Back to Work, Y’all

Happy New Year, Everyone!
The holidays are over and it’s time to get back to work. But if you’re having a challenge getting into the groove, this just might help you out.

I got off on the right foot this year, but not because I’m so up on my game. It’s because of a book I reviewed for a wonderful publisher by the name of Owlkids Books. The book is called Off to Class: Incredible and Unusual Schools Around the world, and it’s an up-close-and-personal look at the struggles and resilience of children around the world.

The book tells of children who live in remote mountain-top deserts (that’s right, mountain-top deserts!), in rainforest villages so tiny, they can’t even be seen on satellite, and deep inside caves–yes, caves–that are riddled with bats.

But as unusual as their lives are, these kids have one thing in common with children around the world: They want to learn. So the author, Susan Hughes, explains in exquisite detail how they manage to go off to class…and in some cases, how their classes come to them.

What this book did for me was, it screwed my head on a little tighter; made me realize how well I have it. It brought back memories of how education had always been at my fingertips. And yes, I grew up in the segregated south, and we had some times that were not so pleasant…but still, I had access to an education. This book helped me understand that, and reminded me that I have no excuses for not being the best I can be.

If you want to be inspired during these first few days of 2012, pick up a copy by clicking on the link. Or, read the entire review of Off to Class: Incredible and Unusual Schools Around the world, by Susan Hughes at Picture Book Depot.

Here’s the link to the review:

http://picturebookdepot.com/review/off-to-class-incredible-and-unusual-schools-around-the-world

Best wishes for a wonderful year of fan-tabulous writing!

Rita Lorraine