pickThis dreamlike book explores an Ethiopian-American man‘s relationship to his family through his life, plus the things kept from him and why. It explores family, identity, race, and hints at mental health. It didn‘t knock my socks off, but it feels like something that might stick for a while. #ToB25
pickA quick listen but a perfect romance 💘
pickPatrick is back, this time traveling in Europe with his nibblings ahead of their fathers wedding in Italy. It‘s been 5 years, and their bonds is still very strong. While Patrick is trying to help the kids open up to this new next chapter in their family‘s lives - a stepmother while always missing their mother- Patrick is also reflecting on the passage of time, and getting older. A pick for me, but admittedly not as good as the first.
When I say #auldlangspine is my favorite reading event every year, I mean that I have participated in every iteration of this event & it‘s the thing I most look forward to in January. Some of my all time favorite books have come from this event.
Here are my favorites from the past years:
2024 @Karisimo The Eyes & The Impossible
2023 @xicanti Lessons in Fusion
2022 @JackOBotts Sigh,Gone
2021 @BarbaraJean How Long ‘til Black Future Month
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Also watching the newest Home Sweet Home Alone movie! I like this one the best of the remakes. (Not counting Home Alone 2) #wintergames #christmaschapterchasers @StayCurious
“But even though I was ashamed, I knew that my mother's story was true. It was the story of my family, the story of my people. And it was a story of survival.“
This book could be used at any age to help children understand that differences in cultures and tradition can be completely different, but are unique and should be celebrated. In a young elementary classroom, I could see this book being read aloud and then having children write and share some traditions that their family has.
pickAward winning- A young Chinese American girl is embarrassed when her parents stop to gather watercress from a ditch. She doesn't understand why they can't just buy food like other families. However, her mother shares a story about the hardships her family faced in China, where watercress was a symbol of survival and resilience. The girl learns to appreciate her heritage and the sacrifices her parents made for their family.
“But somehow I got used to the idea of trying something new.“
