Courage

Every year at this time I get to teach about one of our country's points in history which really speaks to me - the bravery of Ruby Bridges. Ruby's story both humbles and inspires me. For years it has made me question my own courage and convictions. I wonder if I could have done what she did, and if I would have stood up to be a good teacher to her the way Mrs. Henry did, in the face of so much hate and opposition.

Today in 2nd grade, we read a Scholastic News about Ruby which was accompanied by this picture. Looking at her little black shoes, the bow in her hair, and her meticulous dress, I was overcome by another thought.

Her mother dressed her up in those clothes. Her mother sent her out the door that morning, to be shepherded by US Marshalls into a school where she wasn't wanted and wasn't safe. Her mother kissed her good-bye and prayed for her and worried about her.

Which made me wonder. Could I send my daughter to school in such a way? Could I dress her in a little dress and tell her to be a good girl and to do her best and watch her walk away from me surrounded by US Marshalls?



And yet, I am happy that her mother did.

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was first drawn to this book due to the setting. The Hawaiian Islands captured my senses 5 years ago on my honeymoon and I believe my family and I will forever be pulled towards them, longing to return. I have yet to venture to the small island of Moloka'i, but now having read this book I will know so much more about its history when I am someday lucky enough to visit.

The novel opens during a turbulent time in Hawaii's history, the late 1800s when Hawaiians were succumbing to a tragic and mysterious disease, leprosy. At this time the disease was not understood, and out of fear anyone with symptoms was immediately quarantined, and eventually sent away to a leper colony on Moloka'i. After my initial shock at the idea of families being torn apart and people being removed from their lives, I began to consider the ramifications of such a disease. Alternatively, had the infected remained where they were, would Hawaii have seen more loss of life? Were there other options that would have helped, rather than ostracizing those infected?

Sadly, many people were sent to finish out their lives on Moloka'i. In this work of historical fiction, Alan Brennert intoduces us to seven year old Rachel Kalama, a girl who develops the telltale sores and, despite all efforts to keep them hidden, is ripped away from her family. What enfolds is her story of hope in the face of disaster, as she navigates a new path with a collection of friends and acquaintances who will become her new family. Rachel's character is an inspiration of strength in the face of adversity, and an example of what can happen when you take what you're given and make the best of life's circumstances. I very much enjoyed getting to know her in this novel. Moloka'i captivated me from page one all the way through to the satisfying conclusion.

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29 in 2009 - Erin's Book List

Reading is my escape. There is so much comfort to be found in immersing myself in a page-turning novel and becoming part of another time and place. I love to read, but with a two year old and a baby on the way I don't get to spend as much time doing it as I used to.

That is why, despite the fact that it really isn't a lot, I am proud to say that I read 29 books in 2009. (I managed to squeeze in the last two at the end of the year to get that 29 - I just liked the way it sounds!) Maybe it is because of my job as a teacher that a lot of what I read is children's and young adult fiction. One series I especially love to share with my 2nd graders is that of the Cat Pack, books by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor that started with her novel The Grand Escape. I would highly recommend these books for elementary aged children!

A major 2009 accomplishment for me was reading (and finishing) the novel Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. I started this book around the same time I discovered I was pregnant. It took me forever to finish, and while I'm glad I read it I don't think I'll be turning to Tolstoy again any time soon.

My favorite book of 2009 was undoubtedly The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Set in Germany during World War 2, this is a story I will carry with me forever.

My list of 29 books is here. I have posted ratings and reviews throughout my blog and also on one of my favorite websites: Goodreads. I'm always on the lookout for something to read next and would love your suggestions and recommendations!

1. Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult, read January 13, 2009
2. Ozma of Oz by Frank L. Baum, read January 23, 2009
3. The Night Villa by Carol Goodman, read February 8, 2009
4. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, read February 12, 2009
5. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, read March 1, 2009
6. I Just Want My Kids to be Happy! Why You Shouldn't Say It, Why
You Shouldn't Think It, What You Should Embrace Instead by Aaron Cooper, read March 16, 2009
7. Waiting For Normal by Leslie Connor, read March 22, 2009
8. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling, read March 26, 2009
9. The Reef by Nora Roberts, read April 11, 2009
10. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, read April 17, 2009
11. The Daily Five: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades by Gail Boushey, read May 11, 2009
12. Carlotta's Kittens by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, read May 15, 2009
13. Broken For You by Stephanie Kallos, read May 17, 2009
14. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, read June 1, 2009
15. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley, read June 8, 2009
16. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, read June 13, 2009
17. Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult, read June 20, 2009
18. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, read June 21, 2009
19. Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell, read June 24, 2009
20. Blown Sideways Through Life: A Hilarious Tour de Resume by Claudia Shear, read July 4, 2009
21. The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, read July 13, 2009
22. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rowling, read July 22, 2009
23. Three Good Deeds by Vivian Vande Velde, read September 29, 2009
24. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, read October 15, 2009
25. It's Not All Flowers and Sausages: My Adventures in Second grade by Mrs. Mimi, read October 24, 2009
26. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, read November 24, 2009
27. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory, read December 20, 2009
28. Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, read December 26, 2009
29. Marked by PC and Kristen Cast, read December 31, 2009