'Sesame Street's' been swept, but the magic of show remains
“Sesame Street” turns 40 on November 10. CNN’s Katie McLaughlin writes this essay on what’s changed (and remained) on this beloved show.

Senator Murray, Representatives Yarmuth, Polis Introduce Landmark Federal Literacy Bill
“Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Representatives John Yarmuth (D-KY 3rd) and Jared Polis (D-CO 2nd) announced they would introduce major legislation to fund comprehensive literacy programs in states across the country. The Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation (LEARN) Act will provide $2.35 billion in grants to fund state and local school-based literacy programs that span from early childhood to grade twelve. The LEARN Act will create the flagship federal literacy program to ensure that students have the literacy skills to succeed in school and their future careers.” From the Lake Stevens Journal.

For Improving Early Literacy, Reading Comics Is No Child's Play
“Although comics have been published in newspapers since the 1890’s, they still get no respect from some teachers and librarians, despite their current popularity among adults. But according to a University of Illinois expert in children's literature, critics should stop tugging on Superman's cape and start giving him and his superhero friends their due.” From Science Daily.
 
National Novel Writing Month
According to the NaNoWriMo website, “National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.”  Visit the website for more information and to sign up.