Turn the alarm off!

That's the thing I'm most excited to do this break. Turn the alarm off and get up when my eyelids pop open on their own. I'm also fired up about all the time, space, and room I'll have to read this next week-and-a-half. Oh, Winter Break, you arrived just in time...

There is the pile of books (especially Nat'l Book Award Nominee Inexcusable by Chris Lynch),
magazines (I need to find a copy of last week's New Yorker),
newspapers (it's been a month since I've sat down with the Sunday paper),
articles (I actually tore out an article from a magazine in the doctor's office that I just couldn't bear not to read),
and blogs (I've recently heard about a couple of blogs I'd like to check out) waiting patiently in my backpack and on my bedside table. I can't wait to get my hands on them,every last one of them.

Oh my little apples, I'm excited. The words! The stories! The poetry! The human experience! The knowledge! The exposure!

It's been a great year, Huskies. I'm grateful for this chance to read and share with you all. You make me even MORE excited about reading than I've ever been, and I just didn't know that was possible. But that's what you do. You are readers.

Let's blog and share and read together this winter break. I'll check in, and I'm hoping you'll do the same.

See you in '08.
Talk soon.
Keep reading.
Stenson

Big Questions to Help You Review

Post your answers to three of the five BIG QUESTIONS from the sheet in class.

Good books and Cool Quotes

Fearless Blogging 8LA Readers, how are you?

On Thanksgiving, I read a book cover to cover. It was filled with memorable quotes and lines. If I included them all in this post, the post would just roll on and on like the Mississippi, so let me pick just one to share...somewhere in the first part of the book, the author writes:

The truth kept insisting itself to me.

What a glorious way to put it, to give "truth" the action of being so bold and obvious that it MUST be acknowledged. This a concept much different than Ponyboy's "I lie to myself all the time", but I know both feelings well.

So, anyway, I started a new blog for "well-said words". If you stumble across a phrase, sentence, passage that really moves you, than post it.

The link to this separate blog is at the bottom of the page with my profile on it. Look to the left, click on "view my complete profile" and scroll to the bottom. It's titled "Stay Gold" (yep, that oh-so-memorable quote from The Outsiders).

Hope to see you there. Hope to grow quite a collection of quotes. Hope you are all safe and warm in this winter wonderland-


Stenson

Welcome Back!

Hello Caitlin, Jade, and other former studens! It's lovely to hear from you.

Please let us know here in 8LA, Room 203 at OGMS, what are you reading now that you are big ol' high school students? Please, please, please tell me that you are reading something! Looking forward to hearing about your book adventures!

Thanks for checking in!
Stenson

p.s. If you are in 8LA right now, why don't you take a moment to share what you are reading now that we have all finished The Outsiders.

"Houston, we have a problem."

We all have problems. They make us tougher, smarter, and kinder.

In class, we've discussed the concept of conflict. I want you to blog about it. Remember the three types: man vs. man, man vs. nature, and man vs. himself, and answer the questions below:

1. What is the most common type of conflict in the lives of 8th graders?
2. What type of conflict is the most difficult to deal with?
3. What can you learn from conflict?

You can talk about The Outsiders if it helps you answer the questions, but mostly, draw on your own worldly experience.

Looking forward to reading your answers,
Stenson

Important Quotes from The Outsiders

We've spent some time discussing the importance of literature and deeper readings.

Find a quote that really strikes you as significant. Give us the quote, the context, and why you think it is important to the book.

Keep Reading!
Stenson

Looking for Husky Pride in The Outsiders

Okay, Husky Scholars. I have a brainbuster for you...

If the Greasers and the Socs were students at OGMS, which ones would you consider the best Husky Citizens? Which characters are RICH?

What do you think? I'm interested in hearing your opinions. I bet Ms. Sbrocco will be interested as well.

Stay Gold, Huskies.
Stenson

Who is to blame?

We've discussed it.
You've written about it.

Who is to blame for Bob's death? Share your thoughts!

Good work with this book, folks!
Stenson

Nothing Gold Can Stay.

With precision and rhythm, Robert Frost's poem offers us a powerful perspective on youth, the fleeting nature of time, and probably even life..."nothing gold can stay."

To me, this poem is a perfect example of how a poem can be both hard to understand AND an essential tool to share thoughts and feelings.

Think about the poem. Re-read it. Read it again. Out loud this time.

What does the poem mean to you?
What does it mean to Johnny and Ponyboy?

