Ideas to Inspire

Last week I said that one of the factors that play an important role in getting reluctant readers to read is a title that catches their attention. Another factor is a catchy cover. Notice how both of these factors have very little actual reading involved, but they do stimulate the eyes. Here’s some new titles:

In the Babymouse series, the brother-sister team of Jennifer and Matt Holm hit the mark time and again with humor, sweetness, and characters so genuine they can pass for real kids.  This series is one of the few graphic novels for the elementary set. Yes, it’s not a middle school book, but  Babymouse kind of has middle school attitude because she’s sassy and sweet (sound familiar). RL ages 9-12 (reading level)

Bullyville by Francine Prose is definitely a young adult book and not for those wanting a story that follows the expected story lines. Burt is lucky to go to an exclusive school on scholarship, but this is becoming his worst year in his life.

Beastly is a young adult book that takes the point of view of the modern day beast, a once rich, handsome teen who is turned into a beast by a witch in his English class.

Stay tuned for more recommendations next week.

October is a double whammy month with 2 book orders online: Tab and Teen Readers’ Club. Ordering is easy and secure and the books will be delivered to advisories 2 weeks after the order deadline (October 17, 2008)

If you’re interested in ordering books, come to my room to get a flyer and order online

www.scholastic.com/parentordering

class username: kamehameha

password: imua

This month’s recommendations:

From TRC (teen readers’ club)

Favorite author this year, Stephanie Meyer (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn) came out with her first sci-fi book, The Host. Will Melanie Stryder refuse to surrender her brain to the alien presence known as Wanderer? Two souls, one body. . .and a love that’s bigger than both!

From TAB:

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti When 16 year old Helmuth discovers that Germany is lying to its people, he tries to expose the truth — and he is tried for treason! Gripping WWII drama told in flashbacks with breathtaking suspense.

One of the great things about teaching is that teaching allows for and nurtures flexibility, so when events outside of the classroom start distracting from things happening inside the classroom, teachers have the flexibility to put the “printed curriculum” on the back burner (not scrap all together, I’m just trying to hook you in) and make way for teachable moments.  

If we are trying to nurture students who become industrious, informed and functional citizens of the world, then we must embrace those teachable moments and adjust. Some topics that middle school students can grapple with:

• what is credit
• how do mortgages work
• what are the repercussions of the banks and investment firms shutting down
• what is our national debt
• what is personal debt
• what will the economic stress mean for my community, my family

I’m sure there are more math and history and art and language arts connections. As it is the line between facts and opinions are blurring in the media. Take advantage of the teachable moments. These are excitingly frightful times.