Does My Head Look Big In This: Choice

Does My Head Look Big In This?
Randa Abdel-Fattah
2005
reviewer: Ari

Rating: 5/5

IQ "Because it's pretty hard to walk around with people staring at your "towel-head" and not feel kind of pleased with yourself-if you manage to get through the stares and comments with your head held high. That's when this warm feeling buzzes through you and you smile to yourself, knowing God's watching you, knowing that He knows you're trying to be strong to please Him. Like you're both in on a private joke and something special and warm and extraordinary is happening and nobody else in the world knows about it because it's your own experience, your own personal friendship with your Creator. I guess when I'm not wearing the hijab I feel like I'm missing out. I feel cheated out of that special bond." pg.7-8

Does My Head Look Big in This? is about Amal an Australian-Palestinian girl who decides to wear the hijab full-time. The hijab is a Muslim head-scarf and is only not worn around close family members. Amal's parents are worried that she isn't ready for the ignorance and prejudice she will face both at school and out in the world. The principal of her private high school doesn't understand her decision at all nor do her classmates.

What a fantastic book. I read this book as my first book in the read-a-thon, early in the morning. I was afraid I would wake up my entire family because of how hard I was laughing. Amal is hysterical. She has a very dry, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. She calls people out on their BS and I love her for it. She's definitely one of my new favorite heroines. I really admired Amal for making such a big decision when the consequences were so great.

Honestly, before reading this book, whenever I saw a Muslim girl wearing a hijab, I would have just assumed her parents were forcing her and she must be miserable. I think a majority of the Western world feels the same way, seeing the hijab as a form of oppression. After reading this book, I realized the error in my thinking. Yes, some Muslim parents do force their daughters to wear the hijab, but often times the girls themselves want to wear it, as an expression of their faith. It's no different from a Christian wearing a cross or crucifix, or a Jewish person wearing a Star of David. And yet it's frowned upon by Western society to see young women wearing a hijab. I'm so thankful for America (other countries, like Australia) where people can practice freedom of religion. Also, I admit to doing a double-take when I see a woman wearing a hijab. Not out of hatred or racism, more so because I'm curious. Why do they wear it? Now I know and I'm so glad that I do. Next time I pass a woman wearing a hijab, I'll smile like always, and treat her as I would anyone else.

Does My Head Look Big in This?, also does a good job if explaining aspects of Islamic culture. The hijab, the food, religious holidays (like Eid and Ramadan) and the beliefs. I figured Muslims can't have sex before marriage, but I didn't know they couldn't have any physical contact with a member of the opposite sex. This proves to be quite a problem between Amal and her crush, Adam. It also provides a good glimpse into Australian culture. I've never read any books set in Australia so I really enjoyed reading the expressions Australians use.

The prejudice made my blood boil. It was interesting reading this book, since it's set in Australia. I know that (sadly) the prejudice Amal faced would be the same regardless of the country she's in, whereever Muslims are the minority. People called her "towel-head", "scarf girl" and still viewed her and other Muslims as terrorists. These examples of ignorance make me so upset. Amal is so witty, always ready with a comeback. For example, when the school president (Lana) asks her to give a speech on the topic of Islam and terrorism, she responds that she will, only if the student president gives a speech on the Ku Klux Klan or IRA, since they claim they are Christians. Touche. She makes her point and Lana is even a bit ashamed.

All the characters are extremely well-developed and three dimensional. Amal's best friends are hilarious and super loyal. Leila and Yasmeen are Amal's two Muslim best friends and reading the way they interact is such fun. They make fun of their more traditional parents and joke about Muslim stereotypes. They are no different from any other girls and I think many people make the mistake of thinking that Muslims are way different from them, more serious and religious. This book really reiterates the point that, as humans we are all the same. Also, Leila wears the hijab, but Yasmeen doesn't and I liked reading about why they chose to wear/not to wear it. The girls friendship is also a sad one, because you grow frustrated with their parents, especially Leila's. Leila is brilliant and wants to go to college, but all her mother cares about is marrying her off and her father doesn't say much. This was an interesting relationship because in many cultures, boys and marriage are last, they should not be the focus. Education first. Amal also has two good friends from her private prep school, Simone and Eileen. They are both a riot. Simone struggles with her body (sees herself as fat) and it's great to see her grow. Eileen is Japanese and she's very determined, but she's also pushed very hard by her parents. The budding romance between Amal and Adam is realistic and refreshing and I didn't see the end result coming.