Special thanks to Mr. Frost and his poetry. Let me know if you'd like to read more!
Stenson

The blue mustang looms like a shark.

...and I bet anyone who has read The Outsiders can tell me why that's true.

Similes help show understanding of complex things, relationships, and ideas. I was really impressed by some of the similes you all wrote about different aspects of the book. Creative, clever, and carefully considered...nice job.

Log on and share your best similes and metaphors. I know that we mentioned specifics from the books like the blue mustang, Darry's slap, Johnny's switchblade, but you can come up with your own topic too.

Get creative and think deep. The assignment wasn't easy, and you worked hard, so I think you should show off your best work!

Log on and post the best simile you wrote about the book The Outsiders.

Welcome to the Outsiders!

PONYBOY, SODAPOP, DARRY, DALLY! I love all of the greasers--some more than others, of course.

Now that you've started The Outsiders, tell me what you think. I have three questions:

Do you like Ponyboy? What do you like about him?

Of his two brothers, which one do you like? Darry, the oldest? Sodapap, the easy-going one?

This one is a BIGGIE!: Do you think the conflict between the Socs and the Greasers is realistic? Tell me why or why not?

MEA=Plenty time to read!

I hope everyone is enjoying MEA break. I have to admit, I didn't go to the convention in St. Paul, but I have been reading.

1. Like all the other Michael L. Printz award winners (Looking for Alaska, A Northern Light, Airborn, American Born Chinese), the book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is a winner. The writing is brillant, the main characters are lovely and human and comlicated, and the plot teaches pwerful lessons. The book stands for everything the Michael L. Printz award represents. Get out there and check it out! Me, I'll probably finish it later today and be sad, sad, sad that it is over...

2. The Twilight series has everyone talking, doesn't it? Maybe we should invite Stephanie meyer rather than John Green to come to our class?

3. I love that you all have reading goals. In class next week, you are going to have to re-assess your goal one week later. So make sure you start this weekend!

4. There's so much else to say; I feel like I should scroll through and respond to the questions and comments that have been posted, but I would rather be reading! If anyone of you have a reading concern, please approach me in class. I will be your Reading Guide, your Reading Friend, and your Reading Partner in Crime!

Take care, all.
Stenson

Okay, the truth is...

Puckett doesn't really like to read. I do, and I have been. And while I read, she just stares, wondering why I won't take her outside for a little fetch or a walk. I will do that soon, but for now, I'm content here on my favorite chair with a stack a good books nearby.

The other truth is my 8th graders read. They read a lot and they read regularly. Some of them blog, most of them bring books to my class every day, a handful of them share books they've discovered and look out for fellow readers in many other ways too...the truth is they like, respect, and even get excited about reading.

Earlier I asked them what about their goals for reading in the month of October. Two weeks later, I want the truth...

a. What was your reading goal for October?
b. How is it going?

Read on,
Stenson

One Month In

Well, can you believe it? My 8th graders are one month closer to HIGH SCHOOL! I have really enjoyed get to know these SMART, FUN, and ENERGETIC students. What a great start to the school year.

Here's what I want to know this week...

What's the BEST thing you've read recently? You must pick ONE book. What is the very BEST thing you've read?

Can't wait to hear what you've got to say! The best thing I've read is The Abundance of Katherines, but I'm really excited to hear what you have to say!

Talk to you soon, 8th grade readers/scholars/huskies!
Stenson

The End of September.

It's another Race to Read Friday! Some kids hate these reading days, some kids love them. Today's highlights will be...

1. One magazine written for girls by girls! It's called New Moon. I'll get the link to the website on here too. It's awesome because girls decide what goes into the magazines, what themes to have, what articles to include---they decide everything. It's not one of those magazines that only talks about boys, make-up, and fashion. It's actually got realistic information, news, and material for regular girls!

2. Another magazine is Sports Illustrated. The topic is obviously sports, but the articles are written by some of the most talented journalist currently working. One of this week's articles is about a man who plays minor league baseball. One day, he hit a line-drive foul ball down the first baseline. It hit his first-base coach and killed him on the spot. The article gives you a glimpse of what this guy has been struggling with ever since he stepped out of the batter's box and realized what just happened. Powerful story,

3. Then we'll go to the Media Center. Bring your books, but if you aren't thrilled with your book, find a new one. There are lots of recommendations on last week's blogs. Or ask a friend. I'm willing to help you find a good book too.

Here are my 2 questions: What is your reading goal for the month of October? Do you want to read 1 book? Do you want to try to read for 20 minutes every day? Tell me one goal you have about reading!

