Time for a poetry challenge! The staff of The Lighthouse (TVE’s own student-led newspaper) invites one and all to take part in our first ever poetry competition! Don’t be afraid to let your creative ideas run wild and why not show them off? We look forward to reading your submissions and getting inspired by your beautiful words! You could even share your poems with your parkday friends. Here are the rules. First off, YOUR POETRY MUST COME OUT OF YOUR OWN CREATIVE MIND. No quoting Edger Allen Poe, people! Second off, NO EXPLICIT LANGUAGE OR CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS. We will not accept any foul poetry submissions. Third off, WE ACCEPT ALL TYPES OF POETRY! We don’t hold grudges against haikus or anything.
POETRY IS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE 20th OF DECEMBER.
You can SUBMIT YOUR POEM AT: thelighthousetve@gmail.com
Our staff will decide who wins in each category, then we will email everyone to congratulate them for their hard work and receive an online certificate! ALL SUBMISSIONS WILL BE POSTED IN THE LIGHTHOUSE NEWSPAPER ON THE 5th OF JANUARY. (Unless you instruct us not to.)
It’s finally December! You know what that means. Christmas is coming! I’m sure you are all ecstatic for Santa to come down your chimney and put out your presents. He is sure to admire these 5 jolly Christmas crafts when he stops by.
Paper Chain Garland
This craft is my personal favorite, and I use it every year. It is really simple and super fun. It also looks really good, because you can add all kinds of neat designs!
Every good artist has their art supplies prepared and ready to go. So, make sure you have a pencil, colored markers (if you want), and a stack of colored (or regular) paper.
All photos by Lydia M.
Now, cut each paper lengthwise into about 8 pieces, using scissors. You can use a pencil and ruler to draw straight lines before cutting your strands. I recommend making strands that are approximately 1 inch wide and 11 inches long. Then, decorate them if you want.
Next, take one strip of sticky tape and attach the top of the paper strand to the bottom, forming a circle.
Now, run a new strip of paper through the previous one, and attach the top to the bottom to create a new circle. This will create the shape of a chain, and if you want, you can even make patterns on your chain using different colored paper.
Continue this process until the chain reaches the desired length of your garland. When you’re finished, hang it up for all to see!
Paper Plate Christmas Tree
Here is another beautiful, quick and easy craft. I find it very convenient, because it looks great, it’s simple and can be hung from the ceiling.
You will need string (for hanging the finished project up), scissors, colored pencils, markers, paints, stickers, or other decorating tools.
Now, you can begin by drawing a spiral on the back of the paper plate using a decorating tool, such as a marker, pen, pencil, or paint. Then, draw or paint some patterns along the spiral line. This makes your paper plate Christmas tree really pop.
After that, cut along the spiral line, so that the paper plate looks like a swirly Christmas tree when you hold it by the top. Make a tiny hole on the tip, so that you are able to run a string through, and tie a knot underneath.
Tape it to the ceiling. Now, you have a fabulous decoration for the holidays!
Bead Candy Cane Ornament
This is a very fun, simple craft that you can hang on your Christmas tree. DIY ornaments show lots of creativity, and are distinct.
You will need a pipe cleaner and plastic jewelry beads.
Twist the bottom of the pipe cleaner, so that the beads cannot fall off. Next, slide the beads onto the pipe cleaner. I recommend making patterns. While you are sliding the beads on, make sure you have room to twist the top of the pipe cleaner, to make sure that the beads will not fall off.
Then, curve your candy cane ornament into a candy cane shape. Now, your ornament is ready! Hang it up on your Christmas tree, and if you want to, make some more!
Countdown Till Christmas
This craft is like creating your own advent calendar. It is super cool, and you can hang it up in your room and change it every morning.
First, you need a paper plate, scissors, glue (or tape), paper and markers, paint, pens, pencils or other decorating tools.
Cut a square in the middle of the paper plate that is about an inch long, and an inch wide. On the back of the plate (inside), glue or tape a thin strip of paper to the back of the square.
Next, cut out a piece of paper that is 11 inches long, and 1 inch wide. On one side, write numbers 1 through 12 with your decorating tools from top to bottom, and 13 through 24 on the other side. Then, decorate your paper plate on the outside. When you are done, flip the plate over to the back, and weave the paper with numbers through the strip attached to the plate.
