Bear Biographies-A Library of Lived Experiences: For Books
Past Books
See Me by Reesa Ramsahai
From a colourful, vibrant, and rich Caribbean culture people regularly consider me East Indian. Although a strong East Indian influence the customs are very different.
Living Beyond Binaries by Amber Sherer
This book is abount my life experiences being agender and asexual.
Pronouns: they/them
Well Actually... by Christy Horpedahl
A tale of a woman and a mom who works in economics - a field with far more men than women in it. There's good parts, bad parts, and I'm still still working on the ending.
Passing for Straight by Danielle Kraus
My story of being a proud bisexual woman who is often assumed to be straight because I am in an opposite gender relationship.
With love from India by Pearl Doiphode
My journey from India to America all alone. The struggles and endless emotions I had while leaving my home and country for the first time.
Tips for Speaking to International Students
- Use a slower rate of speech if possible. Enunciate each word clearly.
- Use simple English. Keep your vocabulary to about a 5th grade level, since that is the "intermediate" proficiency level of the students.
- Simplify your phrasing. For example, instead of “How did you go about completing the building of that bicycle?” try asking “How did you build that bicycle?” Avoid using idioms if possible.
- Make sure the student can see your mouth. Many words in English sound very similar, but can be discerned by seeing the shape of your mouth. For example, “will” and “hill” sound similar but look very different.
- Expect some pauses or quiet moments. It may take international students more time to respond.
Register HERE to be a Volunteer Book
Tips for Sharing Your Bear Biography
Interested in volunteering as a book? Here are some tips:
- Be yourself; be honest and open to talk and listen carefully.
- Be ready to share your reflected personal experience. If questions become too intimate, feel free to say that you do not want to answer, or that chapter is not finished yet.
- Readers typically come ready to talk, to listen, and to learn.
- Each reader will be different, and their reason for choosing your book can vary greatly. Readers may be curious, or seeking personal advice.
- The content of the discussion with your readers is confidential, unless both reader and book consent to share.
- In between reader interviews, feel free to visit with the other books in the Bear Biographies collection.
Enjoy being a Book! If you wish to share experiences and build connections, this event will be a meaningful and enriching experience for you and your readers!