books – Page 23 – Pernille Ripp

being a teacher, books, community, Literacy, Passion, students

A Powerful Lesson in Book Choice and Discovery

September 17, 2015 Pernille Ripp

tumblr_nutjskxIhY1qzr04eo1_1280 — image from icanread

I felt so guilty this morning planning final details of my lesson. After all, we are three weeks into the quarter and there is so much to do already. Three weeks and what have we really done? And yet, the books had been piling up. I had seen the students book hopping, abandoning at a rapid pace. And I knew there were so many great books to share. If only we did not have to do these other things. If only we had the time.

So this morning, I realized that we needed to find the time. That book shopping was not a luxury I could hope to get to but instead was a necessity. And not in a hurried, five minutes at the start of class kind of way either. Not in a “let’s fit it in quick so we can get to this other thing” kind of way. No, we had the need to make book shopping THE thing to do today. No matter what else we should have been doing.

They came in and immediately saw the piles of books; my favorite reads from the summer, brand new books that I haven’t even read, and some older favorites that I know they need to discover. Right away, the questions started. “What’s this? Did you see this?” As the students grabbed their readers’ notebooks, I interrupted their conversation. “Come on over.” And they did, surrounding me in the rocking chair as I read aloud the inspiring It’s A Book by Lane Smith. I love reading this book aloud to older students because they always giggle and then look to me to see if I got it too. And I do and I giggle too, and we marvel at the wonders of simply reading a book.

I asked them how they find new books to read and we brainstormed a list together. Nothing extraordinary but a simple reminder to indulge in the art of looking for a book. To take the time to truly go through the books and not just cast a glance at the cover and then make a decision.

They were itching to go. The books calling out for them and yet, I held them back for another few minutes as I book talked a select few books in each pile. Already the students were writing down titles.

“I know Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan looks like a giant book, but the pages will fly by as you read.”

“You think that The False Prince is a good book, but then you get to page 88 and it becomes a book you have to read as quickly as you can to see what happens next. And did you know the same author wrote A Night Divided?“

“In my hand I am holding the best book I have read so far this year. Yes, Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt is really that good.”

Finally, I told them to take their time, that I would give them the whole class period if they wanted it. And off they went. Their papers clutched tightly and their hands reaching out for all the books.

I stood back, observed, and smiled. Everywhere students were reading pages, sharing books, offering recommendations and scribbling down titles. Questions floating through the air as students told each other why they had to read this one, or how they couldn’t wait to read this other one. One child proudly showed me they had already found 10 titles to read and they knew they would find more.

As I walked around, the students came to me and offered up book recommendations, asking me to please write it down because they knew that so and so would love the book. They asked me if they could book shop our regular shelves or if I knew of a book that was like this other one they loved?

As I stood there and observed, I realized that it was not merely book shopping that was happening in front of us. It was the beginning of a community of readers. Of students that want to talk about their books, that want to share the stories they love with others, and that cannot wait to read a book. Not all of them, but many, and the others I will continue to work with.

We may not have gotten to that other lesson I thought we needed. We may not have gotten all the work time we need for the first speech we are giving. We may not even have had our independent reading time that we so ferociously protect. Instead through the discovery of books, we really discovered each other. I cannot wait to see where these communities will go next.

PS: If you are wondering which books I book talked, many of them can be found right here.

If you like what you read here, consider reading my book Passionate Learners – How to Engage and Empower Your Students. The 2nd edition and actual book-book (not just e-book!) comes out September 22nd from Routledge, but rumor has it that it is out on Kindle already!

being me, books

Welcome to the Physical World “Passionate Learners”

September 14, 2015 Pernille Ripp

It started with an email this morning and culminated with a package this afternoon. Then this happened…

That is me holding my book “Passionate Learners – How to Engage and Empower Your Students” and the twins wondering why I am so excited. Yup. My book was officially released today as an actual book, not just an e-book.

It’s a 2nd edition because Routledge, my publisher, thought it deserved a larger audience.

It’s a 2nd edition because I wanted to rewrite it with a lens of both elementary and middle school, which I would not have thought would be such a huge difference, but it really is at times.

It is a 2nd edition because I added many more ideas and went into further details trying to make changing the way we teach and involving students in their own education into a doable process.

But most importantly, it is a 2nd edition because my incredible 7th graders had so much they wanted to say to the world about how we can be better teachers. Their quotes are in every chapter, I was honored to give them a platform so they can change the world of education for the better.

To hold this book in my hands today, to have physical proof of my journey as an educator, to put it all out there in the hopes that someone else will not feel so alone in their journey toward change. That matters. To have hope that someone might read the book and be inspired. That matters. For someone to give me a way to amplify my voice, to help others, to become a better teacher myself. What a feeling that is.

PS: While Amazon says right now that it will take 1-2 months to ship , this is not true. Also I believe is on a special promotion through Kindle right now.

being a teacher, books, Literacy

If They Loved the Hunger Games – What to Read Next

September 12, 2015 Pernille Ripp

Most of my students love The Hunger Games, it seems to almost be a rite of passage to have read this series. I see them start the first book and then this fever comes over them as they race through the pages waiting to find out the fate of the characters. Hunger Games fever is a real phenomena I think. Yet, the sadness that overcomes them when they finish the series is also palpable. Where do they turn to next? What is the next series that they can fall in love with? Here are a few suggestions.

Pivot Point and its sequel Split Second by Kasie West is hands down one of my favorites duos ever. And yet most have not heard of it or read it. This is a travesty. I had this in my 5th grade library and in my 7th, it is slightly mature for 5th graders but completely fine for 7th. I still keep hoping that Kasie West will write a third book although she has said she won’t.

From Amazon:

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, a special type of clairvoyant, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she is able to look into the future and see both outcomes. So when her parents tell her they are getting a divorce and she has to pick who she wants to live with, a Search has never been more important.

In one future Addie is living with her mom in the life she’s always known and is being pursued by the most popular guy in school. In the other she is the new girl in school, where she falls for a cute, quiet artist. Then Addie finds herself drawn into a murder investigation, and her fate takes a darker turn. With so much to lose in either future, Addie must decide which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she’s willing to live without.

The Dissonance series by Erica O’Rourke is another often overlooked series that I absolutely love. Two books are out in the series at the moment but the battle is only getting bigger and better in the books. This is also fine for mature 5th grade readers and up.

From Amazon:

Every time someone makes a choice, a new, parallel world is spun off the existing one. Eating breakfast or skipping it, turning left instead of right, sneaking out instead of staying in bed—all of these choices create alternate universes in which echo selves take the roads not traveled. Del knows this because she’s a Walker, someone who can navigate between the worlds, and whose job is to keep the dimensions in harmony.

But Del’s decisions have consequences too. Even though she’s forbidden from Walking after a training session goes horribly wrong, she secretly starts to investigate other dissonant worlds. She’s particularly intrigued by the echo versions of Simon Lane, a guy who won’t give her the time of day in the main world, but whose alternate selves are uniquely interested. But falling for Simon draws Del closer to a truth that the Council of Walkers is trying to hide—a secret that threatens the fate of the entire multiverse.

All Our Yesterday’s by Cristin Terrill is not a series, but it should be. This book took my breath away when I read it and have found an appreciative audience with my 7th graders as well. This is a page turner.

From Amazon:

Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.

Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present- imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.

Marina has loved her best friend, James, since they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it . . . at least, not as the girl she once was. Em and Marina are in a race against time only one of them can win.

Joelle Charbonneau knows how to write a great book, her new book Need is a must add to any 7th grade classroom, but I first fell in love with her writing by reading The Testing series. This is also fine for mature 5th graders and up (Need probably is not).

From Amazon:

It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (”Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.

The Shattered series by Tahereh Mafi is another great contender for post Hunger Games reading. There certainly are similarities between the series but it still has a unique concept revolving around the main character.

From Amazon:

I have a curse.
I have a gift.

I’m a monster.
I’m more than human.

My touch is lethal.
My touch is power.

I am their weapon.
I will fight back.

