Michelle Kraft
@mnkraft.bsky.social
I spent 25 years teaching high school English and am currently an ELA Instructional Coach.
Violist, Cellist, Coffee Drinker, Crocheter, Reader
Writings & Reflections: http://www.goingslightlymad.com/
#iteachEnglish #NCTE
Violist, Cellist, Coffee Drinker, Crocheter, Reader
Writings & Reflections: http://www.goingslightlymad.com/
#iteachEnglish #NCTE
Today's FB memory.
October 5, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Today's FB memory.
My Banned Books Week plan is to make sure I've read all of these. As an ELA Instructional Coach, I'm seeing that I'm in a position to speak out against challenges if they occur in my district. We haven't had any major challenges, but teachers have concerns.
October 5, 2025 at 2:13 PM
My Banned Books Week plan is to make sure I've read all of these. As an ELA Instructional Coach, I'm seeing that I'm in a position to speak out against challenges if they occur in my district. We haven't had any major challenges, but teachers have concerns.
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 31/31: Clouds Before Fire and Smoke Before Rain by Winde! Washington-Nnochirionye
This was good. REALLY good. It gave me so much to think about and was an excellent collection to end the challenge.
This was good. REALLY good. It gave me so much to think about and was an excellent collection to end the challenge.
August 31, 2025 at 11:11 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 31/31: Clouds Before Fire and Smoke Before Rain by Winde! Washington-Nnochirionye
This was good. REALLY good. It gave me so much to think about and was an excellent collection to end the challenge.
This was good. REALLY good. It gave me so much to think about and was an excellent collection to end the challenge.
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 30/31: Florida Water by aja monet
From "for freedoms"
"art is a way through / a vote and a choice / how we shape and shift the culture / how we get free"
From "for freedoms"
"art is a way through / a vote and a choice / how we shape and shift the culture / how we get free"
August 30, 2025 at 9:23 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 30/31: Florida Water by aja monet
From "for freedoms"
"art is a way through / a vote and a choice / how we shape and shift the culture / how we get free"
From "for freedoms"
"art is a way through / a vote and a choice / how we shape and shift the culture / how we get free"
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 29/31: The Dead Emcee Scrolls: The Lost Teachings of Hip-Hop by Saul Williams
I assumed I had read this, but I was wrong. Now I'm remembering why I spent so much time listening to Saul Williams and made questionable decisions in order to see him live.
I assumed I had read this, but I was wrong. Now I'm remembering why I spent so much time listening to Saul Williams and made questionable decisions in order to see him live.
August 29, 2025 at 9:32 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 29/31: The Dead Emcee Scrolls: The Lost Teachings of Hip-Hop by Saul Williams
I assumed I had read this, but I was wrong. Now I'm remembering why I spent so much time listening to Saul Williams and made questionable decisions in order to see him live.
I assumed I had read this, but I was wrong. Now I'm remembering why I spent so much time listening to Saul Williams and made questionable decisions in order to see him live.
#TheSealeyChallenge 28/31: All Souls by Saskia Hamilton
This was really good. Definitely one to read slowly in order to contemplate the complexities.
This was really good. Definitely one to read slowly in order to contemplate the complexities.
August 28, 2025 at 9:46 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge 28/31: All Souls by Saskia Hamilton
This was really good. Definitely one to read slowly in order to contemplate the complexities.
This was really good. Definitely one to read slowly in order to contemplate the complexities.
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 27/31: A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver
"The Morning Paper" is extremely relevant today.
"The Morning Paper" is extremely relevant today.
August 28, 2025 at 12:59 AM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 27/31: A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver
"The Morning Paper" is extremely relevant today.
"The Morning Paper" is extremely relevant today.
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 26/31: The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace
Today I decided to go into the Libby app and read the first collection that looked interesting. Some of my students wrote essays on Amanda Lovelace's poetry, so I decided to read this.
