A History of Education: China

[Editor’s Note: This is the 8th in a series of blogs that examine how education developed throughout history until the present. Links to previous blogs are included at the bottom of the post.] Between 3000-2500 BCE, the period during which the Semitic alphabet arose in the West, the Chinese developed a very different writing system … Continue reading “A History of Education: China”


The Importance of Re-reading during the Coronavirus Pandemic

A while ago, we posted a blog on the importance of re-reading books and other materials. Two of the key takeaways were these: “While many students are given credit of some sort for reading books during the school year (or completing a summer reading assignment), they are rarely, if ever, given credit for re-reading material. … Continue reading “The Importance of Re-reading during the Coronavirus Pandemic”


Authors, Developing Words – Elmore Leonard

[Editor’s note: This post is part of a continuing series on how writers craft words to express their ideas and to connect with readers.] In a 2011 interview with Justified producer Graham Yost, Elmore Leonard said, “The way I write is always from the character’s point of view. I make up my characters as I … Continue reading “Authors, Developing Words – Elmore Leonard”


The History of Writing and Reading – Part 5: The Development of the Chinese Writing System

[Editor’s note: This is the sixth of an ongoing series that examines the rise of writing – and therefore reading – around the world. We will be looking at the major developments and forces that shaped the written languages we use today. Links to all the previous posts are listed at the end of this … Continue reading “The History of Writing and Reading – Part 5: The Development of the Chinese Writing System”


Books and Movie Adaptations – What Does it Take to Get it Right?

What was the latest book you’ve watched? It seems today, more than ever, Hollywood studios are turning stories, comics, and best-selling books into what they hope will be blockbuster movies. Not all books, though, are conducive to becoming movies, and, even if they are, not all adaptations turn out well. What needs to happen to … Continue reading “Books and Movie Adaptations – What Does it Take to Get it Right?”