No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon. But Juliette has plans of her own. After a lifetime without freedom, she’s finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she’d lost forever.

I have been gushing about Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard to anyone who will listen. Yes, it reminds me of so many other books but at the same time it is so good. So good. I was thrilled to put this into the hands of my 7th graders this week. Only drawback is that this is the only book out so far.

From Amazon:

Mare Barrow’s world is divided by blood–those with common, Red blood serve the Silver- blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own.

To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard–a growing Red rebellion–even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction. One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal.

I don’t think it is possible to have a post like this without mentioning the Legend series by Marie Lu. Yes, many have already read it and passed it on but there are still so many that haven’t. This is also a great entry book into science fiction for students who might not think the genre is for them.

From Amazon:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer, Cinder is the first book shown here, is so loved in our classroom that I have had to repurchase it a few times. And yes, we are counting down to November 15th when Winter comes out. This book is equally loved by 5th and 7th graders and is just one of those series where you want to read the whole thing in one sitting.

From Amazon:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Another modern day classic series is the Unwind series by Neal Shusterman. I first discovered this last year and had students use it in a book club, it was amazing.

From Amazon:

In America after the Second Civil War, the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life armies came to an agreement: The Bill of Life states that human life may not be touched from the moment of conception until a child reaches the age of thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, a parent may choose to retroactively get rid of a child through a process called “unwinding.” Unwinding ensures that the child’s life doesn’t “technically” end by transplanting all the organs in the child’s body to various recipients. Now a common and accepted practice in society, troublesome or unwanted teens are able to easily be unwound.

With breathtaking suspense, this book follows three teens who all become runaway Unwinds: Connor, a rebel whose parents have ordered his unwinding; Risa, a ward of the state who is to be unwound due to cost-cutting; and Lev, his parents’ tenth child whose unwinding has been planned since birth as a religious tithing. As their paths intersect and lives hang in the balance, Shusterman examines complex moral issues that will keep readers turning the pages until the very end.

Of course, a list like this would be woefully incomplete if it weren’t for The Maze Runner by James Dashner. I don’t know if I even need to say much about this series except that I will never forget the 5th grader that told me to read it. Thank you so much.

From Amazon:

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run.

being a teacher, books, ideas, Literacy, MIEExpert15, Passion, picture books

But How Do You Really Teach With Picture Books?

September 2, 2015 Pernille Ripp

2 days into the year and already we have shared 5 picture books. Today I read How to Read A Story by the amazing Kate Messner 5 times as we discussed what we love and hate about reading. As we discussed what makes a great reading experience. As I invited my students to come on over, one boy clapped his hands, “Story time!” he said. And not in a sarcastic 7th grade too-cool-for-school kind of way, but in the way that little kids say it; excited to hear the story. Excited to share in this moment. No one laughed at him, instead others joined in, murmuring their appreciation as well. Story time began as we sat around the rocking chair.

So I read aloud, and we added one more book to our “How many picture books in a year” bulletin board and my students left feeling like there was absolutely nothing wrong with doing just this; sharing a picture book even though now they are in middle school and maybe too old for some things.

I am often asked why picture books? Why spend the money on these seemingly simple books? Do I really teach with them or is it just for fun? And sure, sometimes it is just for fun, but most of the time? Picture books are serious business in our classroom.

I don’t just buy picture books because they look fun. A lot goes into the selection process. These are sacred texts we are bringing in, ones that will build our community, inspire us, and make us better readers and writers. That is something I take very seriously.

Selecting one to be read aloud is not done lightly either. At the moment I am contemplating whether to use The Day I Lost My Superpowers by Michael Escoffier or Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman as we get ready to discuss how we stop identifying ourselves as readers or writers tomorrow. I use them as a way to bridge a conversation that otherwise might be hard for some of my students to start. I use them as a way to access topics that sometimes my students cannot speak about because they are afraid of how others will react. Yet, when a character in a picture book goes through a situation that resonates with them then it becomes a safe conversation for them to have as well. You want to speak about loneliness in your classrooms? Read The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig or To the Sea by Cale Atkinson.

