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”

Welcome Author Claudia Mills – Giveaway Alert

Today’s guest is both a wonderful writer and a very dear friend. I met Claudia at a local Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) when I was new to Colorado. To be honest, didn’t have many friends at the time, so when Claudia was introduced as the guest speaker and called ‘someone anyoneContinue reading “Welcome Author Claudia Mills – Giveaway Alert”