This week our temperatures dropped and we went from 80+ degrees on Saturday to a frozen mailbox this morning. I prefer the cooler temps and have reveled in the frosty days and bright sunshine of this week. Growing up in Michigan, November was an “ugly month”—after autumn, but before winter—but since moving south, I’ve had Thanksgivings with yellow leaves still clinging to trees. I can’t say I mind that.
(I got cereal last week. Just to update those who were wondering.)
Around the Web
30 Fun Ways to Get Your Kids Involved This Thanksgiving
If you’re looking for ways to include the whole family in your Thanksgiving celebrations this year, try some of these.
- Thanksgiving is coming soon, and, as always, there are so many things you need to do. Guest lists, grocery lists, figuring out decor, etc. Instead of getting frazzled, why not let your kids help?
Read more
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Betsy at Redeemed Reader reviews a great upper middle grade historical novel.
- Fever 1793: Yellow fever sweeps through Philadelphia, challenging young Mattie to the core in this historical fiction novel for young teens.
Read more
A Mighty Fortress is our God
As some churches paid attention to Reformation Day this past week, Kathleen Chapell takes a look at Martin Luther’s famous hymn.
- Recently, I happened to tune into our local radio station in the middle of a discussion on the effects of music on our brains. The interviewer was referencing studies that indicate that, yes, music does affect our brain function—building stronger neuropathways between the two sides of our brain, triggering the release of dopamine, calming stress—even, under certain circumstances, lessoning physical pain. One can certainly google the effects of music on our brains and learn all about it—but the part of the discussion that really captured my attention was an account phoned in by one of the listeners.
Read more
Back Porch Book Chat: Carolyn Givens (Author, Publisher, Reader)
I’m not too fond of sharing my own stuff in this newsletter, but Betsy at Redeemed Reader interviewed me last week and I had such fun talking about books there, that I figured I’d share it here, too.
- Back Porch Book Chat: A casual, virtual conversation about books. Join us as we chat with book lovers like ourselves about a topic we all love! Our guest today is Carolyn Givens, CEO of Bandersnatch Books. She chats with us about reading, writing, and publishing books! Books are linked to RR reviews, where applicable. Interview conducted by Betsy.
Read more
Around the Warren
Review: Watership Down, the Graphic Novel
Our friend Joe Sutphin has a new graphic novel in the world. Carolyn Leiloglou reviews it.
- When I visit a place, taste a food, or reread a story from my childhood, I often find the experience doesn’t hold up to the memory. Yes, there’s something nostalgic there, but Pizza Hut just doesn’t taste as good as street vendor pizza in Italy, Chuck-E-Cheese isn’t the gigantic wonderland it once seemed, and those Nancy Drew books are all pretty formulaic.
Read more
Review: The Elk King
Melissa Kline reviews Jenn Discher’s middle grade animal story.
- If you are looking for great middle grade books and have not yet heard of The Elk King by Jenn Discher, it may be time you checked it out. The Elk King is a treasure that was published in 2021, and it has all the makings of a new classic.
Read more
Something to Do with Your Kids
You need moose facts, right? I mean, someone in your house does. I’m sure of it. If so, here’s a coloring page full of them.
Something to Watch
Destin made a video game, and in the process, he learned a lot about psychology.
Thanks for reading. We’re on your side.
–The Story Warren Team
You can find her at carolyncgivens.com or on Facebook or Instagram at @carolyncgivens.
- The Warren & The World Vol 11, Issue 41 - December 9, 2023
- The Warren & The World Vol 11, Issue 40 - December 2, 2023
- The Warren & The World Vol 11, Issue 39 - November 25, 2023
Leave a Reply