Recommendations

This school year I have become so much more vocal about books and reading. I love talking about books and hearing about books all of you have been reading. I hope you have heard me talk about books I have struggled with reading as well as books I have really enjoyed. I have tried to be honest with you about all of them, and I have been motivated to read more. Talking with all of you about books has motivated me to read MORE. During previous school years, I have been guilty of not reading very many choice books.

The great thing about the last few months, though, is that some of you are starting to talk back! I had one student recommendation for Song of the Sparrow, I wasn't really excited about it at first, but it was based off of an Arthurian poem, so it couldn't be too bad. I enjoyed reading that book. It had been a long time since I had a book stir my emotions so much.

After finishing that I had to find another book to read, I picked one from a favorite author, read it for a few days and it is currently abandoned. I'm nervous about it. It's a little too intense for my typical tastes. One of my seniors has picked it up, and said it's pretty interesting and pretty accurate so far. I'll let him tell me if my fears are correct when he gets to the end of the book.

A few days ago I had one student ask me if I have read any good books lately. I was in the middle of a book, but it was just OK for me. I in turn asked him if he had any recommendations for me. He didn't but said that he would let me know when he does have a suggestion.

I love getting recommendations from all around me. I love being able to talk about these books with my students.

I guess I'm just asking you to "Tell me more, tell me more" I can't wait to read what you recommend. With just a few weeks left, this has been a great year for reading.

Talking about Reading

I've had the by in from 2 other English teachers at school. I have a challenge for all of you who are reading The Sparks. If you read and comment below about what you are reading, what you think about the book, and write to each other on here about the book some of your English teachers will be willing to give you extra credit!

WooHoo! Let's get talking!

School author visit

I've made it a mission to get all of my students reading. It is no secret that I love to read anything I can get my hands on and I tell my classes that "I have a book problem." Some people adopt stray animals, I adopt stray books and hate to see them abused and euthanized (both animals and books).

This year I "force" my students in my ELA classes to read for 15 minutes at the beginning of every class. They have to complete and independent reading book project for each semester. I am so mean.

Several weeks ago I heard about an author, who was 19, scheduling school visits to talk about his book and encouraging students to read and write. I posted on here about it and looked for feedback. I didn't get any. I read his book and enjoyed it. I worked with my principal to see if we could schedule an author visit. I planned the event. We pre-ordered a few books, not enough to completely cover the cost of his visit, but enough to cut the cost. Honestly, I was hearing more "I don't read" or "I'm not a reader" than "I don't like that kind of book." My heart would break every time, but my resolve to get my school reading would solidify.

Monday, March 7th was the big day for the author visit. Students were excited to get out of class. Many girls were excited because they thought he had a "Justin Bieber look" (I don't get it either). I was excited because it was a "real author" and I had a cup of coffee after lunch (really bad idea for a high stress day, I cannot say I was "sure" that afternoon).

We had a great Creative Writing class that afternoon, because he came to work with kids on different parts of writing a story. The whole school assembly was chilling. The students were...LAUGHING! They were attentive, they were willing to answer questions (although, I'm not sure world domination is really a positive goal). After the assembly, the students who ordered books picked them up and got them signed and students could purchase books too. Several students bought books! I was beaming as my "I don't read" kids were coming up to say thank you to the author AND buying a copy of the book.

On Tuesday, the day after the event, I noticed kids carrying the book to class. I was seeing copies of The Sparks by Kyle Prue everywhere! The students in my school are starting to CARRY BOOKS...TO CLASS, and they aren't text books.

I can't wait to hear from all of you who are reading the book what you think. Please comment to share your thoughts about The Sparks and Kyle's school assembly.