As I am having trouble getting some of my students to read, others are taking the 40 book challenge to heart. I found a trick that also is motivating students is that I post how many books I have read. As of today I have only read 15 books and it makes the students to beat my score. It is very interesting. I want the kids to love books. Some are going to be a struggle, so we shall see. I am trying to think of new techniques to introduce students to reading and selecting books.
As for my challenge I have added a few books to my list since I last posted. I read the Biography of Ann M. Martin. While I love her writing, I thought her biography was a bit dry. I liked reading about her life but wasn't overly impressed with the author.
I have also read:
Punished by David Lubar
19 Varieties of Gazelle by Naomi Shihah Nye
Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin
Witness by Karen Hesse
Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Parker
Messenger by Lois Lowry
The Death Catchers by Jennifer Ann Kogler
I really enjoyed The Death Catchers. Each chapter is a literary term. It is a language arts teachers dream book in many ways. I assigned it to my students to read and for the most part they really enjoyed it. I will be using it all year as an example of these different elements and to use as a comparison for many elements.
I had just learned last year that The Giver had companion books. Well I just got around to reading the next two and fell in love all over again. I loved how they added to this world she has created. So when I took my students down to the media center you can imagine my excitement when the media specialist mentioned the new book that had just come out. The Son is on my living room table waiting for me to finish the two books that need to be returned to library next week. So I am reading them first before I start that treasure. Gathering Blue and Messenger where lovely stories that really make you think and ponder your own world and surroundings.
A Long Walk to Water was a pleasant surprise. I would highly recommend that book. It really gives you a look at what was/is happening in another part of the world. I really would like to read this book with my students at some point. I loved this story.
