H.R. Hobbs's Blog
January 16, 2021
Virtual Learning is Exhausting for Students, Parents and Teachers
I retired from teaching two years ago, but this September, when our school division decided to offer virtual classes four days before school opened, I offered to be one of the teachers and they accepted.
With nearly thirty years teaching experience, I figured I had something to offer and the first four months have gone well. Learning new technology, presenting lessons in a different way and connecting with a great group of students.
But this week kicked my butt!
Our second week back after Christmas break and I see the difference.
At the end of each day, my jaw ached from clenching my teeth as students were late for class, didn’t follow directions and talked over each other in our zoom meetings. It took everything I had to keep the tenuous hold on my patience. Like most teachers, when things aren’t going well we take it personally. Are the students bored? Am I not explaining directions clearly? What is going on? As each day went on, I became more and more discouraged. I couldn’t figure out what was different. Until last night.
My epiphany came while sleeping, as they often do, and the pieces of the puzzle came together. Maybe it’s not me or my lessons, but what my students and their families are going through.
The first sign things were changing was when the students who consistently kept their cameras on started shutting them off. It quickly became clear it was because of what was going on around them: younger siblings in the room with them, others crying outside the door wanting to come in and play and parents talking close by. Creating a learning environment in their home isn’t the first priority for parents. And for good reason.
In the last week, one girl has told me that her family doesn’t have enough money for food. When asked if they needed help, she replied “no”. Another student’s mom is about to have a baby and her Grandma and Grandpa have arrived from Mexico to help out. Another family has two students doing virtual learning and mom working from home, all the same room. Families are doing the best they can.
And the icing on the cake, we had a snow/wind storm in the middle of the week and a twelve hour power outage. One family seeing significant damage to their farm.
Having finally sorted all this out, I realized one thing. I need to give my students, parents and myself empathy and compassion. We’re tired. Kids are tired. Parents are tired. I’m tired. We all need a little grace.
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May 26, 2019
Book 3 is here! Watch Me is Now Available!!
It’s Hannah against the town!
Hannah knows what it feels like to be an outsider. Disturbed by how her town treats a homeless man named Ben, she’s determined to help.
When Ben is arrested for a string of robberies, Hannah sets out to prove his innocence. Now she’s up against a fishy politician, judgmental neighbours and her parents, who just don’t understand. With the help of her friend Chip, she uncovers a political scandal with Ben as the pawn, and her small town may never be the same.
Can Hannah prove Ben is innocent and bring her town back together?
Click here for the Amazon.com store or here for Amazon.ca to get the ebook or paperback
It’s finally here and like the final episode of Game of Thrones–it’s bittersweet! My third book in the Breaking the Rules Series has released! Watch Me has been both a struggle and a celebration.
At times, I wondered if it would ever get published. It’s taken over a year and half to get from first word to paperback in my hand. Writing really is lesson in perseverance, but this one really tested me. Despite a number of setbacks, I gained some valuable lessons from the creation of this book. I guess the struggles are worth celebrating, too!
There are many things I want to celebrate about this book! First, completing Hannah’s character arc from invisible girl, to confident, empathetic, justice fighting young woman. She’s come along way from those first pages.
This book contains a number of topics that are near and dear to me: the perception of homeless people in our communities, PTSD and how it affects our veterans and emergency service personnel, dogs as a form of therapy and the general state of our political world at the moment. All of these topics managed to find their way into this book and I think it’s better because of it.
For now, this is the last book in the series. Who knows–in the future, Hannah and Chip may have another story wanting to be written.
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May 13, 2019
OAG 6 Days Blog-Hop #6 Stop
Visit every blog that participates in this fun blog-hop and collect 12 words (hidden in the text of the posts between 6 asterisks).
If you visit every blog on the list at the end of this post and collect the 12 words, you’ll have a quote about writing.
At the last stop enter the correct quote in the CONTEST ENTRY form and you might win the:
Grand prize $30 Amazon gift card
or one of the 3 smaller prizes: $5 gift card each.
The #6 secret word is hidden on this page, in the text, between 6 asterisks.
Find the secret word below
Watch Me – Book 3 in the Breaking the Rules Series Releasing May 12, 2019
It’s Hannah against the town!
Hannah knows what it feels like to be an outsider. Disturbed by how her town treats a homeless man named Ben, she’s determined to help.
When Ben is arrested for a string of robberies, Hannah sets out to prove his innocence. Now she’s up against a fishy politician, judgmental neighbours and her parents, who just don’t understand. With the help of her friend Chip, she uncovers ***read***a political scandal with Ben as the pawn, and her small town may never be the same.
