We were gifted a variety of candy from Thailand but only my son was brave enough to try all of them. One of the candies was reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s Three Course Dinner chewing gum. In the story, Violet Beauregarde insisted on trying it and it turned her into a human blueberry. There were no…
Author: Pragmatic Mom
My Health, Wealth & Happiness Goals
Now that I’ve turned 54-years-old, I’m thinking about mid-life goals even though this not a milestone year. I’ve decided to create priorities and organize my life three categories: health, wealth and happiness. Mid-Life Health Check-In My first step was to do all those medical appointments that I have been putting off: Doctor (physical) Dentist (cleaning–…
16 Hi-Lo Books for Middle Readers
Today, please welcome Kate Nafz with a Hi-Lo book list for middle readers. Hi-Lo is a term used to describe high-interest, low-readability books perfect for enticing reluctant readers to read. We are both excited about Greenhorn, a book on this list by Anna Olswanger because it is also a film! Greenhorn, both the book and…
#DiverseKidLit Hop!
Happy May! Hard to believe that we are into the 5th month of 2019 already. Where does time go? As the school year winds down for many parents, the focus begins to also shift to how to keep kids reading during the summer months. “Summer slide” is indeed a “thing,” and even Scholastic has acknowledged…
6 Things to Do for Your Teeth to Keep Them Strong and Healthy
When it comes to fitness, you probably think about your workouts and what you’re eating. But your overall health isn’t the only thing that could use the right fitness routine. Your oral health plays a very big role in your overall health, and caring for your teeth in the right way can help you in…
My 95-Year-Old Mom’s Secret to a long and happy life
My mother had her second bout with breast cancer. She battled breast cancer for the first time in her 70’s and it was a slow-growing post-menopausal kind. After surgery, she only needed hormone treatment for a few years. At 95-years-young, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her remaining side. The doctor thought it…
My new eBook: Best #OwnVoices Children’s Books FREE for 5 Days!
As a mom, dedicated kidlit reader, author, and co-founder of the non-profit Multicultural Children’s Book Day, I’ve been on a decade-long journey to discover the best diversity books in children’s literature. With a determination to change the world, one book at a time, I created BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages…







