books – Page 24 – Pernille Ripp

My Favorite Reads of the Summer – Part 2

August 25, 2015August 24, 2015 Pernille Ripp

I have a week left of vacation; a week left to read as many books as possible. A week left to try to get through my ever growing to-be-read pile. This afternoon, I made a list for my best friend’s 7th grader of books he had to read, and I once again realized how lucky we are that we get to help students find amazing books. And how lucky we are that authors continue to write such incredible tales. So what are some more favorites from this summer?

Thanks to Netgalley I just finished reading the wonderful The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin. I love the science woven into this thoughtful story about grief and trying to find your place in a world that seems hellbent on making it hard for you. This is a Global Read Aloud 2016 contender.

When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds has been in my TBR pile for a long time, but since it had a gun on the cover in a way I had kind if dismissed the book as being suitable for my 7th grade classroom. Folks, do not let the cover stop you from reading this book, it is incredible, and do not let the cover stop you from adding this to your middle school classroom, you need to read it, discuss it, and then share it with students. The Boy in the Black Suit also by Jason Reynolds is another of my favorites and he is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers out there. This is another Global Read Aloud 2016 contender.

Ruta Sepetys is a master story teller who proved her staying power with Between Shades of Gray. She has done it again with Salt to the Sea. This historical fiction novel based on one of the largest maritime disasters during WWII is full of suspense as well as well-developed characters and a story that keeps you turning pages. Note, this book is for pre-order only right now, I was given an ARC at ILA.

Another magnificent historical fiction novel about Ada and the seemingly impossible odds she is trying to overcome during the evacuation of children from London during WWII. The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is one to add to your classroom library from 4th grade and up.

Joelle Charbonneau, author of the great science fiction series The Testing, is back in full-force with this realistic fiction novel Need. This was a page turner of the truest kind, so much so that I stayed up into the night so I could finish reading it. Once again, this is more mature, and also only available for pre-order at the moment. Since I read it on Netgalley, I have already placed my pre-order, this will be a huge hit in November with my 7th graders.

I have admire Holly Black’s vivid imagination ever since the incredible and terrifying The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. That is why I was surprised that it took me such a long time to read her newer one The Darkest Part of the Forest. It is so good, again, I read it one night. Scary and with some relationship stuff in it, but nothing too graphic, I had to read just one more page to see how it all would turn out. This is one of those books that makes you admire writers even more because how do they ever come up with such amazing ideas?

So there you have it for now. A few new favorites to add to your library, a few new favorites to share with students. Happy reading everyone!

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.

Be the change, being a teacher, being me, books, Passion

It Soon Becomes A Reality

August 24, 2015 Pernille Ripp

Yesterday was the 22nd of August, to us a rather milestone moment, but to the rest of the world probably not so much. You see yesterday marked the 1 month countdown to the publication of the 2nd edition of my first book Passionate Learners – How to Engage and Empower Your Students. And while I tend to not use this blog for self promotion, I am so proud of this book and what it might offer for others, that I am breaking my own rule today.

It seems weird to think that a book is a 2nd edition, but there is a very simple reason for it. The book is no longer owned by its original publishing company due to differing visions and Routledge purchased the rights. They saw something in the book that made them want to print it as an actual book, release it on Amazon, and market it to the world. Humbling…

But I didn’t want to just re-package it. I saw this as a chance to re-write it, to add my students voices even more, and to add what I had learned now being a middle school teacher. So it is not the same book any more, it is so much better.

This book is for those who need inspiration to change the way they teach. This book is for those who wonder whether you can really limit homework, limit grades, and get rid of punishment and rewards within our school system. This book is for those that feel they are doing pretty good as teachers but really need a boost, really need to bring the classroom back to the students again. This book is for those who like me were just fine teachers but knew there had to be a better way.

So in 1 month, I will get to hold my own book in my hands. I will get to give it to the world and hope the world responds. My greatest hope is that one person will read it and it will help them, that my words can make someone else’s life better. After all, isn’t that what we hope for in our classrooms every day?

PS: If you would like to preorder the book, please use this link.

being a teacher, being me, books, Literacy, Passion, student choice

On Hating Reading

August 18, 2015August 18, 2015 Pernille Ripp

I have loved reading as many years as I have lived. Reading wove its threads throughout my life, from my mother reading aloud to me every night, to learning to read English books in the lap of my now-father, biking to our public library with a plastic bag empty waiting for the books that would fill it, and now passing my love on to my own children as they beg for just one more book, every single night.

I have brought my love of reading into the classroom, cementing that in this room we are all readers. We all spend time finding those books that will transform us. Finding those moments where we beg for just one more page, one more minute, and hope that the teacher will give it to us.

I love reading, but I do not ask all of my students to love reading. I do not expect them to fall as madly in love with reading as I have, because if I did then I would ask them to accept the identity I have shaped for myself. I would ask them to sometimes do something impossible.

Instead, I ask them to like it more. To give it another chance, even if their hatred has been cemented in years of torturous reading experiences. I make them promise me to give it a chance, a proper one, to keep their minds open as we grow throughout the year. There are some students who will never love reading. Who will never feel like reading is the one thing they must do every day to sustain their souls. And yes, that makes me sad, but I also need to make sure that our classroom welcomes all students. Even those that identify as reading haters.

So we should carry our torch for the love of reading wherever we go. We should exude passion. We should help each child believe that they are readers. That books are for them. That they too can immerse themselves in something so deeply that they almost forget to breathe. Yet, I must remember, that if I tell a child that they must love reading, some children will rebel simply on principal. Some children will find every reason to hate it more. So I do not assume that all children will love reading. I assume instead that within our short time together, I can make them hate it less. I can change their minds, if even just a little bit. After all, our classrooms are created by the true personalities of our students. We must meet them where they are and help them grow on their journey.

I will never stop loving reading. I will never stop telling my students that they are readers every single day. Even those that don’t believe they are. I will never stop sharing my own love of reading, but I will allow students to figure out where their emotions fall and then help them move from there. I will see my students for who they are, even if they do not love reading. Even if I will never understand how you cannot.

books, Literacy, Reading

Some of My Favorite Historical Fiction Books Right Now

August 15, 2015August 15, 2015 Pernille Ripp

I just finished Ruta Sepetys’ new book Salt to the Sea which I received as an ARC at ILA. It was amazing. As I poured over the historical notes in the book, I marveled at the dedication and know-how that it takes to create a masterful historical fiction book, and Ruta Sepetys is a master at it. I know that some of my students live and breathe for historical fiction and therefore thought a list of some of my favorite historical fiction chapter books would only be in order.

I have to start with the book that made me want to make this list; Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. This book is a masterpiece, told in multiple perspectives and once again taking a little known event and giving it its proper place in history telling the tale of one of the largest maritime disasters in history that happened in 1945. The only unfortunate part is that this book is not released until February, 2016, but do yourself a favor and pre-order it now. I just did.

Ever since The False Prince, Jennifer A. Nielsen has been one of my favorite authors, so I was terribly excited when I read her new historical fiction novel A Night Divided about a young girl and her brother trying to reunite with their father in a divided Berlin. This book was a page turner and also offered an incredible glimpse of what life was like in East Berlin.

I have loved Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson for a few years, trying to pass it into the hands of as many students as possible. The story follows Hattie as she tries to prove up on her uncle’s homesteading claim. There was so much I didn’t know about the trials and tribulations of this time, I am so glad I read this book to teach me.

Although intended for a more mature reader, I did have a copy of The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow in my 5th grade library. This loose interpretation of the famous German Boxer Max Schmeling’s experiences after KristallNacht is one that a student declared the best book he had ever read. I don’t think I can give it a bigger recommendation than that.

