I, too, preferred reading to playing games on the playground. “4-square” never held my interest as much as a Hardy Boys mystery. And when all of the 5th grade (female) teachers gathered around me in a circle during 5th grade, and very quietly passed me a copy of, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” and warned me about not showing it to the other girls, I was frankly nonplussed. There were no prohibited books in our house. (At least none that I could see anywhere, and trust me, I looked and read from any- and every- where I could find a book!).
I have been bullied for my weight my whole life! It took MANY years to come to terms with myself, and I'm so glad you wrote this book, Connie! This essay made me cry in a good way. Have an amazing day, all of you!!
The image of the young reader immersed in Lola during recess is a testament to the enduring magic of books. Your dedication to fostering a love for reading and addressing the important issue of bullying is commendable. Keep shining your light in the literary world! 🌟📚 #Inspiration #StorytellingMagic
Me 👋🏽 and it always makes me so happy when I catch my kids reading - at the dinner table, in the cozy corner of the couch, outside on the swing.
I taught a traveling story time for a few years and it was some of the most magical gatherings of my life - reading aloud to kids is just so fun. And the way they immediately give you their trust and affection is so precious. I’m so glad your tour is going well and your book is so well received - if you come read in Toledo, my kids and I will be there!
This brought me to tears. Your descriptions of children are so real. It's why I am a pediatrician. It's our job to protect and nourish them every chance we get.
Hi Connie: trying to find out when you will next be doing a book signing in the Greater Cleveland area. My west coast sister has commissioned me to pick up multiple autographed copies of Lola and the Troll for various grandchildren. I cannot get to Ashtabula so I am hoping you might be somewhere closer soon. Thanks.
This essay again, like so many you write Connie, brought me to tears....and reminded me how, at a very young age, living in the inner city with a local Carnegie Library close by, I consumed the books and never lost the need to keep reading.
I was on campus at Ohio State looking at some John Glenn memorabilia with some visiting high schoolers and their parents. Senator Glenn happened to walk by. The teenagers didn't know who he was but their parents were awestruck. He was, as you described, very kind.
Dear Connie, thank you for this uplifting story. I always save your articles to savour them slowly, like the best homemade cookies, and they never disappoint! In the world as it is today, your light shines bright.
Whenever my now 41 and 35 year old children had to buy a present for a birthday we almost always bought books. I would grill my child about the birthday child’s activities. I want to get something that probably didn’t have. I remember one boy who played little league. We got him Ted Williams book on how to hit.
Dear Connie Marie,
I, too, preferred reading to playing games on the playground. “4-square” never held my interest as much as a Hardy Boys mystery. And when all of the 5th grade (female) teachers gathered around me in a circle during 5th grade, and very quietly passed me a copy of, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” and warned me about not showing it to the other girls, I was frankly nonplussed. There were no prohibited books in our house. (At least none that I could see anywhere, and trust me, I looked and read from any- and every- where I could find a book!).
Thank you for writing “Lola and the Troll.”
Love,
Mindy Sue Warner
Connie,
Is there a place we can see the locations of your book tour? Would love to see you if you will be in the Chicago area.
Your column brings tears to my eyes again and again 🥹
Delightful piece! I was a young reader, and successfully cultivated two out of three children to be readers - not a bad percentage.
I would like copies of this book sent out to every Member of Congress to firm up some spines. Much love from another Granny!
I have been bullied for my weight my whole life! It took MANY years to come to terms with myself, and I'm so glad you wrote this book, Connie! This essay made me cry in a good way. Have an amazing day, all of you!!
The image of the young reader immersed in Lola during recess is a testament to the enduring magic of books. Your dedication to fostering a love for reading and addressing the important issue of bullying is commendable. Keep shining your light in the literary world! 🌟📚 #Inspiration #StorytellingMagic
Do support: https://denselife.substack.com/
Me 👋🏽 and it always makes me so happy when I catch my kids reading - at the dinner table, in the cozy corner of the couch, outside on the swing.
I taught a traveling story time for a few years and it was some of the most magical gatherings of my life - reading aloud to kids is just so fun. And the way they immediately give you their trust and affection is so precious. I’m so glad your tour is going well and your book is so well received - if you come read in Toledo, my kids and I will be there!
This brought me to tears. Your descriptions of children are so real. It's why I am a pediatrician. It's our job to protect and nourish them every chance we get.
I love this - so wonderful
Hi Connie: trying to find out when you will next be doing a book signing in the Greater Cleveland area. My west coast sister has commissioned me to pick up multiple autographed copies of Lola and the Troll for various grandchildren. I cannot get to Ashtabula so I am hoping you might be somewhere closer soon. Thanks.
This essay again, like so many you write Connie, brought me to tears....and reminded me how, at a very young age, living in the inner city with a local Carnegie Library close by, I consumed the books and never lost the need to keep reading.
You know the magic of books and young children. And you are a special magician who can write books children love! Enjoy your book tour!
I was on campus at Ohio State looking at some John Glenn memorabilia with some visiting high schoolers and their parents. Senator Glenn happened to walk by. The teenagers didn't know who he was but their parents were awestruck. He was, as you described, very kind.
Dear Connie, thank you for this uplifting story. I always save your articles to savour them slowly, like the best homemade cookies, and they never disappoint! In the world as it is today, your light shines bright.
Whenever my now 41 and 35 year old children had to buy a present for a birthday we almost always bought books. I would grill my child about the birthday child’s activities. I want to get something that probably didn’t have. I remember one boy who played little league. We got him Ted Williams book on how to hit.