Word Nerd Workout: Figurative Language and Vocabulary
Welcome Word Nerds! Are you ready to stretch your literary muscles? First this week, I’d like to explore plays on words, or figurative language. Last weekend...
Author: Julia Tomiak
I believe in the power of words to improve our lives, and I help people find interesting words to read. Member of SCBWI.
Walter Dean Myers: Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
I didn’t know we had an “Ambassador for Young People’s Literature” until I heard an NPR interview with Walter Dean Myers earlier this month. His term began Jan...
Book Review: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
January Selection from the Reading List Introduction When Caroline recommended Winter Garden to our book club, she warned us that it was cold, but I didn’t gra...
Helping Guys Read
Do you know a guy, young or old, who doesn’t like to read? Who wrinkles his nose when you suggest a book and then turns on the TV or the gaming system? Then y...
Improving Vocabulary in 2012
When I was in 8th grade, my English teacher, Ms. Giles, made us use a book titled 1100 Words You Need to Know to improve our spelling and vocabulary. That book...
The Meaning Behind Auld Lang Syne
At the end of one of my favorite movies, Harry Burns asks Sally Albright, “What does this song mean? My whole life, I don’t know what this song means.” Now, i...