I am a Book Snob Hypocrite! By @Chickymara

I’m reading a really great book. Actually, its the third book in a trilogy. I read the first two books each in three days, and now I’m on the third. This trilogy is not what you’d call literary fiction. But, its got amazing characters and an engaging story. A friend of mine recommended that I read the books. When she asked me what I thought, my answer, I’m ashamed to admit, was, ‘Well, the writing isn’t that great, its kind of junky.’ I hastened to add, ‘But the story is really good so I’m loving it.’ Her answer? ‘Oh, funny. Only you would say that.’

Have I been a participant in book snobbery once again? Although as the perpetrator this time?

I’ve written before about this book snobbery, which is a condition where one judges others by the quality and genre of the words that they read. I was first really confronted personally by book snobbery when I was ‘judged’ by someone who tossed off the titles of arguably classic yet intimidating (and possibly mind numbing) tome by another book-lover, and who most certainly was horrified by my love of British Chick-Lit.

And here I was, doing something that I’d hated myself: clarifying or quantifying the value of a book.

I was at a literary festival (The Toronto Word on the Streets) in Toronto in September, and I was talking to one of the authors that I met about my son, who is a huge reader. I was bemoaning the availability of good reading for advanced tweens who don’t like vampires. I mentioned that my son loves James Patterson, a very prolific and commercially successful writer. And this author, who himself is extremely successful and commercial, made a face and said something to the effect of, ‘But, his writing. Meh.’ And I thought, ‘But the kid is reading...’

Sound familiar? Yep, book snobbery at work. And almost word-for-word what I said to my friend about the novels that she recommended to me. Am I a hypocrite?

I’ve always said that I like to read from a variety of genres, styles and authors. In fact, I really like to alternate my literary fiction with lighter fare. So, why did I feel the need to deride a book that I actually was enjoying? I’m not really sure. My friend is more of a paperback gal, so I wasn’t trying to impress her. Was I being a snob or just honest? And if it was the latter, which I’m 99% sure it was, did I need to tell her that I thought her new favorite book was sorta badly written?

I truly believe in self-reflection and improvement. And so, I will try not to judge a book by its innards. But, rather, I will rate it by how it resonates with me. How it makes me feel, engages me, and lives in my imagination. The words will become the vehicle, and not something to critique. Especially, because I’m pretty sure I can’t do any better (and we all know, if you can’t do, don’t critique. Right?

By @Chickymara

Social media...is it the new philosophy for kids and teens?

Philosophy is about discussion, questioning and experimenting with ideas. Social media outlets let us and our kids join in discussions on topics that are of interest to them. With social media we are able to question others' thoughts and ideas. We are able to express our ideas and hear others' opinions of our ideas.

Now the question is, can we use this new social phenomenon to expand literacy and learning skills in kids and teens. I don't know a teen that doesn't use the Internet. And most are using some form of social media. They are expressing their ideas and therefore, in some form or another, developing philosophical skills that help, in turn, develop literacy skills.

With social media being a medium of free expression, we are bombarded with so much information and must use and therefore, build our information processing skills. When reading and writing, whether for pleasure or purpose, we use the same info processing skills. We then enquire, reason and creatively think of our own 'philosophy' on the topic.

So how can we integrate social media into teaching literacy, critical thinking and philosophy to kids and teens?

By Joanna Ferensowicz, President, STELLAA

5 reasons to give books as gifts

We happen to think that books make great gifts all year round, but seeing as we are right in the middle of the holiday season, we thought we'd give you some great reasons to give books as gifts to everyone on your list this year:

1.  Compared to many of the other gift options out there, books are pretty inexpensive. Especially when you consider that books not only give you happiness while you're reading them but also long after you've turned that last page.

2. Choosing the right book to give as a gift takes real thought and attention. Who wouldn't want that over a gift card or something equally impersonal?

3. Books are really easy to wrap! It's a small thing, but it counts.

4. Giving a book that you've read to a friend or family member means you have the perfect excuse to get together again and discuss it.

