How to make a pretty dove ornament-

This is a pretty ornament for  your Christmas Tree! 

The supplies you are going to need to make the pretty dove ornament are:

• White Index Cards
• White Paper 
• A Gold Pen
• Glue
• Ribbon
• A Hole Puncher
• Scissors
• A crafty person like you! 

1. The first step to making a dove is drawing a dove on one of the white index cards. Before you cut it out; draw things on your dove. Maybe an eye, a beak and a pretty tail design. 
2. Next, you cut out your dove and cut a little slit in the middle of the dove's back. Make sure not to make the slit too large.
3. Then fold your piece of paper. Fold front and back, front and back until the whole piece of paper is folded like a fan.
4. For the next step, cut in the middle of the paper a semicircular edge. ( Do not unfold before cutting!!!!) This will be the  wings of your dove. Now, glue all your non - semicircular edges together. Then cut a slit in the middle of the glued edges. This is a very hard step!
5. Then, you put the slits together. The slits won't stay together FOREVER, so you need to glue down both of the sides of the wings to the sides of the dove.
6. After you glue down your sides, fan the wings out and glue them down to the dove also.
7. Finally, punch a hole into the top of the wing with your hole puncher. Then cut some ribbon about 7 inches long.  Take your ribbon and put it through the hole and make a knot at the top of the ribbon.

You can enjoy the dove ornament hanging from your tree, just in time for Christmas!

Heaven is for Real

     A few weeks ago,  I read a book called, Heaven is for Real.  Heaven is for Real is written by Todd Burpo, a pastor from Nebraska.  Todd Burpo wrote this book because he and his family were hearing stories about heaven from his four year old son, Colton Burpo.

     Colton was telling stories of when he had surgery done on his stomach.  He said that he went up to heaven for three minutes and came back down to Earth. You're probably thinking three minutes isn't a very long time, but Colton says that he saw many things in those three minutes.

     I think what Todd Burpo really wanted to tell his readers is that Heaven is for real. I also think he was trying to let his readers feel touched by how extraordinary Colton's story is.

     My favorite part of this book was when Todd told about all the different things Colton had seen. I thought it was really touching when Colton said that his unborn sister was in Heaven and that she was excited to see him.

     I think you should read this book and feel the mercy put into it.

      

A Family Apart

      Recently,  I read a book called A Family Apart.  A Family Apart is written by Joan Lowery Nixon. It is about an orphan train. This book is one of the many books in the series.
       A Family Apart is about 6 children that are sent on an orphan train by their widow mom before the Civil War. Frances is the oldest. She promised her mother that she would protect her little brother, but how can she do that if they are separated? Frances decides that she will act like a boy so she and her little brother will be allowed to stay together. In this book there is a part that includes the Underground Railroad.

      

      I think you should read this book because once you start, you won't stop and you'll find that you'll be in the story with the characters too. If you love thrillers you should you should read this book!

Number the Stars

For Girls Book Club at Frontier Academy, the school I go to on Fridays only, I had to read a book called Number the Stars. Number the Stars is written by Lois Lowry. Lois Lowry is a great author. She has also written The Giver  and many other great books. Number the Stars is a great book for children nine years old and older. Grown-ups would also love this book. If you like World War II settings, then you should definitely buy or check out this book!

Number the Stars is about a girl named Annemarie, her family and her friend, Ellen. Ellen and Annemarie  are best friends forever, for they are always counting on each other. Annemarie is a ten year old and so is Ellen. Ellen is in a Jewish family.  During World War II the Nazis hated Jewish people. The Nazis were evacuating Jewish families from their homes. So Annemarie's family took Ellen into their own, but could the Nazis possibly find her?  This is based on a true story of friendship and bravery that you cant miss.

Commercial for Eggs!

This commercial is totally fake so there will be no T.V. Movie on ABC! Remember it is just CREATIVITY!!!

Coming to ABC, on November 30th, at 5/6 p.m. Central Time, Eggs.  George Knigke has taken Jerry Spinelli's Award Winning Book of the Year and turned it into a great T.V. production. This movie is about the adventures and challenges of David and Primrose.  David's mother is dead and Primrose doesn't know where her Dad went. David only has a Grandmother who acts like his mother and a Dad that he only sees on the weekends if he is lucky. Primrose has a wacky, fortune telling Mom, Madame Duffee. Can meeting each other fill up the gaps in their lives? This is an extraordinary movie that you just can't miss!  Starring, Josh Hutcherson as David, Anna Sophia Robb as Primrose, Amanda Bynes, Queen Litifa and more!  Don't miss this once in a lifetime T.V. movie.

Only on ABC.

Lemonade War

Many people look for a great book to read that is about business and can't find any, but I have found one for you! Lemonade War by Jacueline Davies is a great business book.

Lemonade War is about a girl named Jessie and a boy named Evan who are siblings. Jessie is skipping a grade because she is so smart, so she will now be with her brother in the 4th grade. Evan doesn't like this; ever since they got the call I Evan hasn't been speaking to Jessie. You probably just think Jessie and Evan should apologize. Well, it is not that easy. You see, Jessie is good at math not at feelings. Soon Evan and Jessie get in a full out fight and they start a Lemonade War!

