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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.
How to encourage reading/News from book business

Why You Should Geek Your Library

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Julia Tomiak / 6 Comments

What do you geek? Do you use your public library to help you? The case for geekiness and public libraries.

Improving vocabulary

The Origin of “Hat Trick”

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Julia Tomiak / 12 Comments

What does it mean when someone says "My kid scored a hat trick"? How did this phrase come about? The Word Nerd, and soccer mom, explains.

Awesome Young Adult Books/Book reviews

Why You Should Read We Were Liars

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Julia Tomiak / 7 Comments

I have a love/hate relationship with the novel We Were Liars, by E Lockhart. It's very well written, but the story doesn't sit right with me. I recommend it, ...

Wondrous Words Wednesday
How to encourage reading

Vocab from Phillis Wheatley: Retinue

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Julia Tomiak / 3 Comments

I believe reading poetry improves vocabulary - and to prove it, I share a new word I learned from a Phillis Wheatley poem. Come learn with me!

Appreciating Poetry/How to encourage reading

Why You Should Subscribe to a Poem a Day

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Julia Tomiak / 8 Comments

I know, you've got enough stuff coming into your inbox. But I make the case for something worth your precious time: poetry. It's National Poetry Month, after ...

Improving vocabulary/Recommended kid lit

Vocab from The Ranger’s Apprentice: Taciturn

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Julia Tomiak / 13 Comments

If I told you my husband was taciturn, would you know what I meant? Come learn a new word today!

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Meet the Word Nerd

I believe in the power of words, and I like helping people find interesting and inspiring words to read. Follow me for tips on grammar, word etymology, what books to read, and more. Member SCBWI.

Contact me at headnerd at juliatomiak dot com.

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