I loved Does My Head Look Big in This? The book had it all; faith, self-esteem, romance and humor. I highly recommend this book and I honestly think this book (along with a few others) provides a strong reason as to why YA literature should be included in the classroom. Students need to read more books like this (that are funny and poignant), to help them remove their prejudices and respect our differences.

This cover is the UK/Australian cover. Which do you like better? I like this one better because it's nice to see a female poc on a cover and I like how Amal's two best friends from school are in the background. I also like how it's a picture of Amal wrapping her hijab and you get to see the full headscarf whereas on the US cover you don't get a full view of the hijab.
Wow this was a pretty long review!
________________________________________________
Ari says she's sarcastic, caring, slightly crazy teenager. She loves to read, listen to music, dance and have fun. She's been reading seriously since second grade. Proud to be black. Ari is one of Color Online's CORA girls. They rock. You'll hear more about them. Stay tuned. In the meantime, check out Ari's blog, Reading In Color.

A Reader's Response & Invitation: The Bluest Eye

Over a course of several months, I have enjoyed reading more reviews of poc books and have left comments but that wasn't enough. I wanted dialogue. For example, there have been times when I've finished a review of a classic or staple African American book and I've thought, "That's it?" Now you could argue, "Well, Susan why don't you write a review yourself?" Fair question. Here's the deal: The book in question is often a book I've read years ago. I don't see the point of rereading it solely to write a review especially when there are so many new works being written by aspiring poc writers desperate to get a little press of their own. And me writing the review doesn't address what is the core of what I'm seeing here: a reluctance or uneasiness or something I can't name that is different when a non-poc reader reviews a poc book.

Back to me. I'm more interested in discussing a work than reviewing it. So I keep reading new reads and reading reviews of books I've read and loved and hoping a reviewer will share some meat about a work by a person of color, something that says how her own experiences and perspective affected how she processed the book. (Anytime you feel like telling me lighten up, go head, we're both safely behind our screens.)

My point is if you've read it, tell us what you really think and not what you think is the polite and safe thing to say. Why? Because when your review reads more like a polite courtesy than a gut response, your readers are likely to respond in-kind. Then a reader like me comes along glad that a review is published. I take note of all the polite responses and that usually leads to feeling we've all missed of an opportunity to talk about a book that likely has introduced some readers to experiences or views different from their own or the experiences might very well be similar, and the reader is a little surprised that the book isn't so different from what they've lived or known. Wouldn't it be more interesting to explore these possibilities?

I try not to complain without taking some action so instead of simply leaving a comment somewhere where those of you who are reading me here are not likely to read my comments to a review elsewhere, I'm going to write or republish my responses to reviews of books by people of color when I've asked or added something I didn't see in the review or comments.

My aim is to create a discussion about a book I've read and enjoyed but not reviewed. Sharing my reader's response is an invitation for dialogue, and unless it becomes problematic or troubling for you, I'm going to cite the review that inspired my response.

I like to talk about books. I appreciate an honest discussion about what literature says about us, and I'm interested in how we respond to what we read.

First up is a classic, The Bluest Eye. I recently read Su's review at Su [shu]'s. See her full review here. Here's what I had to say:

This book shook me when I was a young woman. This book is important for so many lessons not the least among them what it means to a black girl living in a culture where whiteness is not only synonymous with power and superiority, but it is the benchmark of beauty. Imagine growing up in a world with a standard you can never achieve. Pecola’s obsession with this kind of beauty in a significant way contributes to her mental breakdown.

