1.13.2008

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

1.02.2008

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).