Read Your Bookshelf month is where you take a month (or 2 in my case!) and use it to only read books from your shelves. This means no library or e-books at all (at least after I finish my big pile of books to read!). I’ll be doing it through January and February.
I’m also using this opportunity to participate in the #bitaboutbooks challenge.
This is a fun challenge, in which I’m using books on my bookshelf. This is my plan so far, but it’s all subject to change!
I’ve already finished, Miss Marple, and am super excited to read the rest!
2020 has been a strange year, but here are some of the things that happened.
1. Starting the year with family:
I love spending time with my grandparents. I’m glad I got to do it in the beginning of this year, even if I couldn’t make my annual summer trip to India 😭. I also got to spend some time with my uncle and aunt, before they moved countries.
2. Ending my elementary years and staring my middle school ones:
I finished 5th grade (virtually) and started middle school and the school of my choice (also virtually)! Virtual school is less than ideal, but I’ve learned to adjust. You can read about my experiences here.
3. ARCADIS Science Fair:
I participated in the ARCADIS science fair and did a project on supercooling and snapfreezing water. I learnt a lot and was really surprised when I won!
4. Mini Getaways:
Since we couldn’t travel a lot, I relied on a few small breaks to get away . My favorite one was definitely my birthday weekend getaway with a few of my friends and family. I also liked the Corpus Christi, Driftwood, and Pensacola Beach breaks.
5. Dance:
I spent a lot of time focusing on dance during these COVID times. I’ve taken place in a Bharatanatyam dance exam (for both theory and practical) and started learning a new Indian classical dance form, Mohiniattam. I performed a few solo items and recorded them. I’ve also began to learn Carnatic music to support my skills.
In Western dance, I was able to get one last performance on February in my elementary school dance company and I’m in my new school’s Drill Team. It’s less than ideal, but I’m hoping to be able to go back to performing soon.
6. Life Skills:
2020 has been a year where I learnt and tried so many new things.
I learned to crochet, and did a few art projects including tie-dye projects and wreaths for our door.
I cooked and baked (I even made my first layered cake!) and got comfortable in the kitchen. Some of the treats I made include mint chutney bread, cranberry cookies, brownies, and more. I also learned to make rice and keera kootu.
I’ve learned a lot of handy household chores like doing the laundry and handwashing clothes as well as ironing and sweeping.
7. Improved Technology Skills:
I started to use Instagram and I wrote on my blog more. I got better at using Google Drive, Docs, and Slides. I’ve learnt about different features on computers and got better at navigating through the digital world.
8. Writing:
I wrote 2 stories (which I’m going to edit this year) and a few short stories for my blog.
9. Reading:
I’ve read a ton this year and made friends with a few bookstagrammers. On my instagram, I took part in two challenges, the #mgbookmarch challenge in March and the #mgbooktober challenge in October. I’ve also started new series, and began to read a higher level of mglit!
(If you’re not following me yet, you totally should)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a great series by Rick Riordan. There are ups and down, laughter and tears. It’s full of mythology, but also has an added touch which you’ll discover if you read the books. Each book leads into the next, and I can guarantee you won’t be able to put it down.
1. The Characters
I love learning about the characters ups and downs and how they have progressed through the story. It’s so fun to see how much they’ve matured and changed throughout the course of 5 books. (In which the main characters age from 12-16). I especially love the realism and how the characters seem to come to life in my head. It’s a crazy ride, starting from barely knowing someone to crying when they die.
2. The Plot
What would a good book be without a good plot? This series has funny moments and tearful moments, moments of extreme joy, and times where you hope for the best. With unexpected twists at every page, what you expect is never what’s going to happen. The plot always makes me want to go back and dive deep into the book. Rick Riordan writes in so much detail that it’s always a great read.
3. The Mythology
Rick Riordan takes Greek mythology, then twists it to come up with the most marvelous things. These books include heroes like the Greek gods and goddesses and monsters like the minotaurs or empousas. I’ve definitely learned a lot from this series. While it might not be totally accurate, I definitely know a lot more than I did 2 years ago.
