Mexikid by Pedro Martin
This is the first graphic novel I’ve ever read. I’ve never been interested in this genre, and as an upper elementary reading teacher, I typically don’t recommend this kind of literature. It usually doesn’t lend itself to deep reading or deep thinking. I’ve been asked before by parents of students to please tell my child he/she can’t read any more graphic novels. I won’t do that. I’m not going to discourage reading. However, I do try to encourage students to branch out of their preferred genre.
Mexikid is a graphic novel I will be recommending to students. It is memoir, which is right up my alley. Combine that genre with a family adventure in a Winnebago from the United States to Mexico to pick up Abuelito and you have a recipe for a comedic series of events that involve tummy troubles due to drinking raw milk and an awkwardly hilarious experience in the cemetery where Abuelita is buried (when laughter can be found in the face of death, it’s oddly comforting and entertaining….maybe it’s a coping mechanism, a war cry against the enemy?).
It’s not all humor, though. There is a sweet message near the end of how the family is connected to Abuelito’s legacy, and for me, it defines what it must be like to be a grandparent.
In this book, a young reader can face the reality that sorrow and joy can exist at the same time. This book is laugh-out-loud funny and a beautiful picture (literally) of the beauty of being human.
Brian Sauve
Sauve is a new artist Brent introduced to me last week. His music is folksy and full of rich lyrics. I’ve only listened to his latest album, Hearth Songs. My favorites on that album are “A Mighty Host” and “Drawing Blood”.
Big Boo Cast
This podcast has been a favorite of mine for many years. I’ve read Sophie and Melanie’s books, heard them speak, and met them both (I’m positive they remember). I call this the Seinfeld of podcasts—it’s a lot of talk about nothing in particular. SEC football, beauty products, fashion, and every random and hilarious thing in between. My oldest daughter and I listen to this podcast on the way to school during the week. At the end of each show, Sophie and Melanie take turns listing their 5 favorites for the week and put links to these items in their show notes. My daughter says she’s just here for the show notes and checks out the links before listening to the podcast, but I say she’s cheating. I actually listen to the podcast. Often times, I will listen to this on my walks when I need to not think about anything important. I love some deep thoughts, but sometimes I need to come back to the shallow end and not take life so seriously. This podcast helps me do that.
A Burger
It’s my favorite food, and I’m a *bit* of a snob about it. Brent and I tried a new restaurant for dinner last night. It’s a pizza place, but they are known for their burgers. By the looks of it, I thought it would quickly be my #1 burger. I was wrong. I mean, I had no trouble eating it, but the flavors let me down. Brent got a pizza. It was outstanding. So, at the least, I will return to Emmy Squared for the pizza and not wonder what I’m missing in the burger. It’s a fan favorite….so go ahead and try it for yourself. Don’t listen to this burger snob.
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