And let’s not forget what Morrison is saying about domestic violence and incest. We don’t say these words aloud enough.

Have you read The Bluest Eye? What did you think about it? What point(s) do you think Morrison is making? Any comments about other Morrison titles?

Women Writers of Color: January Gill O'Neil

Full name: January Gill O'Neil

Birth date: Feb 14

Location: Where I live now, North of Boston, MA

Website/blog: Poet Mom

Genre: poetry

WiP or most recently published work: Underlife (CavanKerry 2009)

Writing credits:The MOM Egg, Crab Creek Review, Ouroboros Review, Drunken Boat, Crab Orchard Review, Callaloo, Babel Fruit, Edible Phoenix, Literary Mama, Field, Seattle Review, Stuff Magazine, Can We Have Our Ball Back, Read Write Poem, and Cave Canem anthologies II and IV. New Poetry Editor of the online culture magazine Bread and Circus. In December 2009, January was awarded a Barbara Deming Memorial Fund Artist Grant. You can find her in the January/February 2010 Inspiration issue of Poets & Writers magazine profiled as one of their 12 debut poets.

How frequently do you update your site? At least 5 days a week, sometimes more.

Is your site designed for reader interaction? Yes.

Post of note, something in particular you want readers to check out:
A video clip from the Underlife book launch party. I'm reading the poem "Discipline"
Poetry Marketing 101

100 words or less how would you describe your work?
I tend to look at ordinary objects--a cup of tea, my child eating a crayon, crab cakes--and try to find meaning in the everyday. I lean toward narratives but I'm open to trying something based on rhythm or repetition, both are techniques that can provide interesting results.

100 words on less please share your thoughts on:
the Writing Life
The writing life happens anytime I have a few minutes to myself, no kids around. Usually, after they go to bed, I pull out my note book and start jotting a few ideas from earlier in the day. Then, I expand upon those ideas and see what happens.

Writing and activism
I feel all poetry is political. Doesn't matter if we're speaking about some injustice or taking out the trash, we are making a statement about the way things are and how to improve our lives on a daily basis.

Thanks January for allowing us to promote and support your work.

The Sunday Salon: Looking to The New Year

Hello all. Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday or just the time off. It's the close of the year and after reading a few year-end wrap ups or New Year resolutions, I'm not so thrilled about sharing my own version of either. First of all, I can barely remember the day before so trying to put a year into perspective is practically futile for me and since I'm feeling like two tons of fun after eating holiday food, I don't want to talk about my weight issue. Let's move to some non-threatening, non-depressing items like a few changes, questions and requests for feedback here.

Let's start with our book loan program. Do any of you even know about it? No one has taken advantage of it. I cannot accept non-use in 2010. Many of these books are visibly used books so I'm not comfortable putting them in the Prize Bucket but they cannot collect dust. That's not how we roll at Color Online. I will be speaking to staff at the local library about starting a book chat group so there are some options for sharing there but for here, I'm thinking of doing a Color Online Book Swap. Anyone familiar with Paperbackswap.com? Like PBS, requesters would request a book but unlike PBS, instead of swapping with a credit, you swap a book for a book or send postage. You send me postage to cover the shipping and I'll send you the book. I'd also extend the choice of book from the Swap stash to prize winners. What do you all think?

We need and I am going to start harassing folks if necessary for guest bloggers. The reality is my life has forever changed since my daughter entered high school and my new job has meant I no longer have online access during the day. This is a community not the "Susan Show" so show up people or I will find you. lol Please, please contact me if you're willing to guest blog.

If you have suggestions or ideas for new features please let me know. What should we keep? What sounded like a good idea but isn't giving us bang for our buck? What would you like to see new? Should I create a poll for this?

There are several reading challenges launching in January. I've already shared with you Women Unbound and let me say, it could use some color. I'm really hoping, asking members of this community to join on some level. There are different levels of participation and the blogosphere needs more brown. Blog brown, people.

