A Both/And Mindset

This month I am participating in the 13th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge. Visit Two Writing Teachers for more information.

The concept of both/and was not one I was familiar with before reading the article, "A Therapist's Guide to Emotional Health in a Pandemic," by Lori Gottlieb. I had recently read Gottlieb's book, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, and found it to be smart and funny, so when this article came across my radar I thought it might provide some useful insight.

Yesterday, as I watched the briefing from the President and his coronavirus task force, part of me wanted to keep watching, so I stay aware of the most current information. The other part of me wanted to turn off the television and escape into my own virus-free thoughts and activities. I know the coronavirus pandemic has caused loss and suffering and heartache across the globe. But, I know I still want to laugh and find the joy in life. The last few days have been consumed with trying to process all the emotions that I feel regarding what is happening in the world.

Reading Gottlieb's article has helped to give me some clarity. Both/and is a mindset and allows us to acknowledge that a situation is terrible while also embracing what is positive and joyful. I can feel terrible about the loss and suffering and heartache that is occurring and also find joy in the books that I now have time to read, in the opportunity to sleep a little later, in the connections I am able to have with friends and family from a distance, and in the trivial aspects of life that just make me happy. For me, the both/and mindset is what will help me from feeling overwhelmed by it all.

Better Late Than Never

This month I am participating in the 13th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge. Visit Two Writing Teachers for more information.

I have always wanted to participate in the Slice of Life Challenge. Each February, the idea pops into my mind, but I've never been able to make myself commit to a month of writing. It briefly crossed my mind again this year, but I told myself that this definitely could not be the year I try the challenge. Back in February, I was in the midst of planning a conference, the 51st Annual Conference of the Massachusetts Reading Association, planned for April 2-3, 2020. As Conference Chair, I started planning over a year and a half ago. As I was pouring my heart and soul into what was going to be a stellar event, putting time into writing wouldn't have been feasible.

Enter the coronavirus. Suddenly, I was not planning a conference any more. Joy and anticipation turned into disappointment and heartbreak. It turns out that canceling a conference is a process in and of itself. There is work to be done, but it's not work that brings with it the same energy and joy. Seeing the invitation to join the challenge as a latecomer, I thought maybe this should be the year to participate. I could benefit from the community, the connection, and the power of story.

Part of me has always wondered if I could ever keep up with a month of daily posts. Writing half a month of posts seems like a good way to try out the challenge and ease myself into the idea of writing a post every day. Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for the invitation and to Margaret Simon for asking the question about latecomers. You never know...I could be back next year for the whole month!

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

Lilah Tov Good Night by Ben Gundersheimer (Mister G) and Noar Lee Naggan

This is a gorgeous story. With few words, it tells a meaningful story about the resilience of a refugee family. It also celebrates the beauty of nature.

The Nest That Wren Built by Randi Sonenshine and Anne Hunter

Another book that celebrates nature, this one is both gorgeous and informative. The rhyming text, based on the poem, "The House That Jack Built," is lyrical and descriptive. The author has included facts about wrens at the end of the book that I found fascinating and I'm sure kids will, as well.

The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman

I have a few books that I've read this year that I would definitely put on my "Best of 2020" list and this is one of them. It alternates between the Chernobyl explosion in 1986 and World War II. It's a beautiful story of friendship and resilience. In the note at the end, the author expresses the thought that even in the most trying of times there are good-hearted people to be found. This is a particularly timely and comforting message for the times we are currently living through. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy.

Nat Enough by Maria Scrivan

This book has an important message about being oneself. It will appeal to those readers who enjoy graphic novels focused on friendship and challenges associated with growing up.

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

This is a story of resilience, courage, and hope that will help many young readers understand the experience of living in a refugee camp. It's based on Omar Mohamed's story of living in a refugee camp in Kenya with his brother. The graphic novel format makes the story accessible for many readers. It'll tug at heart strings, but it's powerful. Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for a review copy. It publishes in April.

Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World's Greatest Nuclear Disaster by Adam Higginbotham

One of the reasons, I found The Blackbird Girls so intriguing is that I recently read this nonfiction book about what happened with Chernobyl. It's a chilling and engrossing read.

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

Kaia and the Bees by Maribeth Boelts

Kaia is brave, except when it comes to bees. She spends time helping her dad, a beekeeper, take care of his bees, but the fact that bees sting still scares her. Kaia not only learns to face her fears, but also understand how important bees are. This is a sweet story with a message about bravery and appreciating and protecting bees.

Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

This is a book that will go on my favorite books of 2020 list. It's an historical fiction, middle grade novel set during the Depression, in the mountains of Maine. Ellie's family has started a new life on Echo Mountain after losing their home in town. When Ellie's father has an accident she desperately wants to heal him and believes "the hag" of Echo Mountain, who she is told to stay away from, can help. This book explores themes related to family, compassion, resilience, and hope. It's a story that sticks with you long after you close the book. Thanks to the publisher, I received a review copy. The book publishes in April.

