Top of the Heap!

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

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

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


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


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

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




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


The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth by Brownscombe
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED