Find Out What it Means to Me
2012 is shaping up to be a literary year for sure. I am excited about all the possibilities, the new books coming out, and the events. For those of you with resolutions to give back, I have multiple opportunities for you to do this…and with books!
But before we get going I have to share one tiny story of
what makes my job so amazing. I’m
a teacher by day and that job is more than just guiding kids to new
understandings. Some days I am a
nurse (cuts and bumps and bruises), a dentist (many loose teeth), a mom (when
you just need a hug), a judge (“I don’t care who started it...”), and a
counselor (I don’t know why your parent hit you but it's not your fault and I can try to help.)
Then there are the days where we, as teachers, need to
embrace a moment that doesn’t come along often. Today during writing, all my students were diligently working
on their final drafts. We
capitulated (our word of the day) to the writing process; we had a deadline
to meet. While we write we usually
listen to soothing, quiet music brought to us by Pandora. Today, however, without warning, the
soul-moving voice of Aretha Franklin belted out her infamous first line, “What you want? Baby I got
it!” Heads lifted, smiles spread,
and some eyes turned to me. What
to do? I tried to calm the
impending shoulder-shaking. “Ok,
ok, calm down.” We have a class DJ
who is supposed to handle this type of situation. “DJ, will you please skip
this song?” Our DJ walked over and
glanced at the computer screen.
Then he looked back at me.
Hesitation. A beautiful
thing sometimes. “Ok,” I caved, “Turn
it up just a little bit.” And
then, on my signal, our impromptu dance party began. For 3 groovy minutes we had our own version of Soul Train. We formed congo lines, kids
walked like Egyptians, some were just rolling on the river. It didn’t matter how we did it, but we
all got our groove on.
Yes, today I taught my kids that it is ok to break the rules every now and again. And now, as I said to my kids, back to
business. What you need? You know I got it! Here are some upcoming
events!
LA Area
Storytime in the Garden
This Saturday, January 14th, and every second
Saturday of the month, myself and a small group of other volunteers will be
leading storytime at the Micheltorena St. School Garden. Storytime is from 12 to 1. Come on down! And, if you would like to help contact me! I could
use more readers, folks to lead art projects, and supplies.
Antoinette Portis
Author of Not a Box will be signing books at Vroman’s.
Saturday, January 14, 10:30 am
Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman
These two folks, who joined forces for 13 Words, have once
again paired up. Their recently
released Why We Broke Up is amazing.
(I just finished it and will review very soon.) They will be speaking and signing books
at Vroman’s on January 30. They will be at the Barnes and Noble in Santa Monica on January 31at 7 pm. (Handler, by the way, is better known as his pseudonym, Lemony Snicket.)
Boston Area
Grace Lin
Author of The Year of the Dog presents her new book Dumpling Days at Porter Square Books. January 21, 7 pm.
Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman
Before heading to the west coast, this pair will be at Wellesley Books in Wellesley on January 21 at 4 pm.
Nationwide
World Book Night
World Book Night is an amazing event I just learned
about. On April 23 (the date of
Shakespeare and Cervantes deaths) this organization will send books to 50,000
volunteers. Those volunteers will
each get 20 books and then they will be charged with the task of giving those
books to people who don’t have books, who need to read, etc. All you have to do to be a part of this
is sign up on the website and choose from among the 30 books available. The books are AMAZING. Because of Winn Dixie, The Hunger
Games, and more great books are available. Also, the books are not just kids books. You can choose from many amazing adult
books to give out as well. Check out THIS LINK
ALA Awards Show
Can't wait to find out who wins the Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and other medals this year? Well you are in luck! The award show will be available as a live webcast on January 23rd. This amazing event takes place at 7:30 am, Central Time. The website (CLICK HERE ) says it is a virtual first come, first serve so get there early!
Get your reading groove on!
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