Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1500904
Continued on Page 55 Got something for Lit From Within — a book , blog, album, video series, podcast or something else? Tell us at editor@cta.org with "Lit From Within" in the subject line. We lean toward new(ish) work that can be used in the classroom. e newcomer experience René Colato Laínez is a bilingual teacher at Fernangeles Elementary School in LA County, where he is known as "the teacher full of stories." The El Salvador-born educator and UTLA member has written multiple, award-winning bilingual children's books such as My Shoes and I/ Mis zapatos y yo and Mamá the Alien/ Mamá la extraterrestre. His new book, Do I Belong Here?/ ¿Es este mi lugar?, explores the experiences of newcomers in U.S. schools, from the first days of confusion and alienation to the grad- ual understanding of language and customs and making of new friends. On Arte Público Press and Amazon. Navigating college admissions stress Sweet Appeal finds high-achiev- ing high school senior Leo Iskrine struggling under the pressures of college admissions and others' lofty expectations for him. Author Michael J. Steele, an Elk Grove Education Association member and high school math teacher, captures the intense stress many seniors experience. But the novel also reassures young people that things can turn out all right even when they don't go according to plan. Younger students and families can use the book to help develop healthy mind- sets about college admissions before the process starts to influence self-worth and damage relationships. On Amazon. Lessons on how to grow up In this 2021 book, CTA/ NEA-Retired member Chip Fraser takes on the deeper meaning within The Wizard of Oz — the need for chil- dren who are now adults to become grownups. With humor and wit, Fraser 's "lessons" on how to grow up include learning to live in the present, ceasing to crit- icize others, eating healthy (mostly), smiling regularly, exercising patience, practicing meditation, and volunteering whenever possible. A Cali- fornia educator for almost 30 years and former president of Ventura Unified Education Association, Fraser wrote the script for the 2020 movie Timecrafters: The Treasure of Pirate's Cove. On Amazon. 56 cta.org CTA & You From Within Oen educators' creativity spills over into a book, blog, app or other work. We're happy to showcase members' talents.