Jun 20, 2019

Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee ~ #MeToo


Introducing a new title for middle graders that I thought might be of interest to most of my readers 
Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee

Barbara Dee explores the subject of #MeToo for the middle grade audience in this heart-wrenching—and ultimately uplifting—novel about experiencing harassment and unwanted attention from classmates.

For seventh-grader Mila, it starts with some boys giving her an unwanted hug on the school blacktop. A few days later, at recess, one of the boys (and fellow trumpet player) Callum tells Mila it’s his birthday, and asks her for a “birthday hug.” He’s just being friendly, isn’t he? And how can she say no? But Callum’s hug lasts a few seconds too long, and feels…weird. According to her friend, Zara, Mila is being immature and overreacting. Doesn’t she know what flirting looks like?

But the boys don’t leave Mila alone. On the bus. In the halls. During band practice—the one place Mila could always escape.

It doesn’t feel like flirting—so what is it? Thanks to a chance meeting, Mila begins to find

Jun 5, 2019

Survival Tips for Family Travel ~ Join the Chaos



So, you are planning a Wonderful family trip.  You just know that each and every sweet, lovable member of your family is going to enjoy every single moment of togetherness and bonding.  There is a whole vacation full of special moments you have meticulously planned and of course, each family member is going to be just as excited and enthusiastic, well-behaved and thankful for all your hard work planning this special adventure.... then, reality sets in before the car is even packed. . . fighting over suitcases, who gets to sit in the window seat, which movie to watch in the minivan. . . potty stops five minutes after leaving home . . . what can you do to get this adventure back on track?

Here are some tips