The Best Christmas Ever!!!

The best Christmas gift I have ever got in my life has just come into town! We got a puppy!!! I can't believe it! His name is Dutch, and we got him last week on Wednesday. We're going to keep him! That means that he will be here for Christmas. I am so happy, because I have always wanted a dog. I don't care if I don't get anything in my stocking on Christmas Day. I just can't believe it! Dutch is the cutest thing. This is the BEST Christmas ever!!!

One Week Away!!!

The time has come when Christmas lights will twinkle and Christmas trees will be picked. And the best part? We only have one week of school work until we're free from school! Sometimes we don't know what to do without school, but during our Christmas break we have more than enough things to do. And all my worries about getting reports done and things will be over! I can't wait for Christmas break. It's one week away!!!                                                    
                                                

Christmas Time

Oh, how I picture days when my hair was as straight as a stick, and my skin as soft as a flower petal. In my younger days Christmas was a surprise to us. Mom and Pop put the tree, and all the other decorations, up early on Thanksgiving morning. We would rush out of our bedroom, full of surprise, laughter, and merriment. Today, each of us, even me, are surprised thanks to Mom and Pop. When Noel was still a toddler, we would join hands and dance around, sip cocoa, and totally enjoy ourselves. I look back on those times and wish that I could go back to when my baby brother was just born, my youngest sister barely walking, Noel just barely in Pre-K, and me in first grade. Each of us would sit by the fire and pull wonderful items out of our stockings. I treasure pictures of our wonderful Christmases and the memories that go along with them, and I can't wait for this next one...

Mandie and the Fiery Rescue

Mandie and the Fiery Rescue is one of my favorite Mandie books. Mandie doesn't have a mystery on her hands, except for the fact that she doesn't know who the mysterious woman that keeps following them around is. In this book, Mandie goes to Ireland, where her journey in Europe will end. I enjoyed reading about Mandie's adventures in Ireland. I can't wait to finish the next one!

Mandie

Mandie is a big series that I have been reading and I have written about a few times. Over the last few weeks, I have read some of these books. I am on the twenty-first book in the series, and I hope to enjoy it. In the last few books, Mandie has been on a trip with her grandmother in Europe. Along the way she has solved a few mysteries. Right now I am reading Mandie and the Fiery Rescue. In the last books I have read Mandie has gone to Germany, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Holland. In this next book Mandie visits Ireland. I can't wait to read it!!!

Circle of Fire

Circle of Fire is one of many History Mysteries. This book takes place during the 1950's. People still don't let colored people eat, drink, or do anything at the same place white's do, yet colored people are free. Mendy is a twelve year old colored girl who has a lot of problems on her hands. During the book she has found out that there is a band of people planning to blow up the school that Eleanor Roosevelt is going to speak at in three days! Mendy and her friend Jeffrey save the day. I liked this book a lot!!!

Bible Drawing Contest

A new contest has come up! This contest is for the Thanksgiving celebration at my church. For the contest you have to draw, photograph, or do any other picture of what you are thankful for. I have already drawn my picture, and started coloring it. Last year my sister, Noel, won first place for the most colorful picture. I was so happy for her. I have never won the contest. I wish that I could win. Maybe I will this year! Wish me luck....

Mandie and the Catacombs

Mandie and the Catacombs is one of the many books in the Mandie series. Mandie has been given permission to go with her Grandmother Taft to Europe on an exciting trip. But Mandie finds out she wanted much more than she bargained for. Mandie's whole trip in Europe goes through many, many, books. I have finished Mandie and the Shipboard Mystery, Mandie and the Foreign Spies, and recently, Mandie and the Catacombs. I am now working on the next book, in which Mandie has a new mystery to solve. I soon will blog on Mandie and the Singing Chalet!

Trailblazer

Trailblazer is not the name of a book, but instead is the name of a set of books. Each book is about a child who meets historical Christians. The latest book I have read is called Shanghaied to China about a boy named Neil. On board the ship with his captors, Neil meets a young man who is a passenger, Hudson Taylor. He is on his way to China, so that he may preach the gospel. I think this book was very well written and exciting. The authors, Dave and Neta Jackson, are very good authors. I like their books a lot and can't wait to start the next one!

The Thirteenth Princess

The Thirteenth Princess is a sequel to the many retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. It is sad in many ways, yet mostly it is an awesome book! I like it a lot (except for the romance, which kids don't like and neither do I!) and it intrigued me when I read it. It is not too thick, so I have plenty of time to read my other books. In fact, this book is actually very short! I like how the author twisted and changed the tale. I never imagined that the twelve dancing princesses had a thirteenth sister. I hope to read more of this author's books. They are very magical and exciting!

