• Children’s Literature and Adult Literacy

     

    Terry Farish and interpreter Nilhari BhandariFor five year it has been my great joy, and challenge, to direct the adult literacy program of the New Hampshire Humanities Council. The NH Humanities Council Newsletter features an article  I wrote on bringing children’s literature to adults learning English.  I wrote about our work with adult students and the goal of the book discussion program that is the cornerstone of our literacy work.  The  article is a reflection on bringing children’s literature to adults.  As of  July, I am not longer on the staff of the Humanities Council but I support the ongoing work   and cheer on my colleague every day.

  • Fisher Boys

     

    FISHER BOYS IN FACES800“Sometimes a boy can step through the flimsy planks made from nibong palm trees that form the floor of the fishing platform. He could hurt his leg very badly. Sometimes when the moon is full and the fish are running, he can only catnap throughout the night.”

    Read my full article here:  “Fisher Boys” about the life of boys from Sumatra who work off fishing platforms on the sea. From FACES: PEOPLE, PLACES, AND CULTURES (May – June 2009)

  • A Boston Story

    I went to the Boston Public Library yesterday where I was meeting my editor, Melanie Kroupa, to accept the Boston Authors Club IMG_1247 Young Reader Award. I took the train into North Station. As I traveled south from New Hampshire, fierce pain from a headache  was building.  By the time I travelled from North Station on the green line to my stop at Boylston Street, all I could think of was finding relief.  Coming up the stairs from the T, my eyes keyed in on a sign – CVS. I got my pills, slowly walked across the street where I saw benches beside what looked like a flea market. Across  Dartmouth Street was the block-wide, grand BPL. I sat, took the pills, drank cold water. Sitting absolutely still, I let the pain slowly shift and ease.  I was aware I was not cold, after days of cold rain. I began to take in the space READ MORE

  • The Story Behind the Lupine Award

    The Good Braider has won the Lupine Award from the Maine Library Association. Here’s some backstory on this award.  The award is named for the flowers grown in Barbara Cooney’s picture book, MISS RUMPHIUS.  I just listened to the story on this beautiful audio book version:

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