4. The Other Series
There are so many other series born out of this one. Currently, the Percy Jackson universe has come to a close, with 5 series, but you never know. Maybe we’ll get another one. Everything starts falling into place as you read the other series, especially the Heroes of Olympus. It’s so amazing to keep seeing these characters growing and changing in front of my eyes, through, and I am really excited to read the other series.
I’ve had so much fun while reading this series. I really enjoy these books and I totally encourage you to check out all of them!
This year, I decided to try something new. During November (National Novel Writing Month), I wrote a story, or at least part of a story everyday. It was hard sometimes, but I had a great time working on it.
Usually, most writers aim to write around 1,500 words a day, but I decided to do a mini experience with 300 words per day.
Here are some NaNoWriMo experiences.
Lazy Days:
Some days, I had absolutely no idea what to write about. My advice for those days is to keep pushing on, maybe you’ll get an idea burst.
Idea Bursts:
Idea Bursts are amazing. They basically are a whole cloud of ideas, so that you can write a ton of words for a while without stopping.
No Story Arc:
When I started this experience, I did not have a plan in mind. I started writing without a plot line and just built my story around my previous writing.
Writing the Ending:
One day, I had an (almost) lazy day. That’s when I decided to work on the ending. I couldn’t think of anything of write at the point I was at, so why not try to write an ending? I had a lot of fun with it, and it helped me get unstuck that day.
I have written 11,573 words in total! I am going to edit my story in December, and I will definitely share some more of my experiences then!
2020 has been a strange year. There is the whole COVID-19 pandemic, and small other things that make this year feel like the worst. However, if you take a look at your day to day lives, you’ll see quite a few things which make you grateful for the life you’re living right now. Here are a few parts of my life I’m grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Getting into the middle school I wanted- I was very, very nervous leading up to the middle school selection deadline. One day, my mom announced that I had gotten into the school which I had wanted, and all of my worries vanished. I’m currently attending that middle school and really happy there!
My teachers- My teachers, old and new, were always kind and helpful to me. They have helped me through my struggles and always been there for me. They always incorporate a bit of fun into the learning for a great day.
My friends- even though I can’t meet up with my friends, that doesn’t mean I can’t have fun with them through online chats and video calls. I love hanging out with them and they incorporate a lot of fun into my day!
Books- books are always there for me. I love to pick up a random book and dive into its pages and stay immersed in the story until I have to leave. Books are another fantastical world for me and they are an amazing way to pass the time.
Technology- if not for technology (meaning laptops, phones, computers etc.) then I would not be able to attend my classes, not be able to learn much, and not have a “school” to go to. Because of my laptop and other important devices around me, I can learn, talk to friends, and make new friends. Technology is awesome, just because of that.
Those were some things I am thankful for in this strange year of 2020. What about you? What are you thankful for?
Last month, I participated in #mgbooktober on Instagram. #Mgbooktober is a fun book challenge which requires you to post something every day. I decided to share a few of my favorite posts on my blog as well. You can check out my other posts on Instagram and hopefully follow me!
Halloween is a great time to explore some spooky reads. That’s why I have put together a list of 3 great Halloween reads.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman This spooky book talks about family, friendship, and courage. This book is perfect if you want to have a bit of a scare, but not that much. The whole idea of the book is fantastical and I love it. This has definitely been one of my favorite books this year and I definitely recommend it to you.
Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega This book talks about friendship and family. I got immersed in the story of the 2 friends, Syd and Lucely and their crazy adventure with ghosts. The magical element in this book was perfect and I know that I definitely loved it. I totally recommend this. It was such a great book!
Nightbooks by J. A White This book is a modern day Scheherazade story, just woven a bit differently. It talks about friendship and trust and how you can overcome someone with love. The idea of the magical witch, Natasha, is enough to give anyone shivers down their spines, but as you continue reading and get a closer look at her life, you start to realize what has happened leading to her. An amazing and spooky read, perfect for Halloween.
These are some of my favorite Halloween reads! What are your favorites?
