The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

What Can the Mind Do?

Matilda's family loves to sit on the couch each night and watch TV. While they watch, they eat TV dinners. When Matilda wanted to buy a book from the store, her father thought she was ridiculous. One day Matilda walked to the library, and although she was only five years old, she started looking at books and reading the words. The librarian was so helpful! It wasn't long before Matilda was addicted to reading. She read everything she could get her hands on, including books for adults. Matilda's family continued to think she was an idiot and not smart enough, but she tried not to let them bother her. She even found little ways to get back at them. When school started, Matilda found that she loved her teacher, Miss Honey. But she didn't love the Trenchbull, who was in charge of the school. Matilda had never seen an adult so mean to kids. She was outrageously nasty and Matilda, along with many of the other kids, wanted to put a stop to it. Now they just needed a plan clever enough to get the better of Miss Trenchbull. When Matilda thinks she can move things with her mind, she's over the top excited. Will things change? Will Miss Trenchbull continue to treat children badly? Will Matilda's parents ever realize what a bright, wonderful daughter they have? What will happen when Matilda finds out a secret about Miss Honey? You'll have to read this fascinating tale to find out!

When I read Matilda by Roald Dahl I wasn't sure what to expect. I had a feeling there would be some adults who were not kind, based on things that had happened in other books. I wasn't expecting to like Matilda as much as I did. She turned out to be very interesting, and I love how she was curious about everything. Of course, I instantly connected to someone else who loves reading! My heart went out to her because her parents treated her so badly. Whoever heard of parents that would rather you watch TV than read? I was happy for Matilda when she went to school and made a friend. I loved that she had such a nice teacher, and one who appreciated her strengths. It's amazing how important it is to have a teacher who is kind and understands you. I have to say that I was jealous when she thought she could move things with her mind! That sounds so cool! I would recommend this book to kids in third grade and up who enjoy Roald Dahl books and stories in which kids are clever and curious. If you ever get the chance to listen to the book on audio, I highly recommend it, as it's read by the actress Kate Winslet. She does a fabulous job! Another wonderful story by a man who makes me not only love his characters, but I root for them too!

Has anyone else read Matilda? Or have you read another book by Roald Dahl? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Answer to Monday's Riddle: The Power of Thought!

Excellent guessing Riddlers! It's getting hard to stump all of you! This week we're moving things with our mind. Lizzy's review will be magical, and Friday it's time for the Character Book Club, so be sure to check back! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

When there's something you wish in hand, but don't feel an urge to stand, concentrate your thoughts a bit, and maybe you can stay and sit. Even if the remote is far or the keys were left in the car; you need not strain to fill your cup, when you've got the power to shake things up. You'll see them move by themselves and land upon the proper shelves. For, when you learn to hone this skill, you'll know the power of your will. Used with care, it's fun to play, but there are those who'd ruin the day.

What am I referring to? Answer: Telekinesis

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Fairday's Riddles: Volume I

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Monday, November 10, 2014

Monday's Riddle: There is No Spoon...

Hello Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? I so wish I could do this- I still try all the time. ; ) ~ F

When there's something you wish in hand, but don't feel an urge to stand, concentrate your thoughts a bit, and maybe you can stay and sit. Even if the remote is far or the keys were left in the car; you need not strain to fill your cup, when you've got the power to shake things up. You'll see them move by themselves and land upon the proper shelves. For, when you learn to hone this skill, you'll know the power of your will. Used with care, it's fun to play, but there are those who'd ruin the day.

What am I referring to?

I gave you a clue!

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Friday, November 7, 2014

Author Interview with Stephanie Faris

The DMS was lucky enough to interview Stephanie Faris. Lizzy reviewed her new book 25 Roses, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We're excited to learn a little more about her story. So, without further ado... take it away, Stephanie!

What inspired you to write 25 Roses?

When I was in high school, every Valentine’s Day we had a carnation sale. For a small fee (I think it was a dollar?), you could send a carnation to your crush or one of your friends. I started wondering what would happen if someone decided to send carnations to the people who didn’t normally receive any. Instead of carnations, I made them chocolate roses, though.

How long did it take you to write 25 Roses?

It took about a month to write but the revision process was a multiple-stage event that covered about two years (intermittently!).

What was your inspiration for the characters Mia and Miss Kaylee?

When I started imagining someone who would secretly send roses to students who didn’t normally receive them, the character naturally developed. She’s more idealistic than heroic, but she’s also the girl most of us were at that age. Just a normal middle schooler trying to get by.

Kaylee is that girl we all knew in middle school. Popular, pretty, perfect, and surrounded by friends. I mentioned Jennifer Lawrence’s dimple when I described her, but I hope readers picture that girl when they read it. The girl who just seems to drift through life with good things always falling in her lap.

What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

When I was a tween, there was no middle grade, really. I read Judy Blume, but those books weren’t quite girly enough for me. I started reading teen books like Sweet Valley High as soon as I could and there was a book series called First Love from Silhouette that I loved during the brief time they lasted. Because there weren’t middle grade and young adult books like them at the time, most of my generation read books like Flowers in the Attic and anything Stephen King. I’d say Stephen King was my biggest inspiration, but I think a lot of today’s authors feel that way.

If you could live anyplace real or fictional, where would it be? Why?

Somewhere scenic, like the beach or the mountains. I’d love to have a big window that overlooked nature in some way or another. I think simply being surrounded by that is inspiring for writers. Although usually when I try to write with a beautiful view in front of me, I find it distracting, so maybe four walls is best!

If you could befriend a character from one of your books, who would you befriend? Why?

I love all my characters! I think I’d befriend Maddie, the main character in my first book, 30 Days of No Gossip—mostly because I love gossip!

Mia wants to help people, even if people misunderstand some of her actions. She seems to know a lot about fashion and hairstyles. Have you ever given anyone a makeover? If so, can you tell us about it?

No, I can’t say I have! I wish I was better at that stuff. I did take a makeup lesson in my 20s, where I learned quite a bit about how to apply makeup so that it looks natural. That was very enlightening.

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

I’m working on a partial right now called Tales from an Undercover Middle Schooler. It’s about a tween TV star who goes undercover in a school to research a movie role she wants to land. It’s one of three partials I’m going to send my agent. I’m not sure if it will ever see the light of day, but I’m enjoying writing these three chapters.

Where can we purchase your books?

My first book, 30 Days of No Gossip, is available on Amazon or you can purchase an autographed copy from Parnassus Books in Nashville. Just put in the comments what you’d like me to put in the autograph and I’ll go by and sign it. They ship it to you. You can also pre-order a signed copy of 25 Roses from Parnassus Books and they’ll send it to you when it comes out in January.

25 Roses will hit bookshelves everywhere in January, but you can enter the book giveaway for a chance to win a signed hardcover copy of this excellent new middle grade book!