Review: It's All Love by Jenna Ortega

 

In It’s All Love: Reflections for your Heart and Soul, eighteen year old Jenna Ortega gives the readers a refreshing dose of teen optimism with her anecdotes of the various life lessons she has learned.  It is clear that her family is her main support.  Although she is quick to point out that one’s family of choice is just as important as family by blood, her stories consistently illustrate how a loving family can be crucial to a developing teen.  Although Ms. Ortega is an actor, her stories of boy crushes, family, faith, true friends, and believing in oneself are universal. 

 

Many teens may not be able to relate to her devastation of being passed over for a role in a movie; however, they will be able to relate to what she has done to overcome that devastation. Those who have read Dr. Honos-Webb’s book, 6 Super Skills of Executive Functioning (New Harbinger, 2020) will see some similarities when it comes to seeking help for depression.  Both Ms. Ortega and the teen subjects in Dr. Honos-Webb’s book describe their struggles in the same way.  They talk about not wanting to seek help thinking they were being too dramatic, or that their problems seemed miniscule compared to others they know.  After seeking help, they all realized that problems are personal and not to be compared to others. With the growing rate of depressed and suicidal teens in today’s society, this message is something they need to hear. 

 

In addition to depression, there are many other applicable life lessons Ms. Ortega depicts in her book.  She talks about confidence, asking for help, believing in oneself, how to manage stress, and how her faith fits into her hectic life.  She also continues to emphasize how good relationships make one’s life better while bad relationships should be seen as an opportunity to learn. The wisdom exuded in these pages is unexpected from the typical perspective of an eighteen year old. Ms. Ortega is wise beyond her years.

 

The short stories and fast pace of the book makes this an effortless read. The inconsistent sentence structure does not dilute Ms. Ortega’s passion. What makes this book most relatable is that it is a collection of stories from a teen for other teens.  Ms. Ortega does not talk down to her readers.  She only wants to help. . For these reasons, It’s All Love: Reflections for your Heart and Soul will appeal to reluctant readers as well as those just seeking more positivity in their lives.

 

Here We Go Again. The End of Another Grading Period.

 

Fall is definitely in the air, and so is COVID.  We have teachers and students who have it, and those who are quarantined because of it.  So far the library is COVID free.  That is my big goal for the year - not to be ground zero for the outbreak in our school.  Even after ALL of the English classes paraded through for Yearbook pictures, we are good.  (Hope I just didn't jinx myself.) 

The 2nd six weeks ended on Oct. 30, 2020.  We have opened the library during class only for those who want to check out a book.  We are still not open before school, during lunch or after school.  Thank goodness for those eBooks.  I even tried a "Pop Up Library" in the cafeteria with actual books to try and reach our reading population.  

Some students took advantage of it which made me feel better.  I just hate that my regular library students are either at home virtually learning, or they are in school, but just can't get to the library.  This realization led me to my next project: The Virtual Activities Calendar.

Another way students can engage with the library is by participating in our virtual activities  Here are my October and November calendars.  I am working on December now.  My hope is that even if we have to go remote this winter, I can still push out the calendars (and the eBooks).  I hope we don't shut down again, but it is better to be prepared for the worst as you are hoping for the best.

Here are our library usage statistics for the 2nd Six Weeks of the year.  Enjoy!

Review: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks

 The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks

By Colbert and Theoharis

The name Rosa Parks conjures up images of her most famous act of defiance, refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama.  Upon reading “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Parks,” the readers will see a pattern of rebellion that started when Mrs. Parks was a young girl and never really ended until her death in 2005.  She fought for black people, especially for black women, for over 60 years. Rosa Parks was an activist and an organizer as one of the few women holding an office in the NAACP.  She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and she went to the rallies of Malcolm X.  The bus incident which led to a 2 year bus boycott and the eventual desegregation of public transportation is only one example of her activism.  The full story of Rosa Parks is more traumatic and heart-rendering than the textbook portrayal of a tired seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus.  She and her family endured criticism, threatening phone calls, police brutality, and more.  After the famous bus incident, she and her husband were fired from their jobs which led to their eventual move to Detroit.  As much as the readers want to believe racism was exclusive to the Southern states, both Mrs. Parks and her husband experienced bigotry during their time spent in Michigan as well.  Known the world over in contemporary times, she was often overlooked as a leader during her own time because she was a black woman.  Rosa Parks allowed her actions to speak for her during a time when speeches made men famous. 

