We’re just past halfway through Pride Month, so it seems like the natural time for me to share with you my top 10 favorite LGBT+ books. Because, you know, I’m known for being consistent and timely. As I compiled this list, I thought about how limited my experience actually is with books featuring LGBT+ protagonists. … Continue reading My Top 10 LGBT+ Books
Excerpt – Rouge: A Novel of Beauty and Rivalry by Richard Kirshenbaum
From Rouge: A Novel of Beauty and Rivalry. Copyright © 2019 by Richard Kirshenbaum and reprinted with permission from St. Martin’s Press. Chapter 1 HOLLYWOOD DREAMS New York City, 1933 A Technicolor sky hung over the city even though it was only early May. At times, even New York City seemed to have caught the bug. The pear trees that bloomed … Continue reading Excerpt – Rouge: A Novel of Beauty and Rivalry by Richard Kirshenbaum
Hit Your Own Red Button
Recently, I had the opportunity to go to a workshop at Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. This was actually a dream come true for me; Ron Clark has been my teaching idol for years. I've modeled the way I present myself to students after Ron Clark's methods since my first year as a teacher. … Continue reading Hit Your Own Red Button
Interview with Fred Waitzkin
I had the incredible opportunity to interview Fred Waitzkin, author of Deep Water Blues, which I reviewed last week. When I started The Plucky Reader, I never expected it to go anywhere. Never in my wildest imaginings did I believe people would read the words I wrote or send me books to review. And I … Continue reading Interview with Fred Waitzkin
Review – Deep Water Blues by Fred Waitzkin
Does anybody remember that 90s movie, Searching for Bobby Fischer? I remember watching it—I was probably in the fifth grade—and I was struck by a revelation at the end. The credits rolled and an important thought crossed my mind: chess was definitely not a game for me. I didn’t have the patience for it. I … Continue reading Review – Deep Water Blues by Fred Waitzkin
Preface – The Shaman’s Guide to Power Animals by Lori Morrison
Excerpted from The Shaman’s Guide to Power Animals. Published by Four Jaguars Press. Copyright © by Lori Morrison. https://lorimorrison.com It was a rainy day in the Pacific Northwest. I lifted my five-year-old body into my father’s delivery van. Our cargo was buttermilk pancake mix, maple syrup, bacon, potatoes, carrots, and canned goods. We were heading … Continue reading Preface – The Shaman’s Guide to Power Animals by Lori Morrison
New Discoveries
Nothing makes me as excited as discovering a new Broadway musical that I love. Seriously. I cannot describe the feeling of pure joy I get the first time I listen to the cast recording of a musical that resonates with my soul. I can remember the magic of listening to Wicked for the first time. … Continue reading New Discoveries
“Keeping Quiet”
April is National Poetry Month, and though I didn't post about it on here, I observed it as I always do. I love poetry. I truly think poetry is the only voice that many people have in this world. I know my students connect to poetry, and I know when I was their age, I … Continue reading “Keeping Quiet”
My Own Slughorn and Snape
This weekend, I was featured on the Facebook page of a group that recognizes local teachers who go above and beyond for their students. It was a huge honor and a lovely surprise, and I'll admit that I teared up more than once at the kind things my principal, my co-workers, and the parents of … Continue reading My Own Slughorn and Snape
Foul Ball
Last night I sat in the stands at a baseball game. The air smelled of cut grass, dirt, and french fries. The air rang with the tinny tings of baseballs meeting bats, parents cheering for their kids, and children laughing. A chilly breeze blew around us as the sun set and lights buzzed overhead as … Continue reading Foul Ball
