Friday Five
1. This week son's been taking the CAASPP test. This is the new Core curriculum test. His accommodations due to his 504 plan mean he's with a smaller group of kids which helps with his anxiety level.
One more year of homeschooling and then he'll be attending the local public high school. Trying to get him ready and get his skills up to par so he can succeed.
2. So while son is testing, I've been working at Ruby's Diner(they have the BEST foundation drinks).
Also been going to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Musing over these ending scenes, knowing I have to build them to a powerful climax and then end with a denouncement. No easy task!
Been listening to LOTS of Ed Sheeran:
See? Lots of feels I'm trying to capture in this revision!
3. Right now reading ROOK by Sharon Cameron:
4. Just finished reading CHILDREN OF THE EARTH (END TIMES)
My YABC review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/18027-children-of-the-earth-end-times
Teaser: Satisfying conclusion to END TIMES, this novel shows Daphne having to face her worse fear in order to save not only herself but Carbon County. Intense emotional roller coaster ride through one's vision of what the end might involve to a forbidden love that has painful consequences.
5. And a fun post I did for the Cybils' blog:
Teaser: I’m very passionate about diversity in YA and children’s literature. As a former bilingual teacher, I found a huge discrepancy on what was out there during the 1990s/2000s especially stories with Latin@ protagonists. This was the driving force behind me writing Earrings of Ixtumea which has a Latina protagonist being thrust into a parallel world where she has to confront the heritage she shunned. Now though, there are a few more books out there, which is alittle step in the right direction.
The Living by Matt de la Pena (YA Speculative Fiction winner): What starts as a way for Shy to earn money to help his family back in a small town close to the San Diego/Mexico border turns out to be a horrific ride when the dreaded ‘Big One’ hits the West Coast. Added to the mix is a deadly disease that has killed not only Shy’s grandmother, but others. The Living has a gripping plot featuring a Mexican-American protagonist and a cast of diverse characters. It starkly portrays racism and classism among the rich cruise patrons, and the greed that drives some in power to commit questionable acts. Sure to appeal to reluctant readers with its multi-layered characters and action-packed scenes, this novel nails the horror of being caught in a disaster and portrays the courage and strength that can come when people are faced with terrible odds.
One more year of homeschooling and then he'll be attending the local public high school. Trying to get him ready and get his skills up to par so he can succeed.
2. So while son is testing, I've been working at Ruby's Diner(they have the BEST foundation drinks).
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| Photo courtesy of http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/rubys-diner-los-angeles-3 |
Also been going to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Musing over these ending scenes, knowing I have to build them to a powerful climax and then end with a denouncement. No easy task!
Been listening to LOTS of Ed Sheeran:
3. Right now reading ROOK by Sharon Cameron:
4. Just finished reading CHILDREN OF THE EARTH (END TIMES)
Teaser: Satisfying conclusion to END TIMES, this novel shows Daphne having to face her worse fear in order to save not only herself but Carbon County. Intense emotional roller coaster ride through one's vision of what the end might involve to a forbidden love that has painful consequences.
5. And a fun post I did for the Cybils' blog:
Teaser: I’m very passionate about diversity in YA and children’s literature. As a former bilingual teacher, I found a huge discrepancy on what was out there during the 1990s/2000s especially stories with Latin@ protagonists. This was the driving force behind me writing Earrings of Ixtumea which has a Latina protagonist being thrust into a parallel world where she has to confront the heritage she shunned. Now though, there are a few more books out there, which is alittle step in the right direction.
Here’s a list of some YA/Children books taken from the Cybils 2014 nominated/finalist list. There’s a story about an undocumented Argentinean teen living in the New Jersey suburbs, a Mexican-American teen’s experience, a picture book with references to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, to a Latino teen stuck on a cruise ship during a disaster. All these books and others on my list reflect the beauty of a culture I’m very proud to call my own!
The Living by Matt de la Pena (YA Speculative Fiction winner): What starts as a way for Shy to earn money to help his family back in a small town close to the San Diego/Mexico border turns out to be a horrific ride when the dreaded ‘Big One’ hits the West Coast. Added to the mix is a deadly disease that has killed not only Shy’s grandmother, but others. The Living has a gripping plot featuring a Mexican-American protagonist and a cast of diverse characters. It starkly portrays racism and classism among the rich cruise patrons, and the greed that drives some in power to commit questionable acts. Sure to appeal to reluctant readers with its multi-layered characters and action-packed scenes, this novel nails the horror of being caught in a disaster and portrays the courage and strength that can come when people are faced with terrible odds.
Go to http://www.cybils.com/2015/04/list-fun-cybils-books-with-latino-flair.html
to see what other Cybils nominated books made my list!
**Guilty Pleasure:
Hopefully I've be able to get back to edits on GODDESSES CAN WAIT! With scoring and other responsibilities, had to push these aside but now have no excuses!!!!
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| Fab mock cover by Paper and Sage Design |
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