tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759170384911165252024-03-05T08:33:17.721-08:00Mrs. Merrill's Book BreakTaking Time to Share Great BooksMrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-9674934185668711552019-11-19T03:59:00.003-08:002019-11-19T03:59:59.538-08:00A Guest Post by Kristin Mahoney<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kristinmahoneybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/KM-head-shot-1-684x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="320" src="https://kristinmahoneybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/KM-head-shot-1-684x1024.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author, Kristin Mahoney</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 47.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Welcome Kristin Mahoney! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 47.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kristinmahoneybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/book.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="376" height="320" src="https://kristinmahoneybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/book.png" width="184" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristin's book that's on the NYSRA Charlotte Book Award Intermediate Ballot. </td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 47.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 7.0pt;">
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">I wrote <i>Annie’s Life in Lists</i> because . .. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
noticed that my two daughters liked to make lists of things that were important
to them, and I thought it would be really interesting to try telling a whole
story as a series of lists. <br />
<br />
I also liked the idea of writing about a kid who had a knack for remembering
tiny details about people that others might never even notice. That’s what I
was like as a kid (and as an adult too, actually!).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 7.0pt;">
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Readers should read my books . ..<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
if they like stories about funny things that happen to regular kids. Also if
they like stories about kids who usually want to do what’s right, but are
realizing as they get older that it’s not always so easy to know what the right
choice is. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 47.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 7.0pt;">
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">My favorite place to read . . .<br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
summer: on a beach or my screened-in porch</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
winter: Under a blanket by the fireplace</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 7.0pt;">
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">A book that has touched my heart . . .<br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are so many! I will say the first that always comes to mind is <i>Charlotte’s
Web</i>. But two more recent examples are <i>Lucky Broken Girl</i> by Ruth
Behar and <i>The Stars Beneath Our Feet</i> by David Barclay Moore.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 47.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 7.0pt;">
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">I collect my ideas for writing . . .<br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lots
of places…memories from my own childhood, conversations with my children (who
are currently both in middle school), funny things I notice in the world.
Before I wrote my second book, <i>The 47 People You’ll Meet in Middle School</i>,
I actually emailed a bunch of friends and asked them to tell me about unique
“characters” they’d known when they were in middle school and high school. Some
of their examples found their way into the book. I find that most people I meet
have so many fantastic and funny stories (I just make sure to ask for
permission before putting them into a book!).<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">6.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 7.0pt;">
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">A project I’m currently working on . . .<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
next book is scheduled to be published in the summer of 2021. It doesn’t have a
title yet, but I can tell you it’s about a fifth-grader who wants to be perfect
all the time…and how she handles the consequences when things don’t go
according to plan for her.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-left: 47.25pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 7.0pt;">
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Readers should know . . . </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">That
I love hearing their thoughts about my books! It’s so interesting to me to
learn which characters readers identify with, what makes them laugh, and what
makes them think about life differently. <br />
<br />
I remember taking a class in college where I learned that some writers believe
that once their work is in the world, it no longer belongs to them. Instead, it
belongs to the readers. And I really like that idea…it’s fascinating that
readers can help me look at something <i>I </i>wrote in a whole new way!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you so much for visiting, Kristin! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Make sure to visit <a href="https://kristinmahoneybooks.com/" target="_blank">Kristin's website!</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-27534135767283452692019-11-15T10:38:00.000-08:002019-11-18T11:34:22.991-08:00A Guest Post by Rhonda Gowler-Greene<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58d47c57f5e2311226347397/1501716789363-EB2BT9W6GO71BVO89ZUV/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJ0qZ6q-L5iEovM5tongiVF7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UXPBQkCIeF3dpnCqbkgF0S_YEKQzy_kj9ui6a46lW5_K1LPB70pGRsDT9qmfFRJw7Q/image-asset.jpeg?format=1500w" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="800" height="195" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58d47c57f5e2311226347397/1501716789363-EB2BT9W6GO71BVO89ZUV/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJ0qZ6q-L5iEovM5tongiVF7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UXPBQkCIeF3dpnCqbkgF0S_YEKQzy_kj9ui6a46lW5_K1LPB70pGRsDT9qmfFRJw7Q/image-asset.jpeg?format=1500w" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhonda Gowler-Greene</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I'd like to give a warm welcome to </span>Rhonda Gowler Greene<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;">, author of </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The First Men Who Went to the Moon</i>, </b>which is on the New York State Reading Association's Charlotte Book Award Intermediate ballot. <b>
</b> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
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1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The First Men Who Went to the Moon</i>
</b><span style="color: red;">because I had written other books in the same circular, poetic pattern (example
- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Very First Thanksgiving Day</i>) and
they were successful<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I thought- What other historical event
could I write about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The journey of
Apollo 11 popped in my head, maybe because I actually watched the first Moon landing
and walk on live TV when I was a kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">I didn’t write the story with the
50<sup>th</sup> anniversary (2019) of the Apollo 11 mission in mind, but I was
excited and pleased that the publisher (Sleeping Bear Press) worked hard to get
the book out in time for the worldwide anniversary celebration. </span></div>
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2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <b> </b></span><b>Readers should<span style="color: red;">
</span></b><span style="color: red;">read my books to… </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">a) learn interesting facts about
historical events (such as in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The First
Men <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who
Went to the Moon</i>), </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">b) have fun with reading (in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No Pirates Allowed! Said Library Lou</i>),