Authors Jeanne Theoharis and Brandy Colbert have created a thorough tome for readers who truly want to understand Mrs. Parks’ life.  The two-dimensional version most people encounter does not paint an accurate picture of Mrs. Park's hopes, dreams, struggles, heartbreaks, and successes.  The writing style flows seamlessly drawing the readers into her world.  The authors invite you to be a part of the narrative and experience the life of Rosa Parks.  The addition of journal entries in Mrs. Park’s own handwriting and actual photos lend to the authenticity of the stories.  

Verdict: Any library that includes grades 6 - 12 should add “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Parks'' to its collection.

Review: Depression: Insights and Tips for Teenagers

Depression: Insights and Tips for Teenagers

by Dr. Cognevich

 

Depressed teenagers are often misjudged as being dramatic, sensitive, moody or attention seeking. Some teens ignore their symptoms thinking these feelings will pass.  Many adults ignore signs of teen depression believing such signs are normal growing pains. According to Depression: Insights and Tips for Teenagers, the second book in the “Empowering You” series, young adults have legitimate feelings that need to be addressed. Teens should not dismiss their feelings as insignificant, and adults should strive to understand what is happening before the pain of depression becomes more destructive. Author Dr. Cognevich writes a compelling blueprint both teens and supportive adults can follow in order to identify, understand, and manage depression.  The anecdotes of her own struggles and that of the many teens with which she works help the readers understand they are not alone. Her practical strategies are easily understood and will help these young adults better their own situations. With each chapter, the author reveals a new skill that should be added to their personal toolboxes.  From recognizing physical changes that act as triggers to stress inventories, teens are learning to cope with their depression one tool at a time.

 

This book is similar in format to Jean Rawitt’s book,  Volunteering: Insights and Tips for Teenagers (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020), which is the first book in the “Empowering You” series.  Both authors advise teens without condescension. Their narrative styles and use of actual teen stories will entice the targeted audience to read more. Where they differ is in their subject matter.  The focus of Volunteering is to show the readers how to live fulfilling lives by giving back to their communities; whereas Depression is about how to live fulfilling lives by recognizing and managing depression .  After reading Dr. Cognevich’s book, young adults will be well equipped with the stamina and tenacity needed to process their depression and navigate their way through any situation. This book is timely and full of practical resources for high school students.

 

Verdict:  Both high school and public libraries will have a better nonfiction collection with the purchase of this book, Depression: Insights and Tips for Teenagers.

The First 6 Weeks is Over? What Did I Do?

Wow!  Our first grading period ended on Friday, September 18, 2020.  There are a lot of procedures that changed due to COVID-19.  In the beginning, the changes seemed insurmountable.  Now, they are still unbelievable, but the staff is adjusting and going home exhausted every night.  For those of you not in education, you might ask, "What changed?"  Well, here you go.

Lesson plans, attendance, and grading practices have changed.  How students come into the building in the morning has changed.  How students leave the building has changed.  Then there is the addition of face masks to the student dress code, dealing with multiple seating charts, and sanitizing EVERY seat in between classes.  In addition, teachers are starting to get sick, and some have been asked to quarantine.  The substitute teachers are not coming.  So any free time teachers might have (where they could create lesson plans or grade papers) is now dedicated to watching another class.  So, yeah, education has changed.

While adjusting to these new changes, I still had to run a library . . . sort of.  Our district came up with some guidelines which make sense and keeps everyone safe.  Of course it means the library is a bit too quiet for me.  Since my library is being used as a place for the dual credit students, I realized pretty quickly that my usual students couldn't come in to check out books.  So I invested in 2 eBook platforms, Junior Library Guild and Teen Book Cloud.  Those usage statistics is what carried the book check out this first 6 weeks.  I just started letting students reserve books in Destiny Discover.  Then we pull their requests from the shelves and deliver them to the students.  So those statistics should show up during the next reporting period.

