Phenomenal Woman
Heartbroken to lose her. The world is sadder, dimmer, and less beautiful without her.
Read MoreThings Ninjas Didn’t Do (That You Think They Did)
Infiltration–not an admirable activity in feudal Japan
#3) Be cool.
It’s hard to believe–I mean, what’s cooler than a ninja?– but ninjas were not respected during their time. They were, basically, the scum of the earth, about as low as actors or beggars or people who handled corpses for burial or cremation–all of whom had a hard time of it in feudal Japan.
How could somebody with the skills of a ninja be looked down upon? Well, the warrior ideal in Japan at the time was the samurai, riding boldly into battle, challenging a foe to single combat, preferring death to dishonor, etc., etc. It would have been entirely beneath a samurai’s dignity to sneak about in disguise, to knife someone in the back, to lie, to spy, or to steal. Which is why samurai and warlords hired ninjas to do these thing for them.
It would also have been shocking for a samurai to accept payment for fighting, or to serve more than one master. Both of these were things that ninjas frequently did.
So ninjas were despised in their day. But also very useful.
Read MorePuzzles, Puzzles Everywhere
No, you can’t just click this symbol. It’s a little harder than that.
Feeling a little bored? Need a challenge? Locate this symbol somewhere on my website and click on it to see if you can solve four puzzles related to The Secrets of the Seven. If you succeed, a reward beyond riches will be yours! (Well, there’s a reward. It’s kind of neat.)
Read MoreThe Big Blue Marble
The aftermath of our panel on middle grade series at The Big Blue Marble Bookstore in Philadelphia. So cool to hang out wiht the talented and funny Amy Ignatow for an afternoon in Philly!
Sarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Readers will treasure the blossoming friendship between opposites in this whimsically illustrated tale. Short chapters and plenty of action make for an accessible and appealing reading experience. . . . Touching and inspiring.”
—Kirkus Reviews