Being the new kid is never easy, especially when it seems like everyone knows everyone. I wrote the fictional personal narrative based off of my experience as a new kid in dance class. This was a submission for my assignment in my Language Art class
I open the door to the dance room uncertainly and peep in. Kids are milling around, talking to each other happily. I gulp and step in, nervous. All the chatter comes to a stop and it feels like every eye is on me. The teacher catches my eye and nods, and I take a seat near the back of the room. I listen to the excited conversation, only catching a few words or sentences, and start wishing that I had bought a book. The teacher, Ms. Nair, clears her throat and we all stand up and start warming up. After we’ve warmed up, Ms. Nair says, “Let’s see Jimikki Kammal from Nimmy, Rithika, and Megha.” Their dance is fun and energetic. Ms. Nair smiles, then scans over the group of kids watching. “Let’s have Niharika, Lipi, and Tara join them. I know you girls don’t really know the dance, but try to follow along. ” she says. I get up nervously and join the other 5 girls standing. As I start dancing, I remind myself to loosen up and have fun. The music starts and I nervously begin dancing, watching the other girls like a hawk, trying to pick up the dance moves. As the music goes on, I start relaxing and actually start getting immersed in the dance. At the end, Ms.Nair smiles, looks us over once again and nods. She hands us a costume to practice in and my mind spins. I’m in a dance group already! A girl who danced with me, Lipi, says, “Hey, you dance really well. Do you want to be friends?” I smile and accept her invitation. I’ve already made a friend! I’m really sad when practice is over and we have to leave for our next class. I’m very excited for the next class and what we will do there.
I recently read the book, “What Stars Are Made Of” by Sarah Allen. It’s a book that makes you want to laugh and cry at the same time.
It’s about a 12 year old girl, Libby Monroe, who is born with Turner syndrome. This impacts how she acts in certain situations, but it doesn’t make her any less of a determined girl. When her big sister, Nonny, announces that she is pregnant, Libby is thrilled. She decides to make a deal with the universe. If she is able to give credit to Celia Payne, a lesser known scientist , through a Smithsonian contest, then Nonny’s baby will be fine. She tries hard to get Celia into her school textbook, but when that doesn’t work, she is heartbroken. Along with her friends though, she creates a new stunning project.
I loved learning about how Libby overcomes her shyness and is able to show who she really is in this book. I think it was a sweet book and I could never put it down.
In this book, y0u will learn how Libby makes friends and comes to realize that she is perfect, just the way she is. I really enjoyed reading this book and thought it was amazing. I definitely recommend you to check out this book if you haven’t read it.
Graphic novels are almost like normal books. They capture a lot of the same emotions and talk about problems in the same way. The only difference is that they are usually lighter and more fun to read. Here are some of my favorite graphic novels.
I absolutely love the graphic novels that Raina Telgemeier writes. She writes many different ranges of books. 2 of my favorite books by her are Smile and Sisters which talk about her experiences with mouth troubles and her relationship with her sister. I also enjoy her graphic novel take on the novels written by Ann M Martin. The Baby-Sitters Club series is so lively and it’s one of my favorites. I also love her stand alone books.
2. Go With The Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann
This book talks about periods and how one certain middle school never had pads and tampons stocked up. It is really exciting and I love how the authors tied in the theme of friendship in as well. Each character’s personality is so different and I loved the idea of protests. This is such a great book and you should totally read it!
3. 5 Worlds series by Mark Siegel and Alexis Siegel
This series is so captivating and exciting. Each graphic novel ends with an enthralling cliffhanger and makes you want to read the next book. It follows the story of Oona Lee and her friends who are trying to save the 5 worlds from extinction. There are so many plot twists and everyone has secrets. I love the fantasy element and it’s so fun to read! This is a great series and the last book is coming out soon!
This series is so upbeat and I love the problems and solutions. It’s really fun to read and each book can be read as a stand-alone or a series. It’s one of my favorite series, because of the realistic characters. It’s so fun to read and I always can count on Emmie, Brianna, and Jamie (even though I haven’t read her book yet- it’s on my TBR) to cheer me up. This is such a great series and I really think you should read it.
