Book Club Guidelines

  • Every 3 months we will introduce a new Series Topic that will include a Nonfiction, Fiction, and Biography book relating to the chosen topic.
  • Series topics and books will be chosen by members present at book club meetings.
  • If you cannot make a meeting, but wish to provide suggestions for topics and books, please click the link on the right and email Mandi, our Book Club Moderator.
  • Meeting locations are chosen in much the same fashion as Series and books, with an effort to rotate locations by geographic, Greater Milwaukee area.

Friday, May 30, 2008

In Regards to Bee Season

Whilst perusing the headlines today, I came across this little recap of the 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, which is taking place...today. Check it out here!

Also, if you, like me, are wondering just who this mysterious "Scripps" is and why he/she/it would sponsor a National spelling bee, then let's do a Google Search.

Scripps Health?
Scripps Women's College?
Scripps Institute of Oceanography, UC San Diego?
Scripps Florida?
Scripps Research Institute?
E.W. Scripps Company?

Hm, it's probably faster just to visit the spelling bee's website. E.W. Scripps Company, indeed.

Monday, May 12, 2008

May 2008: Education Series - Biography

When: Tuesday, May 27th 5:30-drinks, 6:00-dinner & discussion

Where: La Fuente on the South Side at 625 South 5th Street Map & Directions

What: We're finishing our Education Series with the book "I Chose to Stay: A Black Teacher Refuses to Desert the Inner City" by Salome Thomas-EL
Book Description:
From Publisher's Weekly


Teaching is a calling, and Thomas-EL has enthusiastically answered the call. In his memoir, the educator, currently the principal of a Philadelphia elementary school, recounts the events that led him to a career in education. The author writes of experiences that would daunt many. Thomas-EL, the seventh of eight children, displayed intellectual promise early and was transferred to one of Philly's prominent magnet schools. He recounts how insecurity plagued him as he went from being at the top of his class in his old school to joining students who showed just as much intellectual prowess as he did. On top of dealing with a lack of self-confidence at this new school, Thomas-EL also felt the sting of racism for the first time. In energetic prose, he remembers the inspiration he found in teachers who connected him with internship opportunities and consistently encouraged him. Now in that very role today, Thomas-EL has
instituted some innovative programming at his school, garnering such attention from administrators that he's received numerous offers for leadership positions in his own and other districts. Although the accompanying salaries have been attractive, Thomas-EL declares, "I choose to stay."


Read More Here!