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Intense chemistry between Malcolm and Vivian.

I am intrigued at the English culture and romance of Vivian (Ms. Forest) and Malcolm (Mr. Hudson).

Dr. Bright has a way with words. I am looking forward to learning more about “Brighter Levels To A Brighter Future.”

Impactful! From active to experienced learner, David Novak tells readers how to “Master the habits of the world’s most successful people.” I highly recommend this book for individuals seeking to build their leadership abilities and influence as coaches, executives, managers, mentors and teachers.

As a collaborator of the book, it is important to state my bias, I absolutely love this book! Reading Chapters 1-7 allowed me to feel connected to other like-minded educators. The advice it gives to parents, teachers, administrators and the community-at-large is spot on. From “do’s and don’ts” to developing an educational mindset, the book tackles challenges facing 10th grade students.

For parents, teachers and community stakeholders interested in developing the whole child, this book is for you. I especially like Chapter 4 “Inclusion and Belonging.” It reminds readers that every child is different and possess unique talents ready for educators to bring to life.

Indeed, “the good life is a complicated life.” It unfolds over time. Even when life is good, there are challenges. What sustains the good life, healthy relationships. Thus far, this is a good read.

I am intrigued this far. One of my first questions to author Teru Clavel are the education systems in China and Japan comparable to the United States? Thinking about public versus private, student demographics, education funding, governmental policy, and teacher accountability.

Chapter 9 covers school safety post Columbine (Columbine, Colorado), Sandy Hook Elementary (Newtown, Connecticut), Marjory Stoneman Douglas High (Parkland, Florida), and Robb Elementary (Uvalde, Texas) and educator accountability for school [classroom] safety.

Chapter 6 is alarming. School culture is everything! When one staff member is affected the entire school dynamics is impacted. Although the author did not refer to this as a toxic work place, bullying teacher to teacher and/or administrator to teacher is unacceptable. The author explains different scenarios. One is giving the “inner circle” smaller classes and high performing students.

Can an abusive parent really love their children? Who’s job is it to protect you when there is no safe place? These past pages are heavy. The silver lining, a new house, a mother’s love, and the Dallas Cowboys.

This is my second “Good Reads” by author Dan Blanchard. “A Fighting Chance: A 40-Year Journey from My Birth Until My Brother’s Death,” is a narrative about the author’s journey in life. His family faced several adversities (trauma) in which the book navigates through a child’s lens. What is most impactful thus far, is understanding how childhood trauma impacts a child’s ability to learn and feel safe.

“Day of judgement”, college bound or another statistic, only time will tell…

The church has and possibly will be at the heart of the community. It builds characteristics of a good person. From Chapter 6, “The Pastor is Human” reminds me of a question I ponder as a child but was too afraid to ask. If God loves everyone, why are some people not welcomed to worship in the house of the lord? The author noted, our political views and social views are tied to what was preached from the pulpit.

Chapter 5 “Food For The Soul” reminded me about how socioeconomically challenged families received government cheese. I could visually see this huge big block of cheese. As in the book, it was best served as a grill cheese sandwich or Mac and Cheese. This chapter also touched upon HIV/AIDS and its misconceptions. The epidemic plagued communities of color and the lack of real knowledge about transmission.

Powerful and impactful words, “I am American”, as such I have the unalienable right to be treated as a human with dignity and respect. The education system failed Kionne by creating “prison like” classrooms. The social worker wasn’t an “advocate” or fulfilled the duties as a “trusted adult”. What is the solution when dealing with “at-risk” youth?

Growing up in Naranja is a tale of two stories. Author Kionne McGhee was exposed to the hardship of drugs, gun violence, and other obstacles. On the other side of the tracks, I lived in “Rainbow City”. From government housing to violence in the community, the impact is everlasting. Naranja Elementary was known for disruptive behaviors, as a student, Kionne added to the cycle. We experienced similar realities.

What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all of its children. Any other ideal for our schools is narrow and unlovely, and acted upon, it destroys our democracy (Dewey, 1900 [1968]

The holidays are difficult times for individuals who are alone with no family or friends to celebrate, life can weigh heavy on them. These last pages reflect how we need to understand and acknowledge mental health crisis and take action to support suicide prevention. Fat Joe, thank you for sharing your story, being vulnerable, and identify mental health as a pressing issue.

Truly grateful to be a part of the Miami Book Fair spotlight on “Fat Joe The Book of Jose A Memoir.” As I read his story, I understand how survival mode is necessary when living in the “hood”. How could a talented and gift children face so many adversities? When DJ Khalid interviewed Mr. Cartagena (Fat Joe), I laughed at his humor, cried learning of his painful past, most importantly I am hopeful.

A friend gave me this book to understand life experiences from the Freedom Writers’ perspectives. Children carry trauma which may cause issues in their developmental growth and education. Our job is to provide safe spaces for children to reach their potential at home, in the classroom, and within the community.

The book is heavy! If you are interested in slave narratives giving detailed accounts of her stories of being captive and treated inhumanely, then this book is for you. Age appropriate - high school and post secondary with foundational knowledge on U.S. History.

Interesting perspectives on what made “great leaders” Abraham Lincoln (Civil War), Teddy Roosevelt (Spanish American War), FDR (The Great Depression), LBJ (Civil Rights and Economic Prosperity).

Thoughts of why some individuals overcome adversities (growth mindset) and others are limited in their abilities because of "life circumstances" (fixed mindset) resonates throughout the main character Dakota's story thus far.

How do you teach boys to become men and great leaders? Is the answer to serve in the military? What if life is unkind, and a male-child is raised by a single parent or with two parents with personal issues. After reading the first few pages of "The Storm: How Young Men Become Good Men" by Daniel Blanchard, this story has me thinking about my three sons and their journey to become good men.

Parents and teachers are the most important aspects of a child’s education. Adding properly funding education is another important factor.

“If we want our children to value education and strive for achievement, adults must behave as if doing well in school is more important than any other activity in which young people are involved.” - Laurence Steinberg pp 10-11

Written by a man who is a pillar in urban communities. He is associated with the National Urban League, one of the oldest community organization that promotes economic prosperity and education for people of color. This book addresses topics from two decades ago about public education. “In the twenty-first century, there must be zero tolerance for lousy (underperforming) schools.” What then is the solution?