So, what did I do this first six weeks?  Here are my library usage statistics.  Hopefully they speak for themselves.  Enjoy!

40 Book Pledge: Virtual Edition

 Last year was my first year to organize a book club around Donalyn Miller's 40 Book Challenge.  To read all about my adventures last year, see previous blog posts "40 Book Pledge," "Half Way through the 40 Book Pledge, " and "End of the 40 Book Pledge."

Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic we are experiencing, I decided to take the 40 Book Pledge virtual.  The meetings are asynchronous. I decided that many of their actual classes were using the synchronous format already.  So in lieu of face-to-face meetings or video chats, I am posting a discussion once or twice a month on our district chosen platform, Microsoft TEAMs.  I created a 40 Book Pledge class, and invited students and faculty to join using a TEAMs code.  I am planning to post on a Tuesday, and the participants have the rest of that week to respond.  They can participate by responding to my post or by making comments on someone else's posts.  I arranged it this way on purpose because I want the virtual club to be low-key and not stressful.  Plus I want it to be a comfortable space where books can be discussed on their time.

I worked on the transformation of this club from in-person to virtual this past summer.  Here is what I created . . . Bitmoji style. (Just a side note on the whole Bitmoji craze.  I find that the Bitmoji rooms are my happy place.  This is a way for me to unwind and do something creative while I am processing whatever needs to be processed, which - let's face it - was a lot these past 6 months.  I'm pretty sure I don't even care if the students like the Bitmoji thing because I do.  Sometimes you have to do a little something just for you.  Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. 😁)

Back to the topic at hand . . . here is my 40 Book Pledge Bitmoji which has ALL of the information my patrons need to join and participate. 

The books sitting next to me on the couch are my works cited.  Everything on the chalkboard opens to a Google doc explaining that topic.  Then each of the genre stickers opens to a genre room with book recommendations from our actual library. Now that I have purchased 2 new eBook platforms, I will probably change some of the books in these genre rooms to reflect the ones they can find on JLG Stream or Teen Book Cloud.

Let's talk about recruiting.  Last year I introduced the club during my library orientation classes.  This year I was still putting my library back together from the summer renovation.  The library is BEAUTIFUL, but it has taken more time than I care to admit putting everything back together.  So no classes.  Therefore, I sent out the Bitmoji information to the faculty this week, and I will send an additional email next week to our ELAR teachers so they can add the link to their Canvas courses. I am also planning to reach out individually to all the participants from last year. 

I just posted a "Welcome to the Club" discussion where the students/staff will introduce themselves and talk about their favorite books or genres.  Then our first "meeting" will be Sept. 22nd.  We'll see how this goes.

Have a fantastic day, and be safe out there.

Review: Six Super-Skills for Executive Functioning

 

Six Super-Skills for Executive Functioning 

by Dr. Honos-Web

 

At its essence, executive functioning is the ability to plan life goals and carry them to fruition.  Psychologist Dr. Lara Honos-Web has created a clear and stimulating guide for teens to help them sharpen those skills directly related to executive functioning regardless of the teens’ abilities or situations.  The six super-skills discussed in this book are finding gifts, setting goals, chunking, boosting motivation, managing mood, and finding focus. Each chapter is organized into small segments allowing the readers to digest the information. Dr. Honos-Web uses authentic science to explain the skills and then adds real-word examples of high school students applying these skills to their everyday lives.  In addition, each chapter stresses the importance of positive self-talk, using technology to help achieve goals instead of being a distraction, and using said skills instead of drugs or alcohol to alleviate stress; examples of how this can be done are also included.  Dr. Honos-Web often encourages the readers to journal their feelings throughout the book.  In this respect, Six Super-Skills for Executive Functioning is much like another teen self-help book, This Moment is Your Life (Dial Books) by Miriam Gates.  Both guides encourage teens to manage their stress in healthy ways, give examples, and ask the readers to journal their progress.

