Books to Share

A new book from Patricia Polacco
that restates the power of individual potential.

During the last staff meeting, teachers shared some new books that were great mentor texts for reading and/or writing workshop and wonderful books to read aloud. The titles are...

• Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco

"When young Trisha finds out her class at the new school is known as “The Junkyard,” she is devastated. She moved from her old town so she wouldn’t be in a special class anymore! But then she meets her teacher, the quirky and invincible Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of students each with his or her own unique talent. And it is here in The Junkyard that Trisha learns the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are, in fact, wonders, all of them." Amazon.com

• Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester by Barbara O'Connor

“This well-crafted novel creates a charming mix of the commonplace and the extraordinary. . . . Appealing and authentic, this tale of summertime adventure will be a hit with readers year round.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review

• Author: A True Story by Helen Lester

"Lester's lighthearted look at how she came to write children's books will give aspiring authors of any age a lift and encouragement to persevere." Ages 4-8. (Aug.)
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

• Dex, The Heart of a Hero by Caralyn Buehner
  

"Dexter the dog is so little that Cleevis the tomcat bullies him. But little Dex has dreams—big dreams. He wants to be a superhero. So he reads all the comic books he can, builds his muscles, and even orders a hero suit. Suddenly, even Cleevis needs his help! Dexter has determination, spirit, and heart as he proves, above all, that no matter how little you are, you can still do very big things." Amazon.com

Two Librarians Share the Latest Nonfiction Titles

Go to the Nonfiction Detectives to read about new nonfiction titles. Two Maine librarians review new books that are sure to excite and inform all readers.

A New Year of Workshop Teaching

This year, evidence that workshop teaching makes a difference appeared on the first day of school. As I walked through the halls, I heard teachers excitedly remarking that their new students could “turn and talk” without being prompted, they understood that reading is about “comprehension and fluency,” and many were choosing books that were “just right.” I saw students sharing books with their friends before the first bell and students “lost in books” in their classrooms. Last week I spent time in 3^rd grade and was impressed with the hum in both classrooms as transitions during Reading Workshop were smooth, calm, and quick. Students clearly understood expectations that, “nothing matters more than time spent reading.”