September 08, 2020
WITH SCHOOL RESUMING during this extraordinary year, let’s remember that learning to read and write takes place under many circumstances and at any age. Literacy is a matter of dignity and human rights according to UNESCO, which established
September 8 as
INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY more than fifty years ago. To celebrate literacy OutWest Book Guide, Wendy, hand selected four stories with you in mind. Read about two priviledged women who traveled west in 1916 to become teachers in Colorado. Enter the Steamboat School founded by teacher Reverend John Berry Meachum to teach free and enslaved Black students in 1847, Missouri. Meet Mary Walker, who learned to read and write at 114 years old! Is there a teacher who made a difference in your life? Read the tribute to Mr. Falker, the teacher who helped a student learn to read after years of undiagnosed dyslexia.
May You Turn Pages Everyday!
Contributed by Book Guide Wendy
Continue Reading
September 08, 2020
HOIST A COLD ONE! IT'S NATIONAL BEER DAY!
"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and BEER." —Abraham Lincoln
From shirts to books, we've got great suggestions on tap at OutWest Shop for the beer enthusiast.
Continue Reading
September 06, 2020
HOORAY! IT’S READ A BOOK DAY! If you need an excuse to climb into a hammock, flop on the couch, or draw a bath, you’ve got it. I've got a few "top picks" for you to consider. I'm reading
CASTE: THE ORIGINS OF OUR DISCONTENTS by Isabel Wilkerson right now. Other recommendations are
THE LOST AND FOUND BOOK SHOP by Susan Wiggs and from our "For the Writer and Reader List"
THIS IS ONE WAY TO DANCE by Sherl Shah. From our "Children's Fiction" list is
INDIAN NO MORE winner of the 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award for Middle Grade Fiction.
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go."
----Children's author and illustrator, Dr. Seuss
Continue Reading
August 29, 2020
HAVE YOU BEEN YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER THIS YEAR?
Although this can be daunting, it also provides an opportunity to explore with our children how today's experiences connect with our history. As we prepare to vote, we can review the hard-won fight for women's suffrage. As we watch protest marches around the country, we can study racial injustice and the continuing battle to secure equal rights for all. Books can help open our minds and hearts.
For example, August 28, 1963 was a watershed day in American history. Here's a trio of books to share with your grade school children.
WHAT WAS THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON?
VOICES OF THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON
A PLACE TO LAND
Continue Reading