From India.

We can no longer afford to remain unfamiliar with the lands far from us. Thomas Paine said: "the world is my country and all mankind are my brethren".

Well said, Mr. Paine. Books are a critical tool for us, then. Books will bring where we need to go.

So, when I ran across this list of recommended books set in India or are written about Indian teenagers, I thought I should share them.

Here is the most recent post taken from MashUp (a great blog about books for teens).

In recent years, there have been many books for young readers set in India or the Indian diaspora. Most notably is this year's Climbing the Stairs. Set during World War II amid the burgeoning Indian independence movement, this book offers a lot of detail about Indian history, while also telling the story of our heroine Vidya, who wants only to further her education, not to be married off.

A similar character is found in Kashmira Sheth's Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet, although this time the book is set in contemporary Mumbai. Jeeta also wants an education, rather than marriage, and it doesn't help that her dark skin makes her difficult to marry her off. This is a good immersion into contemporary Indian culture.

There are also several good books about the Indian diaspora. In the United States, 2.6 million people are of Indian descent. Born Confused is a wonderful portrayal of ethnicity and assimilation, set in suburban New York. Dimple just wants to be like the others in her suburban school,but when her blond best friend becomes infatuated with an Indian boy, Dimple discovers that being "cool" and being Indian aren't mutually exclusive.

There is a wonderful series of light books for girls set in England, starting with Bindi Babes. These books for middle-grade readers involve three Indian sisters who live with their father after the death of their mother, and their attempts to engineer the events in the adults of their lives.

Finally, an even lesser known story of India is that of the Indian population in East Africa, featured in Child of Dandelions. Here, Indians living in Uganda, even those who were Ugandan citizens are being asked to leave the country within 90 days. While hopelessly violent and sad, this book again features a strong heroine trying to keep her family together in frightening times.

Use books to embrace the world!

Keep reading folks,
-Stenson

A Whole New Mind.

I'm the teacher who tells her students to "shake off the lazies", so you know I'm kinda nerdy, HOWEVER, I hung out with some really cool people the past few days at the TIES 2008 Education Technology Conference.

I'll take the next few days to post some nuggets that need to be shared.

5. Recently, I decided to ask my kids to make a public service announcement about avoiding child labor in Pakistan (not tough to do for most of our Bloomington families, I know). I'm tempted to start that project over after finding this site on how to make effective PSA.

4. Do you Twitter? I don't, and I'm not sure I'll start. But at least I'll know what my kids are talking about. Middle school kids may or may not use Twitter, but I did overhear one of my students say that both his mom and his aunt do. I was eager to find out about it at this session. Here's the video presentation from the conference.

3. This is a really cool site. It's called Digital Vaults.

2. This is how to convert video so you can easily upload it to other documents and presentations. Zamar.com. Teachers can get access to YouTube these days, but this seems even easier. You can put the videos right in your Keynote/PowerPoint using this.

1. Searchme.com. It's like Google meets iTunes. You can actually SEE the site before you click on the URL. Love this. I saved the best for last as far as this list goes. The picture at the top is from this site.

Let me know if you have got other "must-haves". Stealing good ideas is what good teacher do, right?

Stay in touch, and if you are a 7th grader--Keep reading.
-Stenson

Joan Bauer's Peeled

I've seen a bunch of kids reading this book, and I'm excited to try it over winter break. Joan Bauer is a fun author whose books always have a little message of hope. Maybe you've read some of her others? Like Hope was Here or Squashed?

There's a cool video with the author on this site. Maybe it's a nerdy reading teacher thing, but I like seeing the authors who worte the books I've enjoyed, you know?

Try the video, look at the site, but mostly...consider the book. Peeled by Joan Bauer is in our media center!

Keep reading!
-Stenson

100,000 in Prizes?!?!

Have you heard about this book?

39 Clues by Gordon Korman

Check out the website about it.
Check it out at the media center.
Check it out on one of Stenson's iPods (I have the website codes too!)

Get on board. Love to see kids getting this excited about a series of books. When you read it, tell us all about it!!

Good luck!
Keep Reading!
-Stenson

Yakkety-yak

I love 7th graders. Every day they file into Room 103; I squawk at them "Do you have your BOOKS?!?". They sit down, and they read. Save a very few that I have yet to get my claws into...they are READING. They are reading the Maximum Ride series. They are reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. They are reading the Alex Rider series. They are reading the Twilight series. They are READING. And it fills my heart with even more literacy love.