Can Hannah prove Ben is innocent and bring her town back together?
Watch Me is a thought-provoking contemporary middle grade novel. If you like courageous girls, memorable characters, and small town mysteries, then you’ll love H.R. Hobbs’ inspiring book.
Buy Watch Me to fight for justice and kindness today!
The Breaking the Rules Series: See Me, Hear Me and Watch Me
Books by H.R. Hobbs
The list of the participating blogs
#1 Stop May 12
https://www.authorerikamszabo.com/my-thinking-board
#2 Stop May 12
http://www.weigandchris.com/blog
#3 stop May 13
https://www.goldenboxbooks.com/blog
#4 stop May 13
#5 stop May 14
http://sonnetodelldustypages.blogspot.com
#6 stop May 14
https://www.hrhobbsbooks.com/blog
#7 stop May 15
#8 stop May 15
https://cindysvoices.blogspot.com/
#9 stop May 16
http://pattymacfarlane.weebly.com/blog
#10 stop May 16
http://paperpenandinkwell.blogspot.com/index.html
#11 stop May 17
https://urbanhype101.wordpress.com/
#12 stop May 17
https://www.authorerikamszabo.com/my-thinking-board
Thank you for playing with us!
Hop on to the next blog to find the next hidden word
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April 10, 2019
February Reads
I know I’d listed three books for this month, but life and a last minute vacation got in the way! I’ve moved one book to March and hope to get more reading done this month!
The Someday Suitcase– Corey Ann Haydu
Middle Grade Realistic Fiction
Clover and Danny are the kind of best friends who make each other better: Clover makes lists, and Danny makes fun. Clover is thoughtful and quiet and loves science, Danny is chatty and funny and loves art. They’re so important to each other that Clover believes they’re symbiotic: her favorite science word, which describes two beings who can’t function without the other.
I loved this book for so many reasons! Corey Ann Haydu tackles a very tough issue: How do deal with the loss of a friend when you’re in fifth grade? Haydu does it by creating two lovable characters who’s friendship is the focus of the book. It is Clover’s love for Danny that sets her on a quest to discover a cure for Danny’s fatal illness as only a scientist could. She gathers evidence, comes up with a hypotheses and tests her hypotheses in an attempt to cure her friend. I won’t tell you if she’s successful or not, but the story is a heartwarming look at friendship, family and acceptance.
A great novel for young readers!
Quiet Lessons for the Introvert Soul– Gabriela Casineau
Gabriela is a Canadian author that I met (virtually) when I published my first book. She’s made it her mission to help introverts realize that their challenges can also be their strengths. This is her second book about introverts, her first was Introverts Job Search, and in it she interviews introverts and identifies how they have overcome what they perceive as challenges, to be successful. Each chapter contains an interview followed by her analysis of the skills used by the interviewee. The books offers a number of strategies for introverts, but would be a good read for any extroverts seeking to understand the introverts in their lives.
Books I’m Reading in March
Killers of the Flower Moon- David Grann
Book Club/Nonfiction
Blood Priest- Dion Bickham
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn– Betty Smith
Book Club
Chameleon- Tasche Laine
Psychological Thriller
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February 19, 2019
January Reads
I’m a huge lover of biographies and even though much of Wild Tales takes place before I was born (I know, that’s a long time ago), it reveals much of western culture in the sixties and seventies: sex, drugs and rock and roll. The book follows Nash’s life chronologically from Nash’s early days with The Hollies to the chaos and inspiration of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young to present.
Nash’s music career begins in England in the 50’s. The Beatles were just starting out and so were The Hollies, Nash’s first band. Growing up in a poor family, Nash quit school at sixteen to live his dream with no repercussions from his parents.
The Hollies, to Nash’s surprise, become successful quite quickly, but Nash soon became dissatisfied. Frustrated with the constraints of The Hollies sound and a chance meeting with Dave Crosby, are the catalysts that propel Nash to the US and the formation of the band Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Much of the book recalls the tumultuous times the group went through, sprinkled with songs you know so well.
What comes through in this story is Nash’s own unique voice. His love of music, songwriting and his friends come through on every page. Keep your iTunes open so you can listen to the songs of your past. Marrakesh Express and Teach Your Children Well ran through my mind so often during my reading of this one.
