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The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child by Donalyn Miller
Sixth grade teacher Donalyn Miller describes the instructional approach she uses to turn children into readers, based on a combination of individual choice, a program of independent reading, a collection of high-interest books, and appropriate and authentic reading behavior modeling.
My Thoughts: I so enjoyed this book! It was so inspiring! I wish I taught at a school full of reading teachers that all subscribed to Donalyn Miller's ideas and methods. I am left thinking of how I can impact readers in the library.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
The Global Achievement Gap by Tony Wagner
The subtitle of this book is "Why Even Our Best Schools Don't Teach the New Survival Skills Our Children Need--And What We Can Do About It"
Charges that the failure to teach young people critical thinking skills, creativity, and effective communication is quickly making American schools obsolete and leaving students unprepared to compete in the global job market, offers advice on how to overhaul the U.S. education system, and includes examples of uniquely successful schools.
My Thoughts: I thought this book was right on target! It inspired me and frustrated me at the same time. I was inspired because I agree that what Wagner is saying about the teaching in our schools is correct and I want to be able to change the system. I was frustrated because I am at the bottom of the system, so I have very little influence to change it. In the end, our children and our country will pay the consequences for not addressing what our children need in order to succeed in today's world.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
In Defiance of Hitler: The Secret Mission of Varian Fry by Carla Killough McClafferty
This book chronicles the efforts of American journalist Varian Fry, who flew to Mareseilles, France, in 1940 to help artistic and intellectual refugees flee the Nazi regime, but ended up staying for over a year to assist as many people as he could before he was evicted.
My Thoughts: This is a true story of one very courageous man and his efforts to save the lives of those that Hitler deemed unworthy. A true adventure tale!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Survivors: True Stories of Children in the Holocaust by Allan Zullo and Mara Bovsun
A collection of nine true stories of children who lived through the Holocaust of Nazi Germany, and describes how each was able to survive.
My Thoughts: I was touched by the stories in this book. They all show that survivors of the Holocaust had to have a very strong desire and will in order to survive this horror.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Anne Frank: Hidden Hope by Rita Thievon Mullin
A well researched and well written biography of Anne Frank, this book has lots of added photos, maps, diagrams and quotes to help the reader really get to know who Anne Frank was. Many quotes from Anne's diary add to the author's words. I especially liked the information about the chestnut tree that still stands outside the annex. This is a must read!
Babymouse: Queen of the World by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm
An imaginative mouse dreams of being queen of the world, but will settle for an invitation to the most popular girl's slumber party.
My Thoughts: Babymouse is fabulous! I've wanted to read her books for quite awhile. (Who wouldn't? They all have lots of pink!) Babymouse knows how to be a real friend. I can't wait to read more of her stories!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Truce: The Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting by Jim Murphy
This is a well researched acount of the Christmas Truce of 1914 during the first winter of World War I. The author did a great job explaining how the war began and how the armies came to be involved in trench warfare on the Western front. Photographs and paintings illustrate the true story.
My Thoughts: I loved the pictures and photos! This was very well written and easy to understand how this unforgettable event unfolded.