When you flip the plate over, there should be a number in the square. Starting on December 1st, move the paper by one number each day. Start at 1, then 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on. When you get to 12, flip the strip of paper to continue. Congrats! You have made your own advent calendar.
Paper Snowflake
Paper snowflakes are stunning, and you can decorate your house with lots of them. They are easy to make, and the items you need are very easy to come by.
First, you need to grab paper, a pencil, and scissors.
Make sure your paper is in a portrait format (or longways), and fold the top, right corner down, along the left edge of the paper.
Then, cut the paper under the triangle off. Unfold the triangle, and now you have a perfect square. Fold the bottom edge up to the top edge, and then the right edge to the left edge. You should now have a smaller square.
Draw a design on the square, but remember that the bottom right corner will be the middle of your snowflake. You are welcome to use my design or come up with your own. No two snowflakes in nature are alike, after all.
Then, cut along the design you drew, and unfold. Check out your wonderful paper snowflake!
I really hope you enjoyed making these 5 jolly Christmas crafts. Santa will be very impressed!
Deepavali (or Diwali) is the Hindu festival of lights. It is celebrated on the new moon that occurs between mid-October to mid-November, according to the Lunar Calendar. The word Deepavali is a combination of two Sanskrit words — Deepa, meaning lamp, and Avali, meaning rows or series. Therefore, Deepavali means rows of lamps.
In Southern India, Deepavali celebrates the defeat of the demon Naraka at the hands of Krishna, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. In Northern India, it celebrates the victorious return of Prince Rama, another incarnation of Vishnu, having defeated the demon Ravana. The demons represent the vices in human nature.
Deepavali symbolizes light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. Families wake up as early as 4:00 AM and apply an herbal medicinal oil before bathing as a cleansing ritual. Hindus celebrate this bright and joyous festival by lighting oil lamps, cooking traditional sweet and savory treats, and, more recently, lighting sparklers or firecrackers.
This is a universal prayer in Sanskrit on the occasion of Deepavali
असतो मा सद्गमय |
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय |
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय |
ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्ति | |
Asatho ma sadgamaya,
Thamaso ma jyothirgamaya,
Mrithyorma amritham gamaya,
Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi.
Lead us from untruth to truth,
From darkness to light,
From death to immortality
Peace, Peace, Peace.
Here is a healthy, sweet recipe to celebrate with — Carrot Payasam
Ingredients:
4 large carrots
2 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup water or reserved cooking liquid
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cardamom
4 whole cloves
saffron for garnish (optional)
Peel and cut carrots into two-inch pieces. Steam until thoroughly soft. If cooking on a stovetop, reserve cooking liquid for later use.
Combine the carrots, liquids, sugar, cardamom, and cloves in a blender and blend until smooth.
Adjust liquids for preferred consistency and sweetness for preferred taste.
Keeper of the Lost Cities is an exciting fantasy series by author Shannon Messenger. Book one is suitable for ages 10+.
Sophie Foster is a Telepath, and she has been keeping it a secret for years. One day while wandering in a museum in San Diego, Sophie meets a mysterious boy named Fitz. He reveals to her the reason she can read minds. She is an elf. He then tells her that she must leave behind her human family and move to where the elves live — the Lost Cities.
Soon after she arrives at the Lost Cities, Sophie begins to attend an Elvin school called Foxfire. There she develops her telepathic abilities and other skills under the guidance of her mentors.
But, amongst her memories are secrets about herself and why she was born within the human world. Secrets that even she does not know or remember. And the secrets contain information that some people would do anything to acquire.
As Sophie’s control over her ability grows, she makes new friends who each possess an ability of their own, discovers who her foes are, and learns more about her new home and where she truly and finally belongs.
photo by Lac de Feuilles
Keeper of the Lost Cities is complete with memorable characters, complex strategies, and lots of humor! The story continues in the following seven books: Exile, Everblaze, Neverseen, Lodestar, Nightfall, Flashback, and Legacy. These should be available at your local library or bookstore.
This series also includes Book 8.5, titled Unlocked. It offers different perspectives, character profiles, quizzes, themed recipes, and more!
Stellarlune, the long-anticipated ninth book, is expected to be released on November 8th, 2022.