and…</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">c) look for good writing craft.</span></div>
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3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>My favorite place
to read<span style="color: red;"> is next to a fireplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m lucky
because the house my husband and I moved into a couple of years ago has
fireplaces in the kitchen, living room, and a bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love to curl up in a cozy chair with a
good book right next to a warm, glowing fire- even in summer!</span></b></div>
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4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>A book that has
touched my heart<span style="color: red;"> is<span style="color: black;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Out of the Dust</i></span>
by Karen Hesse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s beautifully written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, I love free verse novels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It won the Newbery Award a while back, in
1998.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are actually so many
children’s books that have touched my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another one is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mr. Putter & Tabby
Write the Book </i>by my favorite author, Cynthia Rylant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I got to meet her once!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love all her books, but this one really hits
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so warm and funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m going to squeeze one more in, a newer
one—<span style="color: black;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Remarkable Journey of Coyote
Sunrise </i></span>by Dan Gemeinhart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow, I
couldn’t put that one down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I predict it
will be a contender for the 2020 Newbery Award.</span></b></div>
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<b>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I collect my ideas
for writing <span style="color: red;">most often when I’m reading other children’s books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My house is like a library!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s absolutely <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">full</i> of kids’ books, from picture books to novels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I study the books and read them like a
writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I jot down my ideas on any paper
that happens to be near me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned
if I don’t write down an idea the very moment it comes to me, I usually forget
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep these ideas in a file folder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or some, I’ve put in a computer file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b>6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A project I’m
currently working on <span style="color: red;">is a picture book about George Washington and Abraham
Lincoln.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know yet if an editor
will want to buy the manuscript, but—fingers crossed!</span></b></div>
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<b>7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Readers should
know <span style="color: red;">I got 220 rejections (for about a dozen different stories) before I ever
sold a manuscript.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was over twenty
years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The First Men Who Went to the Moon </i>is my 28<sup>th</sup> book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it takes three P’s to get published— </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span> </b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Passion, Persistence, and Patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I still get lots of rejections and
it’s very frustrating at times, I don’t give up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>When signing my Apollo 11 book, I
always add– ‘Dream Big!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reach for the
stars!’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To accomplish any major goal, I
think it requires dreaming big, working <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i>
hard, and not giving up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes that for
me to get a book published.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And on a much
larger scale, it took that (and a team of 400,000 people!) to land humans on
the Moon and get them safely back to Earth.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b> Thanks so much for the interview!</b></span></div>
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<b>Thank YOU Rhonda! </b></div>
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<b>Watch the book trailer for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The First Men Who Went to the Moon . . . </i></b><br />
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<b>Make sure to visit <a href="https://rhondagowlergreene.com/" target="_blank">Rhonda's website!</a></b></div>
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Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-10771288772822124152019-11-14T03:26:00.000-08:002019-11-14T03:26:43.673-08:00A Guest Post by Kate Messner<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://katemessner.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/kate-messner-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" src="https://katemessner.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/kate-messner-300x225.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate Messner</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Hello Kate Messner! Welcome to <span style="color: blue;"><b>Mrs. Merrill's Book Break! </b></span> Congratulations on having your book, <b><i>The Exact Location of Home</i></b> selected for the Intermediate New York State Charlotte Book Award Ballot! </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.katemessner.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/exactloh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="158" src="https://www.katemessner.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/exactloh.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">Kate says . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">I wrote <b><i>THE EXACT
LOCATION OF HOME </i></b>because </span>at the time, a young person's loss of a home
wasn't something that was addressed in many middle grade novels, and yet more
than a million kids experience homelessness each year. As a former middle
school teacher and as someone who wants all kids to feel seen, it was important
for me to explore this experience in a way that's realistic but also offers
hope.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Readers should read my
books </span>if they're curious people, like I am! Probably most writers to answer
this question by saying something like "if they like mythology!" or
"if they love nonfiction!" But the truth is, I write all over the
place, just like I enjoy reading lots of different kinds of books. The one
common thread, though, is curiosity. Every book begins with me wondering
about something, whether that's how we might be able to manage invasive
Burmese pythons in Florida, to what it's like to experience homelessness as a
middle schooler, to what happens during a prison break. So I think my books are
great for readers who have that same kind of thirsty curiosity about lots of
different things.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">My favorite place to
read</span> is on my deck in the summertime, overlooking Lake Champlain.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">A book that has touched
my heart </span>is <i><b>TWO NAOMIS</b></i> by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Audrey Vernick. I
loved this story about two girls finding friendship and family, even though it
means uncomfortable changes. (And the sequel, <i><b>NAOMIS,TOO,</b></i> is wonderful as
well!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">I collect my ideas for
writing</span> in a notebook that I carry with me everywhere I go. As a writer, you
