Our Center Stage play is a READ original entitled "Reconciliation Stew." Written by our Writing editor, Alicia Zadrozny, this story follows Katelyn through her life at a boarding school for troubled girls. A class assignment in the school kitchen helps to change her outlook on life.

“Roberto Ignacio Torres Bakes” by Steven Frank is the heart wrenching, heartwarming story of Roberto and his devoted daughter Lita. In hard times, baking brings them together, and may just save them from financial ruin.

To further explore the world of food writing, READ sits down with the established Molly O’Neill to talk about her history, her favorite recipes, and just how she merged the writing world and the cooking world together.

Arra Lynn Ross’s tall tale, “The Zebras of Nebraska and the Wild Plum Jelly” is our LSI  feature. We examine the literary element magical realism.

Memoir is the topic of this issue's writing feature. You don’t have to be Marcel Proust to know that food is deeply connected to memory, and can open a lot of doors to good writing. The READ staff remembers some special meals and shows your students how to do the same.

We hope your students give thanks  to their teachers for this bountiful issue. Happy holidays. If you have any comments, questions, concerns, or if you just want to say hello, you can write to us at read@weeklyreader.com. And don't forget to check out our literary blog, WORD, at www.readandwriting.com

Sincerely,
The Editors of READ Magazine