Thank you, Class of 2014. It's been fun to read with you, discuss books, and talk about how to help you become even strong readers. We are going to have a super year.

By the way, I've been talking up some great books recently. Here's an abbreviated list:

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Burn Journals by Brent Runyon
Full House edited by Pete Hautmann
Life As We Knew It by Susan Pfeffer
Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

But that's my measly list. You need to talk to the 7th graders at OGMS if you are looking for a good book. They'd know. They are readers.

So proud to be a Husky Reader,
Stenson

p.s. It's great to hear from former students. I smile every time I hear from you, so please, keep me updated on what you are reading. It feels familiar to see your names pop up. Love it.

Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

What an interesting book! It's received a lot of attention, mostly because people have never seen anything like it!

We've been talking about genres in 7READ, and I don't think any of the genres we've discussed fit this book. It's not a picture book, or a graphic novel. It's not a normal novel either. It's part silent movie and part flip book and part novel. No matter what you call it, you are sure to call it a super book!

Here are a few things to get you more interested and curious about the book! I would love to have a mini-book club with this book. Let me know if you are interested. We'll set a date, order some treats, and invite Hugo to join us!

Check these sites out:

About Hugo Cabret (on this site, you can see the 22 page illustrated drawing of the opening scene of the book...so cool!)

A video interview with the author (Brian Selznick)

Get on board with this book!
You won't be disappointed.

Keep Reading!
-Stenson

It's Football Season.

Hello Readers!

I must admit I have not been reading much this week. With many back-to-school activities and responsibilities, I have been falling asleep before reading even two full pages of the newest non-fiction book I picked up at the library (it's call The Big Sort for any adults out there interested in the reasons behind and consequences of our politically and culturally divided country).

Anyway, my father reminded me that football season is about to begin. Pre-season NFL games are in the last round, college games can be seen on ESPN most nights of the week, and high-school teams are gearing up for their first contest. A true sign of autumn and back-to-school.

SO! Let's take a look at a few books written about football for teens.

Football

Baczewski, Paul. Just for Kicks.
Fifteen-year-old Brandon does not suspect the difficulties in store for him as manager of the varsity football team when his sister Sarah joins and becomes the star punter.

Bechard, Margaret. If It Doesn't Kill You.
High school freshman Ben should be enjoying playing football, meeting girls, and going to parties, but he's too busy trying to cope with his father's moving out to live with another man.

Crutcher, Chris. Running Loose.
Football player Louie, a high school senior in a small Idaho town, learns about sportsmanship, love, and death as he matures into manhood.

Dygard, Thomas. Forward Pass.
To improve his struggling football team's chances of winning, Coach Gardner brings in a new wide receiver, Jill Winston.

Dygard, Thomas. Halfback Tough.
New at Graham High, Joe joins the football team and begins to change his tough guy outlook as he becomes absorbed by the game and gains self-esteem and new friends.

Gallo, Donald R., editor. Ultimate Sports : Short Stories by Outstanding Writers for Young Adults.
Sixteen original sports stories featuring young men and women playing basketball and football, running track and cross-country, and training for the triathlon, as well as participating in water sports, racquetball, tennis, boxing, wrestling, and the ultimate sport of the future.

Ibbitson, John. The Wimp and the Jock.
Ridiculously poor at sports, Randy horrifies himself and his friends when he responds to a bully's taunts by announcing he'll try out for the football team.

Korman, Gordon. No More Dead Dogs.
Eighth-grade football hero Wallace Wallace is sentenced to detention attending rehearsals of the school play where, in spite of himself, he becomes wrapped up in the production and begins to suggest changes that improve not only the play but his life as well.

Lee, Marie G. Necessary Roughness.
Sixteen-year-old Korean American Chan moves from Los Angeles to a small town in Minnesota, where he must cope not only with racism on the football team but also with the tensions in his relationship with his strict father.

Murdock, Catherine GIlbert. Dairy Queen: A Novel
After spending her summer running the family farm and training the quarterback for her school's rival football team, sixteen-year-old D.J. decides to go out for the sport herself, not anticipating the reactions of those around her.