The Magic Tree House

Written my Mary Pope Osborne, these books are some of the best I have ever read! Easy to read, I can go through a whole stack of them in one day, and still be ready to read more. I have read all of Ms. Osborne's books, and like to get them again and read them over and over until a new one comes out. The newest one she has come out with is called Ghost Tale for Christmas. I can't wait to read her next one! I am a big fan of her books. As always, the stars of the new book will be the unforgettable Jack and Annie. Jack is a very sensible kid, who likes to think things out before doing something. Annie is like me, who likes adventure and takes off without thinking about things. In Ghost Tale for Christmas, Jack and Annie go back in time to when Charles Dickens was alive and writing books. In each of the previous books, Jack and Annie have inspired people with the horn of a unicorn. The horn of the unicorn turns into a different instrument for each mission. When the instrument is played, Annie or Jack have to sing something that will help the person understand their purpose, but the instrument can only be used once. In the new book Annie sings about the ghosts that will be in Dickens' next book: A Christmas Carol. The ghosts come to Charles Dickens and show him what could happen if he stops writing. This book is just as interesting as the other books. I can't wait for the next book!!!

Heroes of the American Revolution

Heroes of the American Revolution is a book on historic people during the Revolutionary War. Besides the well known George Washington and Benjamin Franklin; Thomas Paine, Nathan Hale, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Ethan Allen, and Crispus Attucks, are all featured. There are many more heroes mentioned in this book. The heroes are interesting to read about. I like this book.

Liberty's Kids

Liberty's Kids is a cartoon series of stories about children living during the Revolutionary War. The oldest child, James Hiller, is a patriot and believes that America should become it's own country. The second oldest child, Sarah Phillipps, is a British girl from England, who doesn't believe in everything that England is doing, but still doesn't want to be a patriot. The youngest child is from France, who came to America on a ship with his parents. His parents died on board, and he had to fend for himself. He became the captain's cabin boy to pay for his passage on the ship. The two older kids are journalists. The younger one is a nuisance. In Liberty's Kids the episodes tell of the Boston Tea Party, the battle of Lexington and Concord, the shot heard around the world, and Paul Revere's midnight ride. Liberty's Kids is educational and fun!!!!

Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?

Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?, is about King George III. King George wasn't a tyrant, as most people said, but was actually a very decent guy. He had bad ideas, though. He thought the people in the colonies should pay him because England had helped the colonies in the French and Indian War. King George never gave up in the war. He believed that he could defeat the colonies. In the end, when the colonies won, King George had nightmares. He said, "All I wanted was to give them all bloody noses."

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is a very fancy way of writing words. I am proud to say that I have started doing it. My father has an old set that he is letting me use. I have become very good at it. I might be able to get a pen of my own if I learn to do it well and enjoy it a lot. I like doing calligraphy in the very beginning exercises! I enjoy doing calligraphy a lot.

Bernard the Brave

Have you ever wondered if Disney actually came up with The Rescuers? Have you ever wondered where the characters came from? Well, they came from books. The books were written by Margery Sharp. First, she wrote about a character named Miss Bianca. Miss Bianca had many adventures by herself, until Margery Sharp wrote about a loving and friendly character named Bernard. Miss Bianca was always considered a hero, while Bernard an average mouse. But Bernard was a hero himself. Nobody ever saw how helpful and courageous Bernard was. Margery Sharp finally bit her lip and decided that the spotlight should fall upon Bernard. In Bernard the Brave, Bernard proves that he is a hero. He rescues a girl of seventeen and is able to escape from three young wolves. Bernard the Brave is a great book I shall never forget.

The Two Princesses of Bamarre

The Two Princesses of Bamarre is the typical fairy tale adventure. It has everything you would expect to find in a fantasy novel: adventure, dragons, spectors, a big mission, fairies, a bad guy, and the part of the story that I don't care for; romance. This is a good novel. The author wrote it well. The ending, though, did not suit my taste. Only one of the sisters gets a happy ending. To find out which one, you will have to read for yourself! I realize that Gail Carson Levine, the author who also wrote Ella Enchanted, wrote the book so much better than I ever could have done it. I am happy to say that I read The Two Princesses of Bamarre.

