This is a recipe for chocolate chip cookies from the 1971 Betty Crocker cookbook, which I got as a freshmen nutrition major. I've been using it for more than 50 years! It uses - gasp! - shortening. I think you could use 2/3 cup butter and 2/3 margarine instead, although I haven't tried that yet.

It works best if the bananas have gotten a bit mushy.

There is actually a children's picture book about this event. It's called A Day for Rememberin' (Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day). The illustrations are exquisite.

There's a wonderful children's biography of Frances Perkins. It's The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America, by Kathleen Krull, iIllustrated by Alexandra Bye.

I think you would like The After-Dinner Gardening Book if you can find a used copy of it. It describes planting banana seeds, kiwi seeds, etc., just to see what will happen. I used the book about 50 years ago and had a lot of fun experimenting.

Ruta Sepetys, @rutasepetys.bsky.social has written two deeply researched YA novels about life under fascist regimes. They are harrowing to read, but they will turbocharge your resistance energy because you will NOT want to let these stories happen in the U.S.!

Ready to be inspired? The Light in Hidden Places is the story of a Polish young woman who hid 13 Jews in an attic for 18 months while Nazi officers lived below.

For more info, see melaniescheller.com/2024/06/07/words-that-can-kill-books-for-children-and-young-adults-about-dangerous-words/.

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse is a great intro to resisting Nazis. It's also a meticulously researched, skillfully plotted mystery novel.

For more info, see melaniescheller.com/2024/06/07/words-that-can-kill-books-for-children-and-young-adults-about-dangerous-words/.

In case you don't know, some children's books can offer comfort and clarity to grown-ups as much as they do to children. I recommend this one, Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell.

Sample quotes in the thread below.

My Christmas cactus bloomed for Christmas Day!

(Goal for 2025: Learn how to use the picture-taking thingie better)

I hope it's okay to put in a plea here for the Hot Springs Public Library in NC. Flood waters from Helene poured thru it and washed away the entire children's/young adult collection. Donations appreciated. www.friendsofhotspringslibrary.org/product/dona...

A message to all the billionaires out there.