Background
Mr. Figley was born in Joplin, Montana, United States, on July 28, 1948. She was a daughter of Bob (a cable television entrepreneur) and Doris (a cable television entrepreneur; maiden name, Priest) Rhodes.
(It's Christmas Eve and Santa is busy getting gussied up f...)
It's Christmas Eve and Santa is busy getting gussied up for the big night. But when he goes to put on his warm, cozy (holey, ragged) Christmas underwear, they're nowhere to be found! With undies for every occasion, he tries on the rest of his collection. But nothing is quite right. Just when he's about to give up he find a surprise from his considerate team of reindeer. Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1585369543/?tag=2022091-20
(When nine-year-old Sarah and her little sister, Annie, se...)
When nine-year-old Sarah and her little sister, Annie, set out on their way to school on January 12, 1888, they have no idea what their day will hold. The weather's so warm they go outside to play. Suddenly, the wind turns cold and begins to roar--it's a blizzard! The wind is so strong it rips the school's roof off. What will they do? The freezing snow is already up to their knees and without a roof they'll freeze. Their teacher, Miss Freeman, ties them all together with a long rope and they head out into the blinding storm. Will they make it to safety in time?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1575056194/?tag=2022091-20
(Captured at sea . . . a young man must choose between his...)
Captured at sea . . . a young man must choose between his country and his freedom. The Atlantic Ocean, 1781. James Forten is a free African American sailor on an American ship, the Royal Louis, during the Revolutionary War. After his ship is captured by the British, he becomes a prisoner on the Amphion. James worries that he will be sold as a slave. Will James ever see his home again?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761370757/?tag=2022091-20
(James Forten knew how important freedom was. He was a fre...)
James Forten knew how important freedom was. He was a free African American born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When the American Revolution started in 1776, James was too young to help fight for freedom from British rule. But in 1781, at age fifteen, he took a job on the Royal Louis, an American ship. A British warship soon captured the Royal Louis. James was taken prisoner. The British often sold African American prisoners into slavery. What would happen to James? Would he ever see his family again?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0822590220/?tag=2022091-20
(Eleven-year-old Johnny Mickley longed to be a hero and ha...)
Eleven-year-old Johnny Mickley longed to be a hero and have some part in helping America gain its independence. The British Army was just miles away from colonial Philadelphia, planning to invade the city and melt down all of its famous bells for cannons. The colonists were worried, they had to save the bells, especially Old Independence, now called the Liberty Bell. They finally came up with a plan - and Johnny got to help! But would it be enough to keep the bells safe?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1575056968/?tag=2022091-20
(Long before canine YouTube stars, Missouri laid claim to ...)
Long before canine YouTube stars, Missouri laid claim to the Smartest Dog in the World: Jim the Wonder Dog, a Depression Era hunting dog that many believed was either a genius or possessed of clairvoyant skills. Evidence existed for both claims: Jim predicted seven Kentucky Derby winners and the winners of the 1936 World Series and presidential race, but the setter could also take direction in foreign languages (Italian, French, German, Spanish), shorthand, and Morse Code and recognized both colors and musical instruments. This is the true story of the dog that became known as Missouri's Wonder Dog.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937054411/?tag=2022091-20
(When Emily Dickinson was given a puppy by her father, the...)
When Emily Dickinson was given a puppy by her father, the two were instant best friends. She named him Carlo, after a dog in one of her favorite books, and she delighted in the growing dog’s antics. Carlo, a Newfoundland (and possibly part Saint Bernard), grew to a rather large size and was full of energy. He loved his adventures with Emily. They were an odd pair—a tiny woman and a large, galumphing dog. But they were devoted to one another. Carlo gave Emily confidence to wander and explore the woods and hills near her home, and he listened to her stories and poems. This touching story—delightfully illustrated by Catherine Stock—gives a new insight into the life of the famed reclusive poet of Amherst, Massachusetts. Learning of her close friendship and love for Carlo sheds a new light on the thoughts and feelings of a woman believed to be lonely. Carlo is present in much of her poetry, and readers learn of a woman of charm and wit who loved her constant companion.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580892744/?tag=2022091-20
("In mid-May 1775, the American Revolution was barely a mo...)
"In mid-May 1775, the American Revolution was barely a month old. Many British soldiers were in Boston, Massachusetts. The American troops were nearby. The next battle could break out at any moment. Fifteen-year-old John Greenwood's parents lived in Boston. But John lived with his uncle 150 miles away. When the war started, he decided to go back to Boston to check on his family. But when he arrived, the British soldiers wouldn't let anyone into the city. Instead John joined the American army and soon found himself at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Did John have the courage to make it through the battle? Could the Americans beat the powerful British? In the back of this book, you'll find a script and instructions for putting on a reader's theater performance of this adventure.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580136737/?tag=2022091-20
(In 1811, nine-year-old Marie is sad to learn that her fam...)
In 1811, nine-year-old Marie is sad to learn that her family will be moving from New Madrid to St. Louis, Missouri, but when terrible earthquakes destroy her town, everything changes.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761339396/?tag=2022091-20
(Relates the experience of Paul Jennings, a slave who belo...)
