The Book Lottery and the Importance of the Independent Book Store

On Tuesday morning I held my first book lottery out in the hall outside my room. Another teacher was walking by, and stopped to watch. She couldn't believe that 9 boys were waiting to find out if they got to be the first to read a new book. I opened the lottery to students that had read the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid. There was joy for the six that got to be first to read Rodrick Rules, and disappointment for the four that had to wait. By weeks end 10 third graders and two second graders have finished it. I hope more students read it this week.

I hear often from teachers that they have to get their books from the big chains because they offer better discounts. Yes, teachers are on limited budgets but if WE don't support the independent book sellers wonderful children's book will NEVER be read. I would not have the books to share with my class if it were not for The Bookies. It is a jam packed book store. The women that work there do it because of their love of books. They share that with everyone that walks in the door.

Rodrick Rules

I got six copies on Saturday. It is a hilarious sequal. I enjoy how Greg gives us a realistic view of what it is like being a sibling. Are all vice principale like that?

I can't wait to see the looks on students faces tomorrow when they find out that the book arrived before February!

Third Grade List

I am very excited that The Invention of Hugo Cabret won the Caldacott. After looking at all the great list of books I decided to ask my third graders what their favorite books are. So here is their list:

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid
• Harry Potter (series)
• The Lightening Thief (Percy Jackson series)
• Bone
• Rotten School
• Captain Underpants (wow what a surprise!)
• Narnia LWW (they said it was short for Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe)
• The Arrival (this one surprised me because no one has asked if it can be put in a book bag)
• Goosebumps
• Tales of the Crypt
• The Simpson's

It is great to see such a range of books. A few are influenced by what I have brought into the classroom, but that is why I read the book blogs, the NY Times book review, and visit The Bookies. The more I bring in the more excited they become.

The Lightening Theif

The Guys Read Book Club met for the second time this past Wednesday. The boys were so excited to talk about The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan. It is amazing how a book gets a group of boys going. Most of them used Christmas money to buy the sequel.

Here a a couple of examples on how excited they really are about this book. First, a parent told me that her son told her that during lunch they are playing Lightening Thief. Each boy is a different character and they are reenacting the book. The mom is so excited about the club. The second example happened yesterday. I am doing a mid-year DRA2 on my students. I was testing a boy from the book club. He did his oral reading part (went from a DRA28 to a DRA38), and I sent him over to an area to finish the book and answer the questions. I look up and he is sneaking looks at a Greek Mythology book. How bad is it when a kid is reading a book during a reading test?

Congratulations Jon Scieszka

It is exciting to have an ambassador for children's literature. The New York Times describes him as a witty and subversive author. I guess whatever it takes to get boys to read is fine by me.

His book and web site Guys Read is a great resource for boys. I started a boys book club at my school called Guys Read Book Club. Once a month myself and 8 third grade boys meet to discuss a book. The first meeting we talked about Diary of A Wimpy Kid.

This Wednesday we are talking about The Lightening Thief.

Happy New Year

My goal was to get the blog started at the beginning of winter break, but since school starts Monday I didn't quite make it. I am excited that I did start one. My objective for The Boy Reader blog is to share books that boys enjoy reading. I want my boy readers to see that there are books besides Captian Underpants. Dav Pilkey is wonderful!

I want to start by thanking a couple of blogs that inspire and inform me: A Year of Reading and A Fuse #8. Over time I will add other blogs.