Proof

SLO Little Theatre is doing this play in the next few months, and I was intrigued by the father/mathematician character - so I bought the script to see what it was really like. Fascinating, quick read (couple hours max). This play explores many things: love, science/math, genius/insanity, family, and even has a mystery element to it. You will relate if you're trying to decide whether to fear or hope that you become like your parent(s).

Update: I auditioned for the father/mathematician role. I told you it was intriguing to me. My first theater audition ever. It's a little daunting to prepare and present "two contrasting monologues". I thought about backing out at the last minute, but realized this would be my only opportunity to show off what I'd put hours into. So I auditioned. Audience of one, the director. Felt surprisingly good. Afterward, I mentioned to a friend that I couldn't remember saying half the lines; he said that was a good sign. I didn't get the part; nobody goes one for one. Except Serafina.

U.S. Constitution, etc.

I happen to think that the best overall approach to getting this country back on track, straightening out the mess in Washington, convincing people of the best environment to create for the most success by the greatest number of people, etc. is to get back to living by the U.S. Constitution. If you'd like a very nice leather version, click on the link to the left. There are other versions available, including free printings for which you pay modest shipping & handling, such as at: http://www.thecapitol.net/Publications/PocketConstitution.html.
My New Year's resolution is to fully assimilate this material and focus any political discussions in which I might find myself on this content.

Duncan's War

The adventures of a 17th Century boy is exciting enough, plus a Christian world view to boot. We understand this story is going to be made into a movie: https://www.facebook.com/DuncansWar

The Pacific Coast Railway (PCRy)

The Pacific Coast Railway: Central California's Premier Narrow Gauge by Kenneth E. Westcott and Curtiss H. Johnson is the must-have book for the PCRy. Whether you're trying to model the railroad and its buildings or enjoy some railroading history, this is a fabulous book. Through the Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad, we've organized some tours along ex-PCRy right-of-way. Much of the information came from this book and another by Hal Madson, Railroads of the Santa Maria Valley.

May 4, 2013 field trip: http://friends-smvrr.org/130504.html

Treasure Island

Here's a great children's classic. I re-read it this month with some nostalgia from reading it with my 5th/6th graders last year. I remember the treasure hunt at the end of the unit...

Carry on Mr. Bowditch

Another great adventure with all kinds of life lessons to boot. From Amazon: 'Readers today are still fascinated by "Nat," an eighteenth-century nautical wonder and mathematical wizard. Nathaniel Bowditch grew up in a sailor's world—Salem in the early days, when tall-masted ships from foreign ports crowded the wharves. But Nat didn't promise to have the makings of a sailor; he was too physically small. Nat may have been slight of build, but no one guessed that he had the persistence and determination to master sea navigation in the days when men sailed only by "log, lead, and lookout." Nat's long hours of study and observation, collected in his famous work, The American Practical Navigator (also known as the "Sailors’ Bible"), stunned the sailing community and made him a New England hero.'

January's Sparrow

From Amazon: 'In the middle of the night, The Crosswhites, including young Sadie, must flee the Kentucky plantation they work on. Dear January has been beaten and killed by the plantation master, and they fear who may be next. But Sadie must leave behind her most valuable possession, the wooden sparrow carved for her by January. Through the Underground Railroad, the Crosswhites make the slow and arduous journey to Marshall, Michigan, where they finally live in freedom. And there they stay, happily, until the day a mysterious package shows up on their doorsteps. It is January's sparrow, with a note that reads, "I found you." How the Crosswhites, and the whole town of Marshall, face this threat will leave readers empowered and enthralled. This is a Polacco adventure that will live in the minds of children for years.'
I also appreciated Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco, she's got quite a few, including several Lynn has used in her classroom.