On Saturday November 16th 2025 I had the pleasure of attending my first OpenMic at Queens Central Library. I have never shared my poetry in front of an audience before. I write a lot of poetry but it never occurred to me to share it. I was so glad I didn't sign up to go first, it was the other poets that gave me the courage to share. I was going to pick one but I ended up sharing two. My appearance isn't in the video, because I was the one recording it; maybe next time I'll ask someone to record for me. The headliner was Jacqueline Jones LaMon. She is an acclaimed poet and author of... What Water Knows, https://nupress.northw...
Remember book reports when we were in school? For some they were a dreaded terrible thing, for others they were fun ways to recall your favorite book and an easy format to tell someone what the book was about. I've decided to post some reports of books I've read recently; let's jump right in. Author: Andrew Clements, Illustrated By Brian Selznick Title: The School Story Main Characters: Natalie Nelson , the writer, and Zoe Reisman , her best friend Setting: This story takes place in New York City Plot: This story was about two elementary school girls that took on the dream to become a published author. Personal Endorsement : This was a really good book and it shows what can happen when people have support within their dreams. It shows the power of friendship without jealousy or envy. It also shows the power of focus and what can happen when one doesn't give up on ...