Worhty Text--The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller

Just cracked opened my new book I purchased through Amazon, The Book Whisperer, and I started reading the reviews and introduction by Jeff Anderson based on what I've read thus far, I'm hooked with what others have to say about Donalyn Miller's influential words from a reading teacher that advocates that the way to get students reading is to have them engage in reading. Obviously, there is more to just engaging in reading. 

Since I just started today, December 2, 2012, I began to check out the quotes from the author through Goodreads website. Several quotes from Donalyn Miller resonated in which I want to keep in mind as I dive into reading The Book Whisperer: 

"Reading changes your life. Reading unlocks worlds unknown or forgotten, taking travelers around the world and through time. Reading helps you escape the confines of school and pursue your own education. Through characters – the saints and the sinners, real or imagined – reading shows you how to be a better human being." 

 "A classroom atmosphere that promotes reading does not come from the furniture and its placement as much as it comes from the teacher's expectation that students will read."

"The purpose of school should not be to prepare students for more school. We should be seeking to have fully engaged students now." 

"Books are love letters (or apologies) passed between us, adding a layer of conversation beyond our spoken words." 

"I try to teach my students that books are a mirror, reflecting their own lives, and a window, giving them a peek into someone else's."

Annotated Bibliography of Adolescent Literature

REFLECTION: As I complete my annotated bibliography, this spreadsheet of books I’ve read for this semester is a “work in progress.” I say this because I plan on continuing my annotations as I read more books each month. My annotated bibliography demonstrates how an effective instructor can challenge their students by pushing them to go outside their comfort levels of reading more books, and books that generally would not have been read. When I first started my readings, in the back of my mind, I thought how in the world will I accomplish my reading especially knowing that I was a moderate reader. As it turned out, by reading, reading, reading, and more reading I picked up on my pace of reading. What I found helped me the most as I read, was being able to write on the margins of my books. This allowed me to go back and reread my thoughts; thus, allowing me to write my summaries better. In my class, my students also witnessed me reading during our “Reading Renaissance” time or during their time of independent reading. As I read or pulled out my book, they would start up a conversation by inquiring about what my book was about. So at times, it ended that we did book talks, and then they would relate to other books that were similar in plots or characters. It would be ideal if more time was allotted just for independent reading, which is a great way to have students connect text to text because they became actively involved with wanting to read the book I was reading as well.  In order to achieved having students read, my students read in their Literature Circles.

The books I’ve read in this class sparked my passion to build my classroom with rich literature. I’ve spent a great amount of money purchasing books to build my sets for Literature Circles; for me it is worth every penny because I’ve come to the realization that if I don’t model the love of reading, then how will my students see and experience the importance of reading. Furthermore, the sharing piece is essential for students because they need to discuss their thoughts about the books they have read. This class provided me with the determination to improve in my art of teaching and love of reading. Honestly, if you did not “force” the requirements of the selections of books, I would probably have continued being a passive reader versus a more proactive reader of Adolescent Literature. As an educator and individual, I am more empowered with a richer passion to read.

Page Turners' Book Rating System

Book Rating System http://www.pageturnersbooks.org/

One of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. Everyone should read it - it is amazing.
 
 Brilliant, couldn't put it down. Recommend that you buy it.
 
Really enjoyable and well written. I would recommend it.
 
Good and worth reading if you have the opportunity, but there's no need to prioritize it.
 
Alright, but I wouldn't recommend it.
 
Couldn't get into it but I finished it because I felt like I should.
 
 Don't bother.
 
Couldn't even finish it.

Legend by Marie Lu

Legend by Lu Marie portrays a vivid description of a futuristic dystopian society where 15 year old June Iparis is being groomed to follow in her brother Metias’ footsteps as an elite officer of the Republic Nation. Her career begins suddenly with the death of her brother in the line of duty. She is tasked with finding and capturing the notorious criminal and prime suspect 15 year old Day Wing.

She goes undercover and enters Day’s world. Soon their lives intertwine and together they discover all is not what it seems to be. Clues from Day and other evidence surrounding Metias’ death begin to surface as Day is brought into custody.

Each becomes a victim of the atrocities committed by the Republic, losing loved ones in the wake of cold blooded murder.

