Come January, do you find you want to reread favorite books, re-watch favorite movies, or listen to favorite pieces of music? I do. Other times of the year, I prefer discovering something new. But in January, even as we begin a new year, I find myself recalling things from the past that I want to… Read more »
For Teachers
Matching Dolls, Mirrors, and Diversity in Kids’ Books
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of hearing Linda Sue Park speak via Zoom. Park won the 2002 Newbery Award—aka the Most Distinguished Contribution to American Literature for Children—for her book A Single Shard. You may also be familiar with her book A Long Walk to Water, which is based on the true story of a boy in… Read more »
The Wisdom of One
Our high school offered a virtual open house this year. Instead of hurrying through hallways to get from biology lab to Chinese to the choir room, I sat on the sofa and watched videos posted by my daughter’s teachers. I missed meeting them in person, but the videos were a great way to put faces… Read more »
From Nancy Drew to Annie Dillard… and Beyond
I love nonfiction. I love to read it, and I love to write it. But when I was a child, I mostly liked fiction: Amelia Bedelia, Nancy Drew mysteries, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and so many more. I hardly remember any nonfiction. And while I enjoyed researching topics like stars… Read more »
Three Things Mentors Do Well
On my journey as a writer, I have been blessed with many mentors. I’ve noticed they do three things well: Listen Advise Encourage. Seems basic, right? But sometimes, when the world seems to be spinning out of control, I need to focus on basic things. With that in mind, I’d like to share three moments when… Read more »
Tea of the Week
Iced vanilla chai with almond milk