Talking Books!

One of the best things about my job is that I get to talk to students about good books!  I’m always amazed and impressed by the knowledge kids have about the great books available to them.   It’s fun to hear about what their interests are and how that applies to the literature they choose to read.  I have learned so much about the books they love to read these first few weeks of school.    

I am just getting to know the students and them me.   I think it is fair to say that they are sometimes distrustful of my recommendations for books to read.  I am slowly winning them over.  I had a young lady in the library this week struggling to find a good book.  She had one in her hand declaring it the best book she had ever read.  (A Place to Call Home by Jackie French Koller) After talking with her a while she decided that she liked it so much because it was sad and hopeful at the same time.  I steered her in the direction of Lurlene McDaniel books which are always tear jerkers.  They have older book covers so she was reluctant and hesitant to check one out.  I finally convinced her to just take one and try it.  A few days later, she was back.  She loved the book and proclaimed that I “was right!”  She left the library with three more titles by the same author. 

I love the challenge of book recommendations and finding just the right book for kids.  I hear kids say all the time that they don’t like to read.  My quick response to them is that they just haven’t found the right book yet.  I accept that challenge eagerly and hope that I can help to make that connection for them.   I had another student this week that had just finished Crank by Ellen Hopkins.  She wanted the next book called Glass but we didn’t have it.  She said, “I finally decided to read this year and now I can’t get the book I want.”  It took everything I had not to grab my purse and head to Barnes & Noble to purchase that title.  I refrained as my husband probably wouldn’t approve of my purchasing books every time a student asked for a title I don’t have.  However, we did request a copy from another school as fast as we could!

My job is awesome!  I look forward to continuing wonderful book discussions with my students!  Building trust…one book at a time!