Mary Casanova and I bonded over weddings and second hand shops when we first met in Warrensburg, Missouri, several years back. I doubt that Mary has ever met a stranger: we became fast friends in an instant. She is warm, and kind, has an infection laugh and a grand gift for writing. One of my… Read more »
“A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.” Chinese proverb
Welcome to Monica Hodges, fellow Washingtonian, and teacher librarian! Thanks for playing along. Let’s dive right in: Please fill in the blank: You should never read and (blank) at the same time. You should never read and drive at the same time, but I have seen people try to do it. If you were invited… Read more »
What sheer joy it is to host my very dear friend Colby Sharp today. Not only is Colby the dearest man I know, he is the Nerdiest. (and I mean that in the nicest way). I am so pleased he agreed to play along with my Teacher Tuesday quiz. Colby, please fill in the blank: You should… Read more »
I love, love, love Valerie Stein! She’s such a huge supporter of children’s literature (and of me!) and she’s so darned interesting. In fourth grade, she touched an ancient artifact from an archaeological dig. Though Valerie never got to travel the world in search of buried treasure, she ended up journeying to new and exciting places between the… Read more »
I’ve just finished reading Wendy Wan-Long Shang’s newest book, The Way Home Looks Now. Two thumbs up! It’s a story with lots of heart, sadness, hope and baseball. One of the plot points has got me reflecting on my growing up. As a terrible athlete, I never personally felt the pinch of those days before… Read more »
I am so thrilled to have Jen Ferguson, a 7th grade teacher from St. Louis, Missouri, as my guest today. My maternal grandfather was born in that state so I have a special fondness for all Missourians. So, Jen, let’s get going! Please fill in the blank: You should never read and (blank) at the… Read more »
I’m as happy as a sheep in a jeep to host Nancy Shaw today. And a certain granddaughter of mine is delighted that there’s a brand new sheep book out! Can’t wait to read it with her. Book ideas can come from anywhere—from a deeply felt experience, from a “what-if” question, from serendipity. The idea… Read more »
Thank you to new friend Emily Bechstein, a 3/4 teacher from Michigan, for playing along on the Teacher Tuesday quiz today. Here are her great answers! Emily, please fill in the blank: You should never read and (blank) at the same time. You should never read and talk at the same time! If you were invited… Read more »
I love having so many friends but hate running out of Fridays. Ah well, that makes Monday more interesting. At least, it makes this Monday more interesting because I get to introduce you to the thoughtful Sarah Fox and her book, Downwind. As someone with a dear friend who grew up as a Downwinder and… Read more »