Singer, Marilyn. Ghost Host.
Sixteen-year-old football star Bart Hawkins seeks a way to rid his house of a nasty poltergeist without losing the nine friendly ghosts also haunting it, in return for which they agree to help him win the championship game.

Spinelli, Jerry. Crash.
Seventh-grade football player John "Crash" Coogan has always been comfortable with his tough, aggressive behavior, until his relationship with an unusual Quaker boy and his grandfather's stroke make him consider the meaning of friendship and the importance of family.

I found most of the books on this list on a Michigan Public Library website. For more books about sports for teens, check it out!

Go Huskies! Go Eagles! Go Jaguars! Go Vikings! Go Packers!

Go Readers!
-Stenson

Welcome to the '08-'09 School Year!

Hello Readers!

If you are going to be in 7READ this year, welcome. I'm eager to meet you and spend some time getting to know you and reading together. I promise it's going to be an exciting year.

If you are a former 8LA student, stop on by! Log in and post a message! Better yet, COME IN AND HELP ME SET UP MY NEW CLASSROOM. I'm downstairs now, in Room 103. I'd love to see you, and, boy, could I use your help! I'll bring treats and cookies and other good stuff just in case someone stops by and helps me out!

Here's to a GREAT year ahead! Stay in touch!

-Stenson

Podcast=Learning

There is a big, important debate going on around us about whether or not technology is helping or hurting the education of kids today. There are substantial arguments on both sides of the debate. However, in this post, I would like to try to identify a few ways in which technology can support learning, thinking, and literacy. Starting with iTunes and podcasts.

Podcasts are a great way to listen to a story, learn about a subject, or further one's understanding about a concept.

Here's my example for Art class: MOMA's collection of works of art that provide new perspectives about color.

The collection can be viewed online by going here.

Then, one could listen to the podcasts describing the significance and meaning behind each piece of art in the collection by grabbing one of Stenson's iPods.

Go to Playlists on the iPod menu, select ColorChart- MoMA.

Or Science class?!? Click here for the transcript and background information about an hour-long podcast about the rush to go green. Go to American RadioWorks under podcasts, and choose the one titled Green Rush. Interested in a local podcast about the weather, try this.


Maybe it's World History class, and you'd like to learn about Nelson Mandela. Click here for the transcript, and on the iPod go to Podcast>American RadioWorks>Mandela.

For literature or English class, there's a podcast and transcript on urban teens and Shakespeare. It can be found on Stenson's iPods under podcasts, American RadioWorks, and then Urban Shakespeare. Or some simple booktalks to highlight books for kids and teens.

For Health class, there's a podcast and transcript on teens living with HIV or the effects of mental illness on families, particularly siblings (this one's not downloaded to Stenson's iPods either).

So as not to leave anyone out, recently I've discovered podcasts for little kids (one full of tongue twisters to help identify and practice phonemes AND one with stories told aloud). World language podcasts are everywhere (here's an example regarding French). There are several on grammar and vocabulary and math and music or to celebrate diversity in music, try this one. Podcasts are even available for the use in physical education class and business class.


Those of you hooked, please check out this informational video about podcasts, iTunes U, and how YOU can make listening to podcasts and iPods an educational AND entertaining activity!

See you at iTunes U!
-Stenson

Mash-Up

I can hardly believe I forgot to pass this along...it's a PROFESSIONAL blog about teens and reading. The women knows everything there is to know about reading and teens. She's smart, with it, and she knows her stuff. Believe by seeing it.

The Mashup Blog .

I'm a fearless follower of the blog, and I hope to see you there too!

Pass it along!
Stenson

Summer Reading!

Hey all.

Some of my faithful ol' readers showed up this week, so I thought it's a good time for a new post.

I have to admit, I've read LESS this summer than ever before. But that because I'm taking a bunch of classes at Hamline University (on how to read kids read...very fun!) and I've been helping Ms. Sbrocco get ready for her wedding (which took place last Saturday. What a lovely evening).

Anyway, I have read a few good books, but the ones for adults. So, I'll save you the boredom by not telling you about those (However, those of you with gardening parents: tell them about Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. They'll love, love, love it).

Here's something I got in my email inbox in the summer. Peruse the website and see if there are any good books on here. Maybe you've already read some, maybe you need to get warmed up for school next month...maybe you are just curious. Whatever the case, look over the list and let me know what you reading-minds think!


