(A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, March, 2022.) The Olympics have just finished, youth sports have resumed, and March Madness is well underway, so sports may be a popular topic at home and school these days! Besides the health benefits of playing sports, they also teach kids valuable life lessons... Continue Reading →
Lisa’s Book Corner Recommends … Read Challenged Books!
"You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them." ~ Ray Bradbury Freedom To Read Week 2022 just ended, but hopefully the discussion about the problems of censorship and the importance of intellectual freedom in democratic societies will continue year-round. Organized by The Book And Periodical Council,... Continue Reading →
Resources that Rock for Greater Goal Setting!
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” -- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, January, 2022.) The year 2022 lies ahead of us like a freshly fallen blanket of untouched snow. New beginnings, new possibilities and new adventures await! But do you find that your... Continue Reading →
In Flanders Fields
First published in 1995, In Flanders Fields: The Story of the Poem by John McCrae, written by well-known author, Linda Granfield, is perhaps one of the most enduring books shared with Canadian children on November 11. In addition to this book, Granfield has also written more than 30 other non-fiction books on war and remembrance... Continue Reading →
Novels for Remembrance
(Photo Credit: The National War Memorial at night in Ottawa, Ontario, was captured by my talented friend and photographer, Celeste Odono!) (A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, November, 2021.) Remembrance Day is a somber event across Canada, especially in military communities. While November 11th provides a necessary and meaningful opportunity... Continue Reading →
Spooktacular Books For All Ages
"When the mist rises, and the smiling man comes walking, you must avoid large places at night.""Don't panic. That's the first rule of survival. Never panic." -- Katherine Arden, Small Spaces (An abridged version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, October, 2021.) Is there any other holiday as popular cross-culturally in North... Continue Reading →
#IndigenousReads: Spotlight on Canadian Author David A. Robertson
“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 →
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 Corner 