Books I've Been Recommending This Week

I've seen many of my 7th grade classes in the library this week, simply to be able to say "hi" and give them a good starting list of books they should be reading this fall.

Here are some of the titles I've been recommending that are getting the most "buzz" from the students:

A trio of sports titles, two of them by BIG. NAME. SPORTSWRITERS.

A new book by the writer/director by some big-time classics such as "The Goonies" and "Gremlins" teams up with another wild and crazy writer for this new series starter.

 I really like this new survival/post-apocalyptic/road trip story. I hope that it is the beginning of a series.

And for a much more light-hearted road trip story, this is a quick one about a father and son on a quest to rescue a dog.

Two series that I love...and love to promote.

And two books that are "quiet gems" looking for just the right reader. I loved them both, and hope just the right student finds them and adores them also.

Amazing Authors visit Evergreen!

Evergreen was so lucky to host two amazing authors this week. Lisa McMann and Jennifer Nielsen took time out of their busy touring schedule to visit students in the Library Tuesday morning. Several 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Language Arts classes were lucky to be able to hear the presentation. It was a PACKED house!

Now, right off the bat, let me just say that I was very happy to be able to organize this event as I am a HUGE fan of BOTH authors and their books. I was also glad that I was feeling well enough to be there so I could meet them. (I tried not to embarrass myself too much by gushing like a teenage fan-girl...I promise).

 


Such a good time was had by all. AND we received some great advice to help us with our writing. Here are just a few of the important things to keep in mind:
(1) Story connects all of us! Books, music, dance, art...all creative endeavors tell a story.
(2) When you write something you think it's AMAZING, and you're sure that your teacher will think it's PERFECT. No such luck, right? The teacher always thinks your work needs revision. UGH! But Ms. Nielsen decoded the word "revision" for us: This is your teacher's way of saying what you have done is pretty good, but it could be great...with revision. "It's not enough to be good, I expect you to be great."
(3) Great writing comes in re-writing.
(4) Ms. McMann reminded us to always ask the "What If?" questions...no matter where you are, or what you see, there's a story in it.

Their combined tips for wannabe writers:
(1) Read your favorite book over and look at it like a writer.
(2) Don't give up!
(3) Don't be afraid to fail.
(4) Be true to who you are. Write your own voice. "We need your voice!"
(5) Read!
(6) Keep writing.



Besides being a fan of each other's books, Ms. McMann admitted to being a fan of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and the "Chronicles of Narnia" books when she was a tween/teen. Ms. Nielsen loved (and still does) "The Outsiders" when she was in middle school. (Great choices, ladies!)






About the morning, Ms. Nielsen had this to say, "So glad to have met you, and the others there, and the fantastic students. Lisa and I really enjoyed our time at your school." Well, we really enjoyed our time with both of you! Thank you...and a big THANK YOU to Third Place Books for bringing this event to us.

To hear more about their books, read this previous "Trailer Tuesday" post.

And if you ever have a chance to see these dynamic women in person, DON'T MISS IT! You will not regret it. And if she doesn't tell you the story, ask Ms. Nielsen how her and Suzanne Collins share something in common.

First Semester is in Full Swing!

Boy, isn't that the truth...

I just looked at the number of blog posts for September, and it is a frighteningly low number, especially when compared with August.  Clearly school is in full swing!  But I promise, I'm turning over a new leaf in October.

So, what have I been doing that has kept me from checking in with the blog on a regular basis?  Well, obviously A LOT of reading, lesson planning, writing, newsletters, reviews, teaching classes, teaching teachers...the list goes on and on, as it does for every teacher.  Lately I have been wrapped up in our "Not Just Reading and Writing" project, which started last week and is already moving along. 

This is a popular and well-loved project at EJH that allows students in our 7^th grade Tech I classes to tie their learning of technology skills into the Language Arts 6+1 Traits of Writing curriculum, and demonstrate both in a culminating project of writing, illustrating, and publishing a children’s picture book of their own design.  When the final books are published, our 7th graders invite kindergartners from the neighboring elementary schools to visit the junior high library for a field trip to hear the stories read aloud. (To see pictures of this project in action, click on the link above).  This project has won a Best Buy "Teach Award" grant, a Best Buy "@15" grant, a Lake Washington Schools Foundation grant, and a grant from the Evergreen PTSA.

While I have learned MANY things during the process of teaching creative writing to 7th graders, one of my favorites is the discovery of "Chester's Masterpiece" by Melanie Watt.  What a perfect book to teach students about what a good story needs, and how difficult the process is.  For those of you not familiar with Watt's books about Chester the cat, you should definitely read them all.  But if you are looking for a fun way to introduce students of any age to creative writing, you MUST pick up this newest one where Chester takes over and decides he can write a book all by himself without the help of Ms. Watt.  WONDERFUL...FUNNY...PERFECT!  My daughter would say, "Two Thumbs Up!"

I cannot wait to see the books that this semester's classes create.  Will keep you updated on the progress.  What has been keeping you busy so far this school year?