My name is Andalib Khelghati. I was born in West Africa and grew up in a home where we spoke French, English and Farsi. I work at Dewey Elementary school and am proud of all our Dewey Tigers. My favorite hobby is learning about new places, languages and traveling. I believe reading is a powerful tool for unlocking life’s hidden secrets.
1) Command Authority by Tom Clancy (2013)
This fast-paced thriller brings together action and politics for a novel that is a true page turner. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to get completely engrossed in classic Clancy.
2) The Book of Hours: Love Poems to God by Rainer Maria Rilke (1905)
This book has a fascinating introduction by Anita Barrows about Rilke’s life and journey. The book was a gift, and its meditative quality has been well appreciated.
3) Best Practice: Bringing Standards to Life in America’s Classrooms by Steven Zemelman, Harvey Daniels and Arthur Hyde (2012)
This book provides both a synthesis of current understanding about literacy instruction and also very practical ideas for those seeking concrete strategies inside and outside of the classroom.
4) How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough (2012)
This summer I poured through Tough’s book on resilience and its impact on learning. His journalistic writing style makes this book an easy and engaging read for both educators and parents. Read it from the start or jump in part way. There is a lot to learn on each page.
5) Ugly Fish by Kara LaReau and Scott Magoon (2006)
The twists in this short picture book leave you thinking about life’s choices. With great illustrations, Ugly Fish is more for older children and a good entry point for lots of conversations about how to be and not be a friend to others.
