A funny thing

My previous post about the zipper that ate the panties, dubbed by SJ as “jumpsuit jail,” garnered some really enthusiastic comments on Friday and I really do appreciate reader friends reaching out to share their enjoyment of something I wrote. I think we could all use a laugh, particularly these days, and I was happy … Continue reading A funny thing

The Librarians and the fight for free speech

It isn’t often that I anticipate a film’s release as much as I’ve looked forward to the opening of The Librarians. This documentary, which made its debut at Sundance, presents the fight against censorship and book banning, as fought by librarians. Opening at select theaters domestically, as well as in Ireland and the UK, as … Continue reading The Librarians and the fight for free speech

Ann Petry’s The Street

Ever since Barbra Streisand introduced me to the pleasures of listening to audiobooks, I’ve been hooked. Generally, I seek out and borrow specific books, like my comprehensive read through/listen to all available books by Barbara Kingsolver or my recent focus upon Ann Patchett’s work. Sometimes, though, my searches are more broad. I set the filters … Continue reading Ann Petry’s The Street

My last desktop calendar

Earlier this month, my new desktop calendar was delivered. Yes, I still appreciate a paper calendar on my desk at work. There’s a wonderful ritual, to me, in tearing off the sullied top page and enjoying a fresh start each month. Disposing of the doodles, notes and reminders to reveal a clean slate, always leaves … Continue reading My last desktop calendar

Read this: The Rent Collector

Over the years there have been a number of YA books that captured me completely and for eternity. Off the top of my head, I immediately think of The Book Thief, What the Night Sings and Free Lunch. Interestingly enough, each of these books relates a story of a young person or family struggling under … Continue reading Read this: The Rent Collector

For lost girls looking to be found

Although I read a lot of books (I’m on my 11th of this new year already), it isn’t often that I find one which speaks to whom I was as a young teen and whom I am now strive to be as a school librarian. Katie Van Heidrich’s memoir, The In-Between, told in verse, manages to … Continue reading For lost girls looking to be found

Rex Ogle is my spirit animal

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