What would you like to add to Reading Days? Is there anything else you'd like to do during our one day of READING?

Happy Reading Day, 8LA. Enjoy!
Stenson

¡Soy muy feliz!

Did you see all those comments?

Can you believe what can happen when a bunch of smart and fun 8th graders come together and share their thoughts and ideas?

So many comments are thoughtful, so many inspire more questions and comments, so many make me smile!

I could go on and on, but this blog is about you...so back to books for you!

1. Art, Jeff, Tony S. and others mentioned the Alex Rider books by Anthony Horowitz. A great bunch of books about a 14 year old M5 spy (M5 is England's CIA).

Thank you, Art, for recommending the other Horowitz series. I am not as familiar with those boks, but you can click here to read about them.

2. As many of you stated in your comments, Madeline L'Engle, may she rest in peace, wrote fantastic fantasy books. I think what makes them so good is that they seem like fairy tales too.

If you really liked them, try Shannon Hale's Goose Girl. Not so much fantasy, but definitely fairy tale. It looks like Cassie B. read it if you want more info.

3. I also noticed references to realistic fiction about teenage life. I have two great suggestions:

For Girls: A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life by Dana Reinhart

For Boys: Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

4. Lastly, I noticed many of you agreed that reading makes you smarter. You're right. Challenge yourself with some good books. Conor's list made me think of other good books that you'll hear a lot about and probably have to read one day. Add Lord of the Flies to that list. It's short, easy to read, but the themes and motifs are challenging.

I resisting the urge to carry on and on, but I sure don't want you to stop. Keep logging on, keep blogging on.

Reading makes all the difference!
Stenson

Welcome to "Keep Reading," Class of '12!

To My 8th Grade Readers!

It's great to have you here, on the "evenpuckettlikestoread" blog about reading, books, and literature. Log on from time to time to share your thoughts about good books and good literature. Or, to hear what others have to say about good books and good literature.

The topics of discussion will vary, and you all get to pipe up if you have something you really would like to see on the blog. But for today, please answer my question below. Let's see where the discussion leads us...

All year I've been nagging you to read, read, read, but why do YOU think it is important to read?

If you don't mind, tell us that last good thing you read too. It can be anything (newspaper, poetry, magazine, play, book, instruction manual...).

Here's to you, a great group of readers to work with--
Stenson

Ms. Lang and the OGMS Media Center

Happy Friday, everyone! Normally, it would be a Ready to Read Friday! in 8LA,
but today everyone has to take the Explore test, so we aren't having
nearly as much fun as we will be on any other Friday.

Fridays bring book talks, reading time, help with book selection, young adult
lit news, and much, much more. But the best thing about Ready to Read
Fridays is the Media Center. Every other Friday our classes go to the
Media Center right here inOGMS to read.

Today, only 1st Hour got to go hang out with Ms. Lang, and boy, did the others miss out.

1. She told us about fourteen or so books that seem like awesome, fun-to-read, not to mention BRAND NEW, books.

2.She reminded us that if there is a book or magazine we stumble across
and would like to see in the library, all we have to do is mention
something to her and she'll look into it (maybe even get it for the OGMS MC!)

3. She reviewed rules like- Up to three books/magazine at a time. Check
out time is TWO weeks. Nothing new if something is overdue.

4. She offered us her services. Like a guide in the woods, Ms. Lang seems
to be ready to lead us through the forest of books, literature, and
media center materials.

5. She found good books for a handful of kids in Hour 1, not to mention me. I left there with two books I'm excited to dive into.

Thank you, Ms. Lang. You serve us well, and we are better (readers!) because of it.

See you at the OGMS Media Center-
Stenson

p.s. I LOVE seeing familiar names! Kaitlyn M, Jimlaine, Beth, Courtney, and others. Plus FINALLY I have new kids posting too. I can tell the Class of '11 and the Class of '12 understand and feel the power of a good book. Keep reading, keep posting!

Back to School

Dear Readers,

Here's to the brand new school year! I can't wait to share my classroom with 150 new 8th graders, and I hope to hear from the ones with whom I shared Room 203 last year.

When you are not reading, writing, learning, studying, memorizing, practicing, comparing and contrasting, conjugating, creating, or anything else for school...I hope you log on.

Because whether or not you've read a good book, need a good book, or have a little something to say about a good book, we are here and we'd love to hear from you.

Have a great year, all.

