Chloe Moretz and the Hugo Movie

Have you read the amazing book by Brian Selznick, The Invention of Hugo Cabret? If not, you totally should especially since the movie version (Hugo, rated PG) is out now. It is the story of a wily and resourceful boy named Hugo whose quest to unlock a secret automaton leads him on a wild adventure. For more about the movie, also check out the Hugo Movie Companion book also by Brian Selznick.

Chloe Moretz plays Isabelle, Hugo's partner in crime in his adventure. You may recognize her from The Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie. Here she is to answer some of our questions. . . .

Kid Power! Toys for Tots Holiday Giving

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

The holidays are coming! Aside from staying warm and spending time with your family, it is a time to get and give gifts! But there are many children whose parents can't afford to buy them gifts this year. If you have a little extra money, you can help make it a happy holiday season for a child in need by donating to Toys for Tots.

• What
  Toys for Tots is a program sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to deliver presents to needy children.
• How
  Buy any gift from this Toys for Tots Holiday Wish List and drop it off (unwrapped) at a Toys for Tots collection box.
• Where
  There are collection boxes at every Toys R Us and Babies R Us store, but there may be collection boxes at other places in your community, too.
• When
  Before December 6

If you don't have any money to buy something yourself, ask your parents to buy the gift and give you 1 less gift this year. It is a small sacrifice on your part that will make a huge difference to a needy child. When you are opening all your presents, you can think about the other person who is also having a happy holiday because of you!

Listen to your heart for creative ideas to help others, and remember that a little act of kindness goes a long way. Happy Holidays!

— Glory, Scholastic Intern (a.k.a. CupcakeChateau4)

Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby

What it must be like to be the daughter of a king. It must be wonderful to live the life of a pampered princess, to wear a jeweled crown, live in a grand castle, and have anything your heart desires.

However, Solveig is not your average princess. The main character of Matthew J. Kirby’s latest book, Icefall, Solveig is forced to spend her winter hiding from her father’s enemies, far from home on a frozen fjord. Solveig is joined by her younger brother Harald, the heir to her father’s throne, and her older sister Asa, who spends most of her days locked in her room, as they wait out the winter with little supplies and little hope.

Authors Trivia Quiz

Famous authors live the most interesting lives. When they aren't writing award-winning novels, they become involved in the most exciting adventures and have such interesting stories to tell. Sometimes these personal adventures even make appearances in the authors' books! For today's Trivia Tuesday, I bring you a quiz about the lives of my favorite authors.

1. What character was J.K. Rowling asked to play in the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone movie?
   A) Molly Weasley
   B) Minerva McGonagall
   C) Lily Potter
2. Percy Jackson author, Rick Riordan, once went to college to study what musical instrument?
   A) Tuba
   B) Guitar
   C) Violin
3. What special day was Meg Cabot married on?
   A) April Fools Day
   B) St. Patrick's Day
   C) Fourth of July
4. How many books did Gordan Korman have published before he graduated high school?
   A) 3
   B) 4
   C) 5
5. Dav Pilkey chose to set the Captain Underpants series in Piqua, Ohio because this town hosts what event each year?
   A) Underwear Festival
   B) Toilet Bowl Appreciation Day
   C) Comic Book Writing Day
6. R.L. Stine says he began writing at what age?
   A) 7
   B) 9
   C) 11
7. What type of make-up does Baby-sitters Club author, Ann M. Martin, hate to wear because it feels weird and smells funny?
   A) Eye shadow
   B) Lipstick
   C) Blush
8. Before she wrote The Hunger Games (for ages 12 and up), Suzanne Collins wrote scripts for
   A) Movies
   B) Plays
   C) Television

Post your answers in the Comments below and check back next Tuesday for the answers!

— Brian, STACKS Writer (a.k.a. BlackBird268)

Thanksgiving Word Jumble Answers

Last Tuesday, I brought you a Thanksgiving Word Jumble. Now that the parades are over and your stomachs are all full with turkey and too many desserts to count, I bring you the answers! Did you decode them all? Check the answers below to find out!

Pokemon or Percy Jackson Writing Prompt

This week's Write On! Writing Prompt presents choices. Pokemon or Percy Jackson? Both heroes, both residing in a magical world, both taking part in awesome battles . . . and of course, both starting with the letter "P." So check out this week's 2 Writing Prompts.

The first one was submitted by Corey:
What would you do if you found yourself in the Unova Region of Pokemon?

And the second one by moth821:
You are in the world of Percy Jackson. Who is your godly parent and how do you contribute to the series?

The choice is in your hands. Percy? Or Pokemon? Or dare I say both? Leave your answers in the Comments below!

—Ratha, Stacks Writer