WEEK TWO
TAKR (pg. 60-100) and Mentor Texts (Chapter 2) and Brown Girl Dreaming (pg. 1-42)
I was excited to read further into TAKR this week, especially after last weeks conversations in class. I was interested to read about the next section, Social Studies to see if the stories aligned with the subject matter. Aside from a few of the writing, it seemed like the subject didn't correlate with the stories. While reading the section, I found myself thinking to myself "yes!!!". Its funny when you read something and think, I must not be the only one running on this crazy hamster wheel in my mind. Amy has a gift of making something seemingly insignificant, and make it it seem like everything in the moment. She has proven that she is a collector of precious moments, things... I want to become more like her. One of my goals for this year is to keep a gratitude journal to remember all the little instances that happen. I have even trying to find moments of serendipity this week, and have found success this week!
The first writing in the section is about a honey packet. When I was reading it, I thought "yes!!!!", I can totally relate to AKR. Sometimes, I will see an empty La Croix can or sock in my car, and I will avoid taking it out. There is something comforting about having your belongings spread out. My mom calls me a packrat, so maybe theres something deeper... Why do we look at the same little items again and again, knowing full well we could fix the problem in a matter of seconds?
The story that was most memorable to me was piece about Amy's minimalist wardrobe. How often do we think that everyone is watching what we are doing, when really we are the only one sitting in the audience?! It's funny, but knowing that no one is watching me makes me feel such freedom. Going on a long run wearing a big cotton t-shirt, where I pant super loud, passing girls who are in super cute sports bras going twice my pace? Nobody cares. Going to the grocery with my friends to get cinnamon rolls in my pajamas right before a big snow? Nobody cares. I like to watch some trashy reality tv shows? Nobody cares? Trying to decide between a burger and a salad? Nobody cares. It's actually insane how self absorbed we can be, when really, the only one who cares is US. I enjoyed reading the email from Amy's friend about how poignant her takeaway from the year was. I would love to ask Amy, what did you expect to get out of year, and what did you really takeaway? Anything? I wonder what she would think about the new Netflix show, Tidying Up (I haven't seen it yet!).
I showed my mom the graphic about the granola bar and she was laughing so hard, we are about to actually board a plane and she plans on reading some of the book. Similarly, we laughed about the chart with the different foods. Everyone has someone in their life who takes this to the extreme. My grandma always keeps mini powdered doughnuts home whenever she knows I'm coming. This was another moment of "yesss!". I love that this book marries silliness with moments of deepness.
I haven't read many poetry books, especially as a child in the classroom. I was excited to dive into this book! I loved the format of the book, poems that are short yet descriptive and unique. I knew nothing about the book before picking it up, so the story that follows these pages is still a mystery to me. The poems do a good job of providing lots of background information for the historical period in which the book is set, which is super important for young readers!
The book balances storytelling, history, humor and a certain deepness. I appreciate that the book seems to have many layers, and Jack is proving to be a complex character although she is young. It's interesting to hear about the differences between Ohio and South Carolina. Even in earlier times, the two places are very distinct considering people of color and their life experiences. "You can keep your South Carolina." That line really caught my attention, and reminded me that the South can still be viewed as a place where there is ample amounts of hurt. I am ready to get more into the story of Jack.
Citations
Rosenthal, A. K. (2016). Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal: Not exactly a memoir. NY, NY: Dutton
Woodson, J. (2018). Brown girl dreaming. Waterville, ME: Thorndike Press, a part of Gale, a Cengage Company.
TAKR
Brown Girl Dreaming