5. You can buy books online, at independent bookstores, and at larger bookstore chains. You can even gift an eBook by simply purchasing the book and sending it in an email. Buying books has never been easier!


Will you be giving any books as gifts over the holidays?

Book Sharing

My house is covered from end-to-end in books. As I’ve said in previous posts, to me, the best way to get kids reading is to make the books readily available to them. If something is all around, you’re just bound to love it, right? It’s true. Sort of. My kids do like to read, although they go through phases with their attraction to reading, which is partially caused by distractions such as Facebook, hacking each others computers, or just being a teenager. What I do notice, though is that they don’t treasure or revere the actual physical objects called books like I did as a child. I still have some of the books that I loved, even now, 30 years later. When I see them, I smile. There are memories associated with them. Now, maybe it’s just me, and my attachment to things that are meaningful, but I like to keep my books forever. I was devastated when my parents accidentally sold a box of my childhood picture books at a garage sale. And I still think about my ‘babies’ that were donated by my husband after we moved into our current home. Maybe I’m selfish, or even a hoarder, but I like to keep my books all to myself, even those I have no intention of re-reading. (I do share if the borrower promises to bring the book back forthwith.) After all, the stories are mine, right? Associated with those pages are my memories and the vivid imaginary experiences that I’ve had with the characters. My kids, however, are very happy to clear their bookshelves, either sharing the books around the house with a sibling, giving them to friends or their cousins, or in the case of my youngest, donate them to his school library. As he said, ‘These are books I don’t want anymore. But, they are titles (I swear he used the word title-he’s gifted) that other kids like and are in demand with the school library. I already spoke to the librarian.’ I sift through their picture books alternately smiling and sobbing as I reflect on the memories contained therein. I think about warm, cozy story time and soft, downy, post-bath time heads snuggled against my chest as I read them about the latest adventures. But, they are just ready to move on. They seem to be able to separate the object (book) from love of the story. I can’t decide if it saddens me or baffles me. Maybe I’m selfish or just sentimental. Books are for everyone. They bring people together. My kids understand that these stories are meant for sharing. Instead of squeezing their bookshelves ever tighter, double stacking and haphazardly piling, my children want to pass on their favorites to others who might enjoy them. I’m starting to think that those kids have got it right and its time to overcome my possessiveness over my paperbound bits of happiness. I think I should begin to follow their lead starting with this holiday season. I encourage you all to share the gift of reading by dropping off a box of books to STELLAA, to make a donation, or follow my son’s lead, and give the books to your local school library, shelter, or even hospital. I hope that this New Year brings you health, happiness, and the prosperity that comes from within.

Blog Profile: Sound It Out

Dr. Joanne Meier has worked in the fields of early childhood and reading education for over 20 years. And on top of that she's also a mom raising her very own readers at home. Needless to say she has a lot of insight and helpful advice to share, and that's why we are loving her blog, Sound It Out. Reading Joanne's posts every week is a great way to learn from all her years of experience.

Here just a few of our favourite posts from Sound It Out:

Is access to books enough? Nope.

This post is all about what we should do as parents and educators to help motivate children once they get the books in their hands, which is a very important step in promoting literacy.

Being told what to read

A great post about how to encourage non-readers to read the books they have been assigned to read. Anyone who has attempted this knows it can be tough, so Dr. Meier's tips are much appreciated.

Picture books in science class

In this post, Joanne explains how picture books are actually the perfect supplement to an existing science program. For example, the colourful pictures and graphics in picture books can help explain abstract ideas to kids.  

STELLAA would like to profile a new blog that deals with literacy, education, and/or books every month. Make sure to leave us a comment with any blogs that we should check out! 

Children's Books About Africa

Kids are naturally inquisitive and curious, so why not teach them about different cultures while they are still young and eager to learn? We've chosen three acclaimed children's books about Africa that will get kids interested in African culture and heritage.
We'd also love to hear some suggestions of other great children's books about Africa, so please leave us a comment with your favourites!

