Archives for September 2018

Hundreds of immigrant and refugee children are still being held in federal detention centers around the country. In response, 33 of the top artists in family music have banded together to create Hold Tight, Shine Bright, a compilation album of 27 songs with a basic goal in mind — the preservation and promotion of love, hope and family. Hold Tight, Shine Bright is available today via iTunes. All Proceeds of this album will benefit the legal aid initiatives of RAICES Texas.

The dozens of children’s musicians, artists, collaborators, and contributors on this album believe that families seeking refuge in the United States of America need to remain together. The compilation album was produced by The Hold Tight Shine Bright Project: Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis (Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band), Polly Hall and Andrew Barkan (Andrew and Polly), and CJ Pizarro (Mista Cookie Jar), along with Dale Edward Chung. Album art is by Micah Player (Lately Lily).

Co-producer Diaz says, “We believe that unification is paramount and that children should be treated as such—children.” Diaz, who notes that his parents were immigrants from Mexico, wants to spread the positive feelings that come when a musical community comes together for good.

The first single, “Shine Your Light,” was released on Bandcamp in July, and the track (featuring the producers) is in daily rotation on radio shows around the nation. Proceeds from this single and  “Hold Tight, Shine Bright” will all go RAICES, Refugees and Immigration Center for Education Legal Service in Texas. RAICES is currently providing free and low-cost legal service to underserved immigrant children and families. “We believe these services are crucial in making a real difference,” notes Hall and Barkan. “Like RAICES, our goal is to join others in the effort to #ReuniteEveryChild,” adds Pizarro. “Having been raised by Filipino immigrant parents, the value of family was emphasized and instilled in me at a very young age. Family is light. Family is valuable. We want to spread this light into the dark corners, raise awareness, and promote family unification.”

The Hold Tight, Shine Bright Project is about keeping families together. All Proceeds of this album go to RAICES Texas: https://www.raicestexas.org/

Credit: Sugar Mountain PR.

After David Kim (John Cho)’s 16-year-old daughter goes missing, a local investigation is opened and a detective is assigned to the case. But 37 hours later and without a single lead, David decides to search the one place no one has looked yet, where all secrets are kept today: his daughter’s laptop. In a hyper-modern thriller told via the technology devices we use every day to communicate, David must trace his daughter’s digital footprints before she disappears forever. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Alejandra G. comments, “This new drama/thriller grabbed my attention since the beginning, because of its amazing and unique storyline. I felt thrilled to discover what would happen at the end and, whether or not the outcome would be what I expected.” See her full comments below.

Searching

By Alejandra G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

This new drama/thriller grabbed my attention since the beginning, because of its amazing and unique storyline. I felt thrilled to discover what would happen at the end and, whether or not the outcome would be what I expected. I came up with my theory for the conclusion by putting together the clues from the movie, little by little.  It is very entertaining, because the film gives the audience an opportunity to be detectives for a moment and try to solve the very unique mystery in the film.

The storyline is about a father, David, that enjoys watching his daughter Margot grow up while posting pictures and videos of her to social media,  sharing his happiness with his loved ones. As Margot enters her teenage years, she starts to grow apart and seem distant from him. One day, she disappears after telling her father that she went to a study group. David looks on the internet to try to find clues about where she may be. Her friends don’t seem to know much and don’t help either David or the detective that comes on the case to figure out what happened to her and hopefully find her alive.

My favorite scene is when David starts to get desperate because of Margot’s disappearance, leading to him brainstorming ideas about how to find her. This results with him going into Margot’s computer to find answers as to whereabouts. This is my favorite scene because it is very meaningful and is the moment he starts to realize, although he doesn’t admit it, that he truly does not know his daughter at all. When he opens her laptop, it is as if he is entering unknown territory and we see the distance between him and Margot. He was very close to her, while she was growing up, but as soon as she hit the teenage years, she became a stranger.