I recommend this book for 3rd and 4th graders. Kids that love business books would love this book. This book is so good your siblings will be fighting over it and maybe you guys will get in a book war over it!

11 Birthdays

"Being born on the same day is very special I believe Amanda and Leo will be the best of friends" she said.
Have you ever read a book that was just really strange, but awesome? Well, 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass is one of those books. Amanda and Leo are best friends until on their tenth birthday they go their own ways.  The only thing is that when they broke apart they didn't  know they could be in their next birthday forever.

Amanda and Leo were born on the same day.  Leo and Amanda did everything together. Until Amanda over heard Leo talking to some of his friends saying " I am not even friends with Amanda gees you guys!" Amanda quickly ran out of the party.  When their 11th birthday comes around it is great the first time, but Amanda and Leo are going over the same day over and over again. You would probably think it would be great to play your birthday over and over again, but it really isn't. How will Amanda and Leo get past their 11th birthday?

I recommend this book for 4th grade readers and older. This book has some parts in it that you sometimes have to read over a few times to have it make sense.  You should read this book before something similar happens to you!


P.S. If it does happen, don't panic, just read the BOOK!

California Gold Rush

I am studying in history about the California Gold Rush which was a big thing in California.  So I am going to tell you a little about it.

Would you go to California if you heard there was gold there free for taking?  Well, many people did.  The mad rush to California started in 1849.  Men and woman had heard that John Sutter's Fort in California had discovered gold. These men and woman traveled by land or sea just to get to California for gold.

Sadly, only 1 in 20 walked away rich.  A lot of men would look, and look for gold and not find any. Some men did find lots of gold. This caused prices of items and food to go up. Woman started to do laundry for 5 nuggets of gold each.  One egg went from 49 cents to 3 dollars and 50 cents.

California was a long journey for some people.   Although men traveled a long way, they still thought it was worth it.  Well I don't think it was!

Magic Half

I just read Magic Half by Annie Barrows. I loved this book so much that after you read this report you'll want to read it too. So keep on reading.... Don't stop now...... It's just where the excitement begins.

Magic Half is about a girl named Miri who finds a piece of glass on her wall in her old, creaky house. When Miri looks through the glass she goes back in time.  Miri doesn't know how she went back in time, but she meets a girl named Molly who used to live in Miri's house.  Molly's world is full of mean people like Molly's aunt and her cousin, Horst.  Miri promises Molly that she will take Molly to the future with her when she finds the way back.  When Miri accidentally goes back to the future without Molly  she is scared she will not make it back in time before bad things happen to her new best friend. 


I recommend this book for 4th- 6th grade readers.  This book is kind of a mystery and fantasy book. I personally think you should read this book. Be prepared though to be stuck on the couch because this book is such a FANTASTIC BOOK!

The 6th Grade Nickname Game

I've read a lot of books in my life, and The 6th Grade Nickname Game by Gordon Kormon is one of the best books I've ever read.

The 6th Grade Nickname Game has some of the funniest quotes, stories, and of course nicknames. This book is about two sixth grade boys that are best friends. Their names are Wiley and Jeff. The two of them together is about the worst thing you could possibly live with in the 6th grade.  Not that they're bullies, they are worse, their Nickname Kings. They like to give people nicknames, but they're not always nice.  For example, Charles Rossi is nicknamed Snoopy because he is always eavesdropping. Crusty Bones, I mean Christy Jones because of her crusty bones,  is another of Wiley and Jeff's mean nicknames.  The book gets interesting when Cassandra Levy, the new girl at school, comes into the story.  She tears the two boys apart when they both want to take her to a dance.  What will Jeff and Wiley do without each other?

 I recommend this book for 5th grade and older because it is more difficult than it looks.  I would definitely buy this book for kids that love books that are funny.  Every time I picked up this book it seemed to get better and better. I think you should read this book before you get a nasty nickname from Jeff and Wiley for not reading it.

Eleven

This book is part of a great series of books, Eleven, by Lauren Myracle, is just one of her five books in the series. This series is about a girl named Winnie who goes through a lot of life struggles.

In this book, Winnie has a friend that isn't always nice to her. Her name is Amanda. Amanda's personality is different than Winnie's. Amanda is up-beat and fashionable. Winnie's personality is kind and a little curious. Winnie meets a new friend at school named Dinah.  Dinah is a girl that Winnie discovers is actually more like her than Amanda. Winnie finds out that its not about what you look like or what your background is.

Winnie doesn't like changes and she doesn't want her relationship to change with Amanda. She definitely   doesn't want her body to change like the others that have already developed in her class.  Winnie is scared of the changes that will happen, but she can't do anything to stop them.

I think you should read this book if you are in 4th-6th grades. This book is a little inappropriate for younger grade levels. In this book it talks about the changing of the body a few times. I love this book because it is realistic fiction. If you like realistic fiction you'll love these books too.

"Fresh and lively. Laugh along with Winnie as she advances to her 12th year." - Publishers Weekly.

You should read this book for a fun read now!!

