"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 →
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 →
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 →
