Summer Reading

For those who have asked…

I am working on a Summer Reading List.

It should be up shortly.

if I had a dog...

Dog by Nat Johnson.

If I had a dog, I'd call him to me
And we would forget about work and everything.
And I would run, and he would run.
And I would call, and he would come.

If I had a dog, I'd tell him my name
And we would forget about money and everything.
And I would throw, and he would go.
And I would talk, and he would know…

It's important to walk;
There are friends yet to meet.
My dog says forget about it.
My dog says let's run in the woods.

I will run, and he will run.
I will call, and he will come.

Such a lovely sentiment. Have you ever loved a dog? Has a dog ever loved you?

Help a person find a dog, or a dog find a person… Donate to the Idaho Humane Society.

women have always been ingenious

Do the girls you know tinker? Are they builders and thinkers and creators? Then, have I got the book for you…

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women written by Cathering Thimmesh and illustrated by Melissa Sweet

This clever, compelling book shows that women have always been inventors whether out of necessity or curiosity or sheer will to get something done; women have always been ingenious.

This book opens up the amazing stories of women and their influence on society. It ends by encouraging girls to follow their dreams and ideas.

I loved this book. First, because it was a kind gift from a friend. Second, because it included Grace Murray Hopper who I love. And third, because it also includes my favorite Grace Hopper quote:

“It is often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.”

Buy this book for the girls you know, because it should be reinforced that we don't always need permission. Reject the idea of being picked: pick yourself. There are problems to be solved. Get to work. 

pick your poison

"To sell a book, you need a description on the back. So here's mine: My name is Fiona Loomis. I was born on August 11, 1977. I am recording this message on the morning of October 13, 1989. Today I am thirteen years old. Not a day older. Not a day younger."

The Riverman by Aaron Starmer is the first book in a three book series. It's about alternate worlds, a magical land called Aquavania, where the villain is The Riverman. It's about what we think is real and what we think is imaginary. And…when given the chance to create anything, would you recreate the reality you know?

It's dark and creepy, and teens will get more out of it than middle grade readers.

Our narrator, Alistair Cleary 'pens' Fiona's fantastical tale. Alistair comes to the conclusion that Fiona is attempting to cope with her deranged Uncle, who rumor has it has returned from the war a bit damaged. Also, Alistair sees the Riverman as not only a physical person threatening Fiona but as a metaphor for those who take that which we most need in our lives. Happiness? Love? Friendship? Pick your poison.

The book takes place over the course of 6 weeks (and, as a twist, also several years).

I am looking forward to book 2. Although, The Riverman, stands on its own just fine.