In 2010, I'm joining Social Justice, South Asian Authors, The Challenge That Dared Not Speak It's Name (GLBT) and 2010 Young Adult Challenge as well as Women Unbound. Have you participated in reading challenges in the past? Plans for this year? Share your recommendations.

Well, that was less painful than I thought. What about you? Resolutions, goals or challenges for 2010?

Color Online Quiz: Literature and Women's Studies

Quiz #86
Answer the quiz and your name will be entered in a monthly drawing. Post your reply to the comment box. Must provide your email addy to be eligible to win. Cool prizes, check out our Prize Bucket.

"weaves together a terrific multigenerational family tale that, like Alex Hailey's Roots, will inspire readers to research their family history. Writing in a mystical style similar to that of Gloria Naylor's Bailey's Cafe, [ ] is an imaginative storyteller who mesmerizes readers with her words."~Library Journal

We've featured this talented writer recently. 2010 will mark the 10th anniversary of her debut novel and the release of her latest work. Name the author and the new book title.

Glorious by Bernice McFadden. Thanks, Mardel

Merry Christmas from Soweto

Originally saw this at Poefrika. Beautiful. Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

Dear Friends, I hope you are like I am, taking a break to enjoy some time with friends and family off-line.

Soon enough we'll resume a full schedule with new features and some old favorites. Tonight though, I want to thank you all for a great year full of good reads, thought-provoking discussions and new friendships.

I wish you all a happy, safe and blessed holiday season.

Peace and light,
Susan
aka
LaTonya

What Do I Read Next?: Holiday Edition

If you haven't shared a holiday titles for CORA Diversity Roll Call, please do or share them here. In the meantime, check out these holiday titles:

A Wish For Wings That Work by Berkeley Breathed recommended by su magoo.


Elijah's Angel by Michael Rosen. I wrote about this at Black-Eyed Susan's for CORA Diversity Roll Call.
It's a story about friendship and culture. It's about holidays and sharing. For me and my girls, it was also an introduction to folk art.

The Very Special Baby by Carol Woodward. Zetta posted slide show of this out of print title for Diversity Roll Call.
I wanted to share my favorite Xmas picture book. My mother bought The Very Special Baby to share with us (and her kindergarten class); it was published in 1968 but is now out of print.

The 12 Days of Christmas: A Pop-Up Celebration by Robert Sabuda. This is another family book I've shared with my girls


I haven't read but I did pick up the following titles for Ramadan:

The White Nights of Ramadan by Maha Addasi
A Party in Ramadan by Asma Mobin-Uddin

Hanukkah:
On Hanukkah by Cathy Goldberg Fishman

Chinese New Year:
Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragons by Nina Simonds & Leslie Swartz

Winter Solstice:
The Shortest Day: Celebrating The Winter Solstice by Wendy Pferrer

Women Writers of Color: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Full name: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Location: New York, NY

Website/blog: Olugbemisola.com

Genre: MG, YA fiction and nonfiction (WIPs include younger books); multimedia projects

WiP or most recently published work: 8th Grade Superzero, Arthur A. Levine Books, January 2010. YA and chapter books in progress.

Writing credits:
Former writer and contributing editor for Word Up!, Rap Masters, Right On, Today's Black Woman magazines. former grantwriter, content developer for American Baby, Healthy Kids, Sunburst Communications, and more. Writer and editor of educational curricula and materials.

How frequently do you update your site?
Just getting started

Is your site designed for reader interaction?
My blog will be.

Post of note, something in particular you want readers to check out:
The Writers Against Racism series in general:

my post is here

100 words or less how would you describe your work?
I try to write with heart and honesty, to tell stories of the rich and varied lives of young people of colour.

100 words on less please share your thoughts on writers:
I cherish the writers in my life whose words and ideas encouraged critical thinking and meaningful action. Now more than ever, as some of us have access to a dizzying array of media resources (and very many of us don't), I think that writers who are not afraid to be thoughtful, to have a point of view, and to be human, are essential activists.
Thank you for allowing us to promote and support your work.

