Keys to Success: the Freshmen Teacher Edition

Long, long ago in a classroom in Southern California, I began the next segment of my career as an educator. At present, I've been at VHS for 24 years. At that point, my new assignment was to teach freshmen Language Arts and I was thrilled; I love freshmen-- they are hilarious, generally energetic, and so much fun.
That first group of kids was everything I hoped to have in my class, and then some. Entering my classroom the first day was exciting-- I was ready to make connections, create a safe space for them, and teach them some of life's amazing lessons through literature. The kids were nervous as the first day of high school is for most students and I began my first day as I had the previous 5 years-- teaching kids about the Keys to Success using stories from life to help drive home the point that successful people have these qualities: Respect, Perseverance, Integrity, Honesty, Determination, Commitment, Positivity, Plan/Organization, Stick-to-itiveness Mindset, and Failure=Feedback.
Back to the present day, that amazing bunch of kids are now full-grown adults building beautiful, fulfilling lives.
Last night, I had the pleasure of meeting up with them at their 20th Reunion. It was so much fun-- lots of laughs, fun stories swapped, and a few tears.
More than a few told me that they had appreciated my efforts to help them, the lessons I taught, but most of all it meant so much that I cared for them. It was such a nice night. I'm so proud of all of you and thankful for your stories and good memories.
Thanks for the invitation! xoxo Ms. Steele

Summer Loving - Reading, Resting, and Relaxing (2 YA book reviews)

Library life can be hard, I find it to be a little lonely at times and challenging in ways others don't understand. Decisions are sometimes made that have an enormous impact on what I'm needed to do and it has been extraordinarily stressful this year. All of which brings me back to summer. Ah, glorious summer, the time to rest, relax, and restore my soul.
 At this point, I should add a sound effect of an old vinyl album being scratched-- relaxation and rest are the hallmarks of my summer (usually), but this summer started with a trip to Washington D.C. for the Annual Conference and visit with my sister-in-law. It was a wonderful visit, but I had to endure a 14-hour journey via Southwest Airlines. Thanks to some crazy weather in DC, I got to fly from home to St. Louis, an extra hop to Chicago as they canceled my flight from St. Louis, and then to Reagan National Airport. It was the longest travel day I've ever experienced (yes, longer than our trip to France in 2013)!
 I had a great time with my in-laws Sharon and Mark as well as my conference pal Heather. The week included tons of books, reading, the amazing Scholastic literary luncheon, a trip to the Urgent Care (sis fell and needed stitches), and a glorious return to the Library of Congress. It was a terrific time with great food, family, a good friend, and books!

Heather and I managed to find the time to visit the Library of Congress-- such a beautiful building. As always, I leave wishing we had more time to spend in this amazing building. Next time, I'm definitely going to go and do some research.
I will need to get a new LOC library card-- they're only good for two years. So, it's time for me to get serious about the book that's in my head and needs to be researched/written. 

The LOC ceiling- gorgeous stained glass. 

The Year We Fell From Space, Arthur A. Levine Books, October 2019. 

I've been reading up a storm, I always come home from Annual with great books. This year was no different. My favorite (so far) is The Year We Fell From Space by Amy Sarig King. This was featured at the Literary Luncheon hosted by Scholastic Books. It features Liberty Johansen, her family, and spotlights mental health issues in a way I've never seen before.
Liberty's family is falling apart, her dad moves out (ostensibly to get his head together) and ultimately disappears, her little sister retreats from life, and mom is trying to hold them all together.
This book, meant for middle grades, is excellent. It is so relatable and leaves an indelible mark on your heart and a desire to make the world safer for anyone struggling with mental illnesses.

I have so much respect for A.S. King as she spotlights the need to de-stigmatize mental health illnesses and addresses it head-on. It's time to save the lives of teens and others who are most vulnerable. This book goes a long way to helping with that challenge.

"Stop the silence. Crush the stigma." 

A.S. King, Twitter post 06/23/2019

Scars Like Wings, Delacorte Press, October 2019.

This novel by Erin Stewart is a remarkable debut. Her protagonist, Ava Lee, is known by many names-- the "burn girl," survivor, "the one who lived," orphan, "Freddy Krueger," and invisible. Well, the last one is exactly what Ava would like to be. For the past year, since the fire that killed her parents and Sara, her only cousin/best friend, Ava has been at home or in the hospital recovering from the devastating burns. Her home is now with her Aunt Cora and Uncle Glenn who lost their only child. 

Early in the novel, she strikes a deal with Aunt Cora to return to high school for two weeks. On day one, she meets the bold, brash, Piper and Asad the only people who will look her in the eye and treat her without disdain, disgust, or pity. 

As time passes, Ava continues to heal and has opportunities to find her "new normal," she learns to look up from the floor and be there for someone else. It's a book of overcoming, acceptance and learning to love what is rather than wanting what can never be again. This debut is one that will have you alternately cheering and tearing up. Ava and her friends are unforgettable. 

Check back next week for more reviews. I love summer!