Blog Archives
My Backpack is Heavier Than Yours
In his compelling work, My Backpack is Heavier Than Yours, Dr. Edwin Garcia Jr. delves deep into the obstacles that marginalized students encounter in their educational journey and proffers practical solutions to these pervasive issues. Drawing from a rich tapestry of scholarly research, personal anecdotes, and insights shared by educators, parents, students, and others, Dr. Garcia unveils the trials that students grapple with due to race, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, English language proficiency, among others.
The book skillfully illuminates how low societal expectations, prevalent prejudices, inadequate support systems, and self-doubt can hinder these students’ progress. It invites educators and educational leaders to adopt impactful strategies like fostering empathy, identifying and nurturing individual strengths, and curbing instant gratification, among other effective approaches.
Dr. Garcia’s meticulous research and insightful analysis left a significant impression on me. In addition, he successfully identifies critical areas of concern, offering innovative solutions. For instance, he proposes self-regulated learning as a countermeasure to instant gratification. This involves empowering students to modify their learning strategies in response to their academic performance.
The authenticity of this book is enhanced by the poignant narratives of Dr. Garcia and others featured within. For example, I was deeply moved by the account of a gay Latino student who dreaded attending school due to the verbal abuse he endured for being different. Such narratives underscore the urgency of implementing the book’s proposed ideas and solutions across educational institutions.
Beyond providing remedies to the issues marginalized students face, the book also undertakes an insightful exploration of human behavior. As a result, it provides valuable advice on honing one’s learning skills, and setting and achieving goals, among other crucial personal development tips. Impressively, many of the discussed topics are reinforced with relevant source references.
My Backpack is Heavier Than Yours is an exemplary roadmap for ensuring equitable education access to those who have long been underserved. The themes discussed within these pages warrant the attention of all educators and decision-makers in the American educational system.
Pages: 203 | ISBN: 9798988193609
These Are Wild Thing’s Tales To Tell
Wild Thing and The Bagel shares your family’s story about adopting two dogs and the challenges that people may face when rescuing an animal. What inspired you to share your story?
Wild Thing was 13 when I started the book a couple of years ago. His favorite human has always been Brady. When Brady went off to college, Wild Thing went through a horrible depression, missing his best friend so much. We had talked about getting another canine companion, but always wondered how Wild Thing would handle sharing his humans. We made the leap that first summer of Covid, when everything was just re-opening. The Bagel immediately made her way into our hearts and became friends immediately with Wild Thing. Wild Thing had always provided us with entertainment and tales to tell ever since the day we brought him home 14 years ago. When The Bagel joined the family, the stories more than doubled. I knew then I needed to put their stories in writing—and every single story in the book has happened. As Wild Thing is getting older, I knew putting this book together would be my little ‘love note’ to him.
One thing I loved about this children’s book is that it is told from the perspective of Wild Thing. Why did you choose to tell the story from his perspective rather than your own voice?
These are Wild Thing’s tales to tell…and for anyone who has had pets, you know you can just tell when they are ’telling’ you about their day or about the other family pets’ antics. Getting these stories out to everyone needed to be told from Wild Thing’s point of view to give it authenticity.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I hope children, and adults, see the love and bond between humans and pets, and that rescue pets are simply awesome. And, who knows, it might give someone the little push they need to make that leap to rescue a pet. My purpose was to write the book so that kids of all ages could enjoy the stories.
Are you working on more stories about Wild Thing and The Bagel?
Wild Thing and The Bagel give me new stories everyday—so, there is plenty of material. My hope is to be able to put some of them into another book…or to possibly do a theme book (such as a holiday book or a book about different adventures).
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
T-Bot and the Wonder of the Forest
Get ready for a whimsical whirlwind of wonderment as T-Bot and the Wonder of the Forest sweeps you and your little ones off your feet! This enchanting children’s picture book stars T-Bot, an oh-so-adorable tiny robot on a spectacular quest to uncover the forest’s hidden treasure. As T-Bot explores the forest, the tiny bot meets delightful forest critters and uncovers a variety of wonderous things.
The night might be a teensy bit spooky, but never fear! A luminous firefly buddy lights the way, guiding T-Bot to the grand reveal: a magical meadow where all the individual wonders of the forest gather in harmony!
This must-read bedtime story for kids aged 2 to 6 boasts vivid 3D illustrations that will have you believing you’re watching a Pixar movie. From glowing fireflies leading the way to twinkling mushrooms, every page bursts with delightful details that will have kids and grown-ups absolutely captivated.
T-Bot’s marvelous adventure will inspire your child’s imagination as they explore the beauty of nature and learn valuable lessons about bravery and the wonders of our world. This book is not only perfect for ages 3 and up, but it also makes a splendid gift!
Readers will fall in love with T-Bot’s cuteness. I can’t wait to see more from the author. Fingers crossed for some video content too! In the meantime, snuggle up with your little ones and make T-Bot and the Wonder of the Forest a cherished part of your nightly bedtime routine. Trust us, it’s an absolute must-read!
Pages: 48 | ASIN: B0BSGD1ZQW
The Best Interests Of The Children
Room in the Nest follows a swan husband and wife who open up their nest and hearts to all the bird children in need for as long as necessary. What was the inspiration for your story?
