your face is round. If it's narrow, you could end up looking like this:
Granted, after a certain age, I'll probably go closer to shoulder length, but short hair won't work on me with my round face. What do you think about middle-aged/older women and long hair? Is there a mandatory age for chopping it all off?
Then it was 40...
45 surely is way too old for long hair...
Surely 50 means it's time for a drastic haircut.
Okay, then...60?
(I'd go older, but not many actresses survive past 65 in the business.)
I've asked my past two hairstylists what the age limit for long hair is. Both were over 40--one was over 50. Both had long hair. The answer? As long as it looks good, rock that look! Unfortunately, past a certain age, long hair can look stringy instead of full like this:
One article has good news for me. Apparently, if you have a full face (as I ALWAYS have), you can pull off long hair for much longer, with the right layering and styling (and maybe some hair color). Long hair pulls down the face, which is perfect if your face is round. If it's narrow, you could end up looking like this:
Granted, after a certain age, I'll probably go closer to shoulder length, but short hair won't work on me with my round face. What do you think about middle-aged/older women and long hair? Is there a mandatory age for chopping it all off?
June 13, 2017
Introducing A Dog Like Daisy by Kristin O’Donnell Tubb
Joining a new writer's group can be tough, especially when you logged your newbie years in a completely different genre. But Kristin O'Donnell Tubb was always warm and welcoming. So I've been eagerly awaiting the release of her latest book because I can't wait to support her by buying my copy. Well...also...DOG!!! Check out her cover and scroll down to read all about her new book.
Blurb:
Max meets A Dog Called Homeless in this sweet and poignant middle grade novel told from the humorous, thoughtful perspective of a rescued pit bull as she trains to be a service dog for an injured veteran and his family.
Daisy has only ten weeks to prove her usefulness or else be sent back to the pound. Yet if she goes back, who will protect Colonel Victor from his PTSD attacks? Or save the littler human, Micah, from those infernal ear muzzles he calls earphones? What if no one ever adopts her again?
Determined to become the elite protector the colonel needs, Daisy vows to ace the service dog test. She’ll accept the ridiculous leash and learn to sit, heel, shake, even do your business, Daisy when told to. But Daisy must first learn how to face her own fears from the past or risk losing the family she’s so desperate to guard—again.
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N
Bio:
Kristin O'Donnell Tubb is the author of several books for young readers, including A Dog Like Daisy, John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy (written as E. F. Abbott), The 13th Sign, Selling Hope, and Autumn Winifred Oliver Does Things Different. She’s also written many activity books featuring well-loved characters such as Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, the Powerpuff Girls, and Strawberry Shortcake. Kristin lives near Nashville, Tennessee, with her bouncy-loud family. Just like her two dogs, she can be bribed with cheese. You can visit her online at www.kristintubb.com.
Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Tumblr
Blurb:
Max meets A Dog Called Homeless in this sweet and poignant middle grade novel told from the humorous, thoughtful perspective of a rescued pit bull as she trains to be a service dog for an injured veteran and his family.
Daisy has only ten weeks to prove her usefulness or else be sent back to the pound. Yet if she goes back, who will protect Colonel Victor from his PTSD attacks? Or save the littler human, Micah, from those infernal ear muzzles he calls earphones? What if no one ever adopts her again?
Determined to become the elite protector the colonel needs, Daisy vows to ace the service dog test. She’ll accept the ridiculous leash and learn to sit, heel, shake, even do your business, Daisy when told to. But Daisy must first learn how to face her own fears from the past or risk losing the family she’s so desperate to guard—again.
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N
Bio:
Kristin O'Donnell Tubb is the author of several books for young readers, including A Dog Like Daisy, John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy (written as E. F. Abbott), The 13th Sign, Selling Hope, and Autumn Winifred Oliver Does Things Different. She’s also written many activity books featuring well-loved characters such as Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, the Powerpuff Girls, and Strawberry Shortcake. Kristin lives near Nashville, Tennessee, with her bouncy-loud family. Just like her two dogs, she can be bribed with cheese. You can visit her online at www.kristintubb.com.Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Tumblr
June 12, 2017
Mystery Monday: Mary Morris
It's Monday, which means it's time for another...
On October 12, 2000, Mary Lou Morris said goodbye to her husband and left for work. She was never seen again.
Mary Lou Morris
When her husband couldn't reach her throughout the day, he became concerned. Later that day, after learning she never showed up for work, he reported her missing. It was around that time that a body was found incinerated in a car. Later, the name of the victim was released: Mary Morris.
Just three days later, the body of another Mary Morris was found in a car nearby. The second Mary had been shot in the head.
Although the first Mary had little drama in her life, the second Mary, Mary McGinnis Morris, had plenty to spare. She was having marital problems, as well as dealing with a disgruntled employee at work. Soon before her death, she saw that the fired employee had written "Death to Mary" on his desk calendar. She'd begun carrying a gun to protect herself.
Image Credit: Causes.com
To this day, police have been unable to officially link the two murders. But they happened in Houston, where millions of people live. What are the odds that two women named Mary Morris would be murdered within days of each other in the same small geographical area?
They look similar...is it possible a professional killed the wrong Mary? Then when the killer realized the mistake, they went back to fix the situation?
On October 12, 2000, Mary Lou Morris said goodbye to her husband and left for work. She was never seen again.
Mary Lou Morris
When her husband couldn't reach her throughout the day, he became concerned. Later that day, after learning she never showed up for work, he reported her missing. It was around that time that a body was found incinerated in a car. Later, the name of the victim was released: Mary Morris.
Just three days later, the body of another Mary Morris was found in a car nearby. The second Mary had been shot in the head.
Although the first Mary had little drama in her life, the second Mary, Mary McGinnis Morris, had plenty to spare. She was having marital problems, as well as dealing with a disgruntled employee at work. Soon before her death, she saw that the fired employee had written "Death to Mary" on his desk calendar. She'd begun carrying a gun to protect herself.
Image Credit: Causes.com
To this day, police have been unable to officially link the two murders. But they happened in Houston, where millions of people live. What are the odds that two women named Mary Morris would be murdered within days of each other in the same small geographical area?
They look similar...is it possible a professional killed the wrong Mary? Then when the killer realized the mistake, they went back to fix the situation?