Kazu Jones and the Comic Book Criminal by Shauna Holyoak

This is another engaging mystery featuring Kazu Jones, who debuted in Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers. In this book, Kazu and her friends are trying to identify the anti-comic graffiti vandal targeting local comic book stores. Kazu also has her own mystery to solve at home because she doesn't know what's going on with her mother who is bedridden. Comic book lovers will definitely be intrigued. The book publishes in April. Thanks to the author for an advance review copy.

Wannabe Farms by Brian McCann

Written in rhyme, this is the story of Wannabe Farms where the animals want to change their lives for the better. This is a silly and humorous book, but it also has a message about pursuing one's dreams. I think kids will be amused!

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

The Bear Must Go On by Dev Petty

The woodland animals plan to put on a show so they start making plans and Bear, who is too shy to be on stage, takes the notes. They get all the details of the show just right, but forget the most important thing - they haven't written the show. Bear musters all the courage he can and finds his voice to save the day. Bear and his friends show the importance of bravery and the necessity of keeping the big picture in mind. It's a book that will charm and amuse young readers.

The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead

Bea's parents are divorced, her father is remarrying, and she is going to have a new sister. She is dealing with these big changes and trying to understand all her emotions. The book explores divorce, gay marriage, and forgiveness. It's beautiful and heartfelt. Thanks to the publisher, Random House Kids, for providing by book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in April.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped From the Beginning by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

With its insight into the history of racism and anti-racism, this is a must-read. The conversational writing style makes it an accessible and engaging book. This is an important book for young adults to read, but even as an adult there was much for me to learn. Although I am glad for this book and what it has taught me, reading it does make me wonder why I haven't learned some of the information until now. Hopefully, this book will make its way into lots of classrooms. 

Wrong Way Summer by Heidi Lang

Claire's dad has suddenly sold their house and her family is moving into a van. Although her father and brother are excited for this Grand Adventure, Claire is not and she would rather hear true stories about her life, including what happened with her mother, instead of the fictional tales her father tells. Through her family's journey, Claire learns life lessons. This is a heart-warming story about family, the meaning of home, and the power of story. Thanks to Abrams books for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in April.

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

The Bold, Brave Bunny by Beth Ferry

Teetu is surrounded by bunnies in the very crowded burrow in which he lives. His desire to be brave and bold leads him on an adventure through the forest where he discovers new things that inspire his creativity and he realizes that home is a very special place. This is a sweet story about the joys of adventure and the necessity of belonging. 

Cézanne's Parrot by Amy Guglielmo

This book tells the story of the father of modern art, providing insight into the determination and creativity that led to his success as a painter. Readers will be inspired by Cézanne's efforts to improve his skills and be amused by his parrot, who is both his biggest critic and fan.  

Coo by Kaela Noel

This is a unique story about ten-year-old girl who has been raised by pigeons her entire life. In order to help one of the pigeons in her flock, she must venture into the human world. As Coo finds family and friends beyond her flock of pigeons, she learns about life as a human. This is a hopeful story about family, love and loyalty. Thanks to the author for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in March.

Stand Up, Yumi Chung by Jessica Kim

Yumi dreams of becoming a comedian, but she also wants to please her parents who are more concerned with school and academics. When she discovers a comedy camp being taught by her favorite comedian, Yumi pretends to be someone else and secretly attends. As Yumi struggles to get herself out of the predicament she has landed in, she learns the importance of being herself and using her voice to be heard. This is a book with heart and humor. Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for providing my book review group with a review copy. The book publishes in March.

Worse Than Weird by Jody J. Little

This is a story of a girl finding her place in the world as she tries to remain true to herself. Mac really wants to spend the summer at coding camp, but her parents don't think she should be spending her time with computers. To raise the money for the camp, she participates in a food truck scavenger hunt. This book explores family and friendship and some important topics like divorce and homelessness. Thanks to the author for sending my book review group, #BookExcursion, an advance reader's copy. It publishes in March.

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

Nesting by Henry Cole

This book tells the story of a family of robins over the course of a year. It provides information about the life cycle, but it also celebrates the wonder of the natural world. The illustrations, done mostly in black and white with some blue on various pages throughout the book, are gorgeous.  

Rita & Ralph's Rotten Day by Carmen Agra Deedy 

Rita and Ralph meet under the apple tree between their houses and play together until the day they get into an argument. Saying sorry is not easy for either of the friends, but they find a way to forgive one another. This is a sweet book about friendship and forgiveness. 

Jasmine Green Rescues: A Piglet Called Truffle by Helen Peters

Jasmine discovers a runt piglet at a nearby farm and decides to sneak the animal home. With her care, Truffle begins to thrive. Even though her parents warn her that keeping a grown pig will not be practical, Jasmine is determined to prove them otherwise. The first in an early reader series, this is a really sweet book that animal-loving kids will adore. Thanks to Candlewick for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in March.

My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner

Ben thinks he is cursed by potatoes and now that he has moved from California to Idaho his school mascot is Steve the Spud. After breaking a rule in the school cafeteria, Ben, much to his dismay, is forced to fill in for the school mascot. He risks losing his friends and his popularity if anyone finds out, so he schemes to keep it a secret. There is lots of humor in this story about fitting in and navigating middle school life. Thanks to Random House for providing my book review group with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in March.