by Linda Phillips | Mar 17, 2011 | Blog, Uncategorized
My four sixth-grade reading comprehension classes recently read Joan Hiatt Harlow’s historical novel, Star in the Storm, set in Newfoundland in 1912. A slobbery, lovable “Newfie” dog named Sirius stole the show and the hearts of my students when he...
by Linda Phillips | Mar 6, 2011 | Blog, Uncategorized
A couple of good friends publish a newsletter full of everything literary, and this week they really struck a chord with me when they featured an array of appealing science books for kids. As a sixth grade science teacher, I know my students could easily get...
by Linda Phillips | Feb 21, 2011 | Blog, Uncategorized
I recently attended a wonderful lecture at the Rankin Institute, the outreach component of The Fletcher School where I teach. Granted it was a school night and had the importance of attendance not been impressed upon the faculty, I may have passed. But five minutes...
by Linda Phillips | Feb 6, 2011 | Blog, Uncategorized
I have a very demanding friend who pushes me around a lot. I mean, some years back she said I ought to get more involved in the writing scene so I ended up helping her out managing the SCBWI critique group here in Charlotte. (If truth be told, we had a third party...
by Linda Phillips | Jan 24, 2011 | Blog, Uncategorized
Working with learning disabled students is like solving a variety of intricate jigsaw puzzles on a daily basis. Thankfully I’m part of a team-teaching group, but honestly, some days our collective wisdom is insufficient towards solving the puzzles that embody...
by Linda Phillips | Jan 18, 2011 | Blog, Uncategorized
Recent news of the tragic shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the reports swirling around the alleged shooter, Jared Loughner, brings mental health to the forefront once again. So far, the facts seem to indicate that Loughner was suffering from an...
by Linda Phillips | Jan 8, 2011 | Blog, Uncategorized
My book, Crazy, about a teen girl’s obsession that she will end up like her bipolar mother, is currently being shopped around by my agent, Julia Kenny of MarksonThoma Literary Agency. While I sit by and wait ever so patiently (smile) for good news, I thought it...
by Linda Phillips | Dec 30, 2010 | Blog, Uncategorized
I’m not in the business of movie reviews, but I can’t pass up the opportunity to rave about “The King’s Speech.” The only thing I found disappointing was the fact that this historically accurate account of King George VI’s battle with stuttering was not derived from...
by Linda Phillips | Dec 24, 2010 | Blog, Uncategorized
My friend, Karol Matthews, has been instrumental in spearheading a tutoring program called “The ROC” (Reach Out Charlotte) in a low-income area in North Charlotte. Since September 2010 she and a small group of dedicated individuals have gathered once a week to tutor...
by Linda Phillips | Nov 11, 2010 | Blog, Uncategorized
I started journaling around the age of ten. It was a coveted Christmas present, hard-bound with a gold embossed “L” for Linda on the cover, and a lock and key. Back then it was simply called a diary. The empty pages soon came alive in the form of Amy, my...
