School buses are on the roads again and fall is on its way! Which means it’s time for our seasonal review of all the best things of summer 🙂 These are just a few of the books I’ve been reading and things that have caught my attention over the past few months.
Feel free to chime in with your own favorites below!
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What I’ve been reading:
Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily LadauÂ
A thoughtful and approachable guide toward being better informed and a better ally. Highly highly recommend.
Franny K. Stein: Mad Scientist by Jim Benton
My 6 year old and I are loving this madcap series filled with science and general ridiculousness!
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
My 9 year old recommended this book and I found it to be engaging and powerful. This book is excellent in portraying a sensitive issue and several important topics (including disability, being different, how to treat people with respect and kindness, family dynamics, fitting in, bullying) in appropriate, approachable, and empathetic ways.
My TBR pile:
Geekerella: A Fangirl Fairy Tale by Ashley PostonÂ
In preparation of my upcoming workshop on story retellings over at The Novel Smithy next month, I’m rereading this fun and geeky retelling of Cinderella. Let me know your favorite story retelling below!
Just watched:
Everything Everywhere All At Once
This award-winning movie combines genres, martial arts, and the multiverse, all while exploring questions of identity and family. Brilliant performances and story all around!
Games we’re playing:
SUSSED: The Wacky “Would You Rather” Game
Ridiculous fun for the whole family! Makes for some great conversation starters and is convenient to take on the road or pull out if you just have a few minutes to play.
You Wish! The Magical Card Game
Trolls and wizards and dragons… oh my! This magical version of “Go Fish” has been a HUGE hit with my 6 year old. The entire family loves the artwork of all the different fantasy creatures!
From the kitchen:
Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce from The Omnivore’s Cookbook
This easy dish has been a great way to load up on some fresh produce! Sometimes eggplant can be bitter or mushy but this recipe has been a winner so far. We love to pair it with fried rice for a quick (and yummy!) weeknight meal.
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Writing Prompt:
Write about what color you (or your main character) feels like today and why.
What animal? What plant?
Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s book My Many Colored Days.
Wellness Prompt:
Write a letter to your past self.
Share how you’ve grown, what you’ve learned, words of forgiveness and encouragement, or whatever needs to be said.
What a letter to your future self.
What are your hopes and dreams for future you? What do you want to remember most?
Write a letter to yourself now.
Where are you at? Check in on how you’re doing and what’s on your mind.
Make sure to include these powerful words, even if you may not always feel them: You’re amazing. I’m proud of you. I love you.
For further reading, check out You’re Amazing: Affirming Words for Writers.
Quote:
“Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.”
Albert Einstein
Happy writing and wellness to you! 🙂
