Barb, what a moving story about B. and Louise Erdrich--and it makes me think about the kindnesses and encouragements we can offer kids that have nothing to do with production/achievement. Just witnessing who they are in that moment. Thanks so much for sharing this! Erdrich is a wonderful writer, and I recommend The Round House, though you've probably already read it!
As you might imagine, much of what I love about this review is your story about the writing competition and working with high school students. At its best, there is nothing so satisfying as getting students to write and surprise themselves with their writing. I have some very fond memories myself. The book sounds interesting as well.
I just read The Mighty Red and yes to all of this. It was so gorgeous. So light and heavy at the same time, with tiny little hints of the bigger-picture-history of agriculture in the U.S. I loved the messiness of its structure, which was also perfectly controlled messiness. It was sort of a masterpiece.
And, good lord, yes about the weirdness of writing contests.
Thank you! I loved The Round House.
Barb, what a moving story about B. and Louise Erdrich--and it makes me think about the kindnesses and encouragements we can offer kids that have nothing to do with production/achievement. Just witnessing who they are in that moment. Thanks so much for sharing this! Erdrich is a wonderful writer, and I recommend The Round House, though you've probably already read it!
What a beautiful story about stories. Thank you, Barb.
As you might imagine, much of what I love about this review is your story about the writing competition and working with high school students. At its best, there is nothing so satisfying as getting students to write and surprise themselves with their writing. I have some very fond memories myself. The book sounds interesting as well.
I love your reviews and this one is another example of why!
Thank you so much, Barb, for your book reviews and comments about the writing process! Keeps me going well beyond my teenage years.....
just wonderful
Thank you.
The attention to details about love, care and humanity that Barb shows as reviewer, writer, and teacher gets my award!
Thanks!
I'd love to do that.
Well said, Barb! I enjoy reading your reviews.
Would still like to arrange a time for you to come into our studio and see the Books of Wonder.
I just read The Mighty Red and yes to all of this. It was so gorgeous. So light and heavy at the same time, with tiny little hints of the bigger-picture-history of agriculture in the U.S. I loved the messiness of its structure, which was also perfectly controlled messiness. It was sort of a masterpiece.
And, good lord, yes about the weirdness of writing contests.