Relates the experience of Paul Jennings, a slave who belonged to President Madison, as he stayed by the side of Dolley Madison as British soldiers marched toward Washington, D.C.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1575058758/?tag=2022091-20
(Eleven-year-old Clara Morgan traveled the Oregon Trail wi...)
Eleven-year-old Clara Morgan traveled the Oregon Trail with her family. While her mother cared for the baby, Clara struggled with the cooking. Finally, she made her first batch of perfect biscuits. But she gave them up to a hungry American Indian who stopped by. Little did she know they would meet again. Would her family’s act of kindness help them farther down the trail? In the back of this book, you’ll find a script and instructions for putting on a reader’s theater performance of this adventure. At our companion website—www.lerneresource.com—you can download additional copies of the script plus sound effects, background images, and more ideas that will help make your reader’s theater performance a success.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009DMMC9S/?tag=2022091-20
(Nebraska, 1888. Sisters Sarah and Annie arrive at school ...)
Nebraska, 1888. Sisters Sarah and Annie arrive at school on an unusually warm January day. When the worst blizzard in memory descends without warning, their teacher must make a decision. Should they stay in the schoolhouse after the roof caves in, or should they brave the storm in search of safety?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009CFVHNS/?tag=2022091-20
(Lydia loves everything that is purple, but she also loves...)
Lydia loves everything that is purple, but she also loves God, and when she meets Paul and Silas she learns that there is something more important than her beautiful house full of purple things
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080285141X/?tag=2022091-20
("In March 1865, the Civil War between the North and South...)
"In March 1865, the Civil War between the North and South and had been going on for four years. The armies of the North were fighting their way to Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederate states. Many people thought that if the northern troops captured Richmond, the war would be over. Fifteen-year-old Willie Kettles worked as a telegraph operator in the War Department building in Washington. President Abraham Lincoln stopped by the telegraph office daily to get the latest reports from the battlefields. Would good news from Richmond ever arrive? Will Willie be ready to take the message? In the back of this book, you'll find a script and instructions for putting on a reader's theater performance of this adventure.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580136710/?tag=2022091-20
(A retelling of the Biblical flood story focusing on Noah'...)
A retelling of the Biblical flood story focusing on Noah's wife and how preparations for the flood disrupted her life, but how she accepted these disruptions in trust and faith
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802851339/?tag=2022091-20
Mr. Figley was born in Joplin, Montana, United States, on July 28, 1948. She was a daughter of Bob (a cable television entrepreneur) and Doris (a cable television entrepreneur; maiden name, Priest) Rhodes.
She attended George Washington University. Marty Figley received hospital training in radiologic and nuclear medicine in 1970-1973.
In 1970 Mrs. Figley registered radiologic and nuclear medicine technologist. She worked as a writer since 1990.
(Long before canine YouTube stars, Missouri laid claim to ...)
(Lydia loves everything that is purple, but she also loves...)
(Relates the experience of Paul Jennings, a slave who belo...)
(A retelling of the Biblical flood story focusing on Noah'...)
(When nine-year-old Sarah and her little sister, Annie, se...)
(Eleven-year-old Johnny Mickley longed to be a hero and ha...)
(Zaccheus, disliked because he is a tax collector, is dete...)
(A retelling of the story of two very different sisters an...)
(In 1811, nine-year-old Marie is sad to learn that her fam...)
("In March 1865, the Civil War between the North and South...)
(When Emily Dickinson was given a puppy by her father, the...)
(It's Christmas Eve and Santa is busy getting gussied up f...)
(Eleven-year-old Clara Morgan traveled the Oregon Trail wi...)
("In mid-May 1775, the American Revolution was barely a mo...)
(James Forten knew how important freedom was. He was a fre...)
(Captured at sea . . . a young man must choose between his...)
(Nebraska, 1888. Sisters Sarah and Annie arrive at school ...)
Quotations:
Marty Rhodes Figley commented: "As a child I had a hard time trying to decide what I wanted to do when I grew up. Half of me wanted to be Florence Nightingale, ‘angel of mercy’ to the sick. The other half fantasized about being Superman’s girlfriend, Lois Lane—ace newspaper reporter for The Daily Planet. I wanted to help people, but I also loved writing stories (preferably about a girl and her horse, with an always happy ending)."
"It turned out that I was able to be both halves. For many years I took X-rays of sick people. 1 enjoyed that because I knew I was doing an important job. But I still had my Lois Lane fantasy and the urge to create with words. It was like an itch that couldn’t be scratched. When my children were growing up I tried making dolls, quilting, painting with acrylics, and even taking photographs. But the itch was still there. Only when I started writing for children did I find my creative home."
"Humor is an important component in my life. There was always lots of it around the house when I was growing up. I’m convinced that a sense of humor can take you through most of life’s difficulties. It certainly makes you a more appealing person. There’s nothing more boring than someone who takes himself too seriously. I enjoy using humor as a vehicle in my writing. If I can make my reader smile and say, ‘I know just what she means,’ then my writing is worthwhile. I’m looking forward to many more happy, and hopefully, humor-filled years in front of my computer. I have more stories to tell. That itch just won’t go away."
Marty Figley married Paul Figley (an attorney) on January 23, 1971. They have two children: Ben, Meg.