I’ve always struggled with reading. It’s something I’ve wanted to enjoy for as long as I can remember, but it never really came naturally to me. I LOVE books! I LOVE buying books, I LOVE spending time in bookstores, and I LOVE the idea of curling up with a good book and getting lost in its pages. But, despite all that, reading has always felt like something just out of reach.
Growing up, my elementary years were marked by a new reading strategy introduced in the late ’80s and early ’90s, a tactic that didn’t quite click for me. I was being taught to look at the pictures and decode the words, but I wasn’t been taught to ‘train my bran‘ or use brain reading as we read in our text Powerful Thinking by Adrienne Gear. You see when a child also learns to brain read, they are also learning to understand what the words mean. They learn to make connections, use critical thinking skills and ask questions about the text they are reading. Reading becomes more than words on a page, it becomes something meaningful. It made me doubt my abilities and left me feeling less confident. Looking back, though, I realize I was actually one of the strongest readers in my class. The problem was, I didn’t feel “perfect” or proficient in the way I thought I should, so I considered myself a failure. As a result, I didn’t feel compelled to read and didn’t gravitate toward it.
When I think about the question, “What one book changed everything for you?” it’s hard to identify just one book that completely transformed my relationship with reading. However, there was one particular story that sparked my curiosity and eventually led me to pick up books for enjoyment.
When I was a young girls, maybe around the age of 7 or 8 years old, CBC aired Anne of Green Gables. The timing of the show was past my bedtime, but I remember sneaking down the hall and sitting where I thought my mom wouldn’t see me. She would catch me and send me back to bed, but eventually, she gave up and let me finish the movie. Afterward, I decided to read the book, and I became completely captivated by everything Anne…her imagination, her adventures, and her unique way of seeing the world. This fascination sparked a new interest in reading, and when Road to Avonlea started airing in 1990, it became my new favorite show. My aunt, seeing my interest, began buying me books from the Road to Avonlea Series, and for the first time, I truly found enjoyment in reading.
Over the years, I’ve continued to gravitate toward books that are inspirational or feel-good reads. I’m drawn to stories that empower me, whether fictional or non-fictional. I find myself captivated by books that feature an underdog rising to success, overcoming odds, or achieving something remarkable. I’m especially drawn to books that give me the sense that I, too, can accomplish great things. These kinds of books pull at my heartstrings and inspire me to keep going, even when things feel difficult.
Despite my love for books, reading for pleasure has often been difficult. I feel like I’ve been a college student for decades, because, well, I have been! With the demands of being a student, a parent, a spouse, and an employee, it’s hard to find the time to relax, let alone immerse myself in a book for enjoyment. Life is busy, and it’s hard to carve out time for myself. But when I do get those moments of free time, I love spending it outdoors, whether hiking, camping, golfing, or paddle boarding. I also enjoy crafting and have a particular love for creating things with my Cricut machine.
Since I’m not an avid reader, it’s hard for me to pinpoint just one author who stands out, but there are a few I really enjoy. Colleen Hoover’s emotional storytelling and Jodi Picoult’s thought-provoking narratives have both caught my attention over the years. More recently, I’ve enjoyed a couple of books by Emily Henry, whose writing style feels fresh and engaging. And, of course, I’ve always had a soft spot for Robert Munsch’s books. His timeless storytelling resonates with me, and I’ve enjoyed sharing his stories with my children over the years.
One book I recently read that left a lasting impression was Kids These Days by Jody Carrington. This book struck me deeply, and I felt compelled to recommend it to others. Jody writes in such a charismatic and relatable way, and her words evoke every emotion; laughter, tears, and inspiration. She makes me want to be the best version of myself, especially when it comes to my role as an educator. In her book, Jody emphasizes that the kids themselves are not the biggest concern; instead, she highlights the importance of building connections with students and their parents. As educators, we want to do more than just teach academics; we want to make a real difference in the lives of our students. Through Jody’s book, educators are encouraged to forge genuine relationships with every student, no matter the challenges they may face.
“A relationship with the one you are trying to teach, lead, or love is where all the power lies.”
Jody Carrington, Kids These Days: A Game Plan for (Re)Connecting With Those We Teach, Lead & Love
I first read this book for a psychology class last spring, but soon I was so engrossed that I downloaded the audiobook and started listening to it in the car. My poor kids had to endure some rather interesting language and subject matter during our drives to extracurricular activities, but I couldn’t get enough! When I finished, I was inspired to share the book with others. My eldest daughter, who works with me as an educational assistant, and a co-worker of mine both received text messages from me recommending they read it. I even suggested it to our school’s admin, believing that it could serve as a great resource for our staff to bond and grow together for the benefit of our students.
During the winter break, I spent most of my time with family. It was great to just spend the days playing games, doing puzzles, baking cookies, and just enjoying those precious moments with the people I love. My two younger daughters were given mother/daughter journals in their stockings. The idea behind the journal is they fill out a section, then leave their journal on my nightstand, where I will fill out a section and leave for them. Both of the girls seem to enjoy the process of the journal and it has been a joy to discover my children on a deeper level. Some of the prompts are logical or serious and others are fun and goofy. When the journal is fully completed, we will share the journal together! I look forward to these future cuddles:)
Although I’m not an expert on every subject, I’ve always had a curiosity about learning, especially in areas like social studies. I enjoy comparing the world I know to other time periods and exploring different cultures and countries. Science is another subject I love, particularly because I get to hear the innovative ideas students come up with when exploring scientific concepts. Literacy is another passion of mine. I enjoy reading books with kids and watching them enhance their learning through creative methods. It’s always inspiring to see how children approach learning in new and unique ways.
So, what do we know so far? I may not be an avid reader, but I have a deep love for books, I thrive on inspiration, and I cherish spending time with my family. If I could read a book about one thing, I think it would have to be about overcoming challenges. One book that truly resonated with me in that regard is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. I recently read it for an assignment and was so moved by the story that I immediately started reading it again, this time involving my children in the experience. The book, based on the true story of a gorilla named Ivan who lived in a mall for twenty-seven years before being relocated to a zoo, touches on the emotional and ethical implications of animals in captivity. Applegate crafts a simple yet deeply moving narrative that sheds light on the importance of compassion and the impact of human actions on the lives of animals. It’s a story of resilience, hope, and the power of change, and it’s one I will continue to share with others.
“Growing up a gorilla is just like any other kind of growing up. You make mistakes. You play. You learn. You do it all over again.”
Katherine Applegate, The One and Only Ivan