The website: Summer 2008 Reading Ideas

Looking forward to seeing you soon (online that is...high school! here you go!)

Take good care, all.
...and keep reading!
Stenson

Cool boys like to read.

Now I know that my familiar bloggers are girls, but I know of a few boys who check in too. So, this post is for you!

Hurry up and check out this site: http://guysread.com

It's a super cool site and it is a super reliable resource. Made especially for boys, but great for girls too.

Log on. Report back. Especially if you find a gem of a book.

Talk soon,
Keep reading!
Stenson

TB Day is here.

Tomorrow is a big day for OGMS 8th graders. It's going to be a very memorable experience. I'm excited for you all to experience it.

I'm also excited to relax and enjoy the weekend after such a big day. I'm going to catch up on some reading. I've only been reading a little bit with so much TB stuff to do. It will be nice to relax, reflect on how the day goes, and enjoy some good writing. I've got a stack of magazines by my bed now IN ADDITION to the pile of books I listed in my last post....sigh.

It's the end of the school year. Can you believe we've got less than one month left? Mrs. Hruby's baby is here...she was barely pregnant when we started this journey together. Where does time go?

Thinking about the end of the year...
Thinking about Mrs. Hruby's baby...

1. What are your reading goals for the last 3 weeks of school?
2. What was your favorite book when you were a baby? I know you might not remember, but maybe you still have a copy of your treasured stories. Ask your parents!

Looking forward to hearing from you!
-Stenson

The pile on my nightstand.

Have you ever been tempted to fake sick and stay in bed and read? Those of you who are reading during math class, science class, health class...I know you know that feeling! Don't worry, Mr. Knoss, I'd never do that, but it sure would help with that pile of books on my nightstand!

On the list of books Stenson is looking forward to reading soon:

1. Orphelia by ?? Maddy M gave it to me, it's based on Shakespeare's Hamlet, and it looks like a book to get lost inside of.

2. What Would Martin Say by Clarence Jones (non-fiction about Martin Luther King Jr. written by close friend and personal lawyer)

3. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard (I ran into one of my favorite college professors, and she's the one who first introduced me to Ms. Dillard. This is not a book I would recommend to most 8th graders because there isn't really a plot. It's a narrative created with brilliant language, written, I think, to call careful attention to how glorious Nature is.

4. Dog Years by Mark Doty (Everyone knows my best friend--besides Ms. Sbrocco--is my loyal, lovely black lab Puckett. I can't pass up a book about dogs and the gifts they bring this planet).

5. There are also three poetry books in my stack of books. I don't really understand poetry very well....but much like I preach to my student...reading (poetry too) is like anything else; you have to practice it.


6. Playing for Pizza by John Grisham (those of you who love a suspense or mystery would love Grisham's books. However, this novel of his isn't a mystery or thriller, but I've always been a fan of his, so I'd like to read this one too).

Anyway, tell me what you are reading or what is on your list of "Books to Read Soon".

Can't wait to hear the titles. Can't wait to jump back into that pile on my nightstand.

Here's to those never-ending lists of books we can't wait to get our hands on!
Stenson

Flipping Burgers

Hey all! This is my first March blog. Sorry about the delay.

Have you checked out this Bookburger website yet? Oh my little apples, talk about a FUN website. It's perfect for us!   I have found some great leads on fun books. You can browse it and log off feeling really excited about books and reading. In fact, I am going to keep this blog short because I just logged off the website and I have the urge to grab my book and lose myself in good words, suspenseful story lines, and crazy characters!

Here it is: Bookburger

Have a Burger Book Day!

Stenson

I, too, Sing America!

If you haven't heard this poem, I suggest checking out the book of poetry by the same name. This line, I, Too, Sing America, is a poem by Langston Hughes. The poem is an emotional poem about the African-American experience. But the book by the same name is a collection of poems written by some of the greatest African-American poets and authors of our country's time. It's a book of poems you would have fun reading aloud to yourself. The rhythms and the colors and the emotions will send shivers down your spine. So will the illustrations that accompany the poems.

It's important to honor Black History Month in our classrooms, and one of the best ways I know how is to showcase books written by and about the African American experience.

