What Would Make the Mud Fuzzy?

Tamaya and Marshall walk the two miles back-and-forth to Woodbridge Academy together every day. Both kids have always enjoyed attending the private school, but lately Tamaya's been concerned that her friends are calling her a “goody two shoes". She can’t understand what's wrong with following the rules. Marshall has been struggling ever since Chad came to school and decided he wasn’t cool. Now no one wants to sit with Marshall anymore, and he’s becoming more insecure as the days go on. When Chad threatens to beat up Marshall after school, Marshall decides to take a shortcut through the forbidden woods. Tamaya has no choice but to follow. The walk through the woods is tough because they have to crawl and walk through lots of obstacles. Tamaya is fascinated by a patch of fuzzy mud that she sees. What is it? Is it bacteria or some kind of strange film or mold? The further they walk the more cuts and scratches they get, not to mention Tamaya’s torn sweater. If only those were the worst things to come from the woods. When Tamaya wakes up the next morning a strange rash has broken out all over her hand and arm. Back at school there is even worse news that puts Marshall and Tamaya in a spot where they must make a tough decision. Only they don’t agree. What is going on with the fuzzy mud? Is it safe or is there something else going on?

I have read other books by Louis Sachar, so I was very curious to read Fuzzy Mud. I enjoy hearing from both Marshall and Tamaya as the story progressed. Tamaya would make a great friend! I also thought the interviews and depositions with scientists that were sprinkled throughout the book helped add to the mystery and made me start to worry about what was going on. I didn’t always agree, but it was interesting to see what Marshall and Tamaya decided to do when they were in a tricky spot. This book will make readers think about right and wrong, energy and bacteria, as well as what could be lurking in the woods. I would recommend this to kids in fifth grade and up who like mystery and books that are spooky.

Has anyone else read Fuzzy Mud? Or have you read another book by Louis Sachar? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~L

Answer to Monday's Riddle: A Smaller Scale...

Excellent guess, Riddlers. Friday, Lizzy's review will get under your skin, so stick around. See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

I'm you, in and out. There are lots of me, have no doubt. I've no mind in my cell, just a need to clean it well. You'll feel it in your gut after I sweep it shut. Heads and tails move around, tidying up common ground.

What am I? Answer: Bacteria!

Bacteria under an electron microscope 
It's busy in your belly. :) 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats





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Monday's Riddle: Native Flora and Fauna...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? When you really think about this, it's a bug out. : ) ~ F

I'm you, in and out. There are lots of me, have no doubt. I've no mind in my cell, just a need to clean it well. You'll feel it in your gut after I sweep it shut. Heads and tails move around, tidying up common ground.

What am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer. 

I gave you a clue!

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Answer to Monday's Riddle: Love Your Library!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! The DMS is excited to be a part of Love Your Library Day at the Ridgefield Library this Saturday, October 1st from 11AM-3PM. If you're in the area, stop by! Authors,  Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson will clue you in on how Ridgefield inspired the story behind THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW. Stay tuned for the highlights! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

On the inside, I'm all about story. I hold great places and tell tales of glory. I keep you comfortable on your journey, you'll wrestle with words or place in a tourney. But you must remember to behave and be quiet. I'm a treasure to some, like gold to a pirate. So, walk right in, breath in my space. 'Tis true, on the outside I wear a bland face.

What am I? Answer: A Library!  
 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats




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Monday's Riddle: An Important Place!

Hello, Riddlers. Can you guess our theme this week? An oldie, but goody, in observation of a very important place. ; ) ~ F

On the inside, I'm all about story. I hold great places and tell tales of glory. I keep you comfortable on your journey, you'll wrestle with words or place in a tourney. But you must remember to behave and be quiet. I'm a treasure to some, like gold to a pirate. So, walk right in, breath in my space. 'Tis true, on the outside I wear a bland face.

What am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer.

I gave you a clue!
(but it's from THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW;)    

Is Serenity as Wonderful as it Seems?

The kids of Serenity, New Mexico have the perfect lives. They all have pools, they all have video games Their parents love and support them. Life is good. When Randy convinces Eli to ride their bikes across the town border to see an old car he and his father discovered, Eli agrees, even though he should ask his dad. When they get to the edge of town Eli gets violently ill, and the police have to come in and helicopter him to safety. As Eli recovers he finds out that Randy is being shipped off to his grandparent’s farm. No one has ever moved away from Serenity before. This is weird enough, but Randy’s strange behavior before he leaves gets Eli thinking, and he knows Randy must've left him a message. This prompts Eli and a few friends to begin investigating. But is Eli prepared for what's really going on in Serenity? Is there really something different about eleven of the children that live there? And what should they do with the information they discover? You'll be turning the pages to find out!

I have read other books by Gordon Korman and was looking forward to reading Masterminds. I didn't know much about it, so I was pleasantly surprised by the unique plot twist. I've tried not to give anything away so you can discover what's going on too. I really liked Eli, Amber,  Malik, and all the other characters whose story we got to hear. Each character has a different personality, and I could relate to all of them for various reasons. When I found out what was going on, I was shocked! I kept thinking that the plans they uncovered were going off the tracks and the consequences could be far-reaching. The book ended on a cliffhanger, which I wished could be different. Still, it was an exciting read and the next book is out, so I plan on picking it up soon. I just hope it doesn't end before I have more answers! I recommend this to kids in fourth grade and up who like mystery and adventure. This was such an interesting concept that I can’t wait to learn more and see where the story goes.

Has anyone else read Masterminds? Or have you read another book by Gordon Korman? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!

~L