Amy Huesgen – Educator/Storyteller/Creator
Contact:
amy_huesgen@hotmail.com
Hello!
I grew up in Missouri, where storytelling was part of everyday life. My mom and grandma were always sharing stories, and before long, I was spinning my own tales for anyone willing to listen (and a few who weren’t).
As a kid, I fell in love with books like Strega Nona, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, and Charlotte’s Web—basically anything with a little magic, a lot of heart, and maybe an animal or two. These days, I still love stories with beautiful language and memorable characters. Some of my current favorites include Emily Saw a Door by Mel Rosenberg, Crouton by Kristine Lombardi, Wrong Time Rooster by Michael Parkin, and Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.
When I’m not reading or sketching out ideas, you can usually find me outside enjoying a walk, looking for inspiration, or wandering into a bookstore—because that always seems to happen.
I’ve dedicated my career to education, serving as a Reading Specialist, Special Education Teacher, and English Language Arts Teacher with a particular focus on supporting English Language Learners. Along the way, I also had the joy of working as a Library Assistant for a year, deepening my appreciation for the power of books in children’s lives.
Helping students of all ages learn to read, write, and fall in love with literature is more than a profession, it’s my passion. I believe every book has a soul, and somewhere, there’s a reader waiting to meet it. Whether sitting on a classroom carpet, working one-on-one, or exploring the shelves of a library, I’ve spent countless hours helping children discover the stories that speak to them.
I live in both Missouri and Alabama with my family and my dog.
Thank you for visiting!
Amazing Teachers & Librarians to Follow:
I have been fortunate enough to work with amazing educators for 30 years. Librarians and teachers have been the most resourceful, kind, and loving people I’ve had the pleasure to know and learn from. Currently one of the best I can recommend following is Colby Sharp. He is a fifth grade teacher, literacy advocate, and even co-authored a book with literacy guru Donalyn Miller. His efforts in reading books to his classroom and sharing engagement and enjoyment by children is amazing. He is incredibly valuable to parents, educators, and those in the publishing world. Instagram: colbysharp Facebook: Colby Sharp.
Another is Melanie Wood. She was born to a librarian (one of the best I’ve known), became an award winning teacher, and then on to an amazing librarian herself. I just love seeing all of the innovative, imaginative, child centered things she does in her library. If you want good recommendations or just want to see cool stuff… follow her! Instagram: melanie_in_the_library Facebook: Melanie In The Library.
Super Cool Bookstores to Follow:
Nomad Books – an award winning indie bookstore in London. Among other things, their window displays are fantastic! Instagram: nomad_books
Page & Palette – this bookstore has the coolest story and resides in the lovely artist/writer’s town of Fairhope, Al. It’s full of history, cool events, and warm and inviting staff members ready to recommend books. Instagram: Page & Palette
The Bookshelf – I just love the story behind this store and its owner Annie B. Jones. You can find them in Thomasville GA. They have wonderful podcasts along with all their amazing book recommendations. Instagram: bookshelftville
Most asked question in all my years as an educator specializing in reading and writing?
“What can we do to improve our child’s reading level, comprehension, and love of reading?”
My answer is always the same whether speaking to the parents of a kindergartner or a 10th grader…
“Read to your child, read with your child, read in front of your child, talk to them about what is being read, and enjoy the time together. Even if you (the parent or guardian) are doing the reading, they are growing as a reader and developing a love of reading.”
Link to a few of my suggestions on read-alouds and links to incredible experts/educators in reading:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yw1KSd3wFIwAzS34a1M5Un_Txsjz6dxN29l09eLxMyk/edit?usp=sharing
Link to Mem Fox’s Ten read-aloud commandments:
https://memfox.au/advice/5h8vltoh1om33x7gwybezogqqeoeeo
The fire of literacy is sparked between a child, a book, and the person reading. –Mem Fox
A few of my sketches/paintings:
Quote from one of my stories:
Memories are seeds inside us all.
Like the seeds of a swan plant blowing in the wind, memories soar the skies when we whisper them softly.
Or…
like maple seeds floating and fluttering, they dance and drift dreamily around us.
Amy Huesgen 