The important message in this film is that better communication between family members is encouraged and will improve the dynamics of the family. For example, in the beginning of the movie, the reason for her disappearance is unknown and that leads to the suspense and mystery of the storyline. But, let’s say hypothetically that Margot disappeared on purpose, because she was dealing with a problem and, since she had grown apart from her dad, she didn’t feel he could help her. If parents, especially those raising their children alone, communicate and interact better, they can help their kids through the tough times. They ease the process of going through conflicts, so that running away is not their only choice. I recommend this film for ages 13 to 18, as well as adults and I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. It opens in theaters August, 31, 2018 so, check it out.

Reviewed by Alejandra G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Photo A Cred: Sebastian Baron. ©2018 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Photo B Credit: Elizabeth Kitchens; ©2018 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Fifteen years after the end of World War II, a team of top-secret Israeli agents travels to Argentina to track down Adolf Eichmann, the Nazi officer who masterminded the transportation logistics that brought millions of innocent Jews to their deaths in concentration camps. Hoping to sneak him out of the country to stand trial, agent Peter Malkin soon finds himself playing a deadly game of cat and mouse with the notorious war criminal. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Abraham F. comments, “Operation Finale is horrifyingly intense as well as funny at times. The two main characters, Peter Malkin (Oscar Isaac) and Adolf Eichmann (Ben Kingsley) are terrifyingly realistic.” See his full review below.

Operation Finale

By Abraham Finer, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Operation Finale is horrifyingly intense as well as funny at times. The two main characters, Peter Malkin (Oscar Isaac) and Adolf Eichmann (Ben Kingsley) are terrifyingly realistic. The suspense feels like it’s on real stakes because this film is based on actual events. One criticism I have is that all the secondary characters are easily forgettable.

The story of this film focuses on a group of Israeli agents who are tasked with capturing and bringing back Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi Lieutenant who escaped justice after World War II to Israel. The agents spot him at his house after a spy tells them where he lives. They watch his daily routine until they memorize it and fake their car being broken in, to jump him. They take him back to where they are staying and take turns watching him. One day, the airport calls saying that they have to get a signature from Adolf Eichmann to let them board so they try to convince him to sign. Malkin tries a more friendly approach to make him sign and they get to know each other.

My favorite part in this film is when Malkin and Eichmann are getting to know each other. You get to see Eichmann’s side and how he interprets the holocaust. That is very interesting.

There are two big names in this film. Ben Kingsley plays Adolf Eichmann and Oscar Isaac plays Peter Malkin. Ben Kingsley has been in numerous award winning films such as Ghandi, which he won an Oscar for best actor. Oscar Isaac has been in Ex Machina, an Oscar winning film and the Star Wars series.

I recommend this film to anyone who wants to know more about the Holocaust or World War II. You should be aware that the adults in this film smoke and drink. I recommend Operation Finale for ages 13 to 18, as well as adults. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. This film opens in theaters August 29, 2018 so look for it.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Photos © 2018 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Parenting isn’t an easy thing to do but helpful advice can make it easier! I like this book Raising Cooperative Kids and it has many helpful techniques. Award-winning family research psychologists Marion Forgatch and Gerald Patterson provide the tools to create a happy family. Raising Cooperative Kids – Excerpt “Clear Directions”

Clear Directions

Parents have different ways to get their children to comply. Many involve coercion, which essentially involves the use of psychological and even physical force to accomplish a goal. “You will do what I say or else! “Stress in our personal lives and in the workplace often ignites our use of coercion. Moreover, for better or worse, we tend to follow examples set by our own parents. If coercion reigned supreme in your family as you were growing up, you may find yourself using it with your own children and also your spouse or partner. At one end of the spectrum, we’ve seen parents who command their children like boot-camp sergeants. They may resort to threats or, in extreme cases, even violence. At the other end, we have watched parents, determined not to follow in their authoritarian parents’ footsteps, plead with their children over something as simple as coming to dinner or shutting the door quietly. Neither approach is effective, as you may have discovered already. Commanding, debating, or pleading with children does not teach cooperation. What we have learned from watching parents and their children is that the most efficient approach is to give the child a clear, concise direction in a polite, emotionally neutral, tone. It sounds deceptively simple, doesn’t it? It is not. We have developed a set of strategies for giving clear and effective directions that encourage cooperation. Here are our basic strategies.

