[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Heinemann in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Normally I would be reviewing a book for kids or teens today, but the one I had scheduled wasn’t a good fit for me, so I am subbing this in. ]
Summary
This book highlights 7 joys of reading identified by the authors including familiarity and surprise. It contains exercises that instructors can do with students as well as some teachers might choose to do as they think about their own reading lives. Includes information, instructions, or discussion of things like:
- completing a reading autobiography
- reading conferences
- reader response activities
- studies related to reading
- tips for building a classroom library
- book access and book diversity
- what to do with reading levels
- tips for busy professionals to increase their own book knowledge
- reader’s notebooks
- tips for book talking
- a classroom activity called book pass
- tips for dealing with reading slumps
- delightful classroom anecdotes
- illustrations of book stacks with real titles in subject-centered categories
Review
This resource from “The Book Whisperer,” Donalyn Miller, and the late “Professor Nana,” Teri Lesesne is a gold standard for teachers. I heard Donalyn speak many times while I was teaching, and her talks were always a highlight of the event – informative and inspiring! Her previous books – The Book Whisperer (♥♥♥♥♥) and Reading in the Wild (♥♥♥♥♥) – were the foundation I used to develop my philosophy as a teacher/librarian, and I shared her earlier books with any teacher who gave me an opening.
This contains the same general philosophy I have read and heard before from Miller, Lesesne, and other Nerdy Book Club members and teaching professionals – let kids read! But the focus here is on finding, building, and maintaining the joy of reading for students and readers in general.
The content here flows from inspiring class examples and anecdotes to practical advice for professionals. The writing is engaging and conversational. There’s something here for veteran teachers, newbies, and everyone in between. Do not miss this if you are or know and love a teacher. This would be a stupendous gift for a graduate going into the classroom for the first time, and a marvelous addition to instructional programs preparing future teachers.
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*
*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!