Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1527898
Often educators' creativity spills over into a book, album, blog or vlog, or other work. We showcase our members' talents: Lit From Within Got something for this page? Tell us at cta.org with "Lit From Within" in the subject line. Check out past issues at cta.org/lit. Visual Symphony Alison Peoples, a member of Santa Rosa Teachers Association, has a new book titled Symphonies for the Deaf. Peoples wrote the book to share her love of Beethoven's music with the deaf or hard of hearing. While reflecting on how Beethoven was not able to hear many of his end pieces due to deafness later in life, Peoples thought about how he could likely feel and see them in his mind. In this work of fiction without illustrations, Peoples lets the deaf or hard of hearing experience all of Beethoven's nine symphonies by exploring images, scenes and colors of his music, brought to life by her imaginative descriptions. Mind Over Might United Teachers Los Angeles member and middle school teacher Evan Baughfman has published his fourth book, Try Not to Die: In a Dark Fairy Tale. Baughfman and co-author Mark Tullius tell an action-packed, interactive story for young adults — who choose their own adventure. The plot: King Dorian sends his twin sons on a quest to determine his successor. Keaton is a skilled warrior; Barnaby is a bookworm. To make things fair, Barnaby receives a talking sword and a book of knowledge but must prove himself worthy. Both brothers face dangers in the Wild Woods and must decide how far they are willing to go to become the next ruler of Vallorum. Life's Curveballs Fifth grade teacher and San Ramon Valley Education Association member Lisa Freels has published a third novel in her Playa Vista Elementary Series called Fifth Grade Resolutions. Rising fifth grader Penny has been having a less than stellar summer. She is worried about her mother 's health, her father 's absence and her friendships. As she navigates the challenges of growing up, Penny wonders if things will improve. A story for young readers about coping with life's uncertainties. Freels has also written a novella, Fourth Grade Realizations, that is free to read at mrsfreelsbooks.com. Continued on Page 55 56 cta.org Our Union