11 Comments
User's avatar
Barbara Shoup's avatar

We ARE soulmates. I love Fran Leibovitz, too. I wish to hell she'd get over that writers blockade. We could use her right now.

Barbara Shoup's avatar

Thanks, Dan. I do love to teach:-)

Dan Patterson's avatar

I love your essays.

Way to go to your kindergarten teacher. Dictating stories is still great practice although teachers don’t always have time or priorities to do it. It makes me think of the great books about early ed by Vivian Paley

That prose poem is so beautiful. And I love your shoe prompt. You have teaching longevity!

Barbara Shoup's avatar

You three were the best!

Kelcey Ervick's avatar

Hell yes! Love this, Barb.

Rachielle Sheffler's avatar

What a wonderful program. I hope the kids give the books to their moms for safekeeping.

Mary Redman's avatar

Love this, Barb. It brought to mind the precious books my own three kids wrote in elementary school. I still have every one of those. It also brought to mind one of my favorite Writers Center involvements--working with Shari Wagner and Pat Cupp. as well as, many college interns to encourage young people to write. Such good stuff.

Pat Coakley's avatar

10 books?! Fran Leibovitz, famous for describing her 40 year writer’s block as more like a “writer’s blockade”, needs you as her coach. And, c’mon..your drawing for your Kindergarten cover?? Almost as fabulous as “I AM” by Da’Marco.

Kathy Gerstorff's avatar

I love this story. Thank you for all you do to inspire students and aspiring authors! 🙏❤️

Skip Berry's avatar

Barb: What a blast from the past this was! It reminded me of all the summer days we spent with young writers at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. It was always a thrill to hear them read their work at the week's culminating event in the museum's theater. I'm glad you're continuing to give young people the chance to tell their stories.

Melissa Fraterrigo's avatar

“I could make books too.” And so, a writer is born!