Basic Strategies for Giving Clear Directions  Use good timing.  Get physically close.  Make contact (eye contact and/or physical contact).  Use a pleasant tone of voice and facial expression.  Give one direction at a time.  Make a statement—don’t ask.  Be specific.  Say what to do.  Use the child’s name.  Use the words “please” and “now.”  Say: “Name, do (behavior) now, please.” (e.g., “Isabelle, come to the table, now please”). Use few words.  Start with behaviors that take less than two minutes.  Stand and hold silently (with a neutral to positive expression).

This last point, stand and hold, requires that you remain close to your child after you deliver your direction and wait silently for their response. Parents say this is hard to do, especially maintaining a neutral facial expression while silently waiting. Try it and you will see how powerful your quiet presence can be. If you deliver your direction and walk away, you send the message that you may not expect immediate compliance. Integrating these elements into the directions you give your children can produce amazing results—at least at first. The reward for the parent is compliance. It will come as no surprise that children who learn to follow their parents’ directions at an early age also tend to be socially successful with peers, teachers, and others in the community.

Adapted, and reprinted with permission from Conari Press an imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser, RAISING COOPERATIVE KIDS by Marion Forgatch PhD, Gerald Patterson PhD, and Tim Friend is available wherever books and ebooks are sold or directly from the publisher at www.redwheelweiser.com or 800-423-7087.

The next books are a must for young readers heading back-to-school or starting school! 

Z GOES FIRST by Sean Lamb (Imprint, May 29, 2018, Ages 3-6)

This is a delightful story that I recommend for ages 3-6, especially those learning their alphabet! As Z travels through the alphabet, kids learn each letter form. The text is filled with great quips and clever characters, like the letter “I” who loves to look in the mirror!

• Mike Perry is an acclaimed artist known for his inventive typography and illustration, and in particular he is beloved for his intro illustrations for Broad City. His illustrations for Z Goes First are fresh, playful, and strongly characterize each letter.

STEGOTHESAURUS by Bridget Heos; illustrated by T. L. McBeth (Henry Holt BYR, June 12, 2018)

• Dinosaurs star or feature in many beloved and bestselling picture books, including Bob Shea’s Dinosaur vs. series, Are We There Yet? by Dan Santat, and Tea Rex by Molly Idle.
• STEGOTHESAURUS introduces young readers to the sexy topic of synonyms! The enriched vocabulary used in this book is sure to make it a hit with schools and libraries.
• Bridget Heos is a rising star in the picture book world – her Mustache Baby books are bonafide hits and I, Fly appears on numerous state lists. Her special brand of humor is evident in her fiction, including this book and its forthcoming sequel, and nonfiction (see Who Wants to Be a Princess? and the upcoming Who Wants to Be a Pirate?)
• TL McBeth is a find, and we’re thrilled to publish his debut. Fresh out of college with four books already signed up, he has vision, humor, and heart–the trifecta!
• What new words will Stegothesaurus (and young readers) learn in the second edition?

THUNDERCLUCK! by Paul Tillery; illustrated by Paul Tillery, Meg Wittwer (Roaring Brook Press, October 30, 2018, Ages 8-12)

• You can’t help but laugh at this Viking-helmet-wearing chicken, a formidable superhero who shoots lightning bolts from his wings!
• Teachers & librarians can get behind the fun introduction to Norse gods & goddesses that is expertly woven into the narrative.
• The author and illustrator are animators who, in addition to including eight illustrations per chapter, have already created an animated logo and an award-winning THUNDERCLUCK short film.
• Thundercluck’s best friend is a fearless and celebrated Viking girl warrior.
• Paul Tillery IV was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. He’s always loved drawing, storytelling, and off-kilter comedy. Paul created Thundercluck at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He earned his MFA in animation from SCAD-Atlanta in 2014, and he now teaches animation at SCAD in Savannah, GA.

