The Book Whisperer Chapter 4

"Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading,

to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs,

is good for him."       Richard McKenna

How do you choose books to read?
You've heard not to judge a book by its cover, but I still do sometimes! 
When I am looking for a book to read, I look at the cover/title.  Does it look/sound interesting?  I also look at the author.  If I've read and enjoyed a book by them before, then I would be willing to try another one. 
Lately I've been asking friends what they are reading.  If they liked it enough to recommend it, then I might just give it a try! 

Have you read any good books lately?
I am hoping to borrow a copy of The Help.  I want to read the book before we see the movie next month.



One of the things Miller talked about in this chapter is that it is okay to stop reading a book if you do not enjoy it.  This is hard for me because I want to finish every book because maybe, just maybe, it will get better....if....I....just....keep....reading.  That doesn't always work!!

I wish I had known about "The Rights of the Reader" by Daniel Pennac before now.  One of the rights is "The right not to finish."  It would have saved me a lot of time and frustration.

Miller says, "My goal for all my students is for them to discover that they can be readers."  That should be the goal of every teacher, shouldn't it?  No matter what our kids come to us with, they can be readers.  Does that mean every kid will leave your room at the end of the year at or above grade level?  Of course not, but every child can be a reader!

Miller continues, "It is important to celebrate milestones with students and focus on their reading successes, not their failure to meet requirements, which only serves to discourage students."  Yes, yes, and yes!  It can be hard to do with all the focus on kids who are "below grade level", but we have to keep them motivated so they KEEP READING!