So . . . how was blogging today, book clubbers?

It was so much fun watching all of you figure out how to log on to your blog, and then wondering exactly what you were going to write. I can tell some of you have done this before, and some of you haven't. That's okay -- we'll all learn together! You can coach each other, too! Computer lab times are great for this, or at home on the internet (with your parents' permission). And remember, I offered any time you have free time during the day, you may come to the library and blog on one of the laptops (provided they aren't checked out by a class!). Just make sure that you've finished your classwork and checked with your teacher first. That might be great incentive!!!

So . . . the book. What do ya'll think about the chapters we've read so far? I think this book gives us a whole new perspective on the Underground Railroad. It shows us the fear experienced by the people who sheltered travellers. Also, I think it's interesting that Kansas, a free-soil state, also experienced its share of troubles where slavery was concerned. Chapter 16 was heartbreaking, when Solomon, the free black man, had to leave with the cruel slave catcher. I felt a lot of frustration toward the Quakers for not physically intervening at that point at such an outright injustice. It made me wonder if the slave catcher knew he could get away with the kidnapping because he knew about Quakers' nonviolent approach to life. It makes me wonder if Quakers were often taken advantage of in this same way. . .

Welcome, Thompson Book Club Bloggers!

How cool!  We are blogging about our latest book, Steal Away Home, by Lois Ruby.  It's a story about a curious 12 year old girl, Dana Shannon, who just moved into a home that has a very interesting past.  The home is 135 years old, and when her mother and Dana are renovating it, they happen upon a skeleton!  This story is sure to be exciting, as one chapter is in the here and now, and the next is in the past (1860s) and involves the Underground Railroad.  We are pumped about reading this book!  But we are really excited about being able to blog our thoughts on this new book in our series of readings this year!  

Let the blogging begin!