I adopted my son a few years ago, and we stay in touch with his lovely foster carers. We’ve seen several children come into their care, some of whom have been reunited with their birth families, some of whom have been moved into kinship placements. My son understands that we adopted him, so he started to ask questions about why his foster siblings and other children looked after by his foster carers ended up in different sorts of families.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
The moral is that children need to be kept safe, and the most important theme throughout the story is that all of the adults pictured have the best interests of the children at heart. The social worker character, Caring Goose, seeks advice from the Wise Owl, who makes suggestions to ensure that lots of options are considered before a child is removed from their family. The Wise Owl also ensures that the children are placed with family members when possible, or that a suitable adoptive family is found, but there are recurrent reminders throughout the book that the foster carers are there to help any children who need to be loved and looked after throughout these periods of uncertainty.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to help normalise all of these different family structures and help children to understand the basics of foster care, in an accessible way.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next story is created to help children to understand that making a few bad choices doesn’t make them a bad person, to try to help children who find themselves labelled as the “bad kid” at school, to see that they are not intrinsically “bad” and they can make kind choices. I am working on the illustrations now, and plan to publish it this Winter.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Mr and Mrs Swan build a big nest, so that they have plenty of room to help anyone who needs them. Teach children about different kinds of foster care, with this touching tale of fostering placements leading to kinship care, reunification, adoption and long term foster care. This inclusive story can be used as a therapeutic tool to help care-experienced children to process their experiences, or as an effective teaching aid to normalise and explain foster care and other family structures to all children.
The Fox’s Tower
The Fox’s Tower tells the story of one sly fox who thinks he knows better than everyone else. Francis, despite prior trouble, still wants to be the best at something. His latest plan is to build the tallest building in the city. His plan starts out well, following all the rules and listening to the experts, but quickly his desire for fame takes over, and his smart decision-making falls to the side. Instead of making his dreams come true, he returns to his sneaky ways and ends up with a pile of regrets.
Tuula Pere has written an entertaining cautionary story for children. This children’s book helps children understand that having big dreams is ok, but you must still follow the rules and do the right thing to achieve them. It also helps children understand that some dreams are unrealistic and cannot be done physically. For example, Fox’s tower was a big dream but could not be built safely or structurally. It is a hard lesson for children to learn that being told something can not be done is not an attack on them but just a fact of life. Francis learns this the hard way so that children can learn from his mistakes.
Another lesson in this beautiful picture book is that of forgiveness and second chances. The town council was worried about Francis and his past misdeeds, but they were willing to give him another opportunity to do the right thing. Of course, they were all cautious about helping Francis, but in the end, they did give him a chance and show that bad decisions do not mean someone is unworthy.
The Fox’s Tower is a beautifully written children’s book sharing life lessons with children and making them laugh along the way. This is a wonderful book for younger elementary children to learn about cause and effect and about how everyone deserves a second chance.
Pages: 44 | ISBN : 9523578375
Chocolate Space Bunnies
A long time ago, there lived cute little bunnies called Fonduliens who lived on a chocolate planet far away. Everything was covered in chocolate, but it was all melting. Three courageous bunnies head out on a quest to find a new home. They find the perfect place to live on a planet called Earth. But no one there has ever heard of chocolate. Will the Fonduliens be able to convince the earthlings to let them live there?
This is a wildly creative and fun book that sets up a great backstory before sending the characters on an entertaining quest to save their people. I was impressed with how much was packed into this children’s book. We learn about the Fonduliens, about their planet, we’re taken on an adventure through space, and then we land on Earth, where the Fonduliens encounter humans who are afraid of them.
There is so much in this kid’s book to dive into and discuss with children. Like the bunny’s planet melting, needing to find a new home, people being afraid of aliens, and the idea that chocolate doesn’t exist. These are all ideas that rarely appear in children’s books. It’s all presented in a way that is easy to follow and fun every step of the way.
The artwork throughout the picture book is absolutely delicious. The artwork is sharp, vibrant, and detailed. I loved the color choices and the cute expressions on all the character’s faces. This all makes for a perfect book to read to young children at bedtime, as they are sure to be glued to every page as their parents read the story to them.
Chocolate Space Bunnies takes young readers on a lively and imaginative adventure that is heaps of fun. I recommend this book to early elementary school children or any parent that is looking for a book that is unique and will capture children’s imagination.
Pages: 39 | ASIN: B0BTGHL62B
Children Who Dance in the Rain
Sophie is like many young kids today; always on her tablet and often takes for granted the many wonderful things in her life. She goes to school and learns how to spell the word ‘privilege’ but doesn’t truly understand its meaning. After a family trip to India shows her the challenges that children face there, and how they face them bravely, Sophie is inspired and opens her eyes to all the wonderful things in her life, and in the world, that she was taking for granted.
Children Who Dance in the Rain is a wonderfully educational story that teaches young readers about Indian culture, along with helping them understand what it means to be privileged by providing a sharp example. Children will learn the value of compassion and giving and see how it can truly have an effect on other people. I loved the epilogue at the end of this kid’s book. Not many children’s books have an epilogue, so it was nice to see, but it also shows how Sophie’s experience shaped who she became.
The gorgeous artwork throughout the book is vibrant and colorful. Each character has big beautiful glowing eyes, and their emotions are clear to see. I loved the market scene in India because there was so much detail on the page. Young children will be captivated by the artwork as their parents read them this story.
Susan Justice has created a picture book that teaches valuable life lessons and helps children truly appreciate the things they have in their life, and to share it with others. Children Who Dance in the Rain is a delightful children’s book that is infused with spirituality and culture. I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers who want to start a conversation with their children about gratitude and sharing.
LITERARY TITAN 