Dear America, Across the Wide and Lonesome Praire.

I loved this book so much; I just had to share it with you. 

Dear America, Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie by Kristina Gregory is about a girl named Hattie Campbell.  Hattie's family decides to move from Bonneville, Missouri to Oregon because as Hattie's father says, " We'll be able to start a new life, where there ain't no sad memories.  There's space out West, all the land we want.  Free for taking.  Winters are mild, that's what these pamphlets say."

Hattie is afraid of what this long journey will bring. Hattie's family travels through mountains, deserts, and plains.  The wagon trains have to throw out many of their valuables along the way.  Some are harder to get rid of than others.  Hattie finds out that a lady, named Mrs.Kenker, is stealing valuables from all the wagon trains.  Hattie doesn't know who to tell or what to do.  When she finds out more information about Mrs.Kenker; Hattie is more forgiving.

Hattie's family goes through a lot, but Hattie doesn't know if they'll make it or not.  Will Hattie's family make it to Oregon?  I recommend this book for 3rd - 5th graders.  I would give this book to people who like books that are written in journal form or enjoy historical fiction.

Kristina Gregory is a wonderful author who has written many books.   Kristina has written over 30 books for middle school readers.  Here are a few of them:  The Dear America series, My Darlin' Clementine, Jenny of Tetons and many more.  Check them out at your local library.

The Word Eater By Mary Amanto

"Worms are very sensitive creatures and right away, this little newborn sensed that he was different." excerpt from The Word Eater by Mary Amato.


I just read a very good book called, The Word Eater by Mary Amato. This book had me tied to my reading fort.

This book is about a sixth grade girl named Lerner. She is a new student and is having trouble making friends. Then one day, she finds a worm that eats words instead of dirt. He is Lerner's only friend. Lerner's life changes forever!  When Lerner's worm, Fib, eats words that thing vanishes from the world FOREVER!  


My favorite part of this book is the ending.  It didn't end the way I thought it would, instead the author whips it right into a surprising ending!  You'll have to read the book to find out what happens.


I loved this book.  I stayed up late trying to finish this book and I assure you that you will too!  I recommend this book for kids 7 years old and older.  I think you should read this book before Fib eats you.


P.S.  Mary Amato has written many other books including Invisible Lines and Please Write in This Book so look for them at your local library.  Check out Mary Amato's website at www.maryamato.com/books 

10 Things That You Need To Know About Me

I just turned ten, so that is why I am only telling you ten things you should know about me. Otherwise there would be a lot more; you wouldn't even be able to count them!

1. I am all about dance. I love dancing more than anything.
2. I am creative. I love to do lots of crafts and make different kinds of drawings.
3. I am funny. I could make anyone laugh in the whole world.
4. I am kind. I am kind to everyone, or at least I try to be kind to everyone.
5. I can dream bigger than anyone. One day I am in fairyland and the next day I am fighting trolls under water.
6. I'll eat anything. I am not a picky eater.
7. I love shoes. My closet is full of shoes.
8. I love strawberries, and not just because they are sweet like me.
9. My favorite sport is basketball. Ally-oop in the hoop!
10. Last, but not least, I am lovable. I could sit in my Grandma's lap FOREVER!

Best History Ever!

This year in history we are learning about the Oregon Trail.

This summer I was so lucky and actually got to go see the Oregon Trail ruts,

all the signatures on Register Cliff,

 and visited Fort Bridger.  

We are doing a simulation on the Oregon Trail.  We have to pick out a character that we want to be.  For example, you can be a hunter, banker, scout, farmer, blacksmith, or doctor.  I chose to be a hunter. Then you have to choose 3 other people to bring with you on the long journey to Oregon. I like this because you play a game while learning about all the exciting and interesting facts of the Oregon Trail.

My mom also is reading us a read aloud called Bound for Oregon by Jean Van Leeuwen.  It is about a girl who moves to Oregon with her family.  They have to leave her grandma behind, which makes her sad.  They go through hard and frustrating times on the trail.

Welcome to my blog!

This year in school, I have to read at least 40 books in a variety of different genres. After I read each book, I'll write a book review.  This book review is for the first book I have read this year.

I just finished reading Dear Dumb Diary, Am I the Princess or the Frog by Jim Benton. This book is about a girl named Jamie who is in middle school and she has a diary. Jamie has a crush on the new student teacher at school, and she thinks he loves her too. She can't wait to find out the truth.

In Dear Dumb Diary, Am I the Princess or the Frog there are some cool characters.  Jamie, the main character, wants to be cool like her best friend Isabella, who is all about being cool. Angeline is a pretty girl that Jamie does not like. Mr. Prince is the new student teacher that Jamie loves.

This book is set in a middle school. This setting works with the story because that is where all the outrageous and tragic stuff happens. My favorite part of this book is that the author really teaches a lesson at the end. This book is really entertaining all the way through!

What I like about this book is that it is a funny way to look at middle school. I loved every part of this book. I adore Jim Benton's Dear Dumb Diary series. I recommend this book to children eight and older. If you loved Diary of a Wimpy Kid you'll love Dear Dumb Diary!