Color Me Brown Links

Every week you will find Color Me Brown Links. This feature grew out of our Color Me Brown Challenge.

Anyone else busy this holiday season? You might not have time to get in the kind of reading you'd like to but that's okay, check CMB to find new reads to look forward to. This week, we feature:

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa Yee reviewed by Bonnie at Bonnie's Books. I like how Bonnie thinks and how she expresses how she feels.
I was delighted to learn that women figured out a way, in their isolation from each other, to communicate even without email or telephones. They made up their own women's writing, nu shu, that men were unable to read, and kept in touch by exchanging a silk fan with their secret messages painted on it. However different the lives of Lily and Snow Flower may seem to me, my friends and I sometimes have misunderstandings that spoil our friendships, just like women of that age.

Children of the Waters by Carleen Brice reviewed by Terri at Brown Girl Books. Terri just rocks. I like so much of what this woman does: homeschools, edits publications and she's a frugalista.
With well developed characters and writing just right in tone and pace, Brice has really tackled the issue of race in a no nonsense manner. Everyone clearly and boldly states their ideas on the subject.




My Name is Sangoel by Karen Lynn Williams and Kahdra Mohammed reviewed by Natasha at Maw's Books. Natasha is fiercely committed to social justice. If you don't know, check out the Social Justice Challenge she is co-hosting. Challenge begins in January.
an excellent book to help teach children about the millions of children in the world who are refugees. There is an author’s note at the end which explains who refugees are, why they must flee their home countries, how they lived in camps, and how they must make a new home in foreign countries.

Native American Heritage wrap-up at Reading In Color. Ari gets it done. The girl is a top student, athlete and reads like nobody's business. I tell you, this young poc advocate is seriously blazing a trail. Check out her multiple reviews for Native American Heritage Month.

Sunday Salon: The Gift of Reading, Color Online's Holiday Giveaway

In my recent CORA Diversity Roll Call post, I shared that I always give my daughters books for Christmas. You all know my commitment to literacy, supporting educators and how strongly I feel about getting books into the hands of readers.

Today’s Sunday Salon is about giving. I have six children’s books to donate to school libraries or classrooms. If you’d like one of these books, please comment here with your preference and the name of your school. I’ll do a random drawing. It’s hectic right now and schools will be on break so all books will ship after Christmas. The following titles are available:

Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story by Paula Yoo illustrated by Lin Wang

In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage by Alan Schroeder, illustrated by Ja Me Bereal

Sacred Mountain: Everest by Christine Taylor-Butler

As Good As Anybody: Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Joshua

Hersel’s Amazing March Toward Freedom by Richard Michelson illustrated by Raul Colon

John Coltrane’s Giant Step by Chris Raschka

Testing The Ice by Sharon Robinson illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Our review policy states all books are redistributed. I mean what I say.

If you are an author and would like to donate your book, contact me and I’ll add it to the list.

Deadline to request book is December 31st. All books will ship after the first week of January.

I would like to ask that all recipients, if possible, please publish a review of the title on your blog or grant me permission to publish your review at Color Online.
Happy Holidays and happy reading,

Social Justice Challenge

The new year isn't here and already I have signed on for five reading challenges. This is the final one for me though. It requires real commitment and the payoff is huge from where I sit. If you're a member here, you might want to join. At the very least, you'll want to follow those who do participate.

From the organizers of Social Justice Challenge:

Reading opens new worlds to us and can sometimes expose the injustice in our own. We have all been powerfully moved by the injustice we have learned about in books and decided we wanted to host a reading project that would encourage us to learn more about these issues in the world.

We have chosen to focus each month on a different area of social injustice in the world. During that month, we are asking that you read something from the list of resources or watch something suggested by that month’s host.

This challenge is very different than others. This requires serious commitment. You’re asked to read to learn and follow up with an action step. There are multiple participation levels. Your level may change month to month. You are asked to commit to the Activist level 3 out of the 12 months.

