Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

Should parents censor what their kids read?

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What is acceptable reading material for your child? It's a legit question, especially since banning books by some schools has in turn created a demand for these books. Suppose your middle schooler wants to read Art Spiegelman's Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel Maus? Would exposing them to certain truths harm them, or frighten them? Looking at this list of banned books, I realize … [Read more...]

Honoring our Fallen Veterans

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Teaching the meaning of Memorial Day to children To most kids (and to many adults), Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer. We barbecue hamburgers, take a trip to the park, or plant flowers since there’s no longer the threat of frost. To families who have lost loved ones in the service of our country, however, the meaning runs deeper than a cookout. We want our children to … [Read more...]

I, Myself, or Me? How to know which to use

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Myself? A letter to advice columnist Miss Manners begins: “My husband, myself and another couple went out for dinner last summer…” I read the rest of the question but kept bouncing back to that opening sentence. It was so wrong. Myself? MYSELF? Miss Manners wisely didn't correct the writer; she focused on the question at hand. I, however, couldn't let it go. Myself is a special kind of … [Read more...]

Gordy and the Ghost Crab goes to School

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We hit the road! I took Gordy and the Ghost Crab and my newest creation, my felt ghost crab hat, to Weston Elementary School in Imlay City, MI where we meet with three groups of students: the "begindergarten" and kindergarten students, the first graders, and the second graders -- A total of about 400 students in all! Christina Herr, M.Ed., Reading Interventionist at Weston, asked that I gear … [Read more...]

Writers empower, inspire, heal, expose

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In times of turmoil, writers can affect change with their words, stories and poems. They are a window into the greater truths of the world at large, beyond the minuscule limits of ourselves. Ten years ago Michael Kimball gave this inspiring commencement address as faculty at the Stonecoast MFA Program in Creative Writing, where I earned my degree. Michael kindly gave me permission to share his … [Read more...]