Tied Up Another Loose End Before Heading Out of Dodge for #NCTE24. You Know You're a Teacher When....Well, You Find the Way to Make Things Right

I've been so lucky to have Dr. Michelle Caruso-Walker in my teacher institute (she's a rock star) and that she sent her boys to our summer program...apples don't fall far from trees because her two boys are brilliant like her. Sammy was in Little Lab, but when POW was published, I noticed that James didn't have his piece in. After investigation, we learned he designed a cover for his novel, but never typed his piece from his notebook for the publication. I absolutely hate that, so I had him send me a copy of his notebook. 

I typed it up and added pictures, then dropped off a framed version of his story and a copy of POW at their home. He deserves to look up at his writing achievement in the same ways all 238 kids published this year do. He put in the time and creative energy and I'm so glad I could find a frame, get it to the printer, and send it his way (well, drop it off).

It crushes me not to see kids celebrated and applauded. His story was about a bear, a tiger, an ape, and an elephant escaping a zoo. It was fun and reminded me of The One and Only Ivan. 

I'm hoping to see his mom in Boston this week as I present, amongst many things, on the work of POW from 2023. It's still too early for 2024. 

Anyway, this photo made my night last night, as it also made Max's day, who edited and proofread all of POW for the team. Not sure how we missed the fact James never had a chance to type his work, but the power of community finds away to always pull together.