You know it’s a good week when you visit a new independent bookstore and leave with a book that’s been on your TBR list for a while AND meet a virtual bookish friend for the first time! My own dreams for my own bookstore (with gluten-free cupcakes!) and is back front and center. This week, I’ve got three books to share, a writing challenge to offer your notebook, some fun learning around Cricut machines and some great links, too.

What I'm Reading:

I added three books to my reading log this week: two middle grade novels I’ve been meaning to read for a while and a powerful adult historical fiction book set in Ukraine. The timing was eerily right to read this book, making it all the more striking. 

Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan

Whether we articulate it or not, I think most of us would agree that we want to be heard and to know our voice matters. Amina, a middle schooler, is not so sure that hers does. Her friends are changing, her family is changing and an act of violence against her mosque sends her reeling. But she keeps it all bottled inside until her feelings are too big to contain. And that’s when things start to change as Amina slowly realizes that she can and should use her voice to stay true to who she is and share her gifts with others. This is an inspiring book about family, friendship, love and the ties that bind a community together. 

Long Road to the Circus by Betsy Bird and David Small

Twelve-year-old Suzy taught me a thing or two about dreaming big, outgrowing our boundaries and reaching for something more without letting go. In this story, we meet Suzy and her family as they live the farming life in Michigan long ago. While everyone else is satisfied with living at home for all of their days, Suzy is not. She has a dream for something bigger: to see the world. Itching to find a way to make it happen, she starts working with her Uncle on Madame Marantette’s farm, a former celebrity with a world-renowned circus. Completely unexpected, but also completely meant to be, Suzy learns to ride an ostrich to help Madame Marantette earn a world record. And it turns out that this is exactly what Suzy needs to discover her dreams and grab onto them with her vice-like grip. 

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow by Teri M. Brown

This was an incredibly timely book to read given the crisis in Ukraine right now, making it all the more powerful and touching. The book follows three generations of women as they grapple with family, love, loss, war, separation and the ties that bind. The story first begins with Lyaksandro, a father who makes heart-wrenchingly difficult decisions filled with deceit that impacts generations to come. Next, we meet Lyaksandro’s wife Ivanna as she tries to survive Soviet Ukraine with her young daughter, Yevtsye. We learn Yevtsye’s story as she breaks free from her mother’s beliefs, yet hangs onto their relationship as she attempts to build a new life for herself after Ukraine’s independence. And ultimately, we meet Ionna, Yevtsye’s daughter, as she struggles to find her own way, yet stay connected to her family as once again, Ukraine is torn apart. Readers will instantly bond with the characters, become entrenched in the story and likely ponder what comes next for the family AND for today’s Ukraine, too. 

What I'm Writing:

I’ve realized something very important about my writing life this week: I do not enjoy creative fiction writing prompts very much. 

And I wish I did. 

I have dreams of writing a children’s book one day, perhaps a picture book or middle grade novel. So, I started gathering creative fiction prompts to dip my toe into this kind of writing and strengthen my writing skills. 

And I did not enjoy it. 

Ugh. Seriously? I want to write a children’s book and I do not enjoy creative fiction writing prompts? How will I even begin to write my own fiction if I cannot even write to these prompts?

And then I was reminded of something: These prompts were not mine. These prompts were not from my heart. These prompts were simply that: prompts. And prompts that did not work for me. 

It gave me a lot to think about in my work with teachers and students. We often turn to writing prompts to help put pen to paper and express our ideas and in fact, I offer 20 new prompts each month inside my Get Lit(erate) community. But these prompts are outside of us until we choose to use them in a way that works for us. 

write in ways that feel good to youIf they do, great. And if they don’t, that’s fine, too. 

So, I changed gears and just started listing ideas for characters, settings, lessons learned and more. And THAT felt good. 

My lesson for today? Write in ways that make you feel good. =)

What I'm Learning:

This week, I learned all about the Cricut machine. I’ve so desperately wanted to make cute things for a long time: computer stickers, notebook stickers, agenda stickers and even wall quotes and coffee mugs (I collect these). 

So, I took one step forward and learned all about the machine and what I’d need to know. Here are some sources and mentors I found:

I am almost ready to make the leap….send me your best resources and ideas!

What I'm Loving:

If you’re an educator, then this site is for you. It’s full of cute stamps, adorable bags, notepads and stickers, too!

Do you know your birthday month has a flower? I didn’t. But now I know that it’s the daisy (and already my favorite flower!). This kit from Uncommon Goods gives you everything you need to grow your own! 

I know it’s getting warm, but this soup looks delicious: Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato soup will be a lunchtime meal quite soon in my house. 

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?