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc, by Shana Corey, is a kids' book on the legendary hero. I have heard the name, Joan of Arc, but I never really knew who that was. Even though it was a beginning reader book, I liked it. It was a really good book. Joan of Arc was a really cool girl. She fought in battles and got back on her horse even when she was injured. Speaking of brave girls, tomorrow I shall blog on The Two Princesses of Bamarre, I think....

Grimm's Fairy Tales

Grimm's Fairy Tales is one of the many classic books in the world. All little girls favorite princesses, Snow White (my family's favorite, as well as my own), Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and more, came from the famous Grimm brothers. Also, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, and so many other well known stories came from these two authors. Unknowingly, I had borrowed the book, unaware of the fact that we already had the book. Oh well! At least I know I can read Grimm's Fairy Tales any time I want! I seem to be in a fantasy mode right now, because I've been reading all fantasy books. Next time I shall blog on The Two Princesses of Bamarre....

Names on the Harp

Names on the Harp is a book with tales from Ireland. They are all quite interesting. I like them a lot.  Some of the tales are on how some generations came to be. I think I shall write a poem on the book:
              

Places cold,

Places hot.

All these places.

I like them a lot. 

The fields are vast,

And success in battle is sweet.

The swan children are singing,

The robins go tweet.

And all this takes place,

In a place, not very near.

Ireland!

So come along and hear.

Children!

Come, stop your play.

And come listen,

Of Ireland yesterday.

Wishing for Tomorrow

Wishing for Tomorrow is a sequel to A Little Princess. I have read A Little Princess before, and I just finished Wishing for Tomorrow this morning. Wishing for Tomorrow is a good book. I enjoyed it a lot, it is very sad though. I liked how the author put the story together. Ermengarde, the main character, showed a lot of feelings and added drama to the story, as did Lavinia and Lottie. One, the snottiest and most boastful girl you could ever meet, and the other, quite naughty; yet she can be such a darling and helper. I really, really liked Wishing for Tomorrow.

Bats at the Ballgame

Here is a poem on the book Bats at the Baseball Game:

Yahoo! Lets give a cheer! 

Bats at the Baseball Game is here!

 I've waited for some time to read this book. 

When we got to Borders I had to take a look.

It's really quite good,

I like the funny names for food.

I can't wait for the next book,

(if there is one at all) 

Perhaps it will be called Bats at the Mall?

Mandie and the Shipboard Mystery

Mandie and the Shipboard Mystery is the fourteenth book in this delightful series. I like the suspense in it, and the extra doses Loise Gladys Leppard put in this good book, made it just the kind of book I wanted to read. The Mandie series was given to my mother by my great-grandma. I am glad she did. The series is exciting. I just finished this book last night, so now I am going to read Mandie and the Foreign Spies. I can't wait to finish this book so I can blog on it to my readers.

Peter and the Starcatchers

Peter and the Starcatchers is written by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry. The two authors rewrote the tale of Peter Pan in their own way. I enjoyed reading the book so much, that I looked up other books written by them about Peter Pan. I now am currently reading Peter and the Shadow Thieves, which has turned out to be as good a book as the first. When I finish it, I shall blog on it, so that my readers may know of this good book as well as the first...

Escape from the Slave Traders and The Chimney Sweep's Ransom

Escape From the Slave Traders and The Chimney Sweep's Ransom are both part of a series in which different people learn about God and come to believe in him. The events in these books are all real, and they did happen. I think this a wonderful, exciting series. Escape From the Slave Traders is a story about two boys from the Ajawa tribe. They are captured by slave traders, and the book is about the boys getting away from the slave traders. The Chimney Sweep's Ransom is about a young boy who is sold by his father when he gets drunk. His older brother sets out in search of his brother, who has been sold in London, England. I think it is such a very, very, very, happy ending when the older brother buys his brother back! These are great stories, and I can't wait to finish the next, very soon.

Mandie - The Secret Tunnel

The Mandie series is great. Mandie is a country girl who used to live with her father, stepmother, and stepsister, Irene. Mandie did not know this and lived happily, thinking nothing could go wrong in Charley Gap. But when her father dies, her mother treats Mandie like she is a servant. Mandie runs away to live with her Uncle John and finds out he isn't there. Between the time Mandie stays at her Uncle John's house and he comes home, a lot takes place. Throughout the series, Mandie has exciting adventures, and I was happy to read them.

