Things 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 MoreVisiting with Ben
Ben kindly greeted me at the visitor’s center.
On book tour in Philadelphia (yes, I still love saying that), I got the chance to visit the Franklin Museum on the site where Ben Franklin’s former home and print shop stood. Fantastic museum, so well done! Since he is a major player in The Eureka Key, I feel a bond with him. Once you write about a person, it does sort of turn them into your best friend.
Franklin used this contraption to store electricity. It’s kind of like a colonial-era battery. He was fascinated by electricity and tinkered with it constantly. The kite and the key are his most famous experiment, but not the only one.
The “ghost houses” outline the space where Franklin’s home and his son-in-law’s print shop once stood. Evocative and strangely beautiful
The glass harmonium itself–invented by Franklin, it plays a key part in a pivotal scene of the novel.
Isn’t it amazing what archaeology can, er, dig up?
The 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!
A Stroll in Philadelphia
The Eureka Key
Amazing to be staying in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district. I took a little walk to stretch my legs after the plane ride, and wound up visiting Ben Franklin’s home, walking past the oldest post office in the U.S. (supervised by B. Franklin, postmaster), getting a glimpse of Mr. Franklin’s grave, and taking a quick peek at the liberty bell. My goodness! And all so relevant to The Eureka Key, in which my three young heroes have to track down the key that Franklin flew from his kite, or dire consequences will ensue.
Read MoreBoston and Buttonwoods!
Had a delicious time yesterday at the Buttonwoods Book and Toy Store. Don’t skip this place if you’re near Cohasset, MA! Great staff (children’s book buyer Bill Grace really knows his stuff!), beautifully curated collection, lovely store with cozy chairs. I was tempted to move in.
Best Conversation So Far
Book signing last night at the truly awesome Hooray for Books in Alexandria.
Ten-year-old-fan: When did you write your first book?
Me: Oh, ten…no, it was fifteen years ago.
Her: Wow. Because you can’t be, like forty…or thirty…
Me: Aw, thanks. I like you.
Her: People do.
Read MoreSarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Thomson focuses on newfound connection, magic, and suspense to conjure a fast-paced, heartwarming mystery. Thomson’s world is populated by resourceful protagonists, fanciful creatures, and quirky supporting characters.”
—Publishers Weekly