If you guys want something that’ll take you on an adventure you don’t want to miss out on, you’ve gotta pick up this book!!  Here’s my booktalk for Into the Blizzard by Michael Tougias, one of my favorite non-fic authors ..read more

I have always been fascinted by the Romanov family, especially the controversy surrounding Anastasia Romanov and if she survived or not.  Okay, Rasputin was another character in the Romanov family history that was equally was intriguing but not quite as much as the beautiful Anastasia.  So, when this book fell into my hands, I HAD to read it and I’m so glad I did!  The author did an excellent job in carrying on the controversy of Anastasia’s survival in a unique way that weaves fantasy and romance around it as well.  Excellent book!!  And here’s my vlog review on it ..read more

Here’s another quick book review on an excellent fantasy/horror YA book you won’t be able to put down!  The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones ..read more

Last semester, I had the opportunity to teach a diverse literature for children and young adult graduate class, which I absolutely enjoyed.  After having made a booklist for the grad students to choose from, I realized how much more focused my view became for diverse and inclusive literature and the amount of excellent books that are available.  Looking back (and a little forward) here is a list of what I feel are must-haves for both your TBR and young adult collections: 2018, Katherine Tegen Books. Based on true-life events of the Boko Haram and the kidnapping of young girls in 2014 in Niger ..read more

Do you have books you’ve weeded but don’t know what to do with? How about having students (and teachers!) enjoy an easy craft to create a present to put under the tree, or in the hall, or on a table…. Well, here’s a quick craft/low tech makerspace for students (and your colleagues!) to create and share. Upcycled book holiday trees, with little to no folding involved! Create a station for people to come to at their leisure to make a tree, sip a drink and visit with others. It could be a nice break from semester finals or the chaos of the last days before the holidays start. You could even ta ..read more

I posted a new book review last night on a GREAT thriller! S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett will grab you attention and keep you there for a twisted ending you weren’t expecting!  It was definitely on e of those books I saw as a movie and a modern perspective on a timeless short story (you’ve probably read!) Here’s the link to my new 90 second book review! Enjoy ..read more

What, exactly is horror?  To me, monsters come in all shapes and sizes.  They can be real or unreal.  They can be your next door neighbor or in the your closet when the lights go out.  For some reason, I can read horror, but I CANNOT watch it (Paranormal Activity scarred me for LIFE!)  Teens love terror, so here’s a great booklist with a little blurb on several books to share with them, including some throwbacks you should dig back up and some humorous horror too, for those who don’t want to truly terrifying. The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried by David Hutchinson.  2019, Simon P ..read more

I’m teaching a master’s course in diversity literature for children and young adults and WISH I had read this in time to put it on my syllabus!!!  EXCELLENT diverse title and highly recommended for JH/HS. It’s really interesting how the authors created a microcosm of the greater issues that surrounds what is happening within the book Here’s my vlog review for it. Enjoy ..read more

Hello everyone!  This weekend, I got a little crafty because I just needed a break, and crafting is definitely a de-stressor for me.  I posted this on social media and several people asked me to post instructions for them.  SO….I created a Youtube video that’s short and chock full of different ideas (four in all!) for creating unique Dollar Tree pumpkin DIYs. PS- I’m using a different camera, so I look REALLY filtered (NOT on purpose!)…must change those settings!  This was my first DIY video, so apologies about not centering as well as I should have, but I couldn’t re-shoot.  It’s all good!  E ..read more