To follow the release of the book or to read about the author, please visit
Mount Madonna School in Watsonville, California, will be performing their 43rd production of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, on stage this year. It will be held from June 9th to 12th at the Mexican Heritage Theater in San Jose, California. Tickets are now on sale at www.MountMadonnaSchool.org
Photo courtesy Meru S.
The Ramayana play has been running annually since 1974. It is performed by a cast of 175 students ranging from preschool to 12th grade. Due to the lockdown in 2020, they were unable to perform that year, but in 2021, they created Ramayana! – the Movie, so people could watch it from home and stay safe.
The production of this timeless tale is complete with live music and songs, dazzling costumes, and impressive props, most of which are put together by the teachers and parent volunteers. The humor, the acrobatic moves, the stunning lighting, and theatrical effects add to an enjoyable experience.
The Ramayana is the story of Prince Rama and his wife, Sita. Rama was born to the eldest queen of King Dasharata, the ruler of the kingdom of Kosala. When Rama reaches the age of sixteen, Sage Vishwamitra asks the king to let Rama come with him to the forest to help protect the sages from the demons who were disturbing their penances. Vishwamitra mentors Rama during their time in the forest. After Rama accomplishes the tasks, Vishwamitra takes Rama to the kingdom of Mithila where the ruler, King Janaka, has arranged that whoever could string the powerful and heavy celestial bow of Shiva, would be the one to marry his daughter, Sita. Rama succeeds in doing this and weds Sita. When the time comes for Rama to be king, Dasharata’s youngest queen commands Rama to live in the forest for fourteen years, as she wants her son to be the king. King Dasharata can not bear to be separated from his dearest son but has no other choice. Rama obeys the order and departs for the forest with his youngest brother Lakshmana and Sita.
Thirteen years in exile pass peacefully. In the fourteenth year, the king of the demons abducts Sita. Rama is grief-stricken. He sets out with Lakshmana to rescue her. They find help from the king of the monkeys and his minister, Hanuman, who becomes a loyal servant of Rama.
Will Rama be re-united with Sita? Discover the adventures of Hanuman on his search for Sita, meet the characters of Jatayu and Sampati the vultures, Jambavan the bear, Maricha the sorcerer, and much more in Mount Madonna School’s musical production, Ramayana!
Book One: First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts
Photo by Ananda S.
When eleven-year-old Helen Strang finds a wounded centaur named Yann in her yard, her life is changed. After treating the bite on Yann’s leg and discovering that fabled beasts are not mythical, she finds herself surrounded by many of their kind. She learns that Yann and his friends Rona, a selkie, and Lavender, a flower fairy, have committed a foolish act.
They have lost The Book, an ancient tome written by a fairy and wizard who have collected answers to every question that ever existed.
Yann, Rona, and Lavender need to find The Book before the yearly event at which the fabled beasts gather and ask The Book their questions. The festival is only daysaway.
The Book, frightened when the three fabled beasts had tried to use it out of curiosity, has taken flight. However, it has left some clues. Also, the Master of the Maze, an evil minotaur who is feared by many of the fabled beasts, wants it for himself.
Can Helen help her newly made friends find The Book in time? Follow her in her adventures in the world of fabled beasts.
The first book of the Fabled Beasts Chronicles will introduce you to different types of fabled beings as Helen learns more about them.
****
Book Two: Wolf Notes and Other Musical Mishaps
Photo by Ananda S.
Helen is finally doing what she has always wanted – to be at the summer school for music! But, during her first night there, Yann and a mysterious wolf-girl arrive at the school. Yann appears anxious for Helen to leave right away. He tells her that the school and the surrounding forest is dangerous for the students, but Helen flatly refuses to go back home; she has waited a long time to be here.
Helen falls into yet another adventure when James, a young boy, is taken by the faeries, the glamorous and music-loving people, who cannot bear to touch iron. She and her friends must rescue James before the faeries feed him faery food, for then if he later consumed human food, he would crumble to dust. The faery queen, though, will not return James unless He in len brings her the Fairy Flag, a flag with powers that the queen thinks will bring the rest of the faeries back to the forest. If Helen fails to do this, she will forever have to play her fiddle for the faeries’ never-ending parties.
