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Notes from Castle Hill

The Truth Seekers Blog

Stella writes about life as a new kid, a twin, and a reluctant ice cream decider. R.R. Anders writes for the grown-ups.

Stella's Blog is written in the voice of Stella Martin, the narrator of The Truth Seekers.

Stella sitting up in bed in lamplight at night, writing in a journal with her blanket pulled around her
Stella's Blog

How to Keep a Dream Journal (From a Girl Who Has Very Weird Dreams)

Stella Martin's step-by-step guide to keeping a dream journal: where to keep it, what to write first, and why journals always get the whole truth.

Stella Martin ·
Two sisters sharing giant ice cream sundaes in a sunny booth by the window of an old-fashioned ice cream shop
For Parents

Book Club Discussion Questions for Middle Grade Readers (Works for Any Book)

40 book club discussion questions for kids 8 to 13 that work with any middle grade novel, plus tips for running a kids' book club at home or school.

R.R. Anders ·
Two curly-haired twin sisters with bandanas over their faces exploring a dusty attic full of stacked boxes in golden light
Stella's Blog

Things You Find in Old Attics (and One Thing I Can't Tell You About)

Stella and Rylee explore their dusty attic in Maine: creepy dolls, fifty-year-old dresses, a velvet jewelry box, and tips for your own attic adventure.

Stella Martin ·
Mr. Wigglesworth, a kind white-haired teacher with wire spectacles, standing in front of a classroom wall of maps
For Parents

Talking to Kids About Honesty: 25 Conversation Starters, Quotes and Books

Simple conversation starters about honesty for kids 8 to 13, plus honesty quotes, books about honesty, and easy activities for home or the classroom.

R.R. Anders ·
Rylee Martin, a curly-haired girl in a thrift-store button-up shirt, holding a tabbed folder and smiling
Stella's Blog

Twin Rules: Everything I Know About Being Half of a Matched Set

Stella Martin on life as an identical twin: the front-seat wars, why Rylee always knows where to be, and how sisters who fight like weather always make up.

Stella Martin ·
Two twin sisters walking toward a brick middle school with their backpacks, ready for a new adventure
Book Lovers

Books Like Fablehaven, Keeper of the Lost Cities and The Mysterious Benedict Society

Finished a favorite series and need the next one? Read-alike picks for fans of Fablehaven, Keeper of the Lost Cities, Benedict Society and Land of Stories.

R.R. Anders ·
Mrs. P, a smiling shop owner with silver hair in a bun and reading glasses on a beaded chain, behind an ice cream counter
Stella's Blog

The Ice Cream Flavor Problem (A Confession from Behind the Counter)

Stella works at an ice cream shop and still can't pick a flavor. Her best tricks for making up your mind, from the coin flip to Mrs. P's sample rule.

Stella Martin ·
Twin sisters sitting on an attic floor with an old book open between them, lit by a warm glow
Book Lovers

Clean Middle Grade Fantasy Books: 14 Series Families Can Trust

A parent-friendly list of clean middle grade fantasy books and series for ages 8 to 13, with what each one is about and who it's best for.

R.R. Anders ·
Stella Martin with curly hair clipped halfway up, flare jeans and black boots, standing in front of a brick middle school
Stella's Blog

How to Survive Your Fourth New School (A Guide by a Professional New Kid)

Stella Martin has been the new kid four times. Here are her official rules for surviving a first day, from the outfit to the front office.

Stella Martin ·

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