Healthy After 55 by Julie Luedtke (ebook)
For many of us, our 50’s are time of change: our kids have left the house, we’re creeping up on retirement and deciding what we’ll do next. Healthy After 55 is full of practical tips and exercises to help women determine what the next chapter of their lives is going to be about. Whether it’s health, fitness or dreams that you’ve put on hold this book focuses on the future (and there’s a lot of future left to enjoy) and guides readers to take small but important steps on their journey. The author knows what she’s talking about. She’s in her seventies and runs marathons. She’s also a certified coach for this specific age group.
Iron Flower by Laurie Forest (paperback)
Book Club Read
Laurie Forest came on my radar with her first book The Black Witch, mostly for the uproar it caused on Twitter within the YA community. Anytime someone tells me not to read a book, you can bet I’m going to pick it up. Censure of books is high on my list of things I don’t tolerate.
My book club read The Black Witch last year and we were excited to read The Iron Flower this year. The story of Elloren continues as she gathers the most unlikely cohorts to battle the injustice that has prevailed for centuries within the fantasy world of the Eastern and Western Realms, at the same time struggling against the legacy and prophecy of her grandmother, The Black Witch.
Forest does an excellent job of immersing the reader in this fictional world. There are numerous parallels to Harry Potter (a drink similar to polyjuice potion) and the Hunger Games (Coriolanus Snow becomes Vogel, who also brings to mind, Voldemorte). While I tore through The Black Witch, The Iron Flower seemed to drag a bit in the middle and for all the danger the characters were in, their enemies seemed to be unnaturally absent. If you’re into fantasy this might be the next one to add to your TBR.
February’s Reads:
Quiet Lessons for Introverts by Gabriela Casineau
The Someday Suitcase by Corey Ann Haydu
Book Club Selection:
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
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December 4, 2018
Two Habits Guaranteed To Reduce Writer’s Block
You sit down at your computer, open your work in progress and . . . nothing. Not a word, not a sentence, not an idea comes to mind. You reread what you wrote yesterday. Still nothing. In frustration you sit and stare at the screen panicking because this is the only time you’ve got in your busy day to write. If this sounds familiar to you, let me suggest two options that may help rid you of writer’s block and unleash your creativity.
Meditation
I’ll be honest, I’ve tried to develop a meditation practice for over three years with no success. Mostly because of the what I assumed meditation had to look like: laying on the floor or in lotus position with complete silence wasn’t something that was always achievable. What I’ve discovered is that environment and habit forming both play a role in maintaining a meditation practice. Choose a spot that is available on a daily basis. For me, it’s the chair in my office. That’s right, I meditate where I spend the rest of my day. This works for a number of reasons. It’s not out of my way (like the basement where I first attempted to make this a habit). It involves no preparation. I don’t have to get out pillows and bolsters, I simply sit in my chair and begin. With no preparation required, I have no decisions to make or reject. I simply need to sit down.
Using an app has also helped with my practice. I use the Calm app, but there are plenty of others on the market. What I like about Calm is each day has a different theme and focuses on a different meditation technique. The background of ocean waves has become a trigger for my habit. When I hear those waves I almost instantly begin to sink into a meditative state. Calm has a variety of backgrounds for you to listen to if waves aren’t your thing. Tamara Levitt has a wonderful voice for guiding you through the session, but you have others to choose from as well.
Meditating calms my mind and prepares me for my writing session. It clears the cobwebs of sleep that may be lingering and I begin with no anxiety or worry. These sessions take only ten minutes and leave you refreshed and ready for the day.
Journaling
The second habit that will unlock your creativity is journaling or morning pages as Julia Cameron calls them in her book, “The Artist’s Way.” Cameron suggests thirty minutes of stream of consciousness writing before you begin any creative endeavor and it works.
It will take some time to develop stream of consciousness writing. You may have the tendency to filter your thoughts as if your writing is going to be read by someone else. An easy solution for this is to burn or rip up your pages when they are completed. This encourages honesty and gets right to the heart of how you are feeling. An important step for creatives.
Your pages may take the form of a to-do list or a rant about your spouse. It doesn’t matter what you write about, the important thing is to get rid of the thoughts that are taking up your thinking power. Mel Robbins’ “brain dump” is a similar activity and can take less longer. The list allows you to prioritize your day by getting all those items you’re storing in your head and allows you to focus on what’s important before you start the day.
Whichever way you choose, be warned that it takes time, so don’t give up if it doesn’t work immediately. It’s taken me three months of developing these practices every day and I only recently started to really see the benefits.
But if you stick with it, incorporating these two habits into your morning routine will add between twenty and forty minutes to your day, but I can guarantee they are minutes well spent and will free up your energy to create.
