Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1546952
Often educators' creativity spills over into a book, album, podcast or other work. Periodically, we showcase our members' talents: Lit From Within Compiled by Amy Peruzzaro Reading Using Clues Middle school theater arts and English teacher and UTLA member Evan Baughfman wrote a short story published in the online magazine Teach. Write: A Literary Journal for Writing Teachers. In "Detective Walker and the Case of the Unknown Word," middle school student Ashley Walker must solve a literary mystery while dealing with the noise of her quarreling twin brothers. Through the persona of "Detective Walker," Ashley applies her English teacher 's lesson: Use context clues to decode the unknown word "pacify," which Ashley initially mispronounces. Through deductive reasoning and analysis of the surrounding text (about a princess trying to calm a "mob"), she determines its meaning ("to calm down") — and settles her noisy siblings. You Control Your Fate Special Education teacher and Romo- land Teachers Assn. member Kevin David Anderson has written his fifth book in the Try Not To Die book series, called Try Not to Die: In Roswell and Beyond. In this interactive sci-fi story set in Roswell, New Mexico, James and his younger brother Wes navigate a complex conspiracy involving extra- terrestrials and dimension-hopping. While traveling through alien ships and into the past, James must protect his brother and try to survive by using the skills he learned in a video game. With 22 unique ways to meet your demise along the way, you control the story by the choices you make. Read about Anderson's other books at KevinDavidAnderson.com. Dreaming Big, Making Memories Elementary educator and Alvord Educators Assn. member Dr. Janine Wilson has written three children's books — a unique collection of motivational and interactive books designed to inspire growth and capture lasting memories. The series includes You'll See, which encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities, fostering perseverance to overcome negative perceptions and live out their biggest dreams. Just Dream It inspires children to draw and imagine themselves in future careers. When I Close My Eyes offers a reflective, year-end holiday experience, encouraging readers to draw or add photos to the pages to document family traditions. Learn more about Dr. Wilson's work at janineawilsonauthor.com. 56 cta.org Our Union