Today I decided to go into the Libby app and read the first collection that looked interesting. Some of my students wrote essays on Amanda Lovelace's poetry, so I decided to read this.
August 26, 2025 at 9:18 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 26/31: The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace
Today I decided to go into the Libby app and read the first collection that looked interesting. Some of my students wrote essays on Amanda Lovelace's poetry, so I decided to read this.
Today I decided to go into the Libby app and read the first collection that looked interesting. Some of my students wrote essays on Amanda Lovelace's poetry, so I decided to read this.
#thesealeychallenge Day 25/31: Sonnets for a Missing Key by Percival Everett
From "F# Major"
I hold as if for both of us, waiting,
too old for what is too young, too young
for what has yet to be.
We, quiet the minutes, the day,
At last the branch and bough, the sweet
wind pushing us, as time.
From "F# Major"
I hold as if for both of us, waiting,
too old for what is too young, too young
for what has yet to be.
We, quiet the minutes, the day,
At last the branch and bough, the sweet
wind pushing us, as time.
August 25, 2025 at 8:50 PM
#thesealeychallenge Day 25/31: Sonnets for a Missing Key by Percival Everett
From "F# Major"
I hold as if for both of us, waiting,
too old for what is too young, too young
for what has yet to be.
We, quiet the minutes, the day,
At last the branch and bough, the sweet
wind pushing us, as time.
From "F# Major"
I hold as if for both of us, waiting,
too old for what is too young, too young
for what has yet to be.
We, quiet the minutes, the day,
At last the branch and bough, the sweet
wind pushing us, as time.
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 24/31: Be Holding: A Poem by Ross Gay
This was so beautiful. I need to listen to Ross Gay reading it.
This was so beautiful. I need to listen to Ross Gay reading it.
August 25, 2025 at 12:45 AM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 24/31: Be Holding: A Poem by Ross Gay
This was so beautiful. I need to listen to Ross Gay reading it.
This was so beautiful. I need to listen to Ross Gay reading it.
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 23/31: Primordial by Mai Der Vang
This was an education.
From "Origin"
"Some say [extinction] is inevitable, some/things are required [to] die and never return. Redwood, may you/ever root. Hmong, may you [live]. Saola, may you go and go."
This was an education.
From "Origin"
"Some say [extinction] is inevitable, some/things are required [to] die and never return. Redwood, may you/ever root. Hmong, may you [live]. Saola, may you go and go."
August 24, 2025 at 12:45 AM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 23/31: Primordial by Mai Der Vang
This was an education.
From "Origin"
"Some say [extinction] is inevitable, some/things are required [to] die and never return. Redwood, may you/ever root. Hmong, may you [live]. Saola, may you go and go."
This was an education.
From "Origin"
"Some say [extinction] is inevitable, some/things are required [to] die and never return. Redwood, may you/ever root. Hmong, may you [live]. Saola, may you go and go."
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 22/31: Some Other Stupid Fruit: A Problematic Feminist Narrative by Margaret Bashaar
Today was extremely busy, so I searched for free chapbooks, and this one looked interesting. The poet is from Pittsburgh, so I took it as a sign that I needed to read it.
Today was extremely busy, so I searched for free chapbooks, and this one looked interesting. The poet is from Pittsburgh, so I took it as a sign that I needed to read it.
August 23, 2025 at 12:55 AM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 22/31: Some Other Stupid Fruit: A Problematic Feminist Narrative by Margaret Bashaar
Today was extremely busy, so I searched for free chapbooks, and this one looked interesting. The poet is from Pittsburgh, so I took it as a sign that I needed to read it.
Today was extremely busy, so I searched for free chapbooks, and this one looked interesting. The poet is from Pittsburgh, so I took it as a sign that I needed to read it.
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 21/31: How About Now by Kate Baer
I was quite angsty today, and when I saw that my request for this collection on NetGalley was approved, it seemed like a sign. I just finished it, and I feel much better now.
