Teen Ink Community Service Award

TEEN INK COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS
http://www.teenink.com/Contests/CommunityC.php
—
What do you do to make your community a better place? How has
volunteering changed you and the way you view the world? Write
an essay describing your experiences and be recognized for all
that you do! Each year at least two teens are honored for
outstanding service to their community. Contest winners receive
$100 for their favorite charity and a copy of the magazine
featuring their winning essay. In addition, each winner will
receive a special Teen Ink prize. Essays should be between 150
and 1,000 words. Feel free to include any photos, though it
isn’t required. Deadline May 1.

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland Decoration Says It All--My Driveway

So Many YA Books–How to Choose?

I was at the bookstore yesterday and wandering through the children’s/YA section. I have to say–it was a bit overwhelming. Stacks of Twilight books (and series), and stacks of  books by authors I didn’t know, and titles I hadn’t heard too much about.

Now, don’t get me wrong, it is a very positive thing that the YA book section has exploded in the last few years–especially because I write for tweens–BUT….the problem is that with so many books…how do you know what is good? How do you know what to buy as a gift for a teen? And how do you know what to use in a classroom setting or with students?

Two of my favorite resources have just come out with their best books of 2008. Both of these resources are great to use when heading off to a bookstore or library!

Kirkus Best Teen Books 2008

School Library Journal Best Books 2008

Winter Sunrise Over Lake Stevens

Although I enjoyed my time returning to St Louis, attending my 20th Kirkwood High School reunion, and speaking at North Kirkwood Middle school, I’m glad to be back home in the Pacific Northwest. Sunrises like this one make me remember why…

Sunrise over Lake Stevens and Mt. Pilchuck

Winter Views of Lake Stevens

A Whole New Mind: Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future

On my flight home from St. Louis, I read a fascinating book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel H. Pink. In the book, Pink talks about six human abilities which are going to be essential for success in the years to come which include: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, and Meaning.

The book also includes ideas for each ability. Some of them I found fascinating were:

1. I Used to Believe--A fascinating collection of childhood beliefs

2. One Story--A publication which publishes one short story at a time