 

These super skills are relevant in today’s off-center world.  Any readers, no matter their age, will find something helpful within the pages of this book. Dr. Honos-Web seamlessly weaves science and actual examples into her narrative without talking down to her audience.  The chapters are succinct yet seem to cover a lot of information.  Readers who are interested in living their best lives should not hesitate to pick up a copy of this book.  All public and high school libraries will have a better collection if Six Super-Skills for Executive Functioning is part of their nonfiction repertoire.    

 

Verdict: Because of its applicable subject matter and general appeal to both teens and adults, Six Super-Skills for Executive Functioning by Dr. Lara Honos-Web is recommended as a first choice for both public and high school libraries.

Review: Imaginary Borders by Xiuntezcatl Martinez

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez has been fighting for climate change since the age of six.  He states that his generation has more tools available to them with the presence of social media.   Therefore, they understand the problems of the world.  It is not that his generation does not care, it is that they find it hard to engage when no real solutions are presented.  In his short novel, Imaginary Borders, Mr. Martinez’s focal points are the connection between many global crises and climate change, what he is doing to help, and what the readers can do when they are ready to engage.

Mr. Martinez illustrates his argument using many statistics, historical examples and his own experiences.  The population destroying the earth’s climate is not the population having to live with the consequences. People of Color (POC) in poorer neighborhoods, or even poorer countries, are usually the ones whose homes are flooded or burned during storms which are coming more frequently due to climate change.  According to current trends, by the end of the century climate catastrophes will be 64 times worse “which would mean more than half of California burning every year.”  Mr. Martinez also makes the connections between climate change, national budget issues,  immigration, and even wars.  Solve the problem with climate change, and it could alleviate the others.  Mr. Martinez is calling on others in his generation to help redefine the movement with their diverse talents.  As the author states, “It’s not about changing the world - it’s about building it together.” 

With this book, the author is addressing today’s young adults.  The content reflects issues in society today; it is heart-felt and to the point.  In addition, the novel is short and meaningful which will appeal to reluctant readers. Therefore, Imaginary Borders is an essential purchase for any high school or public library. 

 

How Does a High School Library Support her Patrons in a Pandemic?

As I tried to pull together some data about the library during our stay-at-home learning, I quickly realized that some of the regular statistics I gathered would not work.  No one physically came to the library; no one checked out physical books; no one used the library or a lab for classes.  

So I had to think about what I could track, and then what would be good information to share.  During the time I was putting together this report, I tried to think like a teacher or administrator.  What information would paint an accurate picture of what I have been doing for 10 weeks.

Here is what I decided to share . . . 

• How Mrs. Tahaney Spent Her Time
• How the Library Connected with Teachers and Students
• eBook Circulations
• Virtual Programs

If you click on each of the links, it takes you to a Google Doc, the same Google Doc that is attached to the pictures on the wall of my Bitmoji scene above.

I think it is all pretty self explanatory.  I sent this to my staff via email, and then I also added it to my FB and Twitter accounts.

I am pretty proud of what I accomplished, but I would really like to go back to campus next year . . . if it is safe to do so.

Have a Great Summer!  Keep Reading.

End of the 40 Book Pledge

So I was definitely on track to clear 40 books by the end of the year, and then COVID-19 hit.  Some of my colleagues found themselves reading more books during this time, but I found I was reading less.  My mind would wander, and I couldn't concentrate.  I guess that was my brain trying to process the whole situation.  Some found comfort in books while I found comfort in keeping up with family and friends and long afternoon walks.  I didn't quit reading altogether, but I definitely slowed down.  Having said all that, I made it through 36 books this year.

I started off writing about each book in an actual pen-and-paper journal.  I ended up with a lot of blank journal space, but at least I recorded my books on social media.  What did I learn?  I really need to find a digital format for me to record my books next year.  I thought I was a pen-and-paper girl, but I have truly evolved into a digital native . . . or maybe digital exchange student.

The physical book club started off strong, but started fizzling in January.  We ended up finishing the club on the library's Remind account, and that seemed to be okay.  I still didn't hear from everyone.  What did I learn?  Maybe I need a hybrid club - some meetings face-to-face and some online.  Maybe a Canvas class?  That is my district's learning platform - like Google Classroom.

