March is such a long month, especially when it’s full of dreary rain here in NY. But Middle Grade March and online inspiration came to the rescue this week! I’ve got FOUR books to share, an important nudge for your notebook (and your life!) and some fabulous links, too! 

What I'm Reading:

This week embodies one of the reasons I love reading middle grade novels as an adult: I can read multiple books in the time it takes me to read one adult novel. And that makes my reading heart happy. 

I Love You Blue by Barroux

I believe that every reader should make space in their reading lives for picture books and this book sealed the deal. I Love You, Blue is a gorgeous picture book that dazzles the eyes as well as it does the mind. It’s simple, yet powerful, storyline reminds readers of their responsibility to care for our oceans and the animals within it. The author’s note at the end is the perfect addition since readers will likely be inspired to take action.

Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome

This book transported me to the streets of Chicago in 1946 alongside Langston, an eleven year old boy who just moved from Alabama with his father after losing his mother. Grappling with the big changes in his life, he finds refuge in the George Cleveland Hall Library. He stumbles upon Langston Hughes’ poetry and starts a journey toward reading, toward a deeper connection with his mother and toward a new relationship with his father. Told by Langston himself, the prose will sweep you away to another time and place and you’ll settle into the beauty of the words and the message they carry. 

Cookies & Milk by Shawn Amos

How could anyone not like a book about chocolate chip cookies, especially when it embodies a beautiful story of family and fresh starts? Amos introduces us to Ellis Johnson and his father as they embark on the adventure of opening a chocolate chip cookie shop on Sunset Boulevard in 1976. Ellis’s family is newly divorced and while his mother is off taking time for herself, Ellis spends his summer with his father and grandmother preparing to open the shop. Even though Ellis was not exactly keen on the idea, he learns (through a lot of trial and error) what he is capable of and what the true spirit of family means. I loved this book for the story, for the complex connections among family and for the lessons it taught me to chase after my dreams by keeping our big goals in mind. Now, I’m off to buy some Famous Amos cookies. =)

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

I really cannot believe I haven’t read this book until now. My teenagers are currently reading this book in their English class and I wanted to read it alongside them so we could talk about the powerful content inside the pages. Oh, this book. Melinda tells her story of heartache to her readers, but never seems to find her voice to speak out on what she needs to say. Caught in the middle of a conflicted family, dealing with friends that have become enemies and enduring a horrifying experience alone, Melinda struggles to find her worth AND her voice. But with the help of art and a budding belief in herself, she slowly finds herself, her worth and her chance to speak. Everyone should read this book. 

What I'm Writing:

This week, my notebook has been a reading response notebook of sorts. I read The Joy of Missing Out by Tanya Dalton recently (It’s only $5 on Amazon!) and am still working on how to bring those principles to life. The book is paired with short videos, podcasts and worksheets and I’m continuing to explore them. This week, I made a list of all the automations I could create in my life to save myself some time (email templates, calendar reminders, online payment scheduling, etc.) and a list of all the tasks I need to complete, but always forget that cause stress (laundry, paying bills, dropping off library books, etc.) Just putting these ideas on the page lifts the burden off of my mind and now, I have set dates and times to complete these tasks, something that will help me have less decision fatigue. These were some productive pages!

What I'm Learning:

Suleika Jaouad of The Isolation Journals never fails to get me thinking. Here’s something she wrote in her newsletter this week that I’ve been thinking A LOT about:

I’m reminded of one of the wonderful strangers I met during my 15,000-mile road trip—a retired psychologist-turned-sculptor named Rich in Northern California. While I was there, Rich shared his theory that when we travel, we take three trips. The first trip is of preparation and anticipation, packing and daydreaming. The second is the trip you’re actually on. And then, there’s the trip you remember. As he said, “The key is to try to keep all three as separate as possible. The key is to be present wherever you are right now.”

That really is the key, isn’t it? To be present wherever you are right now, not what you anticipated or what you look back on. Because any of those perspectives can be clouded by perception. What’s important is now. Honestly, I’m not very good about putting this into practice, but I want to be. Any tips for me?

What I'm Loving:

Did you love paper dolls as a child? I did! That’s why I was delighted by this whimsical paper doll for adults. It’s geared toward those who want to bring inspirational verse into their weekly lives, but I think ANYONE could try this strategy and in fact, I’m giving a try next week in my notebook. Stay tuned!

I added one of Tricia Robinson’s prints to my shopping cart. They just make me feel happy! 

This article matches perfectly to my theme of the month: minimize. The demand for response times has increased and that has powerful implications for the way we live our life. 

There are 20 types of book clubs. Which one is your favorite?

There you have it! I hope this inspires you to make space for more reading and writing in your own life. What are the highlights from your literate life this week?