I'll post a more detailed and extremely positive review soon.
I was quite angsty today, and when I saw that my request for this collection on NetGalley was approved, it seemed like a sign. I just finished it, and I feel much better now.
I'll post a more detailed and extremely positive review soon.
August 21, 2025 at 9:51 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 21/31: How About Now by Kate Baer
I was quite angsty today, and when I saw that my request for this collection on NetGalley was approved, it seemed like a sign. I just finished it, and I feel much better now.
I'll post a more detailed and extremely positive review soon.
I was quite angsty today, and when I saw that my request for this collection on NetGalley was approved, it seemed like a sign. I just finished it, and I feel much better now.
I'll post a more detailed and extremely positive review soon.
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 20/31: Learning to Fly by Stefano Fonseca
This was recommended by the owner of one of my favorite indie bookstores. It was beautiful!
Read her interview with Fonseca: heartandsoulbooks.org/blogs/news/i...
This was recommended by the owner of one of my favorite indie bookstores. It was beautiful!
Read her interview with Fonseca: heartandsoulbooks.org/blogs/news/i...
August 21, 2025 at 12:04 AM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 20/31: Learning to Fly by Stefano Fonseca
This was recommended by the owner of one of my favorite indie bookstores. It was beautiful!
Read her interview with Fonseca: heartandsoulbooks.org/blogs/news/i...
This was recommended by the owner of one of my favorite indie bookstores. It was beautiful!
Read her interview with Fonseca: heartandsoulbooks.org/blogs/news/i...
#thesealeychallenge Day 19/31: Crisis Actor by Declan Ryan
August 20, 2025 at 1:03 AM
#thesealeychallenge Day 19/31: Crisis Actor by Declan Ryan
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 18/31: A Little Daylight Left: Poems by Sarah Kay
From "Miles from Any Shoreline"
"so lately / I am trying / to pick up when the universe calls"
From "Miles from Any Shoreline"
"so lately / I am trying / to pick up when the universe calls"
August 18, 2025 at 10:17 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 18/31: A Little Daylight Left: Poems by Sarah Kay
From "Miles from Any Shoreline"
"so lately / I am trying / to pick up when the universe calls"
From "Miles from Any Shoreline"
"so lately / I am trying / to pick up when the universe calls"
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 17/31: Somebody Give This Heart a Pen by Sophia Thakur
From "(Chon-Tahl)"
I wish you the hills, / the lights, plenty skies, many nights, infinity reasons to dance / and music that forces you to feel it. / I wish you the sound that will hold you whenever you may need it.
From "(Chon-Tahl)"
I wish you the hills, / the lights, plenty skies, many nights, infinity reasons to dance / and music that forces you to feel it. / I wish you the sound that will hold you whenever you may need it.
August 18, 2025 at 12:27 AM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 17/31: Somebody Give This Heart a Pen by Sophia Thakur
From "(Chon-Tahl)"
I wish you the hills, / the lights, plenty skies, many nights, infinity reasons to dance / and music that forces you to feel it. / I wish you the sound that will hold you whenever you may need it.
From "(Chon-Tahl)"
I wish you the hills, / the lights, plenty skies, many nights, infinity reasons to dance / and music that forces you to feel it. / I wish you the sound that will hold you whenever you may need it.
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 16/31: Letters in a Bruised Cosmos by Liz Howard
Today was extremely busy, but I was able to make time for poetry.
Today was extremely busy, but I was able to make time for poetry.
August 17, 2025 at 1:13 AM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 16/31: Letters in a Bruised Cosmos by Liz Howard
Today was extremely busy, but I was able to make time for poetry.
Today was extremely busy, but I was able to make time for poetry.
##TheSealeyChallenge Day 15/31: Knucklehead: Poems by Tony Keith Jr.
Today was busy, so I chose an audiobook. This was excellent!
Today was busy, so I chose an audiobook. This was excellent!