Joe's Boys

 Joe's Boys is one of the many books written by Louisa May Alcott. It is a good book, one that was a "must read" for me before. Now Joe's Boys is a "must read" for my younger sister, Noel. I liked this classic book, and I think if Noel took the time to read it, she would find it interesting too. I like to think of myself as one of the characters in this book and many others. Then, I really am devoured up by the classical, mysterious, adventurous, books I read. Joe's Boys enchanted me.

Little Women

Little Women is a good book. Being a classic, it was also a "need to read it sometime" book. I quickly started to read the book, thinking I would devour it quickly so I could read a more "interesting" book. Turns out the book swallowed me up and proved itself interesting, for I never wanted to tear my eyes from it. The ever spirited writer, Jo; the beautiful, timid Beth; Amy, the artistic one; and the beautiful, ever wanting silk and taffeta, Meg; kept me ever so occupied. I discovered that Jo is quite like me when I write. I don't where a certain outfit, but I am always occupied in my story. I have been published in somebody else's book, but I don't know if anyone else would call that big. To me it is! It is my first giant step toward getting my stories published, not just an essay. Who knows? Maybe I will have a book published that you'll read someday....

Glinda of Oz

Once again, the land of Oz comes to life. While humorous and kind characters explore Oz, John R. Neil's colorful drawings bring them to life. I returned to this land of fun and frolick where there are a great adventures that take place. Like many of the other books, Ozma finds something wrong in the beautiful land of Oz. "Goodness knows! I may spend a great deal of time trying to sort things out here!" Bringing her friend Dorothy from Kansas,  Ozma sets out on an adventure I shall never forget.  

The L.A. County Fair

Here is part of an article I wrote on the fair:


                                                          The Sunnystate News
                                                         *******************
                                                         The L.A. County Fair
   Yesterday was the legendary L.A. County Fair. The Grau's and the Ayars' went to the fair, and enjoyed it a lot.  That morning,with the idea of fun in their minds, the whole group set off. When the race downhill was over and the plunge uphill done, the families set off for the barns, before it got smelly or hot. After playing in the hay bales, the kids and a few grownups got chocolate milk or plain milk for free. Then, they actually milked goats. The children washed their hands enthusiastically, and then begged their parents to go the dude ranch. Wyatt and Colson made rope, Noel, Lina, and Joseph rode on the big rocking horses that were 42 inches high, Anastasia and Emma roped a fake calf, and Mr. Ayars, Mr. Grau, and Emma eventually roped the plastic heads on hay.....


I drew pictures on the side of the paper, and then was done. I might write an article for my Sunnystate News on the park day we're having tomorrow......

Little Wizard Stories of Oz

Little Wizard Stories of Oz is one of the many classical, richly illustrated books, written by L. Frank Baum. This book is not of all our little friends, Dorothy, Ozma, the Wizard, Glinda, Scarecrow, Tinman, and many others, but instead it is a little volume filled with tales of two or three of your favorite inhabitants of Oz. John R. Neil illustrated these finely written books, and he has done so again, bringing the lively characters to life. Dorothy being captured by Crinklink, Tiktok going to the foolish Nome King (who tends to fly off the handle), and many other miraculous scenes. This little volume is filled with everything...

I have to say I enjoyed this volume. I returned to the delightful land of Oz after some months with this wonderful book and another, which I shall blog about another day....  

Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted is a good book. I saw the movie, which was not similar to the book. I think both were alright, but out of the two, I think the book was better. The movie was too romantic. The book, instead, offered adventure, excitement, and comedy. Ella Enchanted is one of the books that sparks my imagination. It gives me ideas on how I could be creative with the creatures of the forest (ogres, elves, giants, etc.). So if anyone asked me what my favorite adventure, funny, fantasy story, would be; I would simply answer, Ella Enchanted. (So far!)

The Dark is Rising

I remember reading this book well. My pop's fun stories remind me of this series. He tells us fantasy stories. His fantasy stories have a lot of things in common (well, maybe actually only a few!) with this series. They are mysterious, exciting, and once in a while funny books. I think they are kind of scary, but they aren't really. I enjoyed these books a lot. I read five books out of this series! I'd love to find the others. I shiver with delight to think of the next adventures I'll read of. I like to read so many other books like these. I'd like to read a hundred books like this. Or maybe just all kinds of books! Maybe I have already....

Happy Trails

Happy Trails, a biography on the life of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, is a sad, funny, and joyful book.  This book is about how they came to be the stars of the west, their trials and joys, life before they met each other, making movies, and great friends. The couple made many movies together, all of which included Trigger, the smartest horse in the west. I enjoyed reading this book, though it did make me realize how many sad things happened in their lives. I now have sympathy for them, as I never did know such sad things could happen, least of all to the King of the Cowboys and the Queen of the West. Now when I watch these movies, I will not just relax and enjoy them, I know I will remember the sad and joyful facts in this book.