never really turn off your writing brain, so you never know when you'll see
something or hear something and think "Ohh! I want to know more about
that!" or "Ah! That's a cool idea for a book!" </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">A project I’m currently
working on</span> is a new nonfiction series aimed at undoing the lies we tell small
children about history. It's called <b><i>HISTORY SMASHERS </i></b>and the first two books,
about the Mayflower and Women's Right to Vote, will be out from Random House in
July. They're illustrated by Dylan Meconis (including some graphic/comic
sequences!) and I can't wait for you to see them! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Readers should know</span> that
I believe in telling kids the truth, even when that truth makes adults
uncomfortable sometimes. That's why I've written novels for kids about
homelessness, and the impact of the opioid epidemic on families.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Thanks, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Kate<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">For lots more information about Kate and her books, be sure to visit <a href="https://www.katemessner.com/" target="_blank">Kate's website</a>. </span></span><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Thank you for visiting my blog Kate!</span></span></span></i></div>
Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-40817325574330823422019-11-10T06:38:00.000-08:002019-11-10T06:41:57.685-08:00NYSRA Conference 2019 Presentation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5FMWU9BmmNQdUqJ1Xw__ysmfvnCzcVpe6SKKYYubXCZ_icGFB3hA-3p5xjS5bL7AHUQqJktTAJl-KBL-OfUSsTeO5CWzloFAVthPyiFtMylYY30V3VYP2FwLKfVlLoWQKWMZiuEZRJY/s1600/CBA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5FMWU9BmmNQdUqJ1Xw__ysmfvnCzcVpe6SKKYYubXCZ_icGFB3hA-3p5xjS5bL7AHUQqJktTAJl-KBL-OfUSsTeO5CWzloFAVthPyiFtMylYY30V3VYP2FwLKfVlLoWQKWMZiuEZRJY/s1600/CBA.png" /></a></div>
Coming up on Friday November 15, I will be presenting at the New York State Reading Association Conference. This year's conference is, Empowering Striving Readers. My presentation will occur on Friday afternoon at 4:15 and is entitled, "NYSRA Charlotte Book Award Ballot Banter". As the 2020 Committee Chair, I will be presenting the Ballot of books with one of my committee members. Together, we will Booktalk as many of the 40 book titles as we are able in the the one hour time slot of our presentation! There are 10 titles on four different Ballots: primary, intermediate, middle school, and high school. I'm looking forward to booktalking and sharing so many great titles with educators from around the state! <br />
<br />
Exciting news! In the upcoming weeks, look for guest posts from the authors and illustrators of many of the featured Ballot books! <br />
<br />
Click <a href="https://www.nysreading.org/system/files/ContentFiles/CHARLOTTE_AWARD_BALLOT_2020_NYSRA.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see the 2020 Charlotte Book Award Ballots! <br />
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Stay tuned for upcoming posts about these great books!Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-68601308404546785742019-09-02T09:03:00.006-07:002019-09-04T17:20:35.902-07:00Back to the Library! When September arrives, it's always hard to believe that the summer is just about over. For me, and many other educators, summer end after Labor Day weekend, when we return to school. Back to school means back to the library! And, back to the library, means back to books and book to check out. I love the excitement from the kids, as they return to the library for the first time since June. They are so happy to be able to borrow books again!<br />
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I love being able to welcome students back to the library and back to the books. I also love welcoming them back by reading aloud a book about books, reading, and/or libraries. I collect books like these for my personal library collection (and the school library also has many of these as well). If you're interested in reading about this collection, check out my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/10604107-amy-lynn?shelf=books-about-books-reading" target="_blank">Good Reads account.</a> I currently have 119 books<img src="webkit-fake-url://77de50cc-9eab-410c-8343-5eeac8425e78/imagejpeg" /><img src="webkit-fake-url://58105747-6afa-4932-9fe5-c2be37115597/imagejpeg" />! Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-88703188894320292322019-07-12T05:08:00.000-07:002019-07-12T05:08:14.630-07:00PerseveranceAfter having experienced some vision loss and eye surgery in the spring, I began to wonder if I'd ever be able to read and write as I've always done. Anyone that already knows me, knows that I already use adaptive strategies and tools to both read and write. When those strategies and tools didn't seem to help, I became weary and frustrated. Would things ever be the same for me? Could I continue to share a love of reading with others? Could I inspire readers with my writing? <br />
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Although I wasn't able to read very well, I was able to read book titles of the picture books that I loved so much. One evening, as I was visiting the book store, I discovered Lori Degman's treasure, <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Just Read. </u>Although I wasn't able to read it, I knew I had to have it (I collect books about books and reading and libraries). I brought the book home and there it sat on my nightstand.<br />
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Then one day, I picked it up and took it to my magnifying CCTV. I began to read and realized that nothing had ever stopped me from doing what I wanted in the past, so why would I let my current circumstances stop me now? Degman's book encourages readers to read no matter where or when or how. Her words were the perfect reminder to me to do the same! A while later, I wrote this poem as a reminder to myself to not let anything or anyone stop me from achieving my goals.<br />
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Perseverance<br />
by Amy Merrill<br />
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My whole life<br />
I've never let<br />
anyone<br />
or anything<br />
stop me<br />
from doing<br />
what I want<br />
or need to do<br />
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I've made<br />
my way<br />
through trials<br />
and tribulations<br />
through storms<br />
and disturbances<br />
over bumps<br />
and hurdles<br />
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I've dealt<br />
with loss<br />
and sorrow<br />
I've made it through<br />
difficult times<br />
and tests of patience<br />
Each time<br />
I've persevered<br />
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This time<br />
is no different<br />
I will make it through<br />
I will do<br />
What needs<br />
to be done<br />
I will endure<br />
I will succeed.<br />
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It's Poetry Friday! Join in the Poetry fun by stopping over to <a href="https://deowriter.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Deowriter</a><br />
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Happy Reading!<br />
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<br />Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-72834811549410956572019-03-15T05:51:00.000-07:002019-03-15T05:54:19.772-07:00My JournalsCreatiting in my journals is one of my favorite things to do. The poem that I wrote describes what I love to do inside the pages of my journals. I also had some fun playing with alliteration.<br />
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My Journals<br />
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Journal pages<br />
beckon with their blankness<br />
waiting to hold what is dear<br />
Pens<br />
Pregnant with possibilities<br />
Markers<br />
meander with memories<br />
Paints<br />
call to my creativity<br />
Glue<br />
gathers scraps from life<br />
Tape<br />
collages delicate clippings<br />
Journal pages<br />
filled with treasures<br />
now hold what is dear.<br />
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Today the Poetry Friday Roundup is being hosted by Heidi at <a href="http://myjuicylittleuniverse.blogspot.com/2019/03/poetry-friday-youthclimatestrike.html" target="_blank">My Juicy Little Universe</a>. Be sure to stop by for lots more poetry love! <br />
