How many students have I had in class tell me they “don’t read”?

Since I find this unacceptable, I figured I had to do something about it! I realized that the only way to get

kids to read who say they don’t is to be able to match them with a book they will enjoy! You have to start

somewhere. In order to make this happen I had to know the books available to them. So, I began my mission

of knowing YA literature. I read YA all the time, went to conferences about YA, and bought as many books as

my budget would allow! My goal was to have something for everyone, to meet students where they were, and

to have books immediately available. And, what do you know- it worked.

My books and I got so many kids reading, and I ended up with over 2,000 books in my classroom library.

My principal said I had pixie dust, and that I could get a stump to read! But, really it was just reading YA,

being aware of what books were out there, getting to know kids, and then matching them with a book

that they would enjoy. Work and investment for what I know is so important.

You can’t pull me apart and choose the parts of me that you want.

I’m a package deal. All or nothing. You can get mad at me, but you can’t just choose parts.

You take my crazy, my serious, my love, my despair, my shenanigans, my passions, and all the rest.

Sometimes I’m a hot mess, sometimes I’m a writer, sometimes I’m a gardener, but, I’m always a teacher, mom, wife, grandma, and a lover of nature.

People should be treated fairly and equitably. Everyone deserves health care. The 1% needs to pay their share. Police must not hurt people. These are some of the things that people won’t accept about me. But, there you are: I’m not a lending library- you can’t just check out the parts you want.

Feeling true to me on March 19, 2021

Spring enters my body and soul- gently at first

Then roars through my veins into every cell of my body.

Scents rise from the earth- woodsy and fresh as she awakens from slumber.

Frogs begin their inevitable chorus- each knowing its song.

Flowers bound from the soil ready for the celebration to come.

A subtle yet fierce force feels its way to the forefront as

the earth vibrates with joy!