Along with her friends, including a faery boy named Lee, who is trying to convince the others that he is trustworthy, Helen must find the place where the flag is hidden and take it back to the faery queen.
How does this all come together? Find out in the second book in the series. It is filled with failures and triumphs and will take you through a little faery history mixed in with a touch of Scottish legends.
****
Book Three: Storm Singing and Other Tangled Tasks
Photo by Ananda S.
Helen has been invited by her friend Rona to watch the fabled beasts’ competition to select the next Sea Herald.
First, Rona as one of the selkie participants must qualify by winning the storm singing contest. Then, she must try to win the three tasks of the competition. The rest of the competitors are good too. Can Rona beat them all?
But someone is trying to destroy the event and purposely cause Rona to fail. Helen, Yann, Rona, Lavender, and Catesby the phoenix attempt to discover the person responsible for doing this.
They must also prevent a disastrous storm from occurring by intervening and stopping the ocean powers from going to war against one another.
The third book in the Fabled Beast series shows the abilities and weaknesses of various fabled beasts including blue loons, mermaids, mermen, and more.
****
Book Four: Maze Running and Other Magical Missions
Photo by Ananda S.
Helen and her friends succeed in rescuing a unicorn colt from being used in the ceremony of the evil Master of the Maze, but the Master traps them in the forest and uses magic to place rocks on the tree branches above them. He demands that they join his side and threatens to let the rocks fall on them.
During the encounter with the Master, Yann has a near-fatal injury. His centaur family summons three healers who ask for at least one of these four tokens – the water from the footprint of a king, the scabbard of King Arthur, the gems from the paired cliffs, and a flower washed by seven waterfalls at dawn.
Helen and her friends set off in pairs to find all the tokens. But they know that the Master of the Maze is waiting for them to complete the task so that he can take the tokens and use them for himself.
Can the friends find the tokens and possibly defeat the Master too? The fourth and final installment of the Fabled Beast Chronicles will envelop you with its suspense.
It is a series that you will never tire of reading.
It is Friday evening, and your family is gathered on the couch ready to watch a movie. Nobody agrees on what to see. Mom wants a romance, Dad is looking for an action flick and your baby sibling is asking for Cocomelon. Does that sound familiar? Well, you’re in luck! Here is a list of 12 amazing movies that everyone in your family is guaranteed to love.
1.Shrek
Photo by The Ridgefield Playhouse
Shrek is a very popular movie that many people enjoy for its comedy, adventure, and most importantly, well-known songs. There is even a second and third Shrek!
Shrek is about an ogre who lives in a land of fairytale creatures that most of us are familiar with from famous books and classic stories. This grouch’s home is a little cottage located at what he calls “his” swamp. Suddenly, his peace is disturbed by the fairytale creatures who appear at his house, after being banned from the kingdom by the evil king. Shrek cuts a deal with the king. He goes on the adventure with a very talkative donkey in order to rescue Princess Fiona, who’s trapped in a tower guarded by a dragon, to get the annoying creatures off his property.
You can find this humorous film on Roku, Netflix, Apple TV, Vudu Movie & TV Store, VUDU, Prime Video and Redbox.
2. The Ice Age
Photo by OTTplay
Ice age is the most humorous of all the funny cartoons. It is very popular too! It is a comedy (of course), adventure and fantasy. There are a few other Ice Age films following this one.
The Ice Age takes place 20,000 years ago, naturally, during intense climate changes. It is about a wooly mammoth, sloth and saber-toothed tiger who become unlikely friends. They find a lost child, and have to return him back to his eskimo family.
You can watch this great film on Disney+, Youtube TV (rent or buy) and Prime Video (rent or buy).
3. Despicable Me
Photo by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Despicable Me has always been a favorite, and it has been loved by many others, since it first came out. Its amazing comedy, crime fiction, adventure and fun characters are super cool to see. This movie was so popular that a Despicable Me 2 came out, and then a Despicable Me 3!
It is about a man named Gru, who is not a very kind person, but deep inside, he turns out to be a great guy. He lives with many of his friends who help him with his bad deeds, and he adopts 3 little girls to help fulfill a secret plan.
This must-watch movie is available on Netflix, Youtube, Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV and Google Play Movies.
4. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Photo by Prime Video
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is an absolutely hilarious movie combining comedy, fantasy, and science-fiction. They even made a film called Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.