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October 30, 2018
Review of Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt
When Jack meets his new foster brother, he already knows three things about him:
Joseph almost killed a teacher.
He was incarcerated at a place called Stone Mountain.
He has a daughter. Her name is Jupiter. And he has never seen her.
What Jack doesn’t know, at first, is how desperate Joseph is to find his baby girl.
Or how urgently he, Jack, will want to help.
But the past can’t be shaken off. Even as new bonds form, old wounds reopen. The search for Jupiter demands more from Jack than he can imagine.
This is my first “sticky book” review. “Sticky books” (stolen from Dan Buri because nothing explains it better) are books that seem to stick with you long after you’ve read them. The characters are so poignant and the writing so beautiful, they live in your heart forever. I have to admit at the outset, I am a huge fan of anything that Gary Schmidt writes. His books and characters linger long after reading the last page and Orbiting Jupiter is no exception.
The story, told from Jack’s point of view, begins with Joseph’s arrival to the Hurd home. Initially, Jack isn’t sure what to think of the young man that has come to live with his family. Distant doesn’t begin to describe Joseph. Jack studies Joseph, who’s only connection seems to be to Rosie the cow. Jack observes how others treat Joseph and quickly concludes that Joseph needs someone in his corner and despite the trouble that comes his way, decides he is going to be that person. Schmidt writes a beautifully empathetic character in Jack. His quiet observations and his determination to help another are truly touching.
We are witness to the change that comes over Joseph as he begins to grow and blossom under the kindness and care of the Hurd’s and the encouraging teachers at his school giving us hope for Joseph’s future. Circumstances intervene, however, and the results are devastating for both Jack and Joseph.
Set in the small town of Lewiston, Schmidt shines a light on how bias and stereotypes are both accepted and rejected. Joseph is looked down on for his past, while at the same time supported for his potential. The reader sees the dramatic effects of both.
The plot contains everything you look for when reading a Gary Schmidt novel. Recurring inside jokes, and scenes that take place in the unlikeliest places (a barn), caring teachers and strong, endearing characters that you immediately connect to.
This is a short, easy read in terms of style and complexity, however, it does contain events and themes that are more appropriate to an older reader. Orbiting Jupiter showcases Schmidt’s amazing ability to write sparingly while still packing an emotional punch. If you haven’t read any of his books, I highly recommend you do! Click here to get your copy!
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October 9, 2018
Review of Maya Mysun and Interview with P.M.Perry
Today, I’m going to start a new feature on my blog where I review books of fellow authors, who are just starting out like me. I’m not going to limit them to middle grade reads, but I will include any books that I think my readers might be interested in.
Review
It’s my pleasure to review Maya Mysun and the World that does not Exist by P. M. Perry. My love of fantasy goes back to reading “The Hobbit” in Grade 8 with Mr. Music. Perry’s book takes me back to that love a fantastical creatures and lovable heroes. Thanks to Mr. Perry, who was also kind enough to answer a couple of questions about his book. I’m always intrigued by how author’s come up with their inspiration for writing.
The first book in this fantasy adventure series introduces us to Maya and her brother Jack. They may be twins, but their interests are worlds apart. Maya believes in magic and Jack believes in science. On the eve of their thirteenth birthday, Maya has a dream where she witnesses a conversation between the wizard Torackdan and Ebbelle. They talk of news of the Lost Prince and Wraiths. Afraid of what her family might think, Maya only shares the details of her dream with her turtle, Tommy. Things get stranger when a mysterious letter is delivered to the house. In celebration of the twin’s birthday, the family sets off to visit the museum. With the sudden disappearance of their parents at the museum. The twins are on an adventure to bring them back.
Maya Mysun has all the elements we love in a fantasy adventure: magical beings, evil villains with dark magic and characters who must use their wits to get out of dangerous situations. Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings fans will enjoy this story.
Interview
Tell us about yourself and how you came to the decision to fantasy books for young people?
The story of Maya began when my daughter was very young. I challenged myself to pen a magical fantasy adventure with a heroine. A heroine like no other, one whose personal journey and development will be motivation to children and young adults.
As for myself, penning the adventure was my first attempt at writing since studying. Writing the novel proved to be challenging whilst working full time. The passion consumed many of my evenings; my routine was to conjure the ideas during my daily commute to work and pen them down in the evenings.
