Getting boys to write

Getting boys to write

Smart parents write lots of notes to their kids, and set things up so their children need to reply in writing. At school, notes often take the form of criticism. Parents can counter this association by leaving him notes to compliment him on a job well done; notes are...
Best metaphors ever

Best metaphors ever

It’s tough coming up with good metaphors. Really tough. So I appreciate it when I come across an author particularly good at them. Some of the best metaphors I’ve seen recently are in Tim Wynne-Jones’ entertaining and thoughtful young-adult novel,...
My new favorite library: Nenana, Alaska

My new favorite library: Nenana, Alaska

Last week I nervously phoned the public library of Nenana, Alaska (population 378). Would the library like dozens of photos my father took in Nenana and nearby Minto when he lived there 65 years ago? The photos had emerged from an album I never knew existed till...
Dear CSIS, FBI, CIA…

Dear CSIS, FBI, CIA…

I stand here with hands up, white flag poked into my author’s cap. There has been lots of news coverage lately of the way you look into private email accounts and websites, and I’m quite sure I’m on your radar this week. But the thing is, I’m...