My 1979 edition of Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style reigns over my workspace from its place of honor on my bookshelf. It’s a slim volume because, like all good writing, the needless words have been omitted. The original, …[Continue]
Homework Help
When you’ve searched, queried and pleaded for answers to your homework questions to no avail, who ya gonna call? Homework busters, that’s who! Here’s the scoop on real people (teachers, librarians, experts, authors, and fellow students) who will answer your …[Continue]
Journal Writing
They can be written by hand, or typed on a computer. You might keep yours private, or share it with the world. Some call them diaries; others prefer the word journal; and online afficionados often call them blogs (which evolved …[Continue]
Winnie the Pooh
A children’s book character that endures seventy-seven years must be something special; and Winnie-the-Pooh certainly is. A.A. Milne actually only published two books based on Winnie and his beloved friends, but they have since been featured in dozens of movies, …[Continue]
Children’s Book Awards
My daughter is getting to that age where everyone else is more of an expert than dear old Mom and Dad. And books I was recommending were being summarily turned down. “Mom, that book is as OLD as I am!” …[Continue]
SAT Vocabulary
The best way to increase one’s vocabulary is to read voraciously. But if you have a particular set of words you want to learn (perhaps with an eye on increasing your verbal score on college entrance exams) these fives sites …[Continue]
Portable Classics
The perennial question about e-books is whether or not they will replace printed books. I think the whole debate is ridiculous. Printed books are not going anywhere, and neither are electronic ones. They each have distinct advantages. I like electronic …[Continue]
Public Speaking
Your teacher may call them oral reports, but by any name, a speech is still a speech. Although it’s common to be nervous or scared when talking in front of a group, it is not necessary. Learn how to improve …[Continue]
E.B. White
In the world of children’s literature, E.B. White’s claims to fame are the three beloved classics “Stuart Little,” “Charlotte’s Web” and “The Trumpet of the Swan.” He also co-authored my favorite guide to the writer’s craft, “Elements of Style.”…[Continue]
Lemony Snicket
My daughter just loves saying his name: “Lemony Snicket.” It makes her laugh and before she even read the first page of the first book, she was intrigued. She’s now knee-deep in finishing the first eight “A Series of Unfortunate …[Continue]