Activist–At this level you are agreeing to participate fully in the activities of the month. You will read at least one full length book as well as choosing something from the other media list. You will also complete an action step.

Intern–You agree to either read something from the reading resources (it can be an essay or children’s book) or choose to do something from the other media list. You will complete an action step.

Volunteer– You agree to read at least one of the recommended blog posts, essays or shorter novels. You will complete an action step.

Observer — Need a break? Just follow along with the blog for the month. This month has no commitment level. You can only do a maximum of three months at this level.

A different topic will be covered each month:

· Religious Freedom
· Water
· Domestic Violence & Child Abuse
· Hunger
· AIDS Crisis
· Genocide
· Poverty
· Illiteracy and Education
· Modern Day Slavery
· Homelessness & Refugees
· Women’s Rights
· Child Soldiers & Children in War

Sidebar: My life has changed radically with a new job and raising a teen in high school. It's become clear that I cannot take the lead (and that's fine because every good cause deserves and needs followers) on any new projects, and in fact I've had to scale back on what I do do so for me this final challenge will help me define and focus what I want to happen here.

I hope some of you will opt to participate. Here's to making things happen in 2010.

Color Online Quiz: Literature and Women's Studies

Quiz #85

Answer the quiz and your name will be entered in a monthly drawing. Post your reply to the comment box. Must provide your email addy to be eligible to win. Cool prizes, check out our Prize Bucket.

I grew up speaking two languages, balancing life lived on the edge of two cultures, and, happily, two cuisines—tandoori chicken and hot dogs, grilled side by side on the 4th of July.


Her debut novel, based in part on her husband’s experience fleeing Soviet controlled Afghanistan in 1979 is a story of hope, love, and perseverance.

Who is she? What is the name of her book?

Shooting Kabul by Naheed H. Senzai Thanks, Ban.

Poetry Friday

"Come With Me"
Naomi Shihab Nye

To the quiet minute between two noisy minutes
It's always waiting ready to welcome us
Tucked under the wing of the day
I'll be there
Where will you be?


Day late but that's okay with me and I hope it's okay with you, too. I mentioned some time back that we received a Come With Me, a collection of poetry for children. I thoroughly enjoyed this. The poems are whimsical, fun and insightful. I didn't read much poetry as a child. I'm playing catch up. What I have noticed over and over again is how sophisticated and simple children's poetry is, how it appeals to me the adult and the child I imagine I was. I say imagine because I don't know how I would have responded to these words when I was a child but I know the adult me wishes I had had this pleasure then.

I am a Nye fan. If you don't know her work, pickthis up.
Come With Me: Poems For A Journey. Greenwillow Books. 2000.

Poetry Friday is hosted this week by Diane at Random Noodling

Color Online Quiz: Literature and Women's Studies

Quiz #84

Answer the quiz and your name will be entered in a monthly drawing. Post your reply to the comment box. Must provide your email addy to be eligible to win. Cool prizes, check out our Prize Bucket.

I realise that it is fashionable now to dismiss the traditional novel as something of an anachronism, but to me it is still a vital form. Not only does it allow for the kind of full-blown, richly detailed writing that I love… but it permits me to operate on many levels and to explore both the inner state of my characters as well as the worlds beyond them. ~Paule Marshall

She was born April 9, 1839.ournalist, short fiction writer, novelist, essayist, lecturer, and educator. Who is she?

New Crayons: What's New On Our Shelves

Remember when you were a kid and getting new crayons was a big deal? Getting new books holds the same kind of magic for some of us big kids. Every week on Sunday, I post what's new in our box. I think crayons is a pretty cool metaphor for multicultural lit. Every week we receive a book is a good week.

