March 2019

I’m addicted to Miller’s podcast, and not only have I given away about 20 copies of this book to friends, I’ve received over half a dozen copies from other friends. Essential marketing book that accurately describes the mission of every business: to act as the “guide” and turn the customer into the hero.

In 1995, the physical and social landscape of Japan was transformed by two events: the Kobe earthquake, in January, which destroyed thousands of lives, and the poison-gas attacks in the Tokyo subways in March, during the morning rush hour. Following these twin disasters, Murakami abandoned his life abroad and returned home to confront his country’s grief. And out of the quake come these six stories, set in the months between natural catastrophe and man-made terrorism.

The thing I love about Lucado’s books is they are always short, I read through them quickly – but then I wind up pondering them for weeks. This simple but profound book is the perfect antidote to those suffering from anxiety and depression, which is just about everyone at some point. Great tips and perspective.

A short novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, Sula is a gripping story of two friends, Sula and Nel. Separated in young adulthood, they reunite as grown women. But their friendship ends in an unforgivable betrayal.

Great introduction to one of America’s greatest writers, this quirky collection of poems and short stories – with illustrations by the author – is a great way to engage teens with Atwood.

Got any students interested in horror? This one, from the Nobel Prize-winning Doris Lessing, will keep them up many nights! Classic horror of a family torn apart by the arrival of Ben, their feral fifth child. A happy family is torn apart when their fifth child – large and ugly, violent and uncontrollable – is born. I get the shakes just thinking about this book.

Not that Rowling needs any promotion from me, but I wanted to include this book for its extremely positive and inspirational messages. In 2008, the Harry Potter scribe delivered a deeply affecting commencement speech at Harvard University. This book presents her words of wisdom for anyone at a turning point in life. How can we embrace failure? And how can we use our imagination to better both ourselves and others?

I have my pal Cynthia McDermott to thank for introducing me to this gem. With lovely illustrations by Barry Root, this story talks about how the curmudgeon General and his wife Mrs. Pinch impose their will and endless rules against the residents of Liberty Street. But when the Araboolies move in, the rigid conformity stifling the neighbors is shattered by the newcomers’ joyous and eccentric behavior. Now, the General has called in the army to reestablish order – only to find resistance from the children of Liberty Street determined to ensure the freedom of their newfound friends, the Araboolies. I tell you – children’s literature is often the most important literature, and this book is truly masterful.

Fun read aloud that encourages children to embrace their “inner nerds” as well as their “outer nerds.” After all, if a dog is a nerd, then it has to be a cool thing to be! Includes great illustrations by John Woods.

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. Hilarious read aloud that will delight your young and old students alike!