The Waterstone

This book is very good. I enjoyed it a lot, and I have to say, that it was very enchanting. This story is a fantasy story. It was interesting to read. I would recommend it to a lot of people. The author wrote this story amazingly, and took me to another time. I like animals a lot, and in the book, the hero could speak to animals through his mind. His sister could tame animals, and also crush and mix herbs to heal wounds. If I had a power, I would like to be able to shape-shift. Then I could change into a bird or a cheetah. I could fly, and run fast. 

I like to write fantasy stories, and I am writing a fantasy story right now. It is about this girl who can shape-shift, fly, and do many other things. She is a human girl, but she was given powers by the Guardians. Her father used to tell her stories about the Guardians. I plan to write a series of books. In each book, the girl learns more about her powers, defeats the bad guys for now, and meets the magic people in the Guardians' world. The series is going to be called Tales of the Guardians and then the name of the book is going to be in the picture my dad will draw. My pop is going to be the artist. This book and many others, have given me help with creating the world in my stories. But I have to say, I think The Waterstone helped me the most. 

Twenty-Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

I have seen the movie based on this book, and thought the book must not be that interesting. I regret thinking that now, for this book was very good. I enjoyed it a lot and even though the movie was very different from the book, the book was not at all boring. It had adventures galore, different, but adventures nonetheless. I hope to find many books written by this talented author.

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins is an enchanting story. I liked reading this book. When I got this book, I was eager to see what it held, and pounced upon it as soon as we got home from the library. The story is written very well. I liked to read about the island. I also enjoyed reading about the main character (most everyone does!).  She is very talented, and can do many things. I hope to read more exciting books like this one. Maybe on our library days....

Kingdom Keepers

The Kingdom Keepers is a series of books. I have only read three of the books, because the others have not been written yet. They were mysterious, funny, interesting, and fun to read. Although the kids in the story are teenagers, they didn't seem too much older than me (maybe that's because I'm nine and they are twelve in the first book). But they are older in the other books. Thirteen, fourteen; one of them fifteen. The story kind of got me ready for some of the stuff in regular life I might experience when I get older. The books were really good.

The Black Pearl

This story is a very good book, though it isn't what I thought it would be. I liked this book a lot. It is very 
interesting. The boy in the story has a father who works in a pearl business. One day, when the boy finally gets to go out pearl-diving and exciting things happen, the boy and his father's crew (the father swam home) set off on a thrilling adventure. I'd like to make an interesting story like this author did.

Back in Step

It is time to get back into the swing of things. Next Monday we get back to regular school schedules. Summer is fun, but it can also take up time that I would normally spend writing. While I did do a lot of reading (more than 80 books, and not picture books either!); I unfortunately didn't do much reporting on what was read. So, I will more than likely spend the next week or two catching everyone up on the great reads from this summer. Keep an eye out!

The Borrowers

The Borrowers are like leprehaun, they're small and they're wild. There's a whole series based on the Borrowers. Tales of how they were thrown out into the wild, how they floated down the river in a teakettle; all kinds of things. Pod is the leader of the family. His wife's name is Homily, and his daughter's is Arrietty. Spiller is a kid who lives all by himself at different places, wherever he goes. He sets up a camp for the next time he comes around. He doesn't have a specific home, and it seems to me that the Borrowers don't have one either. They will settle down somewhere, and then something makes them move out. They get used to being outdoors, but I think is Arrietty who actually gets to liking it. She's like me. She likes the outdoors. I like her. I like Spiller. I like Pod. I even like Homily (who complains a lot)! I liked reading these books.

The Journal of Jake Carpenter

January, February, March, April, May; as the months reel on in this book, a young boy has adventures he'll never forget. Jake Carpenter has lived in North Carolina for as long as he can remember, but now he's about to set foot on a cargo ship. Jake learns all about the life of a sailor, and is changed from "land-lover," to "seaman". Kids have enjoyed this book for years, reading it over and over, well now it's my turn. I just finished the book, and I think that it was a cool read.

The Fairy Journey

This is the title of a story I wrote for the L. A. County Fair. The L. A. County Fair has contests every year for kids. They have art competitions and sewing things. But my favorite of all (well, at least one of my favorites) is the writing contest. The theme for this year is "A Long Time Ago", about the world of fantasy. Of course, that does have medieval times in it, which means anyone can do a story on knights, and princesses. I, though, decided to do my book on fairies, dragons (ok, maybe a dragon), and a King and Queen of the human world. I liked writing the story, and can't wait for next year's competition.