You’ll be laughing your pants off when you see how Cloudy, a man who tries to make inventions that work, but keeps failing, makes a machine that everybody loves. But, will his machine cause any problems for the small society he lives in?
You can find this film on Netflix, Prime Video, VUDU, Vudu Movie & TV Store, Redbox. or Apple TV.
5. Monsters inc.
Photo by Disney Movies
Monsters inc. is a movie loved by all (especially when it first came out). This buddy comedy and fantasy film is a great movie that you will simply adore. It is followed by a sequel called Monsters University.
Monsters, inc is about a monster named Sully and his companion named Mike. At work, they face an odd surprise.
You can find this laugh on Disney Plus, ROW8, Prime Video, Vudu Movie & TV Store, Apple TV, Redbox or VUDU.
6. Rio
Photo by 20th Century Fox
Rio is a hilarious movie that takes place in, well, Rio. It is a comedy, musical and adventure film.
Rio is about a bird named Blue who fell out of a truck filled with other birds captured at their home in Rio. He was found on the street as a baby by a young girl who raised him. He never learned to fly. She later found out that he was the last of his breed.
This fun watch is available on Hulu, Prime Video (rent or buy), and Youtube TV.
7. Boss Baby
Photo by atomtickets
Boss Baby is a very cute movie about a baby. It is a friendly comedy, adventure and fantasy film.
Boss Baby is about a baby who is delivered to his new family by taxi, after leaving Baby Corp. (a really cool organization that sends babies to their new family) wearing a suit with a briefcase. Tim, the Boss Baby’s new big brother, finds out that his new baby brother is actually a spy on a secret mission including an epic battle between puppies and babies.
You can watch this film on Hulu, Vudu, Youtube TV or Prime Video (rent or buy).
8. Turning Red
Photo by Rate Your Music
Turning Red is a brand new movie that just came out. It is rapidly becoming more popular, and it takes place in 2012. This film combines many genres, including comedy, animation, fantasy, family and coming-of-age story.
It is about a 13 year old, chinese-american girl named Meilin (Mei) Lee. She lives in Canada with her mom, Ming Lee, and dad, Jin Lee. She turns into a red panda when overcome by emotion. Her three best friends help her calm down.
This crazy movie is available on Disney+.
9.Rise of the Guardians
Photo by CivicEgage
Rise of the Guardians is an amazing movie that includes all of your favorite magical people like Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny.
This film is about how Jack Frost goes on a big adventure to become a person more known in the world, so that more people believe in him, but he faces a challenging foe.
This great watch is available on Netflix.
10. Puss in Boots
Photo by Best Buy
Puss in Boots is a really great movie that became an instant hit. It is a major comedy, action, adventure and fantasy film. You saw him in Shrek, and now he got his own movie!
Puss is a cat who was adopted and he saved people in his town as a child. Or, at least, that is what everyone thinks. The hero is actually his friend Humpty Dumpty. Recognize the name? He ends up in jail, because Puss didn’t help his friend who was stuck, while they were robbing the town bank, and Humpty got caught. Follow Puss on a path to becoming a hero instead of a thief!
You can find this adventurous cat on Netflix or HBO Max.
11. Home
Photo by Movies Anywhere
Home is a great movie that is enjoyed by all. It is a sci-fi, comedy, adventure and fantasy film.
Home is about an alien (Boov), named Oh, who travels with all of his other Boov “friends” to get away from the so-called bad guy, Commander Gorg.
You can find this laugh on Netflix and Prime Video (rent or buy).
12. The Bee Movie
Photo by YIFY Subtitles
The Bee Movie is an amazing movie that people of all ages will find worthy to watch. It is a comedy and adventure film.
The Bee Movie is about, well, bees! What is it like living in a hive with hundreds of your family members? Go on an adventure with Barry, the bee, who lives in the hive, to find out what lies outside. This wonderful watch is available on Netflix, Vudu Movie & TV Store, Prime Video, Redbox., VUDU or Apple TV.
