I'd like to
> talk with you via email about particular titles (if you're
> interested) because I think I'm going to come to a parting of
> the ways with my new grade level team before we've even
> started. Interested?
>
I'd so love to be included in this group of ya novel readers. To
tell you the truth, I read more kids books than adult books. I
am in a bit of a rut. Every year I start with Loser by Spinelli.
It is about a boy from kindergarten to sixth who is just the kind
of kid who would always be considered a loser but I fall in love
with him every year, and think my class does, too. I then read
Tale of Despereaux. That might be my favorite kids book since
Charlotte's web. I think the movie should win the award for the
worst book adaptation in history, but maybe because the book was
so good. I then go on to a book Flying Solo. It is about kids
the age of fifth graders, about. Every year I read it and my
class is sure I am going to leave them alone just to see how they
act. If I can I end with Charlotte's Web. It sort of depends on
time and the group.
I think any of these could be book studies. They are now my
benchmark for read alouds, I keep reading books and if anything
is better I will consider it. One year I read Honus and Me and
it was adored, the next year not one kid in the class had played
baseball and they were not impressed. Judy, your team will listen
to you if you want to shake things up on literature, how about
changing just that first book out? Sometimes a new person making
a change is just what a group needs as long as they don't expect
to come in like a huricane. Judy, I don't remember you as a
huricane but more a breath of fresh air. (Note to self, no more
metaphors in posts)
Margaret
>
