These are few of our favorite things…
Melissa is particularly fond of the Harry Potter Series, by JK Rowling, the Amelia Bedelia books, by Peggy and Herman Parish, and the Fudge books by Judy Blume.
When asked what inspires her to read, Melissa replied, “I’ve loved to read my entire life. Books teach me, inspire me, motivate me, help me escape into other worlds when I need to and also to see that others share a lot of similar experiences that I’ve had.”
Danielle loves Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic, by Shel Silverstein. She is also very fond of I Love You Because You are You, by Liza Baker.
When asked what inspires her to read, Danielle replied, “Reading provides the perfect escape from a chaotic world. It’s an easy way to quiet your mind and your heart. I love that a book can be found to tap into whatever you need in that moment.”
Deli recommends Phoebe’s Revolt, by Natalie Babbit. She also fondly remembers performing a dramatic reading of “Paul Revere’s Ride” often referred to as “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere”, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, for her students. She loves bringing poetry to life.
I asked Deli what she enjoys most about reading. She responded, “That I can.” Having overcome learning challenges as a child, Deli loves to help her students overcome their obstacles so they, too, can learn to read.
More Favorites Books
Carolyn recommends Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White, and The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein.
I asked Carolyn about her earliest memory of reading. Carolyn remembers memorizing “Green Eggs and Ham”, by Dr. Seuss. This is an excellent example of an emerging pre-reader.
Christine and her sons all enjoy mythological fiction, fantasy and adventure. They read a book simultaneously and then discuss it. A recent family favorite is Gregor the Overlander, by Suzanne Collins.
Michelle recommends Nina Bonita, by Ana Maria Machado, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, by Mildred D. Taylor, and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C. S. Lewis.
Michelle credits her love of reading to those who read to her as a child. She was so grateful for the gift of being read to that she made reading to her classroom a priority when she was a classroom teacher. She read each of the books listed above to her students.
Robin recommends Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen, and Because of Winn Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo.
Robin has noticed that her children’s favorite books are often similar to her favorite books. The material is often encouraging and provides great comfort.
Join in the Conversation
Many of my favorites have already been listed. I echo all of these recommendations. If you have a favorite book, please feel free to add it to the comment section below. Share the gift of reading with our students. If we receive enough replies, we will compile the list and post it here on Inside Learning.
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