Author Archives: Val

Book Review: No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Val

I read this book on the recommendation of coworkers when we were discussing books about students who rebel. This is a cross between middle grade and young adult—there are bits in there that older kids would get, but the story … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: The Charred Body by Cathy MacKenzie

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for this month to begin a story with the phrase, “As the policeman pulled back the sheet, she knew immediately that….” This week’s contribution comes from Cathy MacKenzie. Give Cathy’s new Facebook page, … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Val

I finally got around to reading this book. Being an English teacher has its downsides: when I assign independent reading projects, a lot of books are spoiled for me before I get to read them. This was one of them—many … Continue reading →

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Fantastic Friday: Losing Fifty

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Val

It’s midway through the year, late enough that the novelty of “weight loss” and “fitness” resolutions has worn off. For those of you who stuck to it—great! And keep it up! For those of you who didn’t, I’m writing this … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: Next by Val Muller

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for this month is “As the policeman pulled back the sheet she knew immediately that…” Today’s contribution comes from Val Muller, author of The Scarred Letter, a novel celebrating the strength and truth … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Val

Ceremony follows the story of Tayo, a Native American who fought against the Japanese during World War II. The horrors he witnessed in the war have left him sick and restless, and he cannot settle into regular life upon his … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: The Body in the Morgue by RC Bonitz

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for this month is “As the policeman pulled back the sheet she knew immediately that…” Today’s contribution comes from RC Bonitz, author of A BLANKET FOR HER HEART. His latest book, DANGEROUS DECISIONS, … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Return of the Mothman by Michael Knost

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Val

This book had been on my “wish list” for several years, but I finally decided to buy it for myself. I love the movie The Mothman Prophesies, (I lost the DVD when I moved!) simply because I love the mystery … Continue reading →

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Fantastic Friday: Words Pale on Memorial Day

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Val

For today’s Fantastic Friday post, I wanted to share some Memorial Day thoughts: Each year growing up, I biked several miles with my parents to watch the huge Memorial Day parade. It was a big deal, and of course to … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: The Grey Fedora

Posted on May 22, 2015 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for this month is to write a story including the words bird, roof, egg, war, hay. This week’s contribution comes from Cathy MacKenzie. Give Cathy’s new Facebook page, “Granny MacKenzie’s Children’s Books,” a … Continue reading →

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