The average number of books read by the students was 8-10.  Many of them mentioned that the year before, they only read whatever was assigned in class.  So that's a win.  I had one student make it to 30 books, and then 2 students who had all 40 read after Christmas break.  That is a definite win!

The teachers who participated really stretched themselves as well.  The average number of books the adults read was 15-20.  Many of them said it was the most they read in one year.  One teacher made it to 34 and then one went way past 40, but she also walked 3 miles a day after work and burned through 1-2 audio books per week.  I'm a little jealous.  Maybe it's time to switch to audio books . . . and start walking more.

I am pretty proud of the reading I accomplished this year.  I know I didn't make it to 40 books, but 36 isn't bad.  Plus, I think it is important to model for the students that even though you didn't reach your goal, you should be proud of what you accomplished.

The last 3 books I read were all fantastic.   I highly recommend them.

Fewer Things, Better is definitely for those of you who are teachers on the verge of burn out.  Lots of practical information.  Not much is new, but it is good to hear.  Some of us need to hear things more than once before the information sinks in.  Good professional development read.

If you are a Jane Austen fan and skipped this one as I did, do yourself a favor.  Read it.  Same witty humor as in her other books, again used to illustrate the quandary of polite society.

First one I have read from this author, and WOW!  It was based upon true events, and I believe it.  What is that about the truth that is stranger than fiction?  This one is crazy good.  Makes me want to go out and buy all of Tiffany D. Jackson's books.

Hope you have a great summer!  Keep Reading.

Still Here . . . Distance Learning from Home

Being a librarian, even in the best of times, is a struggle.  You are constantly having to justify your job when anyone "can just Google it."  When I hear that phrase (or something similar), I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes.

Just as one teaches you how to use the calculator, the other teaches you how to use the Internet.  In addition, when I hear this line of talk (and believe me, I hear it a lot), I also get a little sad.  It means that person never had a real librarian in their life, and I think we are pretty fantastic.

OK, I am digressing just a bit.  My original thought was to declare that being a librarian in the best of times is not easy.  So amid the COVID-19 crisis, it is even harder especially when the situation catches you unaware.  Who knew when we left for Spring Break we would not enter the building for the rest of the school year?  Who knew we were going to teach completely online when not all of our students (or teachers for that matter) had devices or WIFI?  Who knew how much we were going to miss our students & how depressed we were going to be when the Governor of Texas declared that school would continue online, but not in our building?

In saying this, I do realize that there are people out there who are struggling WAY more than I am.  I have a job that I can safely do from home.  I am still collecting a paycheck, and I know what my next meal will be (leftover chicken with macaroni and cheese).  That knowledge makes this situation even harder to process.  We are in the 21st century, and you are telling me that we have to shelter in place as the people did in 1918 during the Spanish Flu!?!  You would have thought that modern medicine would have come a bit farther in 100 years.

Back to the library . . . I guess I am doing some of the same things I did when I was in our physical space.  I go to teacher PLC meetings to listen while thinking about what resources we have to support their, now online, curriculum.  I also make myself available for our students in case they have any questions.  I guess that is where my struggle lies.  The part of my job I miss the most is the daily contact I had with our students helping them with their technology or reading needs.  I also loved having activities in the library.  My challenge became how to do all of that online.

After listening to other librarians in our region talk about what they were doing, I was able to picture what I wanted.  So I started doing virtual library activities each week.   I mean, why not, I do have some time on my hands between PLCs.  Also, I find that part fun.  I have always enjoyed planning fun activities in the library.  So here is what April looks like.

Then I created multiple ways students can find me.  I use the library's social media accounts to get this out to the students.  I also have this same information on my library website.

I am slowly hearing from some of the "library regulars" which makes me happy.  Hopefully I will hear or see more students in the future.

Just for a bit of fun during National Library Week, here is the Mansfield ISD high school librarians debut video . . . Currently Reading.  

Technically, I showed Pride and Prejudice which I am not currently reading.  However, I am reading Northhanger Abbey, but it's on my kindle and not a good visual.  So I picked another Jane Austen novel for the purposes of this video.  LOL! 

