Thoughts, experiences and adventures from a resident of DelSo aka Delaware Avenue South in Albany, N.Y.
When I first encountered the book Free Lunch, I never imagined the slim volume relating the author’s experiences as a sixth grade student in Texas would revive so many of my own elementary feelings, if not experiences. In the work, published in 2019 and awarded the ALA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction medal, Ogle shares … Continue reading Rex Ogle is my spirit animal
...seems like the perfect smell to wake up to on the last day of what has been an excellent week. The aroma of last evening’s socially distanced, neighborhood bonfire lingered in a way that made me smile with satisfaction. It’s been such a good week.What makes a good week in my world? It’s funny because … Continue reading Sunday morning woodsmoke hair…
It sucks that my knee is injured and I can’t fully do the active things I enjoy doing. I see a surgeon in early February and my only question will be: In your experience, what is the most successful plan of treatment for women in my age and activity range who are most interested in … Continue reading Thoughts I’ve been thinking
When I was in sixth grade, I had the coolest teacher ever. I now suspect that Mr. Warbrick, the first male teacher I ever had, was fairly new to the field. Teachers who so enthusiastically do their own thing, I’ve come to learn, are either fresh and green or comfortable veterans. The memories that stand … Continue reading For the love of sixth grade
Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, originally published in 1999, is one of those books that has stayed with me since I first read it many years ago. This YA novel relates the story of a high school freshman, Melinda, who is ostracized by her peers because she calls the police while at a party during the … Continue reading Finding your voice to Speak and Shout
Last week, author Adam Gidwitz visited my school and spent the day doing presentations and hanging out with kids, and it was incredible. I haven’t read everything he’s written, but last year’s The Inquisitor’s Tale was one of my favorite recent reads. It’s a book that is difficult to sort into a definitive genre, but … Continue reading Telling stories – Adam Gidwitz
When I run, I think. Last night I was thinking about the turmoil in our world - the terrorist attacks in our country and abroad, the conflict between our elected representatives and the folks they're supposed to represent, the wave of anger that sometimes feels like it's going to drown our country...it was pretty dark. … Continue reading 50 essential 4-letter words