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Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-70731792037264391082019-03-07T18:11:00.002-08:002019-03-08T02:21:02.275-08:00An Unwanted Goodbye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today over at <a href="https://readingtothecore.wordpress.com/2019/03/07/poetry-friday-celebrating-international-womens-day/" target="_blank">Reading to the Core</a>, the Poetry Friday round up is happening, as well the celebration of International Women's Day.<br />
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The poem that I've written and am sharing today has been rattling around in my head and bubbling up in my journals for some time now. Once again I'm taking a bold step in sharing it. But I feel I need to share it with the world.<br />
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An Unwanted Goodbye<br />
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two years have gone by<br />
Since you told us<br />
You were sick.<br />
It seemed a death sentence<br />
Doctors tried their best<br />
To offer solutions.<br />
You tried your best<br />
You fought so hard . . .<br />
You didn't want to give up<br />
You fought so hard<br />
You had your pride<br />
It was so difficult<br />
for you to show defeat<br />
but the time came<br />
You continued to fight <br />
to hold on<br />
You wanted to stay for us<br />
You worried about us<br />
You held on tight<br />
You loved us so<br />
You continued to fight<br />
but your body couldn't fight anymore<br />
You were in there<br />
Trapped by sickness<br />
a disease that held you captive<br />
We knew you were in there<br />
Unable to speak<br />
Unable to share<br />
Unable to move<br />
Your eyes said it all<br />
We knew you were there<br />
Fighting --<br />
until the battle was lost<br />
We prayed together<br />
Held your hands<br />
It was ok . . . <br />
to let it all go<br />
We told you so<br />
You heard that last prayer<br />
You felt our loving touch<br />
We held your hands<br />
You heard the call<br />
He was waiting for you<br />
It was time to go<br />
You knew it was so<br />
You took your last breath<br />
You fought a good fight. . .<br />
The ultimate of wars.<br />
We are proud of you<br />
We love you so<br />
It was heart wrenching<br />
to let you go. . .<br />
We had no choice<br />
Now we hold you<br />
in our hearts, my dear<br />
We will always love you . . .<br />
and miss you so . . .<br />
<br />Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-83072724971979581992019-03-01T02:57:00.000-08:002019-03-01T03:00:41.402-08:00Rebuilding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I'm sharing a poem that I finally wrote. It's been rattling around in my head for some time. Watching kids sssenble a puzzle that had a piece missing and looking at a single word that I had scribbled on a sticky note, led to this poem.<br />
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Rebuilding<br />
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Pieces scattered<br />
on the floor<br />
It takes time.<br />
to gather them<br />
I try to fit them<br />
as they once were<br />
But they won't fit<br />
as they did before<br />
I try<br />
and try again<br />
fitting pieces<br />
together -<br />
differently this time<br />
but it works<br />
The landscape<br />
is the same<br />
yet different<br />
A piece is missing<br />
gone forever. . .<br />
But still<br />
I was able to<br />
Rebuild.<br />
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Head on over to the Poetry Friday Celebration that is being hosted at <a href="https://www.teacherdance.org/2019/02/welcome-poets-welcome-spring.html" target="_blank">Teacher Dance</a>.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-18040056671206596162019-02-23T05:05:00.001-08:002019-02-23T05:05:42.367-08:00Ordinary Magic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm Celebrating this Past Week!<br />
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Writer and educator, Ruth Ayers at https://ruthayreswrites.com/celebrate-link-up/ created Celebrate This Week, a community of writers that write about their week’s celebrations, whether ordinary or extraordinary. I decided to gather some of my celebrations from this past week here, today.<br />
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Poetry Celebration #1!<br />
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Each Friday, not only on my blog, but at school, I like to take the time to celebrate poetry. I share a “Poetry Break!” with the entire school, by reading a poem on the morning announcements. Yesterday, to wrap up Random Acts of Kindness Week, I read Eileen Spinelli’s “How to Love Your Little Corner of the World.” It’s one of my favorite poems. It's one I've copied into my Poetry Journal and created a collage for. It was appreciated by many staff members as well as some students who commented that they liked the poem that I shared on the announcements. I love that I can reach the whole school by sharing a “Poetry Break!” on the announcements! It's a great way to begin our day.<br />
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Poetry Celebration #2!<br />
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A second celebration around poetry also occurred yesterday. I call each Friday, Poetry Friday and share poetry with my Book Clubs (also known as my reading intervention groups). I read aloud poetry, have s collection of poetry books for students to peruse, give out poems to read and sometimes illustrate with a sketch, and many other activities that involve poetry. Students love Poetry Friday in my Book Clubs! I know this because they tell me so each week. As a matter of fact, yesterday, one of my fourth grade boys commented, “Why do we only get to have Poetry Friday? Why not Poetry all the time?” My response was that we also had many books that we would be reading. Another student replied, “Yeah, we should have Poetry Friday and Poetry Monday!” I thought about how excited these kids were to have time built into their day to spend with poems. I decided that I will add poetry into each day that I see my Book Clubs. After all it takes a minute or less to read aloud a poem.<br />
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I Won a Scholarship!<br />
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I'm so excited that after applying for a scholarship, I won! The scholarship will allow me the opportunity to attend the New York State Library Association’s annual Conference! I've not yet been able to attend one. So this May I'll be attending the NYLA SSL Annual Conference! Here's a link to the list of amazing speakers https://sites.google.com/view/nyla-ssl2019/home. I love learning from authors, educators, and other speakers! I also submitted a proposal to present at the conference. I'm still waiting to find out if it was accepted.<br />
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New and Improved Reader and Writer!<br />
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To wrap up my celebrations for this week, I'll add that I signed up for two writing courses through SUNY Broome’s Continuing Education program. I can't wait to participate in them! I've also been in touch with a couple of authors regarding the NYSRA Charlotte Book Award and not only considering their books for the Ballots but also to set up interviews that I'll feature here.<br />
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I feel as though each day I come closer and closer to the reader and writer that I once was. Not only do I feel that I am nearer to her, but I feel as if I am a new and improved improved reader and writer. I'm a better version of each because all my experiences from the last few years have had a tremendous impact on my growth and learning.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-10688469022554389382019-02-21T17:26:00.000-08:002019-02-21T17:26:04.431-08:00Full Moon Dreaming <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'd like to begin today by saying a very special thank you to the Poetry Friday community of readers and writers. You have welcomed me and my poetry and applauded my bravery. I'm so glad that I chose to be Brave and share my writing. I've loved your feedback and support.<br />
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Today's Poetry Friday host is Robyn from <a href="http://www.robynhoodblack.com/blog" target="_blank">Life on the Deckle Edge</a> Please stop over to find lots more poetry love. I adore the moon and watching it change each night. In anticipation of Tuesday's Super Snow Moon, I wrote this poem . . .<br />
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Full Super Snow Moon</div>