I use picture books as mentor texts, guiding us as we hone our own craft as readers, writers, and speakers. We read them once to find out the story, and then later I bring them back as we look at writers craft. We use them to figure out how to tell our message in a powerful way, such as by studying the careful word choice of Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson. We use them for setting up plot while still leaving our reader in suspense such as the storytelling found in The Skunk by Mac Barnett. We use them for when we are seemingly stuck for topics to write about and forget how extraordinary something simple can be such as the stories shared in Float by Daniel Miyares and Something Extraordinary by Ben Clanton.

Picture books are not just something we read, we write them ourselves in our epic nonfiction picture book project. We study them. We speak about them. We get ideas and inspiration from them. We carefully protect the time we have to read them. They are the mentor texts we shape our instruction around.

They become part of the tapestry of our room and something the students search out for solace when they need to feel like they are readers again. As one child told me yesterday after I had shared our very first picture book, “Picture books make you remember your imagination again.” And I knew that these kids got it. That they knew that this wasn’t just me having some fun, but that picture books will teach us some of the largest lesson this year. That picture books are not just for little kids and laughter. They are for readers of all ages, and in particular, those who have gotten lost.

PS: If you want to know which picture books, or at least a small sample of which I have in our room, see these lists.

books, Literacy, Passion, picture books

My Final List of Favorite Picture Books for the Coming Year

August 31, 2015August 31, 2015 Pernille Ripp

A final post on some new favorite picture books before the year kicks off officially tomorrow. I just received my final batch due to a grant from the Meemic Foundation who thought it was a delightful idea to purchase picture books for 7th graders. (They have a ton of grants that are easy to write, you should totally check them out). So without further ado, what shall we be exploring together in the coming weeks and months.

I have long been a loud fan of Bob Shea’s for a long time. After all, he is the genius that wrote Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great so I had to get Ballet Cat The Totally Secret Secret. It is laugh out loud funny. And the best part is that I can completely relate to the story and so will my students. Plus this will be perfect for acting out when we act out picture books at the end of the year. Is it bad if I have started the countdown for the next book to come out in February?

We are the shark team at our school so when a fellow picture book lover suggested I get this non-fiction picture book called Neighborhood Sharks by Katherine Roy I was sold. Warning; this is a real book about sharks, and they eat seals, so your 6 year old may be slightly terrified. I love the set up of this book and like I said, the illustrations are magnificent. What an amazing way to marry facts and picture book.

I can always count on Jillian Heise for having great recommendations for picture books and this one was one of them. Marilyn’s Monster by Michelle Knudsen is one I think many of my students will gravitate toward with its quiet message. I know I will e using it to facilitate deeper conversations about finding our own path in the world.

Another great recommendation from fellow picture book lovers was Shaun Tan’s Rules of Summer. This is one of those picture books I cannot wait for my students to read because I want to see their interpretation of it. The illustrations and the text beckon you to wonder, and that is a great thing indeed.

Wild About Us by Karen Beaumont is a beautiful book in many ways. The illustrations done by Janet Stevens pop off the page and catch your eye, but the message of the book is what really got me. We all have things that we can pick apart, but what we do with those things is what matters.

Just finding the image of the cover of I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton makes me laugh. Again an incredible non-fiction picture book that doesn’t scream non-fiction (not that there is anything wrong with non-fiction). We read this a few times at home and then told everyone about it. I cannot wait to see my students reaction to this book because you have to allow yourself to get a little bit silly.

Much to my surprise I was able to pick up a copy of Elwood Bigfoot Wanted: Birdie Friends by Jill Esbaum before its supposed release date. I love this message of the story, especially as a way to discuss with kids about what we do to try to fit in. And let’s admit it; Elwood is a really cute and funny Bigfoot.

Boats for Papa by Jessica Bagley is one that I am looking forward to reading and sharing with my students. The simple story is one that many of my students can relate to as well as the ambiguity of the situation. I love how this will help us discuss and understand that there are many correct interpretations of a story.

