What Are You Reading: January 2015

1. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. Carrie says, "If you loved Eleanor and Park, this novel, by the same author, offers the same realistic and intriguing characters!"

2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Diane says, "I am reading The Alchemist by Paul Coelho.  This came recommended to me by a friend who is coaching me to follow my heart.  It is a mystical story about a shepherd boy who feels the need to travel to other worlds to find the treasures in life. His journey leads him to taking the road less traveled and riches of a different and more satisfying kind."

3. "Leader, Teacher, Diagnostician, Colleague, and Change Agent: A Synthesis on the Research of the Role of the Reading Specialist in This Era of RtI-Based LIteracy Reform" by Emily Phillips Galloway and Nonie K. Lesaux (from April 2014 issue of The Reading Teacher). Jaimie says, Discusses how the role of the reading specialist has evolved over the years and how many more duties and much more knowledge are required to do the job well."

4. Having Hard Conversations by Jennifer Abrams. Andrea picked out a few quotes to share:

• "Telling the truth to one another, as coaches, as administrators, and as colleagues, is one of the most important ways that we grow personally and professionally" (p. 3).
• "Relationships are everything in the field of education and we actively shy away from causing bad feelings" (p. 2).
• "Having hard conversations is a skill for which many of us have no training and little experience" (p. 3).

5. Heather is using/referencing Write Like This by Kelly Gallagher - especially the sections on inform and explain and inquire and explore.

6. Julie is reading TDQ: Text-Dependent Questions by Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey.

7. Heather is using/referencing Classroom Strategies for Interactive Learning by Doug Buehl, especially the section on "Question the Author."

8. "Should We Teach Students At Their Reading Levels" by Timothy Shanahan (from the September/October 2014 issue of IRA Reading Today). Jaimie says, "Interesting article debating whether students should ALWAYS be reading text at their instructional or independent level. Gives reasons why we should also be using 'frustrational' level texts with students."

9. Yes, Please by Amy Poehler. Barb says, "I downloaded this immediately after hearing an interview on NPR, and my new best friend, Amy, has been keeping me company in the car ever since. It's funny, touching, realistic, and light."

Use the comments to continue the conversation by telling us what you're reading.