Oughta Be A Rule

Cynthia Lord's first novel, Rules, is one of the best YAs I've ever read, and I suspect that will remain true for many years.

It's on the summer reading list for local 7th graders, and my daughter, who read the book at my urging last year, not only selected it, she actually re-read it to fulfill her summer report requirement.

In other words, it's good.

The book offers a glimpse at family life when one of the family - in this case, the main character's younger brother - is autistic. While Catherine has always seen her brother David as a bit of a burden, she copes by making up rules for him in hopes that will make everyone's life easier. (No toys in the fish tank. If the bathroom door is closed, knock!).

When Catherine forges a friendship with Jason, a wheelchair-bound boy who cannot speak, she discovers that autism is a relatively minor challenge compared to those others face. She manages quite admirably.

I won't give away any more details; it's a fairly short book and one truly worth reading.

Noting my daughter's interest in the book prompted a local librarian to recommend another novel approach to autism. The Curious Incident of the Dog that Barks in the Night focuses on an autistic boy who investigates and solves a crime. This one is aimed at adults, I think...anyone read it?

Stumbling Over Smart Guys and Trendsetters

Charles Murray's Opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, For Most People, College is a Waste of Time, is worth a read. Somebody, get this guy on a committee to reform education...and quick.

And I stumbled on this blog entry today - yeah, it's almost eight months old - and thought, yep, he's right: the iPhone and iTouch could replace a lot of retail sales people. (Sorry, guys.)

Then I thought, wait a minute. The technology I use isn't working quite so well. I subscribe to a couple of "trendspotting" newsletters, one RSS feed, and have three different Google Alert settings, yet I literally stumbled across these articles.

Sigh. See, this is why I like to keep track of my favorite reading material. Nobody else is really doing it for me...

Are We Having a Ball?

Not exactly.

Ever since my neighbor talked me into co-coaching our kids' Micro soccer team (thanks, Allison) I've been perusing the shelves at my local library, begging other coaches, and scanning the internet for soccer books for kids and new coaches. I've found quite a few, and some are good - but so far, none are "great."

And I need a great deal of help!

A "Micro" soccer team consists of four- and five-year-olds; in most cases, they are co-ed teams. After flipping through a LOT of books (see below) it seems the key is to get them to play and have fun. Running laps, standing in line for drills, even passing is too much to ask at this age - and way too dull.

The first book I found was an e-book, Fundamental Soccer for Clueless Parents, and it really is for very-bare-beginners. Which was ok by me!

There are some great web resources, including:
http://www.kidsfirstsoccer.com
http://www.usyouthsoccer.org

Anyone have any others to recommend? I'm all ears. And our first practice is Friday...

Update: the season went great, and we're still having fun - the vast majority of kid on that team are still playing, eight years later. And have moved on to more qualified coaches ;)


Got a soccer player at home willing to work to get better? Here's a training program I came across recently that is designed for soccer players who are willing to work to "level up" and improve their skills and reach their goals (like making varsity!). Guaranteed results; 8 week money-back offer. See you on the pitch!