I happen to be a fan of both Mac Barnett and Patrick McDonnell so it was only natural that I added The Skunk to our collection. I cannot wait for the discussion of how we make decisions and how little things can affect our life in a big way.

To see the lists from this summer and other years, make sure you go here.

being a teacher, books, community, inspiration, Literacy, Passion

How I Select A Picture Book For Our Classroom

August 28, 2015 Pernille Ripp

Yesterday a new student wandered into our classroom with his parent and younger siblings; locker drop off was happening in preparation for the first day of school. As I looked up something for him, I heard them excitedly talk about the books in our room. “Here’s that one that you wanted to read…Oh, do you remember this series….” And then they saw the picture books. After all, they are hard to miss. Right away the comments came, “Oh, I loved this one…” “Have you seen this one, that looks fun…” And so forth and I smiled ever so wide, because picture books once again have proven to be a way to connect in our classroom.

But how do you pick the right ones for your classroom? How do you know which ones to get? I make lists, as do many others, but how do I even know which to put on the list? I thought a few helpful tips may be in order.

I am connected. I am a proud member of the Nerdy Book Club and through Twitter I am connected to many picture book loving people; teachers, librarians, parents, and all of the other amazing people out there. I follow hashtags like #Titletalk, #pb10for10 and #nerdybookclub to stay in the know. And I tweet out asking for recommendations all of the time.

I keep a written list handy. I have a journal book with me at all times, and while I often add books to my wishlist on Amazon, I like having the list in my bag. I am always adding to it and will cross out as I either purchase or reject. This also makes it easy for me to recommend books to others that they may not know about.

I read them beforehand, most of the time. Many times we will wander to the nearest book store so that I can browse the books before purchasing them. How do I know that this will be a great one for our room, well there are few things I look for…

Do I react to it in any way? A picture book doesn’t always have to have a deep message for me to react to it; was it funny, did it make me think, did it leave me with questions? All of these are things that I look for.

Is it easy to follow? Sometimes it takes more than one read to really get a book and while I love those books too, most of the time, I am looking for a book that my students will get rather quickly. At least most of them. However, I do purchase picture books to use with smaller groups that have layers we can peel away.

Is the language accessible? Yes, I teach 7th graders but their reading development levels ranges from 2nd grade to high school, so can all students access the text or will I need to “translate” it?

What purpose does it have? I often look for picture books that can be used as community builders, self connections, or conversation starters. We also use them as mentor texts as we develop as readers and writers throughout the year. But I also look for picture books that will make my students laugh, make them reconnect with being a little kid again, or help them get out of a bad mood. I try to get a balance of all of these types of books in the hands of students.

Will we read it more than once? Because I buy most of the picture books in my classroom, I look for enduring books that we will return to again and again. Different things make books repeat reads; the illustrations, the phrasing, the story. Bottom-line: it is a gut feeling most of the time.

Do we have other works by the author? My students feel closely connected to the picture book authors and illustrators whose books we love so I try to expand our favorite collections as often as possible. Some of our favorites are Mo Willems, Peter H. Reynolds, Ame Dyckman, Jon Klassen, and Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

Sometimes I just take a chance on a book. Sometimes I have no rhyme or reason for what I bring in other than a small feeling that some kid at some point will connect with it. I never know which picture book my students will love, so sometimes I just sit back and let them explore and then pay closely attention. Then I go out and get more of those.

And, of course, I cannot write a post discussing picture books without sharing a few of my new favorites or ones that I cannot wait to get.

Laugh out loud funny, The Pretty, Pretty Bunny by Dave Horowitz is in my first day pile for kids to choose from.

The Promise by Nicola Davies is a beautiful tale of making a difference. This would also be great for a science classroom.

I cannot wait to get Finding Winnie – The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick. I wonder how many students will love this tale of the real Winnie the Pooh.

Why do I have a feeling that Elwood Bigfoot: Wanted: Birdie Friends by Jill Esbaum will become a favorite of my students?

Picture books are a part of our tapestry and something that I am proud we use in our middle school. I hope being vocal about the benefit of using picture books with older students will help others take the jump. I got to discuss more of this in this article here.