Blog Archives
Monologues for Young Adults: 60 Original Monologues to Stand Out, Inspire, and Shine
Mike Kimmel’s collection, Monologues for Young Adults: 60 Original Monologues to Stand-Out, Inspire, and Shine, is a refreshing and engaging read that is approachable and insightful. Comprised of succinct and easily digestible monologues, this book shines as a valuable resource for the acting community.
The work kicks off with a thoughtful foreword by Valerie Marsch, lending an experienced perspective, followed by a 13-page introduction by Kimmel himself. More than a mere prelude, the introduction serves as a pragmatic guide with a sensible list of do’s and don’ts for budding actors.
What sets this collection apart is the short, conversational monologues, each infused with sage advice that is both practical and inspirational. Kimmel’s pieces stand out for their cleanliness and optimism. They are devoid of vulgarities, consistently forward-looking, and brightened by an uplifting spirit.
Each monologue contains at least one poignant line ripe for impactful delivery, such as “the only difference between a rut and a grave is the length” or “if you don’t heal from the things that hurt you, you’ll bleed all over people who didn’t cut you.” The themes vary widely, ranging from small mindset adjustments needed to push forward and overcome personal limitations and fears to the poignant reflection on unfulfilled dreams symbolized by the clever play on words ‘Someday Isle’ (Someday I’ll).
Kimmel’s collection is an excellent source of good, clean material for aspiring actors. Beyond merely being a collection of monologues, it also serves as an informative primer for those new to the acting industry. The author’s extensive experience is eloquently captured in the introduction and afterword.
Monologues for Young Adults admirably fulfills its stated intention and stands as a testament to Kimmel’s understanding of the needs and aspirations of actors. Engaging, encouraging, and earnest in its approach, this collection is a must-have for anyone seeking to navigate the challenging yet rewarding world of acting.
Pages: 137 | ASIN : B0BRT1BCCP
Cassie’s Big Change: Going from the Living Room to the Classroom
Cassie is finally getting to return to her school building after learning from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. She did not love going to school in her living room on a laptop. She missed her friends and teachers. Now that there is a vaccine, she can return to her school and be with her class in person again.
Cassie’s Big Change: Going from the Living Room to the Classroom is more than a story about returning to school. Author Tamera Foley uses this children’s story to validate the feelings many young children have had during the pandemic and the emotional struggles they felt. She uses Cassie’s writing assignment to show children different ways to express themselves and let others know how they feel. It shows children that the adults at school and home care about how they are feeling and that what they feel is important and real. I loved the part where the children were sharing their feelings on the playground, and they were not superficial remarks like you might expect in a kid’s book. Instead, they show just how aware children are of the world around them and the impact that things like COVID-19 have had on their world.
The childrens book Cassie’s Big Change: Going from the Living Room to the Classroom is beautifully written and shares ways that children can express their emotions in a positive and safe manner, be it through clay models, writing a story, or talking one on one with a teacher or parent. Tamera Foley shows kids that they have a voice and that their feelings are important. This is a wonderful children’s book that any elementary classroom would benefit from having.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B099B13X7T
Ensure Educational Success
Dr. Samuel D. Nix II is an incredible author who profoundly recognizes the education system and how crucial it is for teachers and administrators to use sophisticated techniques to run schools. Ensure Educational Success covers multiple topics that are helpful to teachers and leaders. The author extensively writes about educational success, how to run schools, improve schooling systems, and handle learners. I love that the author starts every chapter with a quote from historical icons. The quotes add an aesthetic value to the text and give readers a hint about what will be covered in the coming chapter.
In this eye-opening book, the reader is exposed to researched-based content that is illuminating to teachers, leaders, educators, learners, and the shareholders in the education system. Every discussion is based on accuracy and backed with facts and statistics. In addition, he is also strategic and in tune with the realities in learning institutions.
The author is an experienced education consultant and is knowledgeable in matters of education success, and is solution-oriented. His impartiality when discussing the challenges both learners and administrators face is venerable. Dr. Samuel D. Nix II does not take sides between educators or adminstrators, even when critical of certain concepts applied in the education systems.
The writing style in this revealing book is free-flowing and does not feel technical. One technique the author uses to explain his point of view is using questions and real-life examples when he expounds on a topic.
One of my favorite chapters was on empowering learners. Among the many topics, the author discussed leading the learners. To help the reader understand his discussions best, the author asks questions like; How do you know if students are learning? When they are not, what do you do about it? And goes ahead to explain in detail what should be done.
Ensure Educational Success is a thought-provoking book shedding light on the education system from all angles. The goal is to enact change in our education system and allow both teachers and learners to have the best possible experience in the education process.
Pages: 211 | ASIN : B09LRSFVZ7
LITERARY TITAN 