What was your inspiration for Maya Mysun? My daughter was the inspiration for Maya. I wanted to write an adventure with a girl who was the main character but with a difference. Even whilst writing I was advised many times that Maya needed to be more adventurous and bolder. Despite the advice you’ll find Maya to be brave, compassionate, and different than the normal heroines. You’ll have to read the adventure to really understand how Maya stands out from other heroines.
Are any characters in your book based on people you know in real life? All the characters are fictitious, but their traits are based on real people I’ve seen or observed.
What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome in completing your book? My biggest hurdle quickly became my motivation. During the early years I sought a paid service from an established author on my writing. The author’s report advised me to stop writing. Naturally this was a great blow, though devastated, I challenged myself to complete the adventure which soon became an item on my bucket list.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers looking to publish their first novel? Believe in your abilities and in the characters of your stories. I say this because despite the advice to stop writing I’ve completed Maya’s adventure. Secondly, I allowed Maya to be different, I was confident she will be liked and not be like the stereotypical heroine. Now I have proof from readers who have reflected how much they’ve enjoyed reading about Maya.
What is your favorite book to recommend to others?
I’ve enjoyed reading many authors and it is difficult to pick any one book. I’d recommend novels which subtly show young adults how one must aspire to be, and Maya’s adventure is one such story.
You can find Maya Mysun on Amazon, just click here.
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September 29, 2018
How to Use Books to Start a Conversation With Your Child about Bullying
One of the most difficult conversations parents can have with their children is about bullying. The word “bullying” triggers some very strong emotions in people. Anger, fear, shame and guilt can all come to the surface, whether we are adults or children. Many of these emotions stem from being bullied, which makes talking to your child about this topic that much more difficult. From my experience, as a bullied child who told no one, it’s not an easy topic for your child to talk about either. These strong emotions can hijack a conversation or prevent it from happening at all. If you suspect your child is being bullied, or you want to have a proactive conversation about with your child, here are four easy ways to use to books to open that conversation.
Before you dive into a discussion about bullying, you want your child to feel comfortable to share or talk about their experiences. To do that, I suggest developing a reading routine. Take 15 minutes before bed and find a comfortable spot (include a favourite blanket or stuffed animal) that is free from distractions like the television or other family members, so you can give your child your undivided attention. Give your child some control in choice of books. I use the “You choose, I choose” method for determining what you to read each night. This gives you the opportunity to introduce books to your child that will open the discussion.
Second, connect over the books you read. I know this can make it seem like it takes forever to read the book, but this simple step not only provides the opportunity for your child to think about another’s point of view, it’s a great way to develop future reading skills. The O.W.L. acronym is a great strategy to start the conversation. The O is what you observe or notice in the pictures or the story. W represents what you wonder or what questions do you have, and the L is for link it to your life or how it connects to your life. If you remember this simple acronym, you can open the door to difficult topics while reading. Some other options are to talk about the pictures, how the characters feel and what you predict will happen next in the story. Ask your child what would they do in this situation? This is also a great time to offer some of your own solutions that your child may not have thought about. Also, look at it from both perspectives, the bully and bullied. It may help your child to know the bully may have issues going on in their lives you don’t know about. This helps your child to see that the bullying not about them, but about the bully.
Third, if someone bullied you, share that with your child. Many of us still carry the childhood wounds of bullying, but sharing your experience lets your child see they aren’t alone and keeps the lines of communication open.
Finally, find books that talk about the bullying experience. If you don’t know where to start, here are picture books I’ve used in my classroom year after year when discussing bullying. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes is the story of a girl teased about her name. She doesn’t tell her parents what is going on, but as her enthusiasm for school disappears, they become concerned. A great book to discuss why she doesn’t tell her parents that ends with a happy twist. Oliver Button is a Sissy by Tomie dePaola is the story of a boy who wants be a dancer and despite the disapproval of his father and the teasing of the kids at school, he sticks to what he loves. Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill is the story of how one girl dethrones the playground bully. A great story about discovering your power. Kids will love the language and pictures. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson is a lovely story about taking your dad’s advice on how to deal with your “enemies” and how your actions may have unexpected results.
For older boys, I suggest Restart by Gordon Korman. In this story, the school bully loses his memory due to an accident and tries to become a better person. Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan is the story of two boys who team up to take down the class bully. For girls, Jerry Spinelli’s, Stargirl, explores how denying your true self to fit in is dangerous. My chapter book, See Me, tackles the difficulties of navigating school when you feel you don’t fit in.
If you need to have a conversation with your child about bullying, but don’t know where to start, pick up a book and let the story open the door.
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