“My dad always used to say that our story isn’t a story of trauma. We have trauma in our history, in our lives, in our family. But really our story is a story of resiliency and a story of cultural reconnection and a story of love. I feel like that will help people understand what... Continue Reading →
Earth Day: Resources to Foster Environmental Literacy
"Climate change makes all of our social ills worse. It speeds up or strengthens the bad effects of wars, racism, inequality, domestic violence, and lack of health care. What if, instead, it sped up or strengthened the forces that are working for peace, economic fairness, and social justice?" ~~ Naomi Klein, 2021, How To Change... Continue Reading →
Choose To Challenge: Books About Strong Women Making A Difference
"So here I stand, one girl, among many. I speak not for myself, but so those without a voice can be heard ... We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back ... The extremists are afraid of books and pens. The power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women. The... Continue Reading →
Be My Valentine: Love, Friendship and Boundaries in Children’s Books
"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 #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 →
Be an Anti-Virus Hero!
"Some people wear masks,in public you might see.It’s to stop the virus,from jumping to you and me. When the virus is about,listen to what the doctors say.They might say to social distance,to keep the virus away." ~~ Vicki Schofield, Anti-Virus Heroes We are living in extraordinary times. COVID-19 has utterly disrupted every aspect of our... Continue Reading →
Lisa’s Book List #1: Books to Help Your Children Thrive at a New School
"You have to figure out how to feel at home, how to fit in, and how to be yourself. You may feel out of place, or uncertain sometimes. There's a chance you may also be curious -- and even a little excited -- about what's ahead. You're not the only person to deal with these... Continue Reading →
Big Feelings, Little Strategies that Work
"We have a part in our brain that is like an alarm called the amygdala. It goes off by itself when we feel worried or scared. It helps protect us." ~ Big Feelings Come and Go storybook for children Let's talk about big feelings. Fear. Worry. Anger. Anxiety. How do you cope with them? How... Continue Reading →
