 You are cordially invited to attend mintaad's upcoming presentation entitled: "Reading and its Effect on our Children" |
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Topics to be covered and discussed:
- Benefits of reading
- When to start
- Reading vs. TV
- Tips for reading aloud
- How to choose books
About the Presenter:
Reem Abu-Ragheb
- Certified Trainer of Trainers in Early
Childhood Education, University of Wisconsin
- Certified in Professional Development in Early Childhood, University of Wisconsin
- Certified Parenting Coach, Academy for Parent Coaching International
Reem Abu-Ragheb is a holder of a degree in Childcare
Management and is the founder and principal of Book’n’Brush Preschool.
She has extensive experience in early childhood education, child development,
and in teaching. Ms. Abu-Ragheb has published two children’s books (A
World of Color and أنا صديق) and has developed
teaching curricula for a number of preschools in Jordan and abroad.
______________________________________________________________________________ Seats are limited - kindly RSVP by sending an email to members@mintaad.com or call us at (+962) 79 9786222 |
January 25, 2013
Reading and its Effect on our Children
Q & A: First Time Author Samar Salfiti on her Novel ''Twice Shy"
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| Samar Salfiti |
Twice Shy is about the trials and tribulations of 12-year-old Sara that are made even harder because of her lack of confidence. Her sensitive story is told with conviction and understanding.
Sara struggles to find comfort with her older sister, who always seems to be turning her away. When a new friend, Amelia, enters the younger sister’s life, the girls hit it off quickly. Sara cherishes their friendship, but then things become complicated. Amelia’s behavior changes, making Sara question what kind of a friend she really is!
We'd like to thank Samar for taking the time for an exclusive Q&A with mintaad !
Q. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A. My family and I moved around a lot. I went to KG in Jordan,
elementary school in Switzerland, high school in London, and university in the
US. I started reading when I was 10 years old. There was an extra credit
motivational reading event at school. We had to go through a certain number of
books on a specific list and we’d get extra credit for anything that exceeded
what was necessary. That’s when I discovered how much I love to read! I exceeded
the number of books read, got the extra credit, and continued reading for
years. Reading allows you to experience new characters, new events, and new
places. Loving to read, I started to love to write!Q. What inspired you to write “Twice Shy’’?
A. I’ve always wanted to write a book. Everyone who knew me then, knew that about me. I just never thought I’d actually do it! The story is a fictional one taking various events from my past and present experiences tweaked into a 12 year-old’s life.
Q. Why did you choose title “Twice Shy” for your book?
A. As per the saying, “Once bitten, twice shy”. It’s about a young girl who experiences hurt from a very aggressive and selfish friend.
Q. Is there any particular author or book that influenced your writings?
A. Judy Blume is my idol! I’ve read all her books and love them all! Her stories provided me with entertainment, comfort, and many lessons to be learned. I identified with so many of her characters and what they went through.
Q. Are any of the events in the book based on real life experiences or driven from the different countries you lived in?
A. The characters, setting, and plot are all based on things that have happened to me either as a child, young adult, or mother. The characters are based on the many different people whom I have met at various stages of my life.
Q. What was your favorite part to write and why?
A. I don’t think I have one favorite part. But what I did enjoy mostly was reminiscing about my preteen years. I had to sit back and remember what my life was like when I was in the 7th grade and the friends that surrounded me. I went though old photo albums to jumpstart my memory and very much enjoyed that trip down memory lane. We lived in Geneva, Switzerland then and I was given the opportunity to meet children of different colors, different religions, and different backgrounds. It was a valuable experience.
Q. As a debut novelist, is there any advice you can give to writers who are looking to publish their book?
A. Don’t give up! Even if you get knocked down, keep trying. It’s well worth it if this is what you love!
Q. Finally, as a mother and novelist, how do you encourage your kids to read?
A. My eldest daughter is 8 years old. I always encourage her to read, but don’t push her too much. I just figure that since I started at 10, maybe she will too!
It's been great tallking to Samar. "Twice Shy" is available at mintaad.com, so make sure you read it and share your reviews here.
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