My daughter Tilly just wrote an article on the dangers of students using e-bikes and e-scooters for Winter Park Voice, our local paper. I’m so proud of her initiative in contacting the editor, interviewing sources, and staying current on school board news. Local journalism matters!
Barnes & Noble is offering 25% off preorders for upcoming titles, and I just so happen to have three books coming out on January 1 from Capstone!
Purim is right around the corner, followed by Passover and Independence Day. Why not plan ahead and save while you’re at it?
Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for sharing my book on both their blog and their podcast as an example of writing with empathy about the theme of belonging. I am truly honored!
The New York Times profiled Michael Gonnelli, mayor of Secaucus, New Jersey, and I am incredibly impressed by him. His inclusive, solutions-focused leadership should be a model for all leaders. He has embraced the increasing diversity of his town–encouraging other citizens to do so too–and it works! All voices are heard, and immigrants are valued for their contributions to the city without minimizing the contributions of long-time residents. There is room for everyone, and Mayor Gonnelli is showing how to peacefully and productively make that space.
Jewish Book Month runs November 13-December 13 this year. It began in 1925 when Boston librarian Fanny Goldstein created the first Jewish Book Week display to promote, celebrate, and educate her community on Jewish literature. In just seven years, Jewish Book Week became an established event celebrated across North America. Its goal of celebrating Jewish writers and thinkers and also teaching the world about the Jewish people has continued. How will you participate this year?
I love this vending machine for books in Washington, DC, and the fact that it promotes local authors and smaller publishers. The LitBox is located at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between Foggy Bottom and Farragut West, at the entrance of Western Market in downtown Washington, DC. It showcases books (and authors) that might not get the same level of attention as books sold by larger, more mainstream publishers. Access to books and recognition for local authors–that’s a win for readers and writers! Has anyone visited the LitBox?
Banned Books Week is October 5-11, and you can find ways to celebrate here. Books should be read, not banned!
I created a short teaching guide for Just Say Welcome, available to download for free on Kar-Ben’s website. You can do the activities in conjunction with the book or as a standalone lesson on being welcoming. Enjoy!
Fifth-grader Ameya Desai is now a two-time winner in NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge. Last year, she shared the story of her grandfather’s forced migration from India to Uganda to the U.S. This year, Ameya won for sharing the story of her neighbor’s grandmother, who was a survivor of the Japanese-American incarceration camps of the 1940s. Ameya clearly has a compassion beyond her years and a gift for sharing stories that we can learn from listening to.
I’ve written about TheWeek Junior before, and they never fail to cover topics in a kid-friendly yet mature way. Check out these practical tips for kids on making friends and forming connections. Not bad advice for adults looking to welcome new friends into their lives either!
Emily Raij