Wow, I’ve been tagged! I don’t normally do this kind of thing, but I’d do just about anything for Jolie, so here goes: 1. What are your nicknames?One of my best friends called me Spoory Laur (since my maiden name was Laurie Spoor). I guess I’m not really a nickname kind of gal, though. 2. What was the first movie you
According to a recent press release: Borrowing private sector techniques, Do Something is issuing an IPO that promises significant Social Return on Investment (SROI). The growth capital investment will foster exponential growth and bolster the organization’s self-sustaining programming. OK, this is cool, but really just an interesting way to put out a call to donors and raise funds. Will it work?
Ashoka’s Youth Venture and Changemakers is partnering with Staples to launch their first global competition to recognize young leaders who are finding new ways to create positive change in their communities. They are seeking the most inspirational ideas and projects led by young people between ages 12 and 24. Spread the word about this initiative and nominate young leaders with
I just got back from my first ever SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles, and besides all of the: inspiration and information to be soaked up “like gravy on a biscuit,” wonderfully creative, talented, generous, and adorable people, frivolous fun with friends old and new… the best part of the whole conference is that my teen nonfiction manuscript about how to save
I haven’t posted any new articles for quite awhile now, so you’re probably thinking I’ve been sitting at home all day eating bon-bons and watching Oprah. No way! I’ve actually been taking a conscious break from article writing to focus on a book… or two. What started out as an idea for one middle grade book has now become a
What has more kid appeal than a gigantic truck that drives from town to town looking for tires to chomp? One that cleans up the environment at the same time! Here’s one company’s latest invention intended to help clean up waste tires in the U.S. and Canada.
No, not the specialists who know a lot about children. Rather, the children themselves who know a lot about their chosen specialty. Is it better for today’s kids to be well-rounded generalists or hyper-focused elites? That is the question I examined over the summer. You can read all about it here. The risks and rewards of ‘specializing’ early, LearningMap, October 2007
KONO is a brand-new martial arts magazine for kids ages 5–12. My article about nutrition tips for healthy bones, “Bones of Steel,” appeared in their May 2007 premier issue!
Extreme Treasure Hunting, which introduces kids to the fun of geocaching, was the first article I wrote for children. It was accepted way back in April 2006, but finally made its appearance in the May/June 2007 online issue of Wee Ones Children’s Magazine for ages 4–10.
FACES: People, Places, and Cultures is a Cobblestone Publication for kids ages 9–14. I profiled an organization called Riders for Health for their March 2007 global health issue. By using fairly simple machines, Riders for Health has solved a complex problem. They use motorcycles to deliver medical supplies and services to regions of Africa with little or no infrastructure. Simply