Kindly,
Stenson

p.s. Not only have I heard from Beth and Abby that Eclipse is an excellent book, but I've read all about it on the Internet. Here's just one review, but if you haven't started the series, you've got three page-turners to get into. Have fun! To read about the book, click here

Michal L. Printz Award Winners

Here's a link for more information about this award: http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/printzaward/Printz.htm

You've gotta check these books out!

The Tall Guy and I each just finished one.

I read A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly.

A beautiful story about a young girl in the early 1900s who takes care
of her family, solves a murder mystery, and finds her voice all in the
span of a year or two. Her name is Mattie, and she stays with me; she reminds me of myself but just a tiny bit, I see a few of my friends in her, and many of my students. Get wrapped up in this beautiful story.

The Tall Guy finished Airborne by Kenneth Oppel.

He said it doesn't get going for awhile...meaning it takes several pages to get into it, but he loved the story. Especially the writing.

The award is supposed to recognize excellence in young adult literature, and most of the protagonists (main characters) are kids, teenagers. However, just because the books are about kids does not mean they are only for kids. These books offer adults the chance to read the kinds of stuff kids are interested in. Now and then, kids and adults need to read the same books because they provide good substance for important discussions. Books are wonderful that way.

Michael L. Printz Award Winners--Check them out! Let me know what you think!

Until next time,
Stenson

p.s.
American Born Chinese was one of the winners too. See, this award rarely misses? I couldn't get enough of that book earlier this summer. I love this award and the
books honored by it.

Soon to be August.

When I was a kid, I knew August meant two things. One very good thing and one very sad thing...the first was my birthday, the second was the end of the summer. August meant both. Now that I'm older, and a teacher, August means TWO exciting things. Another birthday to celebrate and another school year for which to get prepared.

I hope all of you reading this remember that each summer should be filled with at least one memory of a good book. Really, I'm not just saying that because I'm a nerdy Lang. Arts teacher, I mean it. Each of you should challenge yourself to find one good book to experience this summer. Now that August is quickly approaching, you better get going!

So far, I've had many good book experiences. But I want to share a story about the book Burn Journals by Brent Runyon. It's autobiographical. He writes about his experience in middle school. Things at school got hard and complicated; he didn't know how to talk to his parents or teachers about it, so he thought he'd kill himself by setting himself on fire. Only, he lives. And his story is inspirational, educational, and powerful.

Emmanuel ("Captain" as Ms. Sbrocco calls him) finished it this summer. I'm hoping he'll read it and tell us why he read it so quickly. Great work, Emmanuel.

So, here's your challenge, Readers...what's going to be your Best Book of Summer '07. I need some time to think about it. I just wanted you to know that I'll be expecting an answer come September.

Hope you are out there, hope you are reading.
Don't let the heat wear you out.
Keep company with talented authors and memorable characters.

Here's to you, my little readers.
Stenson

My Trip to the Penn Lake Library.

Some man once said, "A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life." I wish I could remember his name because he sounds like a really smart guy.

Anyway, I dug through old papers to find this quote because I was reminded of it when I took the Summer Blast students to the Penn Lake library last week. WHAT A GREAT PLACE! The librarians there, especially Anne Johnson, were helpful, welcoming, and super knowledgeable about what kids like as far as books, magazines, and even movies, comic books, dvds. Fun stuff everywhere. A bunch of the kids had a little time for the internet stations even. Very cool stuff.

I just want all my 8th grade readers to know they have a JEWEL of a library over at Penn Lake. I haven't been to Oxboro yet, but I bet it is similar. Get there! Go soon! Enjoy! Dive in. Go wild (which happens to be the summer theme at the Hennepin County libraries).

Anyway, I noticed a bunch of you are reading like crazy. I'm unfamiliar with the books you are reading, but I'm so psyched that you are reading them.

Abby, I know the PD books are fun to read, but I haven't read them. Good for you for sitting back and just getting a kick out of a few fun stories.

Brody, I love the recommendation for kids who enjoyed Twilight. I never know where to take kids after they've just read that one. It's good to have another good vampire book. Love it.

Lastly, I gotta pass along my new favorite way to "read". At the Penn Lake library, I checked out four audio books (books on cd). I put them on my iPod (is that legal?) and listened to them while walking Pucky, working out, sitting in the sun out back, etc. Loved it! Just an idea.

I love logging on and seeing new posts. Thanks for staying in touch, give yourselves a round of applause for all the reading you are doing. A life full of books and stories is a rich life to live. Keep it up and keep me posted.

