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Children Are Like Kites

I’ve just found out that college son is coming home next weekend. I love that I’ll see him for Valentine’s Day. I know it’s a day marketed to sweethearts, but nothing fills my heart like having both of my children together. To know that kites return to the source. Quote for the Day: I see… Read more »

Somebody has been listening- critique partner in training

When I read a book, article, or short story I instinctively tend to critique it. I’m sure all writers do this. It’s like taking apart a clock to see what makes it tick. I often mention to my husband or my writing friends about what I think worked and didn’t work in the content or… Read more »

Ah, the Wonderful Pain

The fog hasn’t quite lifted from my mind and my muscles are a little sore this morning. Not the kind of sore that constantly reminds you of that torturous weight machine at the gym. No, this soreness is more like a cherished souvenir. You see, my husband and I followed through on a commitment we… Read more »

2009 ALA Awards

Congratulations to the new Sibert winners recently announced. The Robert F. Sibert Award is awarded to the most distinguished informational book. Congratulations to Kadir Nelson – We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball(Hyperion/Jump at the Sun). Congrats also to the Sibert honor recipients: Barbara Kerley – What to Do About Alice? (Scholastic… Read more »

Thinking Outside the Box- Education vs. Creativity?

I’ve included a link to Sir Ken Robinson’s 2006 speech at the TED conference about how education is teaching creativity out of our kids. The twenty minute presentation is funny and thought provoking. There is much truth in what Sir Robinson says. However, he doesn’t address the problem faced by teachers who are constrained by… Read more »

Book Recommendations ala Donna

I’ve decided to add a new feature to my blog posts: Books I’m currently reading, Recommended reading for fiction and nonfiction, and a daily quote. Currently reading:Crusade for Kindness: Henry Bergh and the ASPCA by John J. Loeper (Atheneum, 1991)New York of the 1800s is vividly described: the horrific abuses of work animals, the unsanitary… Read more »

Opening Sentences

Thank you to Ms. Mustain’s fourth grade class who proved to be a wonderful audience for my speel on revision today. I am always so flattered when teachers ask me to share my humble experience with the students. Regardless of the format, revisions are terribly important, aren’t they? I don’t think kids will ever truly… Read more »

No Glasses Were Harmed in the Making of this Experiment

A big shout out to Ms. Brown’s second grade class in Round Rock, Texas. I was invited to present an experiment and interactive demonstration to the class last week about musical glasses. They have recently learned the basic science behind sound in general. Because of my recent Odyssey article and my book-in-progress about Benjamin Franklin’s… Read more »

Drive-by Giggle

Can we say Drive-by giggle? Sometimes it’s best to post nothing but a funny photo. Happy Sunday all!

Welcome President Obama- Lessons for kids

If you are anything like me, the day after Obama’s inauguration just felt different. A little like a semi-arranged marriage might feel: anxious, nervous, excited, scared, hopeful. Blogs around the world have been popping with comments. Most agree that Obama’s speech was inspiring and that the new first family has already shown tremendous grace. There… Read more »