This is the very first issue of Word Savvy Weekly(ish)!

Welcome! I'm testing out a few features - Book Stack (what I'm reading this week), Tween Teacher Tips (helpful inside-the-teachers'-lounge hints from a 15-year veteran), and Super Links (duh). Like 'em? Let me know by replying to this email! Suggestions? I want those, too! I can't wait to hear from you. Really. My fingers are tingling thinking about it.

Off the bookshelf:

Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ck Not only did I make some delicious pad thai with the help of this book, I also laughed my head off. There are so many swears, it's like a Quentin Tarantino movie, except no guns and recipes instead. Also, it's vegetarian.

Booked by Kwame Alexander. I haven't cracked this one yet, but I loved Alexander's 2015 Newbery winner, The Crossover, so much that I preordered the follow-up, just out last week. Sure enough, I already have several sixth graders also devouring it.

Gossip Girl by Cecily Von Ziegesar. This was a desperation purchase for my recently-reluctant tween reader. It's probably inappropriate for sixth graders. The television show is wildly offensive, and my tween and I have been watching it together. Each episode sparks a productive discussion about drinking, drugs, sex, and/or immoral behavior. That can't be bad. And maybe, MAYBE, he'll read this without complaining? I'll keep you posted.

The Year of Yes by Shonda Rimes. The premise: Shonda, of Thursday Night Television fame, says yes to everything for a year. I've noticed that she gets better offers than I do, like to hang out with President Obama and make Ivy-League commencement speeches. People ask me to do things like be the advisor of Yearbook Club and chaperone 6th grade dances. I like the idea, Shonda, but I might keep saying no.

Still Writing: The Perils and Pleasures of a Creative Life by Dani Shapiro. A little affirmation and motivation to keep doing what I love. Lee and I have been ruminating on this on self-help Wednesdays. If you're a writer or want to be, I think this is a solid choice for your shelf.

In the Classroom:

I've got one tween at home (that's Shef, my Gossip Girl-watching model, above) and about 75 at school. I've got some advice this week about what to do if you need to contact your tween's teacher.

1. Assume Good Intent.

There's pretty much nothing your kid's teacher wants more than to have a good relationship with your kid. That relationship helps the tween succeed in class and positively influences the teacher's interactions with you, the parent. The relationship is the most important thing. I promise, whatever it is the teacher did, she almost certainly didn't do it on purpose.

2. Wait.

Your tween might text or call you at lunch or from the bus. He might be really upset. It might feel like an emergency, and you might be tempted to immediately contact the teacher to get answers. Don't do that. Wait until you've had a chance to chat with the tween about the situation. Ask some questions. Let the kid vent over dinner. His perception might change. You might get a clearer picture of the problem. Think about what you both need from the teacher over night, and then call or email the next day.

3. Start With a Question

I like, "Hi, KC. I hope you're well! Hey, can you tell me a little bit more about X? My child came home upset yesterday, and I'm wondering if you can help us understand." That's enough for a first email. Don't go with multi-paragraph. In my 15 years of experience in working with families, I find solutions are best reached on the phone, anyway. Suggest some times you can schedule a call. Together, you can talk about the best path forward.

That's It!

The first ever Word Savvy Weekly(ish) is a wrap! Want more?

April on the blog is Lists.
March on the blog was Better Living Through Criticism.

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