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2/19/19</div>
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Photo taken by Amy</div>
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Full Moon Dreaming<br />
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Something in your light<br />
Something in your glow<br />
Makes me feel alive<br />
Feels like home<br />
Something in your energy<br />
Something in your power<br />
Makes me feel alive<br />
Feels like healing<br />
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In the dark you give light<br />
In the dark you give life<br />
Makes me feel alive<br />
Feels like love<br />
In the dark you give beauty<br />
In the dark you give hope<br />
Makes me feel alive<br />
Feels like faith<br />
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You are full<br />
You are the moon<br />
I am full<br />
I am the human<br />
I see you<br />
You see me<br />
Let's dream together<br />
Of all that can be.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-37149161840466010702019-02-08T03:10:00.003-08:002019-02-08T03:12:53.637-08:00Starting OverToday I am being Brave once more, as I am sharing my own poetry here for today’s Poetry Friday celebration.<br />
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Starting Over<br />
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How many times<br />
can I try again?<br />
How many times<br />
can I start anew?<br />
How many times<br />
can I begin something fresh?<br />
How many times<br />
can I go ahead once more?<br />
How many times<br />
can I walk a path<br />
that I've walked before?<br />
How many times<br />
can I take a road<br />
that I've traveled so often?<br />
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As many times as I need to<br />
because each time I do<br />
I learn something new.<br />
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Poetry Friday is being hosted by children's author, <a href="https://laurasalas.com/poems-for-teachers/write-an-equation-poem-poetry-friday-2/" target="_blank">Laura Purdie Salas</a>. Click on her name to visit her site for lots of poetry posts.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-67996701047406515042019-02-04T03:39:00.000-08:002019-02-04T03:49:20.411-08:00Mother Goose Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A Mother Goose Cookie Jar<br />
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Recently as I hunted through various booths at an antique/thrift store, I stumbled upon a Mother Goose Cookie Jar. It was labeled at an irresistible price! I had to bring her home! Now she sits proudly on my countertop, where she is a constant reminder to me, of the joys of sharing traditional rhymes with children.<br />
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I've shared nursery rhymes with my preschool classes when I taught Head Start children years ago. I recited them and sang them to my own babies as they grew into preschool and then school aged children. And now I've been sharing them with young children, first as a reading specialist and now as an elementary school librarian.<br />
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Nursery rhymes were such a big part of our daily lives and routines for my own girls. We recited, “Rub-a-Dub-Dub” when it was bathtime, “”Jack and Jill” as they ran up and rolled down a small hill in their grandparents front yard. Taste-tested peas and honey from a knife, as we ate peas for dinner and recited, “I Eat my Peas with Honey.”. And I was told by my late husband, John, that I was the cause of my older daughter's fear of spiders because we acted out “Little Miss Muffet!” (I'm not convinced of this, though Sienna did burst into tears when we were frightened by the spider!). Integrating nursery rhymes into our lives was so natural, as they lend themselves to so many childhood routines.<br />
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As a former early childhood education student, and then teacher, it was natural for me to understand the value of integrating these childhood rhymes into my babies’ lives. It was amazing and beautiful to watch as John seemlessly did the same with our girls. He so enjoyed finding opportunities to recite with the girls as he dressed them and recited, “One Two Buckle My Shoe,” or played “Ring Around the Rosie,” as he held their hands and danced around the living room. What precious bonding time these simple nursery rhymes offered our family. Now they remain, just as precious in our memories. Not just memories of days gone by, but memories of a mom who is still here as a mom to two teenagers, but also as a memory of a dad that is no longer with them Memories of their dad that has passed away but a dad who has left his children with beautiful, yet simple memories.<br />
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All of this has come from the simplicity of a cookie jar that was happily discovered as a treasure from the antique/thrift store. What memories are you making today? What simple objects hold a memory of the past? What treasures might you discover, that will bring about memories of the past? Memories that cause you to smile each time you look st your treasure.<br />
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Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-5976493358141591742019-02-01T05:07:00.000-08:002019-02-01T05:17:06.091-08:00Our Tree: A Poem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Poetry Friday!</div>
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Today's roundup is being hosted at <a href="https://tabathayeatts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Opposite of Indifference.</a></div>
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"Our Tree" </div>
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Photo by Amy Merrill</div>
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I thought I'd take a risk today and put one of my poems out there into the world. This poem was inspired by my lovely friend and author, Amy Ludwig Vanderwater. Thank you, Amy, for all you do to inspire both students and their teachers! (You are a beautiful soul!). Check ou <a href="http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2019/01/birds-sunflowers-two-part-poems.html" target="_blank">Amy's poem</a> that was the inspiration for my poem. She explains that it is called a then and now poem. I love to watch this tree that's in front of my house, as it changes with the seasons. My late husband had it planted when we first moved into our home. It's stood tall throughout the years, watching as our family grew. I know it will live on, as do our memories.<br />
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Our Tree</div>
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When we moved into our house<br />
there were no trees<br />
(twe needed a tree to feel like home)<br />
one was planted in the spring<br />
it was quite small<br />
it would grow<br />
as our family grew. <br />
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Now as I look out my<br />
window I see our tree<br />
reminding me of John<br />
because he's gone<br />
but our tree remains standing .<br />
A reminder of love<br />
It will live on.<br />
as do memories.<br />
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Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-71679273066443077692019-01-31T08:37:00.001-08:002019-01-31T09:55:25.953-08:00Start <div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dreamers-Yuyi-Morales/dp/0823440559" target="_blank">Photo from Amazon</a></div>
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"Someday we will become something we haven't even yet imagined." ~Yuyi Morales<br />
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“The best way to start over is to start.” ~unknown </div>
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I've written that anonymous quote more times than I care to think about. Or maybe I do want to reflect upon it. What's the saying about each day is a chance to begin anew? A fresh start each day. There should be no shame in doing this. New Year’s resolutions are fresh starts for many people who want to strive to make a better a life for themselves. For some in recovery of some sort, each minute is at times the opportunity to work through a recovery process a moment at a time, an opportunity to start over or begin again. </div>
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So, there should be joy in starting anew, starting fresh. Simply starting. How many times have we started a diet or attempted to change our habits for a healthier lifestyle of eating? Or an exercise routine that will help to improve our bodies? That fitness routine that will help us maintain a healthy body weight? </div>
