Why I Haven't Read The Bridge From Me To You - but you should...

I was so excited when my first book order of the year arrived because Lisa Schroeder's new novel The Bridge From Me To You was in it.! I have read her other teen books. I was following her updates on Facebook. I was ready to read. I secured it and eagerly read the first couple of chapters. And...I was excited. I had spent much of my summer on Netflix watching “Friday Night Lights” for the first time. I surely didn't think I'd like a football show. But I was hooked. I love the two perspectives, one in poetry, the other in prose. Clearly, a mystery was present, and I was already hooked. This eagerly anticipated book had that FNL vibe, complete with a coach who has a southern drawl. But then the business of the library brought my reading time to an abrupt screeching halt. Silly students needed books and such.

I was book talking the next day –so no reading time –and somehow Schroeder’s new book got mixed in with the book talked titles the 11th graders were eagerly perusing. And didn't a young lady spot it. And didn't she want it. And naturally I had to let her have it. It's the job, right? She read it overnight and loved it.  I barely had the book in my hands, and out it went again. So. I haven’t yet read or reviewed The Bridge From Me To You.  I may not for a while. I may not know for a bit if it is anything like “Friday Night Lights.”

I do know the novel is good.  Each year a colleague and I host an evening for our junior high kids.  We find a keynote speaker, we provide fun, educational, and interesting activities.  We want to make them feel special. Two years ago Schroeder graciously agreed to Skype in as our keynote speaker.  Our girls were entranced by her. Her message to them – be the best you that you can be. Don’t compare yourself to others. Find out what you are good at and do it.  She resonated with our girls, and they are still reading her books. The messages that she shared that evening are found in her books. I can’t wait to read the new one. You should read it too!

Back to School

I just read a quote this evening in twitter that suggested that giving into cynicism implies a lack of belief in grace.  Interesting, because on this night before my first day of school, it would be easy to give into cynicism.  I still love my job - that is being a school librarian and an English teacher.  My students, the books, my colleagues - all of these bring me joy. But sometimes the outside forces are overwhelming: paperwork (not the good kind :-), budget cuts, paper work, contract negotiations, paper work, more with less.  I may have been feeling more cynicism and less grace.  Then I encountered this lovely post by the Library Lady that challenges me to have a great start to my school year. I thought I should list my favorite of the 27 ways to have a great school year, but I am having trouble choosing a favorite.  Perhaps it is "Be the change you want to be..." All organizations need improvement.  My job should be to facilitate that improvement, not wallow in the difficulties.  I plan to download and post the infographic to remind me of that job when outside forces threaten to overwhelm.

Also, as an aside, I have not used either of the technologies referenced in the blog article.  Shame on me for that. I will be setting aside time to explore these soon. I have not been "making time to make."