Book Review of the Week

Article of the Week

Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie Tolan

After getting expelled from every school in Rhode Island, Jake has one last chance in North Carolina at the Creative Academy, the home school of the Aplewhites. Jake soon realizes that his foul language, spiked hair and bad attitude are no match for the eccentricities of the famous creative Applewhite family. Only E.D., the “normal” child, realizes that Jake is a delinquent headed for a juvenile home. But in this clever book, all ends well when the family works together puts on an interracial version of The Sound of Music with Jake playing the part of Rolf. Of course, the characters in this book are quirky and fun from the arrogant and unemployable father-director to the fasting meditation guru who becomes the family cook. What makes this book special is its language. At times, reading the book to myself, I felt the chaos surrounding this artistic family as each member tries to get his or her voice heard over everyone else.

Check the UW Libraries Catalog for the book's call number.

Normore, A.H., Floyd, A. (2005). A roller coaster ride: The twists and turns of a novice teacher's relationship with her principal.
Phi Delta Kappan, 86 (10), p.767-781.

This article describes a new teacher's awful experiences with her principal and department head. For example, the principal said she was appalled by the new teacher and refused to talk with her. The authors discuss what new teachers can learn from this woman's experiences. The also provide a toolbox of survival tips to help new teachers work successfully with administrators and colleagues.

UW students, faculty and staff can access this article through the UW Libraries Catalog. Search for the journal title, Phi Delta Kappan.