August 15, 2025 at 8:15 PM
##TheSealeyChallenge Day 15/31: Knucklehead: Poems by Tony Keith Jr.
Today was busy, so I chose an audiobook. This was excellent!
Today was busy, so I chose an audiobook. This was excellent!
August 14, 2025 at 10:30 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 13/31: Julia Hungry by Hannah Louise Poston
This was brilliant. (I'd say more, but I was in professional development all day, and my brain is mushy.)
This was brilliant. (I'd say more, but I was in professional development all day, and my brain is mushy.)
August 13, 2025 at 9:29 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 13/31: Julia Hungry by Hannah Louise Poston
This was brilliant. (I'd say more, but I was in professional development all day, and my brain is mushy.)
This was brilliant. (I'd say more, but I was in professional development all day, and my brain is mushy.)
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 12/31: Enter by Jim Moore
From "Minneapolis: 38th and Chicago"
When the rain stops,
the sky has a pink moment
and the soul finds itself walking
on stolen land because history
is a long story of what has been stolen,
who stole it, and how they refuse
to give it back.
From "Minneapolis: 38th and Chicago"
When the rain stops,
the sky has a pink moment
and the soul finds itself walking
on stolen land because history
is a long story of what has been stolen,
who stole it, and how they refuse
to give it back.
August 12, 2025 at 10:19 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 12/31: Enter by Jim Moore
From "Minneapolis: 38th and Chicago"
When the rain stops,
the sky has a pink moment
and the soul finds itself walking
on stolen land because history
is a long story of what has been stolen,
who stole it, and how they refuse
to give it back.
From "Minneapolis: 38th and Chicago"
When the rain stops,
the sky has a pink moment
and the soul finds itself walking
on stolen land because history
is a long story of what has been stolen,
who stole it, and how they refuse
to give it back.
##TheSealeyChallenge Day 11/31: Our Numbered Days poems by Neil Hilborn
From "Joey"
I'm so / lucky we all lived through who we were / to become who we are. I'm so lucky I'm so--lucky.
From "Joey"
I'm so / lucky we all lived through who we were / to become who we are. I'm so lucky I'm so--lucky.
August 11, 2025 at 4:23 PM
##TheSealeyChallenge Day 11/31: Our Numbered Days poems by Neil Hilborn
From "Joey"
I'm so / lucky we all lived through who we were / to become who we are. I'm so lucky I'm so--lucky.
From "Joey"
I'm so / lucky we all lived through who we were / to become who we are. I'm so lucky I'm so--lucky.
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 10/31: The Wild Fox of Yemen by Threa Almontaser
This was an education. I'm reading more about Yemen and thinking about how powerful some of these poems would be in the classroom.
This was an education. I'm reading more about Yemen and thinking about how powerful some of these poems would be in the classroom.
August 10, 2025 at 9:03 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 10/31: The Wild Fox of Yemen by Threa Almontaser
This was an education. I'm reading more about Yemen and thinking about how powerful some of these poems would be in the classroom.
This was an education. I'm reading more about Yemen and thinking about how powerful some of these poems would be in the classroom.
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 9/31: Lions Don't Eat Us by Constance Quarterman Bridges
This is my favorite collection so far, because these poems recount Bridges's family's history with beauty, power, and love. (I'm struggling to find words for how important I think this collection is!)
This is my favorite collection so far, because these poems recount Bridges's family's history with beauty, power, and love. (I'm struggling to find words for how important I think this collection is!)
August 9, 2025 at 9:04 PM
#TheSealeyChallenge Day 9/31: Lions Don't Eat Us by Constance Quarterman Bridges
This is my favorite collection so far, because these poems recount Bridges's family's history with beauty, power, and love. (I'm struggling to find words for how important I think this collection is!)
This is my favorite collection so far, because these poems recount Bridges's family's history with beauty, power, and love. (I'm struggling to find words for how important I think this collection is!)