Here is the link to I, Too, Sing America

Authors who Inspire Me (especially during Black History Month)

Sharon Draper (author of Cooper Sun, Forged by Fire, November Blues, and many more!)

Maya Angelou (author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings)


Christopher Paul Curtis (author of Bud Not Buddy)

Walter Dean Myers (author of Monster)

Tupac Shakur (especially The Rose that Grew from Concrete--our custodian Claude told me about this book...it's really powerful)

Read one or two or all of these authors soon. You'll be a different person at the end of some of these books; they are that gripping, and they are robust.

So, during Black History month...here's to all the mighty African-American writers who have deserve to be celebrated and read in every classroom, it every school, by every teacher, child, and parent.

Share your thoughts!
And keep reading!
Stenson


P.S. While finding websites to link to this page (you can click on the authors names to find more information), I found this Sharon Draper quote from Copper Sun: "Freedom is a delicate idea--like a pretty leaf in the air--it's hard to catch, and may not be what you thought when you get it." That's poetry.

Oops.

Wow! It's been close to a month since I've posted a new question. I'm sorry to neglect the Reading Blog! I'm back.

The reason I haven't been blogging has a lot to do with Oct. 18, 2008. The day I get to marry the Tall Guy! Admittedly, I've been distracted...but it's been a fun few weeks celebrating our wedding plans.

Anyway, with love on my mind and Valentine's Day around the corner, what do you say we blog about love and books?!?!

Love shows up in books in all sorts of ways. I think To Kill a Mockingbird is a a story about a love affair. Farewell to Arms is one of the most romantic books I've read. When in the mood to read about love and all its glorious power, I often turn to poetry. One of the best "love stories" I've ever read is Maddy and Me-- a story of a man, his family, and their very naughty puppy. In the past year, I've read The Abundance of Katherines--a funny, wonderful story of friendship and love. The Book Thief, a mighty book about heart-break, changed my life and my heart.

It's hard to pinpoint the best love story ever told. Love is hard to pin down, but what is the best love story you've ever read? Or what love story are you excited to read? Tell me your thoughts and ideas.

For the love of reading, and for love alone-
Stenson

How do you spell fun?

B-O-O-K T-A-L-K-S!

Man, in my ten years of teaching, few days have been as fun as the past few. 8th graders on Team 8-2 have been talking about books, book talking, sharing stories, recommending their favorites, and I can only hope the discussion continues. Those book talk days went beyond my expectations...it's how we are going to spend a handful more of our days together.

Was it me, or did 8th graders use some of the most persuasive, creative, and descriptive language you've heard? It was awesome. I can't wait to get them on the iPods...and Ms. Lang thinks we might be able to get them on the school website even! With their author's permission, of course...

Anyway, here's a shout out to all of the kids who gave books talks (all but 5 kids on Team 8-2 at this point). Some of you had only finished one book, some of you weren't excited about sharing it in front of the class, some of you forgot to write as many drafts as I requested, but YOU DID IT!

I love a book talk. Thanks for 140+ of them!

KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING (good work, Burky, Hannah, Lizzie...and the others too).
Kindly,
Stenson

What's your 2008 Reading Resolution?

Happy New Year, everyone. It's kind of exciting to think about everything that's possible in this new year. Just think---What will this year bring in terms of books, reading, and stories?

I've started out the year with a book about Baghdad immediately after the U.S. occupation. It's called Imperial Life in the Emerald City, but because the books I've reserved at the library keep showing up, I've also squeezed in a few adolescent lit. books.

I think I told most of you about 13 Reasons Why and how much it intrigued me. Jay Asher is the author, but if you can't find a copy, let me know.

I also read most of Twisted; the most recent Laurie Halse Anderson book. She wrote Speak. She is a brilliant writer who knows teenagers and the ways in which they can be their most honest and their most real.

Anyway, in 2008, one of my goals is to start keep tracking of a "Someday" book list. Books that I hear about, read about, or discover that I really hope to read "someday". I've always just kept an informal list in my head, but my 2008 reading resolution is to actually keep a list in a notebook of my "someday" books.

That's my Reading Resolution...what's yours?

One thing before I go: check out this site. It looks like a reliable site-
http://bookburger.typepad.com/

May 2008 be one of your best yet-

Stenson

p.s. I will try to get our media center to get a copy of Slam! I'll keep you posted (no pun intended).