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For me it seems that living my life, being a mom, a daughter, a librarian, a reading specialist, a writer, a reader, a professional speaker, a mentor to a lovely young girl, an astunn a sister, a widow, a friend, a dog mom, a creator, an artist, a collector of books, a creator of art, a chef, a baker, a blogger<br />
, a poet, an explorer, a shopper, a traveler, an antique browser, an empath, a clairsentient, a listener, a storyteller, a poetry reciter, a booktalker, an artist, a teacher, s human, a prayer, a seeker . . . are all of the things that I am. I am these things and so much more. Each day I begin anew to strive to be the best of all that I can be. There are days when I am not at my best. There are days when I am ok. And there are days when I am the best. One thing that is for sure though, is that I am always trying my best. That's all that any of us can do. The beauty abut this life we are living on earth, is the opportunity that we are given each day, each hour, each minute, is that we can start over. How are we to do that? Just start. Just do it. Just be what we can. Be what we want to be. Be what we imagine we want to be!</div>
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I have the control, the ability, the power, to start my life again today. As I watch the sun rise on this extremely cold Thursday morning in January of the year 2019, I know that I'm happy and blessed to be here on this earth. God has a plan for me. He has made clear to me, on more than one occasion that I walk this earth for a reason. My purpose here may not always be clear to me. But I will simply start today and discover what awaits my attention. What will I be today? What role or roles await my attention today? Starting my day with prayer, affirmations, reading, and writing, and creating will lead me down the path to the doors that I am to knock at and walk through. These paths, these doors, will no doubt be revealed to me as I go in faith. I start over today. How can I do it again?</div>
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My answer is clear. Start. </div>
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Yuyi Morales’ exquisite picture book, Dreamers, , resonates with me, coupled with my impending return to work date (yet again!), in four days, has Stuck with my heart, readers learn about her wonderful experiences in the library as an immigrant to the United States. She and infant daughter took a chance one day and simply started,not knowing what was in store for her. What is it that you imagine? Which path will you take today? Which doors will you knock on? </div>
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Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-73226246819878835632017-05-11T18:25:00.001-07:002017-05-11T18:25:42.071-07:00Another Way to Share Poetry!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Poetry Break!"</div>
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Happy Poetry Friday!</div>
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Day 11 of my kidlit book-a-day inspired wardrobe!</div>
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Last week I decided to celebrate Children's Book Week by wearing clothes and accessories that coordinate and match with children's books and their characters. I had so much fun and better yet, the students in my school library were excited and motivated to hear about and read the books that I was promoting! Oh, and I decided that even though Children's Book Week ended for the year, my bookish wardrobe doesn't have to! </div>
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Matching books and poems to your clothing and accessories is an excellent way to promote literacy! So go check your closet and coordinate with your bookshelf! </div>
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Scroll down to my previous post if you're interested in seeing my other book inspired outfits. </div>
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For more Poetry inspiration, visit <a href="https://ateachinglifedotcom.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">A Teaching Life</a> for the Poetry Friday Roundup.</div>
Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-9174783940205137502017-05-07T12:17:00.000-07:002017-05-07T12:17:11.839-07:00Children's Book Week 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every week in my library is a celebration of children's books, storytelling, artwork, and of course Poetry! But this past week I shared with students and staff the wonderful celebration that began in 1919. We admired Christian Robinson's poster that he created for this year's celebration and discussed the theme: "One World, Many Stories". We had guest readers share their favorite books and talk about special memories surrounding their favorite books. I read various favorite books of mine and read aloud some lovely poetry. </div>
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I love to Booktalk and promote reading in lots of different and fun ways. This week I decided to match my wardrobe to different books. </div>
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Here are some of my book-inspired outfits from this week.</div>
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Happy Children's Book Week and Happy Reading!</div>
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Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-48234595163989637212017-04-30T18:33:00.000-07:002017-04-30T18:33:30.456-07:00Celebrate Children' Book Week!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2gDgWt6" target="_blank">Every Child a Readers</a></td></tr>
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This week I'm celebrating Children's Book Week in my elementary Library, as well as everywhere I go! Be sure to check back each day this week to find out how I'm spreading some book love and the joy of reading! <span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">Join me in becoming a </span><a href="https://twitter.com/CBCBook" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #17437c; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@CBCBook</a><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"> Children’s Book Week Champion, celebrating children’s books and the joy of reading </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2gDgWt6" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #17437c; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2gDgWt6</a><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">! #CBW17</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">To kick off #cbw17, I am giving these away!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another amazing sign created by Bird Branch Designs! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/birdbranchdesigns/?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Bird Branch Designs</a><br />
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Happy Reading! Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-50018403589051359992017-04-14T07:51:00.000-07:002017-04-14T08:04:46.658-07:00Poetry Break Has a New Look!Today I'm celebrating my passion for sharing poetry by revisiting how I originally got started with presenting poems to children. Although I've always shared poetry in small ways, about ten years ago I began doing "Poetry Breaks" - popping into classrooms with an announcement of, "Poetry Break!" with a sign and whistle or bell to signal that, much like D.E.A.R. (drop everything and read), we pause for a poem.<br />
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In my first post participating in Poetry Friday (from 2012!), I share how I got started with conducting Poetry Breaks. I also share a brief video Booktalk that features Caroline Feller Bauer's <i><b>Poetry Break!</b></i> book. Check it out <a href="http://mrsmerrillsbookbreak.blogspot.com/2012/08/introducing-poetry-friday_17.html" target="_blank">here. </a><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">In a Poetry Friday post from 4 years ago, I wrote a </span><a href="http://mrsmerrillsbookbreak.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-tribute-to-caroline-feller-bauer.html" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Tribute to Caroline Feller Bauer</a><span style="text-align: center;"> and my inspiration and mentor for sharing poetry with children.</span><br />
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<i><b>always searching for</b></i></div>
