I'm Still Going to Say that My Father's Day Was a Success. A Wonderful Day Off with Two Books Read, World Cup Games Viewed, a Lawn Mowed, & Cooking for the Week

I feel bad that I didn't shower or get in the car. I didn't replant like I wanted to or tackle the garage. I did, however, read two books that have been on my mind (and that I brought to Syracuse but never cracked open). Both were verse novels which always makes for interesting narrative arcs and in the case of Grant Snider, there were illustrations, too, which made it even more poignant. Both are texts for being human. One is historical fiction and the other is a speculation with a great moral for middle school readers.

We will be using Sea of Lemon Trees thematically this summer, with its major emphasis in Ubuntu Academy, but exercises in all our literacy labs (wish I had the teacher institute this year, too, as they would love this). I've become a huge fan of graphic novels and verse novels that share parts of history that have often been ignored by our biased, single-story approach to storytelling of what it means to human (well, as least American). Sea of Lemon Trees: the Corrida of Roberto Alvarez attempts to piece together a 12-year old's bravery to stand in court in defense of Mexican-American education int he United States at a time when the Great Depression pushed White immigrants to turn against brown ones. Schools that were integrated were quickly segregated because White families feared educated others. Although schools were mixed, they fought to push kids out because they wanted an upper hand for their kids alone (hmmm...zip code apartheid 2026). 

The other books I read is The Year I Stopped Drawing. It's not out until November but Grant sent me a copy so I can see what he's up to....it's brilliant and as good as I expected. I especially enjoyed the thrown gummy worm stuck on the ceiling of a middle school cafeteria as a metaphor for trusting some truths will always remain. The frog doodles were appealing, too, but so was the fun, clever way a deep-thinking child gets through the awkwardness of the time through a love of drawing, but the obstacles that deter him for having confidence that his doodles are therapeutic. 

Both books are brilliant for teachers and I'm excited to have them on the radar of classroom teachers because they will achieve reading with students and definitely develop their thinking. 

I also grilled for the week, mowed the lawn, walked the dog, and maintained World Cup commitment. It's easy to read/write while listening/watching games. Even better when I choose to live the day in yesterday's clothes, unbathed, and without any interest of dealing with people.

I welcomed texts/calls from Chitunga, Abu, Kanyea, Lossine, Edem, and Akech. Also took them from William, the King of fatherhood these days with his twins. Talked to my own father early in the morning and simply rode through the final weekend day without too much stress. I have to be on campus this week and do PD for Greenwich, so I knew a slow day was a good call.

Longest day of sunlight. Love them when they arrive without humidity.