What Are You Reading: November 2015

We believe it is important for educators to be readers and writers, so every month we take a day to report out on what we're reading. Join in by sharing your current reading list in the comments.

Professionally, Maggie is reading 10 Things Every Writer Needs to Know by Jeff Anderson. She says, "Don't let the title fool you; this book contains many useful tips and strategies for teachers that can be implemented immediately."

Barb just started A Man Called Ove. She says, "This book has been recommended to me by three people within the about the last month. So, I picked up a copy at a local book store on a recent vacation."

Carrie writes, "As a reader who loved both Fangirl and Eleanor and Park, a new Rainbow Rowell book is a cause for celebration! Carry On tells the story of Simon Snow, the fictional Harry Potterish character created in Fangirl. I just picked this book up and can't wait to sit down to enjoy it!!"

Andrea is reading parts of Uncommonly Good Ideas: Teaching Writing in the Common Core Era.

Barb (and her book club) are reading All American Boys. She explains, "The chapters of this book alternate perspectives of two teenage boys. One just had a violent confrontation with a police officer after being wrongfully accused of a crime. The other is trying to understand the actions of the officer, a man who he previously had tremendous respect for."

Julie says, "With a big part of our Back to Basics focus being on conferring, I am reading ONE to ONE by Lucy Calkins.  Calkins provides a predictable framework for conferring with young writers."

Andrea says, "Professionally, I am still reading Writing With Mentors, as I never got to it from the last time I posted!"

Maggie says, "I just finished Sunny Side Up, a graphic novel by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm. This is a very sweet and funny story that I'd recommend to any upper elementary or middle school reader."

Maggie is reading The Night She Disappeared by April Henry. She says, "This is a mystery written by the author of Girl, Stolen. I have a group of middle school girls who are flying through any titles by this author and I'm attempting to keep up with them!

Jaimie is reading Room by Emma Donoghue. She says, I googled 'books all women should read' and this one came up.  It is about a women who was kidnapped at 19 and kept enclosed in a room for 7 years.  During this time she gave birth to a child.  It is wonderfully written from her son's perspective and goes through their lives in the room and the struggles and joys they encounter after escaping.  I highly recommend it."  

Heather continues to read and love The Two Writing Teacher's blog. She explains, "Teachers share various writing tips for implementation during writer's workshop.  Their primary audience is PK-8th grade.  They provide tons of great strategies every week!"

Andrea says, "I am reading Outlander for fun.  I got hooked on the show during a free Starz weekend and then stopped watching because I wanted to savor the story."

Photo collage made with piZap.