by Phil | Sep 30, 2015 | Books, Ideas
This is Kaylee. She’s holding her new writer’s notebook. During all my school visit presentations, I always hold up my writer’s notebook. I tell kids I take it with me wherever I go because I never know when I’m going to be inspired. I also...
by Phil | Sep 23, 2015 | Books, Education, Ideas, Memories
MARVELOUS CORNELIUS is a modern day folktale. If you teach folktales in your classroom or library, please consider using this text. Here are some of the ways that MARVELOUS CORNELIUS fits the criteria: Generally speaking, folktales are short stories or legends that...
by Phil | Sep 3, 2015 | Basketball, Books, Education, Ideas, Recommendations, Tips
I believe in mentor texts. They are an invaluable teaching tool and an invaluable learning tool. When I visit schools, I always talk about the texts I use to help me with my writing and learning, and I can’t wait for the conversations I’ll get to have this year about...
by Phil | Sep 1, 2015 | Ideas
“I want to see more of you in this book.” That’s what my editor Wes said to me when we were going over an early draft of A Whole New Ballgame, and as soon as he said those ten words, my ever-present hovering light bulb switched on. At that moment, I knew I needed to...
by Phil | Aug 25, 2015 | Cool Finds, Ideas, Memories
Several weeks back, we placed a difficult post on social media about our rescue dog Cleveland, who we had adopted four months earlier: “Sadly, we’re dealing with an unfortunate situation with Cleveland. She’s a beautiful animal — gentle as can...
by Phil | Aug 21, 2015 | Ideas
Next week marks the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Next week, I’ll be back in New Orleans for the first time in several years. More than anything, I’m looking forward to seeing the incredible folks from the non-profit organization lowernine.org....