Is it awful to admit that the reason it took me so long to read the incredible The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley was because I didn’t like the cover? Oh when will I ever learn? This book is an amazing account of what it felt like to be a child in London during WWII and especially the children that were transported to the countryside to live with strangers for protection. A must add.

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool is a quirky book that grows on you as you as you read it. Students tend to not pick this one up by themselves, but once I have book talked it , it always finds it home with “that” kid that falls deeply in love with it.

I had the distinct honor of seeing Pam Munoz Ryan speak, and even play the harmonica, at ILA this summer and it only strengthened my belief that she is a genius. Echo, her latest book, is a masterpiece with three seemingly different stories woven together perfectly all surrounding WWII but in three very different places. I cannot wait to hand this to as many students as possible.

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine was a Global Read Aloud finalist, need I say more? With its tale of two girls becoming friends in segregated Little Rock, I felt like I held my breath until the end of the story. I have used this for book clubs as well with much success.

It seems only fitting that I end with another Ruta Sepetys book Between Shades of Gray. A remarkable book that details the forcible relocation of Lithuanians that happened during WWII. Books like this are the reason historical fiction is so important to have for students.

I purposefully am trying to highlight newer books to me, but please do not forget about these amazing books as well that have already stood the test of time. Some of these include

The Watson’s Go to Birmingham- 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

I actually have a bit of hard time with Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. Being born and raised in Denmark and having a grandfather that was a resistance fighter during the war, this book has taken something very hard in my country’s history and packaged it a little bit too neatly. However, it does give a taste of what Denmark was like during WWII, but certainly not the full story. If you have more mature readers, have them read The Boys Who Challenged Hitler by Phillip Moose. That will give a much more comprehensive and astounding look at what really happened during World War II in Denmark.

So which ones have I forgotten?

being me, books, Literacy, Reading

10 Picture Books that Spark Empathy

August 10, 2015 Pernille Ripp

To find more information about the August 10 for 10 Picture Book and see all of the amazing posts go to the hosts’ sites: Cathy Mere at Reflect & Refine and Mandy Robek at Enjoy and Embrace Learning.

I had a hard time picking which type of list to make today. Should I do one on laugh out loud picture books? One on wordless? How about those that make us cry? Yet, I kept coming back to this list; the one that stuck with me the longest; the picture books that spark empathy. These are the ones that leave my students speechless at times, other times eager to discuss. The ones that stick with us throughout the year that push us to think about our actions and become better people. Those were the ones I wanted to highlight today.

I have long loved The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson for its straightforward story of two girls living on either side of a fence and yet many miles apart. For some of my students this is territory they have not gone into yet, so the conversations about race, our history, and even what is happening now in our world abound.

I don’t remember how I came upon The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig. My guess is that someone shared it on their blog, so thank you to them. This story so beautifully encapsulates what it means to feel invisible and every time I have used it with students it has led to deep conversations. We read this more than once so we can pay attention to the illustrations as well.

Students immediately fall in love with Pete & Pickles by Berkeley Breathed for the illustrations but then come back again and again for the story of an unlikely friendship between a pig and an elephant. This is a must read aloud at any age. (ANd truly they all are).

It has been established already that Peter H. Reynolds is a creative genius. I have loved all of his books since the first time I read them. This book, I’m Here, is one that doesn’t get a lot of attention standing next to The Creatrilogy, but it should. It’s eloquent story about a boy who feels so all alone is one that will settle into the hearts of students.

Thea, my kindergartner, came home and told me that I had to get this book about a big red crayon. Okay…. I thought. But she was right, Red – A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall was one that I had to read aloud to my 7th graders. And then we had to discuss what it meant staying true to one’s own nature as well as facing the pressures of others. I swear this book was written for middle schoolers and not young children secretly.

It is a celebration in my life whenever the talented Ame Dyckman comes out with a new picture book and Wolfie the Bunny was definitely a cause for celebration. This book about assumptions and what they can lead to has not only made my students laugh outloud, but more importantly, has led us to question our own assumptions about others.