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<i><b>the perfect poem to share</b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: purple;">it's "Poetry Break!" ~C. F. B. </span></b></i></div>
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I now take time out for "Poetry Breaks" in my school library. I incorporate them into lessons when students in grades pre-k through 5th grade visit the library on a weekly basis. Poems relate to seasons, holidays, curriculum topics, student interest, and much more! I also use "Poetry Breaks" as a way to Booktalk Poetry books, as well as many other books and magazines in the library. The poem possibilities are endless.<br />
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I was so excited when my new sign arrived in the mail, just in time for National Poetry Month. My cousin, Tara Sawyer designed and created my amazing new and improved, "Poetry Break" sign, which is proudly on display in my library, just waiting to announce the arrival of a "Poetry Break!" <br />
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Be sure to check out Tara's beautiful designs at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/birdbranchdesigns/?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Bird Branch Designs</a>.<br />
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Celebrate today, celebrate #nationalpoetrymonth, celebrate #slm17 by pursg the Poetry Friday Roundup, hosted by Doraine at <a href="http://dorireads.blogspot.com/2017/04/poetry-friday-round-up-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Dori Reads</a>Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-20577758240429695022017-04-11T04:09:00.000-07:002017-04-11T04:09:10.814-07:00Rediscovering My Poetry Wiki<br />
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Several years ago, while I was in my school library and information technology program at Mansfield University, I created a poetry wiki as a project for one of my courses. I had a great deal of fun creating it, as well as using as a resource for sharing and teaching poetry. Although the wiki has not been updated or used in quite some time, it is certainly worth revisiting, especially this month, as a way to celebrate National Poetry Month and School Library Month.<br />
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Why not take a peek into my virtual poetry library by visiting, <a href="http://pocketfulofpoems.wikispaces.com/" target="_blank">A Pocketful of Poems</a>! The site is filled with links to poetry resources as well as descriptions about how I incorporate poetry into the day.<br />
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A sweet bonus treat as I was browsing through the pages of my forgotten wiki: these adorable pictures of my girls "eating their peas with honey" as we recited the classic nursery rhyme!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sienna eating her peas with honey.<br />
(Age 4)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah eating her peas with honey.<br />
(Age 2)</td></tr>
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Happy Poetry Reading!<br />
<br />Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-56929131911515706052017-04-09T15:03:00.000-07:002017-04-09T15:03:05.916-07:00BARC Booktalk Extravaganza ~ 2017<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flyer that BARC put out to advertise my presentation.</td></tr>
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Photo credits: Ellen Mouillesseaux</td></tr>
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On Thursday April 6th, I presented Booktalks for some of the more recently released best books. In addition to a handout that listed books of various genres and formats, I created a Pinterest board for my presentation. The board contains many of the books, book trailers, and songs that I recommended.<br /><br />
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If you are not already a member of your local literacy council, I highly recommend that you consider joining. Here is a link to mine - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Binghamton-Area-Reading-Council-BARC-127943500551280/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">Binghamton Area Reading Council</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/methergoose/mrs-merrills-book-break-april-2017/?od=DyHGcrHcFLW705mS5%2Ft62QK72XvU%2Frvoztnp2zMo%2FaG1sRLxtPdfhp9wjz6lrq6P%2FoXk8efzKr6c%0A1XX4zm5kEwTDRyx9ecfOEiz4%2ByGZji%2B%2Ftr0pnuW8ODSOxz021asFpH2V6WeL1LLZsSDdno4lMW6S%0A%2Fl4%2BX14sSSp3NR2BWLfnViSRni%2F9o1JD1U1PScq4gS%2BeyE3y6bsysfKVCA1xHw%3D%3D%0A&user_id=bWVycmlsbGFAYmluZ2hhbXRvbnNjaG9vbHMub3Jn%0A&conversation=4821117470905477983&invite_code=3718e3d5fb104780b4c4b8d6d79183b6&utm_campaign=msgboard&e_t=c9ae15bf205941e58a1833c34f3f37ae&utm_content=369154569395503478&utm_source=31&e_t_s=cta&utm_medium=2034" target="_blank">BARC Booktalk Pinterest Board</a>.<br />
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April is School Library Month. Visit your school library to check out these excellent book recommendations. Happy reading!Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-7759401143468023212017-04-08T16:01:00.001-07:002017-04-08T16:01:06.948-07:00Poetry Collages & Patience I'm still joining the Poetry Friday party, even if it's a day late. I'm learning to have patience with myself as I'm still recovering from a long year of health complications, which were most recently punctuated with a case of pneumonia. As I've returned to work full days, I've realized that although I'm feeling much more like myself, I can't do it all and I certainly can't do it all at once.<br />
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During my recovery, I've discovered or rediscovered my interest in expressing myself creatively - not only through writing but also through art. I've always had an interest in collage and creating with images. Among other collage creations, I've started to create a poetry collage notebook or journal. I'm collecting some of the many poems that I love and that touch my heart, and I'm adding them to a blank book, along with an accompanying collage of images that I've collected. Not only is this a fun and therapeutic hobby, it will serve as a great resource to me in my quest to share poetry with children. My poetry collage book will be a part of my Poetry Breaks! If you aren't already familiar with my Poetry Breaks, stay tuned for an update, as I will revisit them here at Mrs. Merrill's Book Break. I'll also be sharing how I'm revising my original Poetry Breaks. <br />
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The first poem that I've collage is "Surprise" by Beverly McLoughlan, from, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Good Books, Good Times </i>by Lee Bennett Hopkins (Harper Collins 1990).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An entry in my Poetry Collage Journal (April 2017)</td></tr>
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Mane sure you visit Irene Latham at <a href="http://irenelatham.blogspot.com/2017/04/welcome-to-poetry-friday-roundup.html" target="_blank">Live Your Poem</a> to check out all the other Poetry fun that she's got in the Poetry Friday Roundup.Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-38211786047044499162017-04-02T09:56:00.002-07:002017-04-02T09:56:31.189-07:00A Picture Book & a Poem<h1 style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 2px;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">As I looked through the "Drafts" section here at Mrs. Merrill's Book Break, I discovered this review that I had done on Goodreads. As I reread it and remembered this treasure, I immediately grabbed <a href="http://poetryforchildren.blogspot.com/search?q=Poetry+Friday+anthology+for+science+teachers" target="_blank">Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong's The Poetry Friday Anthology for Science Teacher</a>s. The perfect poem to pair with this book is, "Uh-oh, Pluto" by Jeannine Atkins. The anthology is treasure trove of science themed poems on every topic imaginable. Poetry lovers and science enthusiasts alike will need to rush out to get a copy! Click on the link above for more details about the anthology. </span></h1>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/10604107-amy?shelf=read">Amy Zimmer Merrill's Reviews</a> > Pluto's Secret: An Icy World's Tale of Discovery</span></span></h1>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15842640-pluto-s-secret" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="Pluto's Secret by Margaret Weitekamp" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411447423l/15842640.