Until next time,
Stenson

To Reply to the Three Readers...

Hello my little readers! It's so nice to hear from you, and of course, I have ideas.

1. Jimlaine, who is the author of the series you are reading?

2. Abby, I am excited for you to read all of them. The Book Thief is a commitment, it's long and not easy reading, if you ask me. But worth the trouble because the story is touching. Tale of Desperaux is much different...easy, quick, sweet. They are two very different books. And, the Princess Diary Series is great summer reading. You can't go wrong, and it just depends what you are in the mood for. Let me know what you decide.

3. Aubs! Good to hear from you. Knowing you, I think you might like a book I just finished called Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings. It's suspenseful and realistic, and the three boys who are the main characters are memorable. You'd like it. A lot of my students would. I also think you'd like the book Jennifer Smith recommended in the first posting, A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life, by Dana Reinhardt. You can go back to the first posting on this blog, from May to see what Jenn S. and others said about it.

A big smile pops up on my face when I hear from my former students, such a good group of readers. Keep me posted on what you are reading, share your books, and your thoughts, and most importantly...Keep Reading!

Take care all!
Stenson

p.s. I'm teaching summer school and I would love to have some of my former superstar readers pop in and tell my students about some of the good books they've read. They are kids one year below you, the kids who are going to be 8th graders. So you could share a good book from last year or any good book. Let me know if you are interested, and we can set something up!

Happy July 4!

Hi Everyone!

I want to thank Abby and Elizabeth for showing up on my blog recently. If you haven't seen their recommendations, click on the "Things I'm Wondering About..." blog and see their comments. It makes me very happy to see kids leaving "fingerprints" on this blog. Please, please, please continue to share your thoughts and tell me what you are reading.

Right now, I'm re-reading Because of Winn-Dixie. It's a simple story, and a sweet one. The narrator is a young girl, the hero is a dog, and there are many other memorable characters. Have you read it? Please do. You can find a lot of information about it on amazon.com or bn.com.

Ms. Willems is teaching summer school with me this summer. She mentioned the other day that the book Lightening Thief is one not to miss. I haven't read it yet, but I know a few of my 8th graders did this past year, and more and more people are talking about it.

That's all for now. You have a few recommendations for some summer holiday reading! Get out there and READ! And then come back and tell us about it!

Take care and keep reading-
Stenson

Things I'm wondering about...

Hello, Hello, Hello!!!

What a great morning for reading! It's overcast and early and a cool enough to open the windows, crawl under the sheets, and dive into the most recent book I picked up. It's called The Westing Game and its author is Ellen Raskin. It's a fun mystery, with exaggerated (and funny) characters and clever word plays.

The book has a great reputation, but I got to tell you...I don't think many 8th graders would like it. When I showed the book to Ms. Sbrocco, she shivered. Apparently, she hated that book as a kid and could never, ever get into it. I can see why...unless you really like to read, I don't think it's going to be that interesting and fun for you.

However, those of you who love to read mysteries, especially classic murder mysteries like Agatha Christie's and Sherlock Holmes stories, will enjoy this. It's clever, and it's fun to figure the clues out as the book moves along.

Enough about me, I have some questions...

1. WHAT ARE YOU READING? I know Jimlaine's read a few books I've never heard of, and I know Kayla enjoyed a couple of Jacqueline Woodson's books, but what else is everyone reading?

2. Why hasn't anyone taken my advice and read American Born Chinese, the coolest graphic novel book EVER?

3. Will Patrick share part of his book with us? Hope so, PL...

Be well and be a reader,
Stenson

Summer Reading

Hi all! Summer vacation is officially under way, and it's time to share summer reading highlights (and lowlights).

For the first time, I picked up a graphic novel at the library. American Born Chinese tells a great story, carries a powerful message, and has the COOLEST illustrations, not to mention creative comic book storytelling.

The author, Gene Yang, won the 2007 Michael L. Printz award for this book. If I had any sort of important award to hand out, I'd give it to him in a heartbeat. But I don't, so all I can do is share the title in hopes that many of you will get out there and get your hands on it.

So, here are three things I'm wondering...

1. Who will read American Born Chinese by Gene Lang? Graphic novels are cool. Read it and tell me what you think.

2. What else you are reading? Share with us!

3. Slowly but surely, I'm making it through my summer list. What's on yours?

Hoping to hear from you--

Stenson

After Studying Anne Frank and the Holocaust

Hi all! I don't know if it is a coincidence or not, but there are many books about WWII poppping up in the list of books you guys are posting about.