Thanks for stopping by.  Be safe out there!

Drowning in Resources during COVID-19

The good news is there are lots of companies who want to help teachers plan their online content, and the bad news is there are lots of companies who want to help teachers plan their online content. There is a plethora of resources out there, folks.  Some of it is good, and some of it is distracting. This is where my journey begins . . . 

At first, I couldn't keep up with the tsunami of free resources, eBooks and activities. I knew that if I was overwhelmed, so were the teachers.  I started out by keeping a running list, looking over the information, and then curating a top 10 Wakelet to send out.  I decided not to email the teachers with this because they were buried under a lot of emails already.  I decided to share the lists on the library's social media accounts.  Then if a teacher needed information, I would be ready.

So the first 3 weeks of information looked like this . . . 

• School Closure Activities - Week 1
• School Closure Activities - Week 2
• School Closure Activities - Week 3

I also curated 2 collections of resources for the ELAR teachers . . . 

•  SHS Library eBook Collection
• SHS Library Digital Resources

These last 2 lists are already on the SHS Library website, but I curated them in a different format so the teachers could easily share the links in their online classes.  Our campus is using Canvas.  In order to get to the digital resources from our traditional website, the students would have to navigate and click on more than one link.  If you know kids, they stop at one click.  So this was the "one stop shopping" answer that seemed most appropriate.

As I was posting my top 10 lists each week, I also joined a PLN (Planned Learning Community) through Region 11.  We meet once a week via Zoom.  One of the topics was "dumping" information versus "feeding" information.  Both have their places, but is that really what I wanted to do at a time when so many other resources were being dumped? This made me rethink my delivery.  Then another point was made that the library website should also reflect what is happening, and that it should include online learning resources, carefully curated resources.  We are looking for quality, not quantity.  Makes sense.  This led to a lightbulb moment for me.  I was concentrating on social media and Canvas.  I totally neglected the traditional library website.  Taking all of that into account, I created the 24-7 SHS Library which was inspired by the Virtual Reference Desk of Castleberry ISD. (okay - maybe it was more stolen than inspired)

This seemed to solve all of my issues at once.  First of all, I didn't want to dismantle my traditional website as we are 2 months away from the end of the year.  Then have to face coming back next year to fix it all over again.  So I put the link to the 24-7 library at the top of the traditional website, which can then be removed once the shelter in place has expired.  In addition, the 24-7 library can also house my resources - which I disguised as virtual library activities.  Instead of a Wakelet with a list of resources, I highlight one resource a day and add a family activity to go with it.  Learning in context is always the best.

So here is what the list of resources looked like this week.  It's more fun this way as I always like to have physical activities in the library.  Here is a way to do that virtually.  Thank you, Castleberry ISD.

I am happy with what I have now, but it took me a month and some guidance to figure it out.  By the way, if you are in education right now, I highly recommend that you find your own PLN.  There are lots of groups on both Facebook and Twitter.  There are lots of Zoom meetings and webinars.  Find one.  It is a good way to stay connected to your field of study.  No matter how long we have been in education, there is always room to learn something new.

Stay safe out there, and don't forget to wash your hands.

COVID-19 Shutdown 2020: Let's Talk Schedules

I think it is important to have a schedule whether you have 1 person to organize or 20. It looks like we are in this shutdown for the long haul as many surrounding school districts have closed indefinitely. Not many people (or students for that matter) like a schedule, but most of us benefit from having one.

There are so many schedules out there, and after analyzing many of them, I think it's best to find what works for you. Many of these schedules posted assume there are 2 or more adults in the house, or that the 1 adult in the house only has 1 job - to supervise the children as they go about their day. When, in fact, there are many adults who have been sent home to work as well.

I think the right schedule is the one that works for you and your household. Hopefully it is something between "best practices" and "household chaos."

As my district transitions to our online learning platform, Canvas, and start delivering instruction, I am still grappling with my schedule. No . . . I have no children of my own, and my husband is pretty self-reliant. So why have a schedule? Without one, I would sit on the couch, eat & drink whatever I wanted, and watch Hallmark movies all day. So being in charge of me is not easy, and therefore, I have to take matters into my own hands. I have a pseudo-schedule for now, but I realize it may not work after this week. Once I know my duties within our virtual platform, and we begin our online journey next week, there is a chance I will have to adapt to something different.