I have Bluebird by Bob Staake on many favorite picture book lists, and there is a reason for that. The shock on my students faces when we get to that page. The questions, the discussion when I step out of the way are priceless. This is a wordless picture book which also means that my students love interpreting the ending.

I cried when I read aloud The One and Only Ivan so it only seems fitting that I cried when I read out loud Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate. My students love to ask questions after this book, they love to talk about their own animals, what they would do to save others.

I read this book out loud to all 5 of my 7th grade classrooms. It was astounding how similar the reaction was; disbelief, outrage, questions and perhaps a tear or two shed by me. This story Malala, A Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal, A Brave Boy from Pakistan by Jeanette Winter is one that will stay with you for a long time. This is sure to elicit conversations and calls for action.

I always seem to cheat on these posts and never stick to just 10, so for my 10th pick I will give you several instead. All of these are worthy of being read aloud and discussed. We need more empathy in this world, I am so glad these authors give us a chance to do just that.

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

The Name Jar by Yanksook Choi (Having a name that no one pronounces correctly in the USA really makes me love this book even more).

One by Kathryn Otoshi

Zero by Kathryn Otoshi

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes.

Which ones would you add to the list?

being me, books, Literacy, Reading, students

My 10 Favorite Nonfiction Picture Books Right Now

August 8, 2015 Pernille Ripp

I don’t remember reading much nonfiction as a child, perhaps I was too caught up in being a kid to notice. I read biographies for a long time, but nonfiction picture books were not on my playlist. Not so anymore. The nonfiction picture books that are available to our students now are amazing and every year a few more settle into our library and hearts. Here are the top ten favorites in our classroom library.

When Donalyn Miller recommends a picture book, I pay attention. Tricky Vic – the Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower by Greg Pizzoli is a masterpiece. A page-turning read that makes you shake your head in wonder. This is a picture book for all ages.

Kelly Milner Halls can do no wrong in my eyes and her book In Search of Sasquatch is a favorite read in our classroom library. The reporting style of the book, the pictures, and the flow of the text makes this a book that students come back to again and again. Check out all of her other nonfiction texts too, you will be glad you did.

Loved by many, any of Elise Gravel’s Disgusting Creatures series such as The Worm is sure to suck readers in. With its whimsical illustrations surrounded by the facts about these animals, readers don’t even know how much they are learning as they devour the pages.

I don’t think it is possible to have a top 10 nonfiction picture book list without Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate. This beautiful book and story makes me cry every time I read it, but it is worth every sniveled tears. This is also one of the most lost picture books in my classroom, I hope it finds much love in its new homes.

Anything by Seymour Simon deserves to be on this list, but Gorillas is one of our favorites. With its stunning photography and accessible text, it provides my students with enough information to make them feel knowledgeable, as well as the desire to keep reading more. Seymour Simon is a legend within the nonfiction universe, rightfully so.

I have mentioned Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall by Micheaux Nelson on many picture book lists and there is definitely a reason for that. This book provides students with a different historical narrative about the 1800’s than most. Students cannot believe the story is true and it is often discussed for a long time after.

I remember reading the newspaper articles about George, and yet when Galapagos George by Jean Craighead George showed up at my house I still read it aloud to Thea not putting two and two together. George does not have a happy ending, which I knew, but had forgotten about. The shocked look on Thea’s face as I got to the end told me I should have probably prepped her, however, the tale itself is hauntingly beautiful and completely worth the shock.

Every time I receive one of these Did You Know books by Laura Lyn DiSiena and Hannah Eliot I cannot wait to read them aloud to my own kids and then get them into the classrooms. these whimsical fact-bursting books are for kids of all ages and is sure to leave even the most knowledgeable reader in awe.

Manfish by Jennifer Berne tells the childhood story of Jacques Costeau. I love filling my students in on this ocean explorer, and the illustrations are gorgeous. A simple tale told about one of the great explorers of our time.

And for spot number 10, I can’t pick, so here are a few more of my favorite reads.