THE LITTLE SCHOOL BUS by Margery Cuyler; illustrated by Bob Kolar (Henry Holt BYR, May 22, 2018, Ages 3-6)

• The Little School Bus is a terrific companion to bestselling board book The Little Dump Truck.
• Join Driver Bob and his little school bus as they wake early, pick up a diverse group of children, and drop them off at school.
• The lyrical text, catchy rhyme, and bright pictures make this a perfect choice for preschoolers who are soon to be school bus riders!

This next one is a must-read for parents! Especially those who have children who struggle with ADHD, Autism, anxiety or any other differences. 

Debbie Reber’s DIFFERENTLY WIRED: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World. 

Debbie offers a new vision for parents of “atypical” kids – the 1 in 5 (2.4 million) children who struggle with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety, and other neurodifferences, and whose families struggle along with them.

 Debbie’s ideas shift the whole paradigm that “different” does not equal “deficit,” as she’s done so well with the TiLT podcasts (20K+ downloads). Her stories, specific tips, and key “tilts” show parents a way to find a happier, healthier family dynamic, and allow kids to fully realize their best selves. I really found this a positive and encouraging book.

About the Differently Wired

As mother of a “2e” (twice exceptional) son, with the trifecta diagnosis of ADHD, Asperger’s, and gifted, Deborah Reber is well aware that parenting an atypical child in a conventional world is an often lonely and difficult journey. Like her son Asher, 5 percent of school-aged children (2.4 million) in America are identified with having neurological differences— whether it is a learning disability, dyslexia, autism, or anxiety; and as a result are looked at as outliers growing up in a world that doesn’t respect, support, or embrace who they inherently are.

Fueled by a desire to change that, Reber founded TiLT Parenting in 2016 as a first step in shifting the conversation and to help parents find more peace, joy, and support along the way. What first started as a weekly podcast has grown into a thriving global community dedicated to embracing and supporting who their kids are, no matter what.

DIFFERENTLY WIRED: Raising an Exceptional Kid in a Conventional World [Workman Publishing; June 2018; $26.95] by New York Times bestselling author Deborah Reber expands on TiLT’s mission, offering a new path for parents of neurodiverse kids. Laying out a vision for redefining how differently wired children are perceived in the world, Reber asks parents to alter their thinking and actions in a way that will not only change the family dynamic but will allow for these children to fully realize their best selves.

Combining personal stories with practical advice, Differently Wired’s frank and powerful discussion of the challenges facing families with neurodiverse children is followed by 18 shifts – called “Tilts” – aimed to offer parents tangible, doable changes that are small day-to-day tweaks with exponential effects.

About Deborah Reber

Deborah Reber is a New York Times bestselling author, certified life coach, and speaker who changed her career dramatically in 2016 when she founded TiLT Parenting, a website, weekly podcast, and social media company for parents like her who are raising differently wired children. The TiLT Parenting Podcast has grown to be a top podcast in iTunes’ Kids and Family category, with more than 150,000 downloads and a slate of guests that includes high-profile thought leaders across the parenting and education space. Debbie’s next book is Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World (Workman Publishing, 2018).

Prior to launching TiLT, Debbie spent the past fifteen years writing inspiring books for women and teens. In doing so, she built a successful brand as a teen authority, was frequently interviewed and spoke about issues like media literacy, self-esteem, and confidence, and consulted for clients including the Girl Scouts, the Disney Channel, McGraw Hill, and Kaplan.

Before becoming a writer and coach, Debbie worked in TV and video production, producing documentaries and PSAs for CARE and UNICEF, working on Blue’s Clues for Nickelodeon in New York, and developing original series for Cartoon Network in Los Angeles. She has an MA in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research and a BA in Communications from Pennsylvania State University.

In the summer of 2013, she moved from Seattle to Amsterdam, where she currently lives with her husband Derin and homeschools her 13-year-old son Asher. You can read more about her at debbiereber.net and tiltparenting.com.

Self Disclosure: I received copies of the above books to facilitate this post. I do not feature all books that I receive but do feature books that I recommend! Images were also provided and information.