The official start of summer is just a few days away. This summer, LitWorld, a non-profit organization led by Pam Allyn, supports the development of literacy worldwide. LitWorld is putting together a summer book and school supplies drive to benefit children in Harlem and in Kenya. Please take a look at the items on the… Continue reading Literacy Drive
Category: books
An Interview with Meg Medina + a Giveaway
Every now and then I receive a review copy of a book that wows me. When Tía Isa Wants a Car arrived at my doorstep from Candlewick Press a few weeks ago, I cracked it open and was smitten with the book by the end of the first page. As I turned the pages, I… Continue reading An Interview with Meg Medina + a Giveaway
Making Characters Come Alive
I liked this book. A lot. It's sweet and charming, and makes me realize that maybe there's a part of me that's a hopeless romantic. After I read it, I had to track down the author and was pleased to find her website, blog, and Twitter feed. The thing that stuck with me the most… Continue reading Making Characters Come Alive
Reading Together (Ruth’s SOLS)
“Excuse me Mom,” Sam said as we ended a chapter in The Magician’s Elephant. When he talks like this it always makes me smile. I pause and look at him. “You know, I’ve been thinking about Gloria Dump.” “Gloria Dump?” I raise my eyebrows. “Yes. Gloria Dump. In Because of Winn Dixie. Do you remember?”… Continue reading Reading Together (Ruth’s SOLS)
“New” Kinds of Readers
We've been reading How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills (check out Tad's website) since its release last summer. It is one of my son's favorite books. He loves dogs and reading, so this book is a great match for him. A few weeks ago he said to my mom, "Mimi, let's Google Rocket… Continue reading “New” Kinds of Readers
Writers that are Speaking to Me
Devon Kinch, author of Pretty Penny Sets Up Shop Today's post is written by Devon Kinch, author of Pretty Penny Sets Up Shop. My first grade daughter attached herself to this book the minute it arrived in the mail. It's one of those that she wants to read over and over. My husband &… Continue reading Writers that are Speaking to Me
Spork
It is 11:37 PM. I have been up since 4:42 AM. My alarm will plink-plunk again at 4:40 AM. I will be sharing my thoughts about Spork by Kyo Maclear/Isabelle Arsenault tomorrow. Until then, check out the cover and the links to the author and illustrator.
Words that are Speaking to Me
This quote sets in a frame on top of my drier, as a constant reminder. Today seems like a good day to share it with you. But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear… Continue reading Words that are Speaking to Me
Mentor Text Thursday: Voice
My husband picked up Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea (Delacorte Press, 2010, Books for Young Readers is an imprint of the Random House Children's Books Division of Random House) and read it the same day it arrived at our house. This is unusual. He is not a fiction reader. He is really not… Continue reading Mentor Text Thursday: Voice
Winner of the Stanley Books Giveaway
I'm pleased to announce the recipient of the Stanley Series Giveaway, sponsored by Kids Can Press. Betsy, who blogs at Learning to Teach Young Writers, is the lucky winner. If you haven't read through the post about Stanley's Little Sister, and how you can use it with the young writers in your classroom, then click… Continue reading Winner of the Stanley Books Giveaway
So Excited!
I just noticed our book, Day by Day is online at Stenhouse. Click here to check out the entire text!
Highlights from the Week
I have been in a lot of different writing workshops lately. Just this week I've been in 13 writing workshops and have met with 13 different teachers in either reflective practice meetings or planning meetings. Therefore, I have SO MUCH I want to record. Which leads me to my current dilemma: what do I not… Continue reading Highlights from the Week

