"This is MY hair. It's great that you love it. I love it too. But please, just look and don't touch without my permission." ~~ Aria, in Sharee Miller's Don't Touch My Hair! (A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, February, 2021.) Ah, Valentine’s Day: roses and romance, cards and candlelight,... Continue Reading →
The Importance of School Libraries
"... dozens of library impact studies since the mid-1990s have shown that effective school libraries increase student achievement in a variety of ways, such as in reading and on standardized tests ..." ~ Advocacy and the 21st Century Librarian: Challenges and Best Practices, American Library Association (ALA) Before moving to a small city in Eastern... Continue Reading →
Open Heart, Open Mind
"After all these years, I was still the kid in the closet, too frightened to cry over something I couldn't control ... In that moment, I understood that, to rescue the part of me still locked in that closet, I would have to admit my vulnerability. I would have to let my beautiful tears flow."... Continue Reading →
The D*A*V*I*D Principle
"A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading." William Styron "Books are a uniquely portable magic." Stephen King Late last year, I was asked to be the Interim Facilitator for my book club. I love my book club, so I immediately said... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About Mental Health: Resources for Youth
70% of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence.Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group.In 2016, suicide accounted for 19% of deaths among youth aged 10 to 14, 29% among youth aged 15 to 19, and 23%... Continue Reading →
Lisa’s Book List #5: Books that Celebrate the Spirit of Giving
"There he searched out the poor and down-hearted, never happier than when he was giving something away." -- Jeff Brumbeau, The Quiltmaker's Gift (A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, December, 2020.) December means celebration! Many religions and cultures have holidays this month: Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa. And while traditions differ, these... Continue Reading →
Lisa’s Book List #4: War, Peace and Remembrance — Books to Help Young People Understand History
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morning,We will remember them. ~ Ode of Remembrance from the poem, For The Fallen, Laurence Binyon, 1914 The National War Memorial in Ottawa, Ontario, at night.... Continue Reading →
Parenting Books, Wine Mom Memes, Unrelenting Standards and You: Parenting in the 21st Century
"When I'm upset or hurting, the last think I want to hear is advice, philosophy, psychology, or the other fellow's point of view. That kind of talk makes me only feel worse than before. Pity leaves me feeling pitiful; questions put me on the defensive; and most infuriating of all is to hear that I... Continue Reading →
Lisa’s Book List #3: YA novels about Mental Health
"Stop hiding in the darkness,step out into the light.The sky is filled with all these stars,so come and kiss the night. Infinity is waiting,calling you by name.The world is yours for the taking,so take it just the same."~ Kyler's song lyrics, in L.D. Crichton's novel, All Our Broken Pieces These latest YA novels cover a... Continue Reading →
Lisa’s Book List #2: Books To Build STEM Skills
“Your brilliant first flop was a raging success! Come on, let's get busy and on to the next!" She handed a notebook to Rosie Revere, who smiled at her aunt as it all became clear. Life might have its failures, but this was not it. The only true failure can come if you quit.”~~ Andrea... Continue Reading →