1. Brendan L. pointed out that a handful of boys read the book Soldier X (by Don Wulffson) this year. Those guys could tell you more about it, but it is book that reads quickly because the story is so interesting. A man, who is a teacher, fought in the war, but for the GERMANS!

2. Kaitlyn M. suggested Dancing in the Streets in Brooklyn (by April Lurie). It isn't about the war but the story is set during the end of the war (1943-1944ish), so readers learn about the war. There is even a love story too!

There are also a bunch of books out there written about people who lived through the Holocaust. Like Don Cheadle, the actor and human rights activist, said: it's hard to learn about a horrible situation if you are only reading the facts, but you can really learn a lot from someone's story. That's what a story can do...teach you about history, other people's lives, and other places people live.

Please let me know if there are other books worth reading about WWII or the Holocaust. It would be fun to get a big list!

Keep Reading, Everyone! And if you post, I'll keep replying and our conversation about books will continue. And that's a good thing...

Stenson

Building Momentum

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to those who are logging on, reading the posts, and even posting! I love it. This is going to be so much fun to hear about what you are reading all summer and maybe even next year?!?!

The books that have been mentioned--Harry Potter, Go Ask Alice, Pride and Prejudice, Twilight--and so many other good books really inspire me to either read them or re-read them. I remember Ms. Sbrocco's mother once said, "I just wish authors would just stop writing so I could get caught up." Kinda funny, but it makes sense. Sooooo many good books and not enough time in my day.

I like that there are some new titles I don't recognize either. I am going to come back to these posts to read the books and tell next year's student about them.

This is awesome, everyone! Thanks for posting, and KEEP READING and KEEP LOGGING ON TO TELL US ABOUT IT! I'm having so much fun with this.

Thanks for making it possible,
Stenson

What makes a good book?

A handful of students have answered my call to tell me the names of the best books they read this year.

Here are three that have been highlighted recently:

Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

I found myself nodding my head when I read through the comments kids left about the books they liked. Good books are contagious, and I wasn't surprised to see some familiar titles. These three in particular are books that seemed to run right through my classroom from kid to kid. Often, I recommended these books and they were checked out of the library.

So, I've got two questions:

1. What makes these books so good that our Media Center can't keep them on the shelves? (Anyone who has read these three titles could tell me...)
   
2. What are kids looking for in a good book?

I'm looking for answers, 8th graders! Tell me what you know and what you think.

Looking forward to your insights,
Stenson

Turning it over to the 8th grade experts.

A great year of great books...

To get a bigger, better, larger, longer list of good books started, I'm turning this over to my students.

To all my Rockstar Readers out there, tell me, what was the best book you read all year. See if you can give us a one sentence summary about the book.

To post a comment, click on the comments link. Then, you have to sign in.

But, if you aren't registered, you need to register. You only need to have an email address. Just click on the Don't Have a Google Account link, and you'll be sent to a page where you can register. You'll give them your email address and you'll pick a password. Then you can post!


Awsome! I'm excited to read your thoughts,
Stenson

My attempt to blog about reading.

I don't know if this is going to work, but I'm going to try. My 8th graders laughed me out of my classroom when I told them I expected them to keep reading this summer AND blog about it.

I am new at this, so I don't really know where to start. I just want kids reading. But just in case they get spazzy about a good book now and then, I want them to know there's a place to pass it on.

I'll get started by sharing books that have knocked me and a few of my students over. But hang with me. Once I get some of my super-tech savvy colleagues to help me out, I'll try to add links, images, and all that jazz.

Today's recommendations:

1. Sean M. told me the other day that Flush (by Carl Hiaasen)was a book that he finished in a weekend. He thought it went quickly because it "was just one of those good books".
2. Patrick L. turned in a book called I am the Messenger (by Markus Zusack) and told me "It made me laugh, and then it made me sad, and then it made me mad, and then it made me happy". I think I got choked up. So I read it over the weekend. Actually, I read it Sunday afternoon. I loved the message. Pun intended.
3. The Tall Guy just finished Flight by Sherman Alexie. I pushed it at him for a week. When he started it, he read it straight through and was up for a few hours trying to get his hands around it. I'm telling you--the book broke my heart right open. It's off-the-charts violent, but a beautiful, poignant story still. I can't put words around all that's good about this book. Just read it. Because of the violence, I'd recommend kids read it with an adult.

And this is how I'll begin my blog...
Happy reading,
Stenson