Bringing Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema (ages 5+) 

The story of how Ki-pat ingeniously brings rain to the arid Kapiti Plain. "Cumulative rhyming tale with the rhythm and repetition of The House That Jack Built . . . Illustrations are stylized, simple, and dramatic."- School Library Journal.

We All Went on Safari by Laurie Krebs (ages 5+)

Join Arusha, Mosi, Tumpe and their Maasai friends as they set out on a counting journey through the grasslands of Tanzania. Along the way, the children encounter all sorts of animals including elephants, lions and monkeys, while counting from one to ten in both English and Swahili. The lively, rhyming text is accompanied by an illustrated guide to counting in Swahili, a map, notes about each of the animals, and interesting facts about Tanzania and the Maasai people. - Amazon.com


Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott (ages 4+)

Anansi the Spider is one of the great folk heroes of the world. He is a rogue, a mischief-maker, and a wise, lovable creature who triumphs over larger foes.

In this traditional Ashanti tale, Anansi sets out on a long, difficult journey. Threatened by Fish and Falcon, he is saved from terrible fates by his sons. But which of his sons should Anansi reward? Calling upon Nyame, the God of All Things, Anansi solves his predicament in a touching and highly resourceful fashion.

In adapting this popular folktale, Gerald McDermott merges the old with the new, combining bold, rich color with traditional African design motifs and authentic Ashanti language rhythms. - Amazon.com

Instilling a love of reading in kids

A lot of my friends have complained to me over the years that their kids don't like to read and that they never pick up a book voluntarily.  I’ve never had that problem. In fact, I have  the reverse problem.  My kids love to read.  Its a very expensive habit to, but one I happily support.   Since they were small, my kids have loved books and the stories they contain.  As much as they begged for a new toy, they asked for books, books, and more books. They were insatiable.  ‘Just one more tory.’  Was the refrain when they were small, and ‘Just 5 more minutes’ the request as they grew.   The speed at which they consumed the words was fast and furious. New material was always on the radar.  In fact, the desire for a new read went as far as them guessing my password for the online bookstore and going in and dropping books in my shopping basket.   So, how did I create this love of words, this culture of reading in my house? I don't know that I did anything special, nor do I have a magical solution. I’m not sure that you can force your kids to be good or enjoy something for which they have no interest or inclination.  For example, I'm wickedly bad at any and all sports, except yoga, which isn't really a sport. But, my parents did try to encourage the growth of an interest by making athletic pursuits available. They signed me up for lessons in multiple activities, from dance to skating, gymnastics, to baseball. And, I just sucked. At all of it. And I hated it. But, I remember trying,  and I received the message that physical activity is important. (In case you’re wondering what I was doing when everyone else was running around?  I was reading. All the time.  And far into the night.)   I believe that an appreciation for reading, if not a love for it can be encouraged in the same way. What are some things I did when my kids were small to encourage reading and set the stage for literacy as they grew?     (I'll caveat that I was lucky and my kids seemed to have an affinity for reading. When my daughter was four, we 'caught' her reading to a classmate, even though nobody knew she could read.)   • We read to our kids everyday. And not just at bed time. Anytime was story time if there was a book handy. • Books were everywhere. I had a little bookshelf in the family room/ playroom as well as each child had a bookshelf in their room. The bookshelves were at child level so they could easily access them. • They kids saw me reading. All the time. • We made regular trips to the bookstore and library. Long half day trips. Picking a book was serious business. I rarely said no to the purchase of a book, while I did for toys and video games. • Holiday gifts ( we celebrate Chanukah) and birthdays always included books or gift certificates for the book store. • Books were part of the ceremony of living. We had books for holidays, birthdays, special events. We had books for feelings, and for good days, and even for bad days. Books were your friends.   So, those are some of my tips to encourage a love of literacy and reading in your home. What are some things you have done to encourage a love of reading in your home? By @chickymara