 Lucy’s Lab: Nuts About Science Written by Michelle Houts Illustrated by Elizabeth Zechel Ages: 7 - 9 Grade Level: 1-4 I’m nuts about Lucy’s Lab, and Lucy’s excited about 2nd grade, until she discovers something missing, her favorite tree from 1st grade. Lucy investigates, and one library trip later, she’s ready to solve the problem. Now all she needs to do is convince the principal that the squirrels need a new habitat, a White Oak tree. The theme of this story is getting kids, especially girls interested in science. Mrs. Flippo has a science lab complete with goggles, lab coats, and a skeleton named Mr. Bones. I taught 2nd grade for 30 years, and now I wish I were still teaching! But…I can still bring in my copy when I sub, and I can still get kids into science, their teachers too. After all who wouldn’t want a science lab with Mr. Bones in their classroom!  This is my friend and author Michelle Houts. This week’s blog was about author visits. I’ve never seen her do one, but I’ve seen her posts about them on FB. They sound wonderful! If your school is interested in scheduling one, contact her at michellehouts.com.
PS- I’ve done 2 of Michelle’s weekend author classes. She is wonderful at guiding your writing, helping you to find the good, and flush out the bad. Thanks, Michelle!  Sheepdogs: Meet Our Nation’s Warriors
Written by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and Stephanie Rogish Illustrated by Joey Karwal Amazon Customer wrote: For ages 5 – 95 A friend recommended this book as a mentor text for a project I’m working on. It was written for law enforcement and military families, and it explains what they do and why. The sheepdog analogy explains in story form what our police and military do. Sheep represent most people. We want peace. Wolves are the bad guys who harm us. They might look peaceful, but they’re not. Sheepdogs represent our police and military. They protect us from danger. They may look scary, but they’re not. A true sheepdog will always protect you from harm. If you know someone who serves in the military or in law enforcement, this is the perfect gift for their family. It takes a complicated job and simplifies it beautifully. I hope you’ll read it and honor sheepdogs ,where ever you find them.  Mermaid Tales: Twist and Shout Written by Debbie Dadey Ages: 8 - 12 Grade level: 3 – 7 I matched this week’s blog about friendship to a great book. It was written by a friend, about friendship. In Twist and Shout, Echo’s practicing for the dance team’s competition when tradgedy strikes. She falls from her seahorse and is hurt so badly she can’t move her tail or manoever without crutches. The worst part, because of her accident, her team could lose. Thanks to a little help from her friends, Echo competes using crutches and helps her team win. Did you know that Mermaid Tales #17, Ready, Set, Goal, just came out? If you haven’t read Mermaid Tales, check them out!  Here’s a picture of Debbie and I. I met her last year, but I’ve known her forever, through the 30-some books in my classroom collection. Now when I sub, I meet more of Debbie’s friends. Like me, they know her through books like the Bailey Kids series and Mermaid Tales
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AuthorWhenever I read or write, I find a comfy chair with a great view. I get my favorite drink, stretch out, and let the words take me away. Archives
January 2020
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