The House of Dies Drear

The House of Dies Drear is a wonderful book. I enjoyed it a lot, and I hope to finish the second book, which I just started. This book was published in 1968. That was a long time ago if you ask me. I think I would like to watch the movie. I didn't know there was one, and I wonder when it came out. I really, truly, think that The House of Dies Drear is a spectacular book. It is mysterious, and full of adventure. This story talks about the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War.

Schools Out!

After a few months of school, school, and more school, it's time for a "time out". The girls have finished their workbooks, and have all their books for next year ready. They are ready to relax and swim. They have a week off of school, then it's time for Summer workbooks! Summer workbooks are easy, so they are ready to go. Summer is awaiting them. They will do the Summer reading program, and earn prizes. After that, everyone has time out! Visiting friends is only part of the fun! The kids will go swimming, and go to the park. This is going to be a great Summer. Many field trips are planned, and it looks like the oldest of us are going to be having lots of contests... What a wonderful Summer. Everyone is glad that school's out.

INVENTIONS & The Irish Immigrant

Inventions and The Irish Immigrant are both new stories I have started writing. Inventions is about a young girl named Caddie. She hates everything girlish, including sewing, unless the sewing is for one of her inventions. Caddie loves to make Inventions, and has just made herself a secret workshop. But when she goes to visit her Uncle Yorks, in the city with her family, she learns that her workshop has been ransacked for her notebooks with the inventions. Suddenly, the whole story comes pouring out to her family, and they all hurry home. Uncle Yorks used to be a policeman, so he comes too. He learns that there is a gang of criminals, which has attempted to get money by doing almost everything, except use someone's else ideas as their own. They had stolen the notebooks and have become world famous for her inventions. Caddie gets back her notebooks, then she becomes world famous. In The Irish Immigrant a young girl named Bridget comes to America. She is Irish. This story, which is actually a play, takes place during the 1600's. I hope that both of these books get published.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Taking place during the 1600's, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, is a delightful story about a young girl named Kit Tyler. Kit is from a place where girls know how to swim. I love to swim, as well as draw and write, so naturally, I knew how she felt when she described swimming in the warm waters of Barbados, which is in the Caribbean. I enjoyed this intriguing story, and kept reading it. I finished it last night, which happens to be the day after, the day I bought it. The lady who wrote The Witch of Blackbird Pond, is a very talented author. I would like to read more stories like this one, in the future.

The Underground Railroad

These thick, small, wide, thin, historical, brain-wrinkling, books about The Underground Railroad, are amazing! I enjoy the tales, and have gotten a bit of inspiration for stories. The Underground Railroad was used during the Civil War. Slaves ran away to stations of The Underground Railroad. Mothers, fathers, and even children have ran away on it.  The end of the destination was a place in Philadelphia, where the slaves were taken care of. The slaves were helped by many people. Harriet Tubman was a slave who had ran away, and helped with the other slaves running away. Some people who were against slavery, did many things. Sojourner Truth was a slave who had changed her name. She talked about slavery, and the cruelty of it all. John Brown was a violent man, who went around burning people's houses. Henry Brown, was called Henry "Box" Brown. He hid himself in a box, then was delivered to Philadelphia. I hope to read more on The Underground Railroad.

The Perilous Road

I enjoyed this thrilling adventure. The Perilous Road is about a young boy named Chris Babson. Chris completely hates the "blue-bellies," or the Union army. His brother has joined up with them, so some people think of the Babson's as rebels to the Confedarates. Chris is angered when his best friend calls him a one of the "blue-bellies." He cuts some of the Union mules loose, but almost is caught. Luckily, a man named Silas, saves Chris. Silas is a mischief maker, and when he helps a few guys burn down the Babson barn, Chris sees him. The next day, Chris goes to see Silas and question him about the barn. Silas pretends to be a spy, who can not work anymore because of suspicion. He says that Chris must be a spy in his place. Chris finds out that there are wagons, Union wagons, that the Confedarate army could destroy. When he realizes that his brother is with the wagons he rushes to find him. The soldiers try to help him, and are kind to Chris. Chris realizes that Union soldiers aren't bad after all. When the Confedarate army attacks, he is sad and wishes he could have warned the Union soldiers. Chris has learned his lesson, in the end. I enjoyed this story a lot.

