Blog
Actor Rory Kinnear and author Ian McEwan a perfect pairing in ‘Nutshell’
August 1, 2017published in the Raleigh News and Observer July, 28, 2017 I don’t know if I’ve ever been so aware of a narrator’s importance than when listening to Rory Kinnear’s reading of Ian McEwan’s “Nutshell” (book from Doubleday, audio from Recorded read more »
These books can help you have difficult conversations with your kids
July 26, 2017Published in the Raleigh News and Observer, JULY 21, 2017 Adults broaching difficult situations or subjects with children can initiate hard conversations with books like these new publications. The uncertainties of today’s world can be overwhelming. Holly McGhee offers read more »
Franken, Sedaris memoirs entertain, of course
June 25, 2017(published in the News and Observer June 22, 2017) Listening to recently released memoirs written and read by famed humorists had me thinking about their commonality, though the two relate very different life experiences. “Al Franken Giant of the Senate,” read more »
Keep your kids reading all summer with these books
June 24, 2017(published in the News and Observer on June 18, 2017) In 1990, I discovered Mildred Taylor’s Newbery-winner “Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry” (Dial), a book which has just re-released with new cover art and an introduction by Jacqueline read more »
‘Days Without End’ boasts miraculous match
May 30, 2017published in The Raleigh News and Observer on May 28, 2017 A miraculous match happens when a fabulous written voice is paired with an incredible narration. This combination characterizes Aiden Kelly’s reading of Sebastian Barry’s “Days Without End”(book from Viking, read more »
Anxious tots? These 5 picture books will help you talk it out
May 17, 2017(published in the Raleigh News and Observer and Charlotte Observer 5/16/17) Writing in classrooms I lead the children through a series of games until we’ve teased out an imaginative narrative. This accents children’s natural ability to play and avoids their read more »
The women behind the ‘tampon run’ video game write a book
April 22, 2017(published in the News and Observer and Charlotte Observer 4/21/2017) Growing up has always been difficult, but today teens face many more complexities on their paths to becoming adults. Four honest books reveal struggles and offer guidance. In 2014, Andrea read more »
Relationships, race, death thoughtfully treated
March 26, 2017(published in the Charlotte Observer March 23/17 A wonky knee has kept me on couch and crutches since November. “How can you stand it?” someone asked. Easy answer – reading books that hook me and hold me till the end. read more »
Interview with Grace Lin
March 6, 2017published in AudioFile Magazine; December 2016-January 2017 Z Grace Lin “When I was younger, there were lots of times books became my friends. I hope I create books that have become friends for kids.” Rent audiobooks Talking with Grace Lin Grace Lin read more »
STEAM education starts early with the right books
March 5, 2017(published in the News and Observer and Charlotte Observer 2/27/17) STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) is one of the best educational initiatives in a long while. Its purpose is to educate children for the future in which they’ll read more »
