All About Me

Me @ 3 1/2...I've always been a reader!

 I am an elementary school ESOL / ELL teacher.  I've been teaching for 9 years, 2 in bilingual pre-k and the rest in grades 3-5 ELL.  I graduated with my M.Ed (masters) in Reading Education through James Madison University in May, 2012.  I am currently working on my second Masters (M.Ed) in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on 21st century learners and technology through Eastern Mennonite University.  I am also a member of the Virginia Readers Choice selection committee for Elementary books.
 
In my free time, besides reading, I love taking pictures, watching tv, playing with the dogs, tech stuff, and doing crafty things.  I had initially started this blog to focus on my love of reading and for me to learn more about the great books that are out there, but over time, I found that I had much more to talk about than just books.  While book reviews will still be a main focus, it will not be my only focus.  

Here are some other posts about me:
~My 2011 BEA "Who I Am and Why I Armchair" post
~My 2011 BEA interview by Grace @ Words Like Silver
~My 2011 Book Blogger Appreciation Week interview by Steph @ Steph Su Reads 
~I Spilled my Bag and Guts to Steph @ Five Alarm Book Reviews 
-I was The Blogger Behind the Book @ GReads!   
-Interview with The Crazy Bookworm
~My 2012 Book Blogger Appreciation Week interview by Wendy @ Musings of a Bookish Kitty 
~I was caught hoarding books in 2013 by Andi of Andi's ABC's (accessories, books, clothes)

Some of my favorite authors:
Louise Rennison, Sharon Creech, Rick Riordan, JK Rowling, Suzanne Collins, Kristin Cashore, Cassandra Clare, Jon Sciezka, Lane Smith, Shel Silverstein, Dr. Seuss, EB White, Laurie Notaro, Sarwat Chadda, Carmen Agra Deedy, Kady Cross, Eoin Colfer, RJ Palacio

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About the Blog, Books I like to Read, What I like to Review and Disclaimer

I treat this blog, and I write my posts, like I'm talking to friends.  I want to steer my friends towards books that I think they will enjoy.

I have always felt that honesty is the best policy and try to adhere to that.  I would never trash a book, because there is always someone who likes it.  However, I will mention what I didn't care for and why.  I think that makes for a more well rounded review.  You need to know what you are getting into.

Please take this into consideration when reading my posts.

I'm trying to limit this blog to reviews of children's through YA books, fiction or nonfiction.  Please, please, please DO NOT contact me to review your adult book.  I won't do it.   

Most of the books I review here I've either borrowed from the public library or I've purchased myself.  Occasionally, I will win a book off goodreads.com or another blog. I am more than happy to review an ARC (advance reader's copy), and I will gladly mention who sent it to me (author and publisher).  I'm not blogging to make money, I'm blogging because I love to read and want to share my love of books with the world.

The subscription boxes that I talk about were purchased by me.

My favorite genres:  realistic fiction, poetry, fantasy, mystery, dystopian, historical fiction, steampunk

Genres that I'm not so fond of:  science fiction, horror, (overtly sexual) romance, Christian fiction.  I don't like vampire or werewolf books.

*I am currently NOT accepting submissions at this time*  Thank you for thinking of me, I really do appreciate it, however, I have a TBR stack that is just too tall at the moment and I'd really like to shrink it.

I accept ebooks but prefer a hard copy. 

Feel free to contact me
via email:  amandakfurman@gmail.com
twitter:  @maestra_amanda