The Fairy House

The Fairy House is an amazingly fun, silly, series. I have the first book in this series, and have read the other books. I have heard there are more books, and I hope to read them. In the book there is a girl named Katie. She just got a big, plastic house. When she leaves it outside, four fairies come and live in it. They have a mission, and Katie helps through all the books with it. I enjoy Kelly McKain's book. I hope to read her next fairy books.

Caddie Woodlawn

I enjoyed this intriguing story of a tomboy named Caddie Woodlawn. Caddie is the main character (and also my favorite character) in this book. Caddie is a bright, red-headed, mischief making, meddlesome girl, who is raised by her father. He lets her run wild, but her mother insists she be a gentlewoman. Caddie tries to, but with what she's been doing for years, she can't stop. I  wish I could be like Caddie, be able to do more of climbing trees. Maybe I might be able to use a canoe and a raft. I enjoyed this book about Caddie Woodlawn.

Bats at the Library

Once again, thanks to Brian Lies, I was taken through the world of bats. The bats have played all their games and are bored, but when news comes that a window in the library has been left open, all the bats rush to get there. They have fun, from young to old. I enjoyed this book, because I got to find out what bats would do, if they did what humans did.  I wish that I might be able to read the next book very soon. I loved to read this story.  Here is a bit of it:

Another inky evening's here-

the air is cool and calm and clear.

We've feasted, fluttered, swooped, and soared,

and yet... we're still a little bored.

All this sameness leaves as blue

and makes us ache for something new.

Then word spreads quickly from afar:

a window has been left ajar:

                                                           

Can it be true? Oh, can it be?

Yes! Bat Night at the library!

A Good Night for Ghosts

"Mighty Fine," breathed Dipper. "Mighty Fine," echoed Jack. "Mighty fine," said Annie... Jack and Annie go back in time to New Orleans. Jack and Annie meet Louis Armstrong, King of Jazz. Louis, is fourteen years old when they meet him. They call him by his nickname; "Dipper." Dipper doesn't make time for music, as much as he likes it. In fact, it seems as if he doesn't like it at all! Jack and Annie follow Dipper around everywhere. Dipper says they're a bunch of "potato heads." When a storm comes in, Jack, Annie, and Dipper run to the blacksmith's. It is said that the ghost of Jean Lafitte and his crew haunt the place. Dipper's friends are there and they say they have to go somewhere. They scare Jack, Annie, and Dipper into thinking that they are Lafitte and his ghost crew, by making creepy noises. But when the real bunch of pirates come along, it takes a jazz song to get them away from that place. Dipper plays the magic horn and Jack and Annie tap chair legs against full chairs. Dipper's friends sing. The pirates go away singing. Dipper still doesn't think he'll make time for music. When Jack and Annie show him their research book, he says he will. Boy, and he does! I enjoyed this book, because it gave me ideas for my stories. My characters can be shy, silly, or very intelligent. I learned about Dipper's character. It gave me ideas how some characters can be. I really can't wait for the next book to come out!

Uncle Tom's Cabin

A smile crossed the child's face. "Love, hope, kindness, joy." Then she was dead. The servants mourned and cried. "We's a gonna miss Missis Eva. She got a good heart. She did what she was jis' made to do. She done be better than any other child," Mammy said softly. Tom nodded. "She's a gone. We's neve' gonna see her 'gain...." Uncle Tom's Cabin is one of my favorite books of all times. Written before the Civil War, it has become a classic for young and old. The main character Uncle Tom is sold over and over.  As this story is nearing it's end, he is sold to a little girl named Eva, who has her father buy him. Uncle Tom is a good friend of Eva's, till the little girl dies. I enjoyed this story, but it was sad when Eva dies. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote this story well, and I hope to read more of her stories if she has written any more. 

Leprechaun in Late Winter

A magic Irish pipe, fairies called the Shee, a leprachaun, a young girl named Augusta taken by fairies; The Magic Tree House is a wonderful series written by Mary Pope Osborne. My favorite book of this numerous series (43 books to be exact), is Dolphins at Dawn.  I enjoyed it because there are dolphins and lots of things about the sea. In this book though, the two children in the series (Jack and Annie), go to old Ireland. A young girl named Augusta has many talents. She tells stories well, and can repeat a story from memory. When Jack and Annie come, Augusta thinks of them as poor, helpless children, because she is so rich. They look really dirty and they are dripping wet. Augusta visits poor children everyday helping them. Jack gets fed up, and says she is snobby. Augusta gets angry. But when Jack and Annie play their magic Irish pipe, Augusta gets taken away. When they come to get Augusta, she doesn't want to come. I think that was foolish because she could do so much for other people. Well, she does go home, and she shares the oldest Irish stories and language, making sure they aren't forgotten. I think that this story was very interesting. I enjoyed learning about Augusta in the history notes, in the back of the book. I hope to read the newest Magic Tree House book very soon.

