Tag Archives: reading

2026 New Goals

In January, 2024 I committed to participating in Haiku Saturday sharing my own photography and penning a new micro-poem, usually following the 5/7/5 format each week. I followed through on that commitment 100 times which feels like an accomplishment. At the time, there was still a thriving writing community on Twitter and #HaikuSaturday was partContinue reading “2026 New Goals”

Back to School Special

Looking for a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ hardcover book for $6.99?Beautifully Illustrated by Debbie Palen& written as a newscast by Laura Roettiger (that’s me) sharing the story of animals found in wombat burrows after the 2020 fires – 4 pages of back matter about Australian animals and fire safety.

Double Winner Announcements 10/10/24

Before I announce the winners, I’m sending hugs and strength to friends and family in Florida who are waking up to the aftermath of Milton. I know climate science has become a divisive issue like everything else, but science is based on facts and it shouldn’t take disasters like Helene and Milton or the firesContinue reading “Double Winner Announcements 10/10/24”

Teacher Appreciation Week Memory

I’ve had this bookmark for many years. If you’ve never taught a child to read, or watched the magic of their realization that the symbols (letters) combine to make sounds to form words, you may not understand. This is where it begins. But my goal was never to ‘just teach reading.’ I wanted to teachContinue reading “Teacher Appreciation Week Memory”

Joy of Author & Teacher Life

Here they are as eighth graders joining me during a presentation at the Chicago Public Library. I’m honored and humbled to still be in contact with former students and their families. It’s one of the things I take considerable pride in as a teacher. I know I’ve made a difference in the lives of myContinue reading “Joy of Author & Teacher Life”

Welcome Author Kellye Crocker – Giveaway Alert

Today I welcome debut middle grade author Kellye Crocker who I met at our SCBWI conference three years ago. As I shared yesterday, this past weekend was our first return to a big in-person conference. Our region has so many wonderful authors and illustrators that back in the winter all of our independent bookstores cameContinue reading “Welcome Author Kellye Crocker – Giveaway Alert”