Someone makes a comment on social media and the Internet cracks under the weight of how-dare-yous. Verbal riots ensue, with no one bothering to find out what the person meant or why they think as they do. If I might wax Biblical for a moment, this modern phenomenon reminds me of an incident in the […]

The other half of this summer’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, “Oppenheimer” did so well in its second weekend that it gets a full review all its own. Sure, it came in a distant second to “Barbie” both weekends, but with an estimated $174 million at the domestic box office thus far, it’s more than on pace to […]

Zucchini Mac and Cheese Deliciously creamy zucchini mac and cheese is the ultimate, healthy comfort food that adds in extra veggies! Serves 4 Ingredients: 10 ounces dry pasta shells 2 tablespoons butter ¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour (or substitute regular flour ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 1/2 cups low-fat regular […]

The Horseback Librarians By Jane Yolen Illustrated by Alexandra Badiu The Horseback Librarians is a children’s picture book, based on true happenings, written by Jane Yolen, the author of about 400 books for readers of all ages, including Owl Moon, The Soft House, and How Do Dinosaurs_____? Colorful and vivid pictures by Alexandra Badiu clearly […]

“Barbie” prides itself on inspiring a full range of feelings – both in its characters and its audience. The characters tap into dark, sad sides they never knew they had, and they find out life is more rewarding for it. The audience is sure to eat up all the easy jokes and sweetness, but they’re […]

Once upon a time, there were some ninth-graders who didn’t know how to learn. Their teacher, Laia Hanau, had just gotten her master’s degree and was doing her practice teaching. She went home and cried. Her husband told her if she couldn’t stop crying, she should give up and find another profession. She reduced her […]

The Upside Down Magic series By Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins The Upside Down Magic series is a tale about friendship and accepting differences, including your own. The main setting is a magic school. Throughout the series, we follow the many different characters within and learn about their struggles and how they push […]