Spy on the Home Front

Leaflets hidden in Aunt Eleanor's plane! Max going to jail! Clues that Dave might be the culprit! Molly is excited about spending her summer at her grandma and grandpa's farm, but when Molly's friends, the Schulz's, get a letter from their friends, it has some bad news: The Schulz's friends are in jail! Molly knows that is because they are German-Americans. Could it be possible that Anna and her family will go to jail too, for being German-Americans? Molly's Aunt Eleanor comes home, about two days later, to add to the excitement. Molly goes with Aunt Eleanor to the airport where mysterious leaflets are found in Aunt Eleanor's plane. Molly is determined to find out who is doing all the bad things that come up in the next few days. Molly and Anna find out it is Mr. Kip, the manager at the airport. Anna's brother, Max, was being accused of being a silver shirt. When Molly and Anna find out about Mr. Kip, they are shocked! Molly is glad when the mystery is over. Now a few more fun, cool, peaceful, summer weeks at her grandparents farm with Anna lie ahead of them.

Kaya and Lone Dog

"Kaya and Lone Dog" is one of my favorite American Girls books. Kaya is a Nez Perce girl. The Nez Perce were a group of Native American people who lived during 1864. In their beliefs, you would earn a wyakin. You would have a vision quest, in which you learned what animal you were most like. The Nez Perce had great fears, just like any other tribe. The Salish people, who's men had pale faces, brought sickness when they traded and were with the Nez Perce. Many people died, some were lucky. Kaya, in this book, befriends a lone dog (that's why the dog's name is Lone Dog); the dog has pups that she lets Kaya have. Then the mother leaves. Kaya is sad, but makes up for it, with the biggest of the pups. Kaya names the dog Tatlo. Kaya is very happy, and so is Lone Dog.

Raggedy Ann and Andy

Raggedy Ann and Andy are two stuffed rag dolls. They are kind hearted and cute. Pop has all of the chapter books. I have read them all. Each have delightful tales in them, of Raggedy Ann, Andy and friends. It was very interesting to read them. All the time, someone needs help. Sometimes people are just miserable. Sometimes people are causing trouble. It was interesting to realize what the situation was, and why it happened. So many fun things fill up this book, with a dash of humor. I have made up a poem about them. Here it is:

Those small little dolls who are sweet and kind,

            Raggedy Ann and Andy! 

Those friends who have good thoughts in their mind.

Raggedy Ann and Andy! 

The dolls who have something to wish on.

  Raggedy Ann and Andy! 

Those two good friends who met a fawn. 

Raggedy Ann and Andy!

          Those people who taught you of friendship and love

Raggedy Ann and Andy! 

Wonder Writers Awards Ceremony

On Sunday there was a Wonder Writers ceremony. I wrote an essay for Wonder Writers, and it was published. I didn't win, and I am disappointed. I really would have liked to win. It  doesn't matter, but it would have been nice. Even though I didn't win a reward, I am truly grateful to them for publishing my essay. I hope to win someday in the future. I will enter these contests more and more, hoping to be published again.

Pet Expo

Last Saturday, was a Pet Expo! Nana has got a new job, working at the company that sets up the Pet Expo. There are animals everywhere! On Saturday, we headed out and saw all the animals! It was wonderful, but we discovered Noel is allergic to rats! So we couldn't buy a rat. But we could buy something else! We could buy a mouse?! It doesn't really matter if we get a pet or not. The Pet Expo was great . There was a medieval horse show. It was cool. On the way out we got cotton candy. I ate my whole piece! I wrote on the way home about the Pet Expo. Here is my article:

Ruff! Ruff! Today is the Pet Expo! Everyone was excited as they headed through the gates. Nana works here, so they go see her first. After that they saw a medieval horse show. Just as they walked out,  they saw Stewart and Aneta, part of the family. They explored for a bit, seeing dogs and cats, then met up with Nana and had lunch with her. Quickly the group of eight hurried to a horse show. This show had Arabian horses only. After the show, the family explored more. Finally they left, buying cotton candy along the way out.