This week we have donations and one Woodson gem I picked up on trade:

First up, Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. I first heard of the author at The Brown Book Shelf. The publisher sent this to me for review. I love the cover and I have a neighbor who I think would be a great reviewer. I'll let you know what D thinks.
"Nelson's well-researched biography reads much like a tall tale or frontier legend...Christie's bold full-page paintings echo the heroic spirit...Here, children can saddle up with a genuine Western hero in a narrative that hits the bull's-eye." Kirkus Reviews

Ash by Malinda Lo. This was donated by Jodie. I finally reviewed the title at Black-Eyed Susan's.
I am not sure if Lo anticipated a reader like me who would see a love triangle, one that is complex and unsatisfying. Despite Sidhean’s feelings (won’t debate the magic) for her, there is the inequality of power; the inequality in part speaks to what love is not while the slow, mutual desire building between Ash and Kaisa represents what love can be. See full review.



Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson. Enough said. Okay, Evelyn and I are on a mission to read Woodson's entire collection. I've read about half. When I saw this at Paperback Swap, it was a no-brainer, but since I already read this, this lovely hard cover edition will be listed in the Prize Bucket.
This is the perfect book for parents to read along with their children and discuss. The age, gender, race, religion or non-religion of the reader doesn't matter, despite that of the characters. What matters, above all else, is the idea of hope and how it fits into our lives, how we let it fit into our lives. See full review at books4yourkids.

What did you get in the mail, at the bookstore or the library?

Happy reading.

CORA Diversity Roll Call: Celebrating the Holidays

For the month of December, knowing how busy everyone will be, we’re only going to have one CORA Diversity Roll Call For December. To recognize all holidays celebrated during this time of year, we're asking you to share on one or more of the following:

1) Favorite children holiday books from your childhood
2) Favorite children holiday books your own children love
3) New holiday books you've discovered
4) Recommend holiday books that celebrate Hanukkah, Eid, Kwaanza,Winter Soltice, Tet, Festival of Lights, any holiday celebrated between late November through January.
5) Stuck, tell us what kind of book you’re looking for to give someone
6) Tell us what’s on your own wish list.

Drop a link here. After New Year’s I will randomly select one participant to choose a book from our Prize Bucket.

The Sunday Salon: What We Read, Said & Wrote

Hello all. Hope you're enjoying your weekend. Me, well, my weekend has been as full as my week. On the weekend I try to catch up on the happenings in the blogosphere between my obligation to being a fully present audience (and I've been told I need to work on being fully present) for my DQ and my guy. I am happy to report that I am in the final phase of classroom training and hopefully that means I'll have more time to enjoy and reconnect on all fronts. Honestly, I've been pretty cranky because I feel disconnected. Anyhoo, on to our week.

I hope many of you got a chance to check out Maya Ganesan's poetry earlier this summer. Don't fret, check out my interview with her and Jason Gignac's review of Apologies To An Apple.

Yesterday was the deadline for our Greeting Card Exchange. If you're still interested, enter now. I'll be working on the spreadsheet and sending lists by Monday.


For the month of December, we're running only one CORA Diversity Roll Call. I know everyone is busy but please join in. You have the entire month and this assignment looks at holiday books including what's on your wish list. You never know who's a secret santa, share.

With the new year comes a lot of hosted reading challenges. Check the sidebar for some. I'm entering a few to help focus my reading and target some new audiences to promote poc writers.

Doret is simply amazing. I don't know how this woman works full-time and crank out so many reviews. Check out her review of Blessing's Bead. Ari, is another wonder. If you're looking for more poc reviews and contests to win poc books, you have to visit Reading In Color.

I am happy to say I've done a makeover of my blog, Black-Eyedsusan's. Come by. On Mondays, I host Little Lov'n Monday and this meme could use some lov'n.

Thanks to Carol Rasco, I've ordered new titles. Expect new additions in our Prize Bucket. Each month there are five ways to win a free book at Color Online. Check out last Sunday's Salon to see how you can win. New Crayons will be up this week. Lastly, I'm always looking for members to guest blog. Who wants to listen to me all the time? If you have an article, meme or review you'd like to share, contact me.

Wishing you and your family a safe and blessed holiday season. Happy reading.