Brighting Our World: Books that Promote Love and Kindness

It's been a very dark autumn, and not just because of the days getting shorter. The news seems to be filled with stories that promote hate. Raising middle graders in a world where it is okay to give speeches and make social media comments that would make people uncomfortable in a polite conversation can be challenging. Here are two books from other challenging time periods your middle grader can read to see love in action.

In Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmdt, the main character Doug is growing up in America during the time of the Vietnam War. Doug moves to a new town and is immediately stereotyped as a "bad boy" based on his poor family and long hair. When his brother is accused of robbing some of the local stores, people's attitudes towards him get even worse. But Doug's good nature shines through and as people get to know the real Doug, the reader witnesses kindness in action. Told from the first person point of view of Doug, Okay for Now can help a middle grader understand that age old phrase, "You can't judge a book by its cover."

In The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine, the main character Marlee has to challenge the racist feelings of others and decide to take action. Set in 1958, before desegregation, Marlee finds out that her best friend has been posing as white when she is really black. Marlee decides that skin doesn't matter and works to make sure that she keeps her friendship, even when others would use violence to prevent it. Told from Marless's point of view, this book shows how even a shy young girl can stand up for others.



Do you have a favorite book that promotes kindness? Please share your recommendation in the comments.

#nErDcampLI 2015

If you love books and teaching, then you have to find your local Nerd Camp. I found mine on Long Island on November 7.

Even though my school had run an edcamp and I followed the tweets of #nErDcampMI over the summer, I still wasn't quite sure what to expect when I walked in the door. I certainly wasn't expecting a huge hug from #nErDcampLI's coordinator, JoEllen McCarthy. JoEllen and the other organizers directed me to an empty board with spots for workshops waiting to be filled. And like magic, it was loaded with interesting and exciting topics taught by both educators and rock star authors.

Since I was there as both an educator and a rock star author, I was persuaded to run a workshop of my own.

The organizers, JoEllen, Alison McDermott, and Kristen Picone, welcomed us all to the event and explained how the day would work. Then they sent us off to our first session.

A handful of educators came to my session on using notice, wonder, and think to explore character traits. They were very understanding when I only had enough material to cover a half an hour. But that is the beauty of this event, you learn with your feet! So as soon as the room emptied out, a new group of educators walked in and I presented all over again. As part of my presentation I shared the draft of my Teacher's Guide which has a strong focus on character analysis. You can download the guide for free here. 

After going to a wonderful session on POV given by author Victoria Coe, I sat with many of the other rock star authors to answer questions about becoming a teacher-writer. There was so much talent in the room and the teachers asked great questions.

The day ended with a book signing. Teacher attendees were encouraged to invite their classes to meet the authors and I loved meeting so many wonderful educators and adorable children. 

It was a great day and I loved being there as both an educator and author. I met some amazing teachers, like Dahiana Romero, who is currently getting her masters in education. 

I also spent time with many rock star authors such as Victoria Coe, Corey Rosen Schwartz, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Josh Funk, Carol Ekster, Paul Czajak, Chris Grabenstein, and Christine Leronimo. You can see a complete list of the author attendees here.

Victoria Coe

Corey Rosen Schwartz

It was an amazing day. I can't wait until they do it again!

For more information on #nErDcampLI, visit their website or follow their hashtag on Twitter. And don't forget to look for a #nErDcamp or #Edcamp in your area.

Sweet Spot Interview with the Hawk Eye News

To prepare students for meeting me at their upcoming book fair, Carmel Academy Hawk Eye News interviewed me about my book. I thought this eighth grade news reporter did a great job. Let her know what you thought in the comments.