Monday, September 15, 2014

Monday's Riddle: Tools to Connect...


Hello Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? Sometimes these make a circus of my thoughts, but I'm grateful for them. ; ) ~ F

We're the gang that points the way, giving you direction throughout the day. We're all in cahoots, though not the same, each of us having our own unique name. There's one who'll make you jump with fright, and one who claims to always be right. One that likes to fill you with hope, and another who constantly tells you "nope". One is delightful and full of good cheer. One takes you away, but keeps you near. One can't stand anything and just waits for a turn, while one feels empty and can't help but to yearn. One makes you cry, sometimes for no reason. One will fight anyone, whatever the treason. But there's one among us who's top of the heap, giving you strength when it's your time to leap. This is the one who holds you together, keeping you safe no matter the weather. When in time we knock on your door, you'll let us in to feel some more, but we don't have to hang out for too long, just remember the one who knows your true song. 

In time, as it should go, the light inside will always glow. We're in your head to help you get through. The scene's as it is, whatever you do.  

What are we?

I gave you a clue! 


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Friday, September 12, 2014

The DMS Wants to Know!



Monday's Riddle put a little swing into the week, and the storm played on in Lizzy's review of St. Louis Armstrong Beach by Brenda Woods. Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: 
What is your favorite instrument? Do you play?

We'd love to hear your thoughts! ~ DMS

Week theme: Clarinet 
Click here to rock out with Nate in
Nate Rocks the Stage! 

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Storm, Storm, Stay Away!

St. Louis Armstrong Beach wishes his name was a little less complicated, but he was named after his great-grandfather and his great-grandfather’s favorite musician. Saint is hoping to save up enough money to buy a special clarinet. Luckily, he's able to play his clarinet for the tourists and make money to save towards his goal. He gets closer every day. Things are confusing now that his best friend, Money, doesn't want to talk to him, and he had his palm read, which revealed that he has a short lifeline. Now he's worried about his future! When Saint’s family finds out Hurricane Katrina could hit their area, he's upset that they may have to leave town and go to his grandma's house. He knows the storm won’t hit, but decides he'll go as long as they can take Shadow, the neighborhood dog. What will they do when Shadow gets away? Will the hurricane really hit Saint’s house? Will he ever earn enough money to get that clarinet? You have to read this book to find out what happens to Saint and the rest of New Orleans.


St. Louis Armstrong Beach by Brenda Woods is a book that I read in one sitting. I could relate to the main character and how he felt about his best friend not wanting to hang out with him anymore. I loved that Saint really went after his dreams. Anyone who can save up close to $1000 for an instrument they want to practice shows a lot of determination, and I'd love to hear him play! Not only did I enjoy the story, but I felt the tension in the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina. My heart broke thinking about all the people whose lives changed during that time. There was a major storm taking place right outside my window while I read, and it definitely made the connections I felt even stronger! I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up, as there are some middle school topics. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Has anyone else read St. Louis Armstrong Beach? Or have you read another book by Brenda Woods? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L 


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