With June as the superior officer, and Day as the prisoner, awaiting execution; they skillfully assume their roles as captor and captured while plotting Day’s escape. If they fail, it will be certain death for both of them.

The embedded theme rebelling against authority, confronting the abuses of power when it hits home, knowing when someone is really telling the truth and risking career and life in search of the truth, discovering the painful truth, standing for truth especially when people’s lives are at stake.

The author, Marie Lu crafts her story extremely well, very descriptive yet direct, as you read, it seems that you can never lose interest in the story line—suspenseful, page turner. She allows the reader to visualize the city’s ruins damaged by years of war, and appears to be some sort of natural disasters. Readers can associate reference to Los Angeles and Northern California—bodies of water where there never use to be, cities are underwater. Marie Lu spell bounds the reader to anticipate what decisions the character will make and outcomes of their actions, and how the end will be. This book is a definite read for reluctant readers for both guys and girls. To top that off it is a movie in the making, and her next sequel Prodigy releases in January 29, 2013. Legend by Marie Lu without a doubt deserves a “5” outstanding read. http://marielu.org/http://marielu.org/

 

Beyond the Yellow Highlighter: Teaching Annotation Skills to Improve Reading Comprehension by Carol Porter-O'Donnell

Beyond the Yellow Highlighter: Teaching Annotation Skills to Improve Reading Comprehension by Carol Porter-O'Donnell demonstrates an effective during reading strategy based on testimonials from students who were taught to use annotative techniques to improve their reading comprehension in order to understand the  text. Successful reading strategy to use in the classroom and as a life-long skill. As a teacher, I've attempted numerous times to help students gain deeper meaning of text; however, I've felt that I needed more improvement in giving more in-depth guidance. "Beyond the Yellow Highlighter..." provides that extra spice that appeared missing in my instruction of going beyond highlighting and underlining.

A Deeper Meaning

By Lanajean Costello

A Deeper Meaning

 Beyond the Yellow

Highlighter

Write to Learn

Reach a Deeper Level of Engagement

Used During Reading

Reader Dialogues with Text

Active Reading

Slows Down Reading

Better Understanding

Beyond the Surface

Deeper Meaning of Text

Improves Reading Comprehension

Beyond the Yellow

Highlighter

Margins on the Sides

Write on Margins

Engage with the Text

Think, Think, Pause, Think, Think

Respond, Critically, Comment, Question

Reflections--Opinions

Focus Easier

Concentrate on Author's Craft

Hard to Fake Read

Empowers Readers to Actively Engage

Making Connections

Deeper Meaning not just the Surface Meaning

Goes Beyond the Yellow Highlighter

Improving Understanding of Text: Better Understanding

Comprehending What was Read       

   

National Book Foundation: Innovations in Reading

The National Book Foundation honors innovative individuals and organizations that foster and promotes the passion of reading for all walks of life. Every year the foundation seeks innovate ideas and awards up to $2,500 in various prizes. Here is one example of young adolescents across the nation making great strides by touching those who have limited access of reading books: Bicycle Powered Mobile Library--reaching out to those who are homeless in Portland, Oregon founded in June 2011. What a phenomenal inspiration: Great source to inspire students to proactively demonstrate their passion of reading--Love of Reading in Action! The link below provides more examples on innovate ways to spread reading across America and more.

http://www.streetbooks.org/

Meet the Author: Legend by Marie Lu

The author, Marie Lu crafts her story extremely well, very descriptive yet direct, as you read it seems that you can never lose interest in the story line, suspenseful, page turner. She allows the reader to visualize the city’s ruins damaged by years of war, and appears to be some sort of natural disasters. Readers can associate reference to Los Angeles and Northern California—bodies of water where there never use to be, and cities are underwater. Marie Lu spell bounds the reader to anticipate what decisions the character will make and outcomes of their actions, and how the end will be. This book is a definite read for reluctant readers for both guys and girls. To top that off it is a movie in the making, and her next sequel Prodigy releases in January 29, 2013. Legend by Marie Lu without a doubt deserves a “5” outstanding read.  http://marielu.org/

 

 Interview with Marie Lu