Summer break is just around the corner, and the perfect way to celebrate is by watching a fun family movie. Here are four movies (in no particular order) that I enjoyed watching with my family. Maybe you will like them too!
image courtesy of IMDb
1. The Mitchells vs. the Machines
This is a truly unique and fun family movie. The story follows aspiring filmmaker Katie Mitchell as she and her family go on a “family bonding” cross-country road trip. But their plans are interrupted when robots take over the world! Katie and her family must embrace their weirdness and get along to save the world.
This movie was hilarious and creative! Its unique style of animation like that of Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse made it a visually cool movie as well. The Mitchells vs. the Machines is rated PG.
image courtesy of IMDb
2. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
This was another unexpectedly great movie. The movie is about Lars Ericksson, whose lifelong dream is to win the Eurovision song contest for Iceland. He and his best (and only) friend Sirgrit, through a series of accidents, qualify to compete.
This movie is full of music, hilarious mishaps, and colorful settings that make it thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is rated PG-13.
image courtesy of IMDb
3. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Walter Mitty develops negatives for Life magazine and has a habit of getting lost in fantastical daydreams where he goes on epic adventures, unlike his real life. With the closing of the magazine, Walter is given the perfect picture for the cover. The only problem is, the negative is missing! Walter must go on an epic quest to retrieve the negative before it’s too late.
I absolutely loved this movie! It reminded me a little of Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga in the way that it’s a bit of a hidden gem. This movie was both inspiring and funny, which I think is a good combo. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is rated PG.
image courtesy of IMDb
4. Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! starts out with Sophie, who is about to get married. She wants her father to be at her wedding, but she doesn’t know who he is. That all changes when she finds her mother’s diary. As it turns out, there are three possible fathers! Sophie sends an invite to all of them, without her mother knowing. Chaos, confusion, and music ensue as old friends meet again. Who will walk Sophie down the aisle?
image courtesy of IMDb
In my opinion, no summer is complete without Mamma Mia! and its sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. These musicals are very silly and a little wild, but their energy has that wonderful summer feeling that can’t be beaten. The way ABBA’s songs seamlessly carry the story, you’d think they were written specifically for the movie. This movie is a summer romance movie, so I was skeptical the first time I watched it, but even my musical-and-romance-hating brother enjoyed Mamma Mia!. Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again are both rated PG-13.
Esperanza’s life could not be more perfect. She has a loving family, a beautiful home, and all the dolls and dresses she could want. But when a terrible misfortune upends her life, Esperanza must learn to take care of herself and her mother. After escaping to California, Esperanza discovers the challenges and hardships of farm labor during the Great Depression, and she must learn how to be humble and accepting towards a new life and new people. Filled with bright imagery and compelling characters, Esperanza Rising is a book that all ages can enjoy.
Jacket Description:
“Esperanza Ortega possesses all the treasures a girl could want: dresses; a home filled with servants in Mexico; and the promise of one day presiding over El Rancho de las Rosas. But a tragedy shatters that dream, forcing Esperanza and her mother to flee to Arvin, California and settle in a farm camp. There, they confront the challenges of work, acceptance, and economic difficulties brought on by the Great Depression.”
“Pam Muñoz Ryan is an American author. She is half Mexican with Basque, Italian, and Oklahoman cultural influences. She has written over forty books for young people—picture books, early readers, and middle grade and young adult novels. She the author recipient of the NEA’s Human and Civil Rights Award, the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, and the Ludington Award for body of work. Her novel, Esperanza Rising, was commissioned as a play by the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre and has been performed in many venues around the U.S. including The Goodman in Chicago, and the Majestic Cutler Theater, in Boston.
“Born Pamela Jeanne Banducci in Bakersfield, California, on December 25, 1951, her last name was changed before she attended school to match the name of her parents, Hope Bell and the man she considered her real father, Donald Bell. As Pamela Bell, she attended McKinley Elementary, Longfellow Elementary, Washington Jr. High, Bakersfield High School, and Bakersfield Community College. She then attended San Diego State University where she received a bachelor’s degree. She married James Ryan in 1975. An early childhood teacher, she worked for the Escondido, California, school district for three years before starting her family. After her four children were born, she became the director of an early childhood program and went back to school to get her master’s degree in Post-secondary Education with the intention of teaching Children’s Literature in college. When she finished her graduate program, she became interested in writing, and at the encouragement of her agent, Kendra Marcus, included her family name, Muñoz, to her signature, to reflect her Mexican heritage.”
The Lighthouse 