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="Pluto's Secret by Margaret Weitekamp" width="100" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="item"><span class="fn"><a class="bookTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15842640-pluto-s-secret" itemprop="url" style="text-decoration: none;">Pluto's Secret: An Icy World's Tale of Discovery</a></span> </span><br /><span class="by smallText">by</span> <span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><a class="authorName" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6475294.Margaret_Weitekamp" itemprop="url" style="text-decoration: none;"><span itemprop="name">Margaret Weitekamp</span></a>, <a class="authorName" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2043694.David_Devorkin" itemprop="url" style="text-decoration: none;"><span itemprop="name">David Devorkin</span></a>, <a class="authorName" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5798977.Diane_Kidd" itemprop="url" style="text-decoration: none;"><span itemprop="name">Diane Kidd</span></a> <span class="greyText">(Goodreads Author)</span> <span class="authorName greyText smallText role">(Illustrations)</span>,<a class="authorName" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1296716.National_Air_and_Space_Museum" itemprop="url" style="text-decoration: none;"><span itemprop="name">National Air and Space Museum</span></a> <span class="authorName greyText smallText role">(Creator)</span> </span></span><br />
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<a class="leftAlignedImage" href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10604107-amy" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px; padding-top: 2px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img alt="10604107" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/users/1342210800p2/10604107.jpg" style="border: 0px;" /></span></span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="reviewer"><a class="userReview" href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10604107-amy" itemprop="author" style="text-decoration: none;">Amy Zimmer Merrill</a></span>'s review </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span itemprop="publishDate">Jan 03, 15</span> <span class="greyText"> · </span> <a class="smallText greyText" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/15842640" style="text-decoration: none;">edit</a><span class="value-title" title="2015-01-03"></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="value-title" title="4"></span><a class=" staticStars stars_4" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3275917038491116525" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: inline-block; height: 15px; vertical-align: top; width: 75px;" title="really liked it">4 of 5 stars</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="userReview">bookshelves: </span><a class="actionLinkLite" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/10604107-amy?shelf=charlotte-2016" style="text-decoration: none;">charlotte-2016</a>, <a class="actionLinkLite" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/10604107-amy?shelf=picture-book" style="text-decoration: none;">picture-book</a>, <a class="actionLinkLite" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/10604107-amy?shelf=primary-grade" style="text-decoration: none;">primary-grade</a>,<a class="actionLinkLite" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/10604107-amy?shelf=middle-grade" style="text-decoration: none;">middle-grade</a>, <a class="actionLinkLite" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/10604107-amy?shelf=non-fiction" style="text-decoration: none;">non-fiction</a>, <a class="actionLinkLite" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/10604107-amy?shelf=astronomy" style="text-decoration: none;">astronomy</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Unique informational book from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum about the discovery of Pluto, how it was named, and later was not considered a planet. Readers will learn a great deal about the mysteries surrounding Pluto as well as the astronomers who have studied it. Illustrations are fun and cartoon-like, giving Pluto its own personification. Text is easy to understand and there are contextual clues as to the meaning and pronunciation of some vocabulary. Includes endpapers with; photographs & information behind the story, bibliography, suggested reading for young people, a glossary, a who's who - information about each planet, a note from the museum, and an index. Great resource for primary, intermediate, and even middle school science teachers. Would also make an educational and fun read aloud - might be interesting to create a reader's theater from selected text highlights.</span></div>
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<span class="likeItContainer" id="like_container_review_657736249" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/rating/voters/657736249?resource_type=Review" id="like_count_review_657736249" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="likesCount">1 like</span></a> · </span></div>
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Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-82294703993658021662017-04-01T11:50:00.000-07:002017-04-01T11:50:31.748-07:00A Simple Celebration to Kick-Off National Poetry MonthHappy National Poetry Month! <br />
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Although I celebrate poetry daily, today and all of April, is extra special because of the fact that Poetry lovers spread poetry love all month long. My celebration for today is this simple Book Spine Poem. I stood at my bookshelf pulling off some of my favorite poetry books that highlight and feature poems about books, reading, libraries, poetry, and words. As I assembled the titles, the words in their spoke to my heart. I love my little poem! (Sorry - two spines don't display due to the fact that they are skinny paperbacks).<br />
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I am the book<br />
Book speak<br />
Good books good times<br />
Jumping off library shelves<br />
A poem in your pocket<br />
Pocket poems<br />
Wonderful words<br />
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<br />Mrs. Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170388332932413197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275917038491116525.post-9760667213870665172017-03-31T05:10:00.000-07:002017-03-31T05:10:01.205-07:00Celebrating Life's Ordinary MomentsIt feels great to be back to this humble, little blog of mine that I so long ago named, "Mrs. Merrill's Book Break". <a href="http://mrsmerrillsbookbreak.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-is-book-break.html" target="_blank">Here's</a> a link to one of my first posts that introduces and explains why I wanted to keep a blog to begin with. Over the years, I have changed and grown and at times I've not published anything here. Although, my thoughts are not shifting in terms of the content that I share, I am thinking in terms of the structure. Basically, I've come to realize that this is a place for me to share my passion for literacy and celebrating not only the "bigger" or perhaps more "profound" ideas and thought, but to simply record MY "little moments," or what some may find to be "ordinary," but I find to be joyous, make my heart happy, and make me smile! <br />
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After a very difficult year in terms of my health, I've truly come to appreciate (even more so than I had before), life's little joys. Especially when it has come to reading - since at times, what has always been a part of daily life, was not possible for me to do or when it was possible to pick up a book, it was a real challenge. So, let's not take for granted the small moments or the words and stories that can do so much for our souls. <br />
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I have found some peace in reading Amy Ludwig VanDerwater's beautiful poem, "<a href="http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/search?q=Healer" target="_blank">Healer</a>." You too, can read it by visiting <a href="http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/search?q=Healer" target="_blank">The Poem Farm</a>. Amy is hosting Poetry Friday at The Poem Farm. Please visit to see all the others out there who are celebrating life's poetry moments - both big and small. Click <a href="http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2017/03/heres-poetry-friday-roundup-to.html" target="_blank">here, </a><br />
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