So here is what I have so far . . .

I originally had my day spelled out from 7am - 5pm. I quickly backed that up to 8am. I am usually up way before that, but I need some sit-there-and-drink-tea time. So now my schedule goes from 8am - 5pm. We'll see how this goes.

I read a FB post from a mom who is working at home with 2 school-aged children under the age of 8, and the father is still travelling for work. Their school district started online learning yesterday. After a chaotic morning of thinking they would all work at the same time, she decided to alternate time blocks for the afternoon. Her kids now have 2 hours of academic time where she can supervise and help them. Then they have 2 hours of down time where she can passively watch over them but concentrate on her own work. This just proves my point; there is no "right" or "wrong" plan. In addition, there is nothing set in stone. I am sure many of us will be adapting as our circumstances change.

Good luck! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Half Way through the 40 Book Pledge

The end of December marked the half way point of our school year.  So this is a good time for me to reflect on my 40 book journey.  As of now, I have 27 of the 40 books read.  I haven't kept to my original plan, but I'm still reading.

At the beginning of the year, everyone participating planned out their 40 books by genre.  My plan looks like this.  (The number in black is what I plan to read.  The number in red is what I have actually read so far.)

• Adventure - 3 (1)
• Biography/Memoir - 3 (2)
• Dystopian - 4 (2)
• Fantasy - 4 (5)
• Graphic Novels/Manga - 2 (1)
• Historical Fiction - 3
• Humor - 0
• Mystery - 0 (1)
• Picture Books - 3 (3)
• Poetry - 1
• Realistic Fiction - 6 (5)
• Romance - 4 (4)
• Science Fiction - 5
• Sports - 0 (1)
• Thriller - 0
• Nonfiction - 2 (1)
• Classics - 0 (1)

If you follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, you have seen my book journey up to this point.  Some books were chosen for me because I belong to a small (but enthusiastic) book club that meets once a month at the Barnes & Noble in Cedar Hill, TX.  Other books I selected from a school list because the new high school TEKS are coming next year, and the English Curriculum coordinator needs help vetting new novels for our 9-12 grade English classes. A few were assigned to me by my editor at School Library Journal.  The rest I have chosen on my own based upon my mood at the time I needed a new book.

Looking back at my plan, the thing that surprises me the most is my science fiction and fantasy books.  I usually gravitate to science fiction over fantasy, but my actual reading journey says otherwise.  Of course the dystopian genre is a sub-genre of science fiction.  So that might account for the big goose egg I have next to science fiction so far.  I guess it's time for some sci-fi choices.

In case you are curious about the books I have read, here is the breakdown.

Adventure 

• Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

Biography/Memoir 

• It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Dystopian

• Zone One by Colson Whitehead
• Internment by Samira Ahmed

Fantasy 

• The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
• Lolly Willows by Silvia Warner
• Hello Now by Jenny Valentine
• Finding Baba Yaga by Jane Yolen
• Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly

Graphic Novels/Manga

• They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

Historical Fiction

• 
  

Humor

• 
  

Mystery 

• The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carre 

Picture Books 

• Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
• Secret Pizza Party by Adam Rubin
• We are America by Walter Dean Myers

Poetry

• 
  

Realistic Fiction 

• A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery O'Connor
• The Stone Boys by Michael Gurian
• American Street by Ibi Zoboi
• Loser's Bracket by Chris Crutcher
• The Sound of Letting Go by S. Ward

Romance 

• Pride by Ibi Zoboi
• Romiette and Julio by Sharon Draper
• Hometown Christmas by A.M. Williams
• The Billionaire Banker by D. Goodman

Science Fiction

• 
  

Sports 

• Swing by Kwame Alexander

Thriller

• 
  

Nonfiction 

• Mobituaries by Mo Rocca

Classics

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I have enjoyed each of my books so far, but my favorites for now are . . .