Month: August 2014

Contest Closed – Happy Birthday The Fourteenth Goldfish – Win a Copy!

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It is not every day you get an email from one of your favorite authors asking you if you want to give away a copy of her new book.  In fact, I don’t think it has ever happened to me before.  But Jenni Holm, author of the GRA selected book The Fourteenth Goldfish did just that since not only is she super excited about the release of the book (we have been counting down the days), but also being a Global Read Aloud author!  

She writes, 
“I’m so touched that THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH” was chosen as a read-aloud. Part of the reason I am a writer today was because my second grade teacher read aloud to my class. To this day, when I think of THE BOXCAR CHILDREN, I think of my teacher. She sparked a lifetime love of reading in me–and a lot of other children. Reading aloud makes a difference.”

But here is the best part, she is not just giving away one copy, not even two.  She is letting me give away 15 hardcover copies and 5 audio books!  Wow!  Do indicate whether you would prefer one or the other in your entry, but know that it is not guaranteed.  The winners will be drawn randomly.

So what do you need to do to enter?  Leave a comment, with your email or other way of getting a hold of you, telling us why you joined the Global Read Aloud.  I am telling you, you will love this book for the discussions it will create and the connections you will make.  The contest ends Friday night, the 29th at 9 PM CST.

So for now happy reading and happy book birthday to you!

This contest is now closed, winners will be notified soon.

#GRA14 What To Read – Week by Week Breakdown

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Here is the plan for what to read and when.  While it is not a big deal if you get behind, please do not read ahead and then share spoilers.  It really hurts the experience for the students.  
Peter H. Reynolds!
To make the collaboration easier for everyone, for the author study we recommend reading these books:
Week 1: The North Star
Week 2: I’m Here
Week 3: Ish
Week 4: Sky Color
Week 5: Going Places
Week 6: Your Choice!
Yes, I know that the incredible book “The Dot” is not on this list. That’s because International Dot Day is September 15th so some of you may have already read and used it by the time we start October 6th. But, the final week of the Global Read Aloud is always a free choice so feel free to use it then if you would like.

Book Choices:

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Why this book:  This new classic has been nominated every year as a wonderfully engaging story that reads aloud beautifully. 
Breakdown for the 6 weeks:
Week 1:  Chapters 1 – 4
Week 2:  Chapters 5 – 9
Week 3:  Chapters 10 -14
Week 4:  Chapters 15 -19
Week 5:  Chapters 20 – 24
Week 6:  25 – coda


The Fourteenth Goldfish
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
Why this book?  I am one of the lucky ones that have read an advanced copy of this book, and besides being immediately sucked into it, I think it will be a wonderful read aloud.  The story is whimsical, thought provoking and can definitely lead to bigger connections being made.  
Breakdown for the 6 weeks:
Week 1:  Chapters 1 – 5
Week 2:  Chapters 6 – 10
Week 3:  Chapters 11 – 15
Week 4:  Chapters 16 – 20
Week 5:  Chapters 21  – 25
Week 6: Chapters 26 – end

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One for the Murphy’s by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Why this book:  Anyone who has read the book will know why.  This incredibly touching story that carries heavy themes is a story about transformation, love of the deepest kind, and survival of the spirit. 
Breakdown for the 6 weeks:
Week 1: Chapter 1 – 8
Week 2: Chapter 9 – 17
Week 3: Chapter 18 – 25
Week 4: Chapter 26 – 33
Week 5: Chapter 34 – 42
Week 6: Chapter 43 – end


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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Why this book?  This book was first runner up last year and came back strong this year.  This incredible story of one girl’s courageous battle and, yes, transformation, is one that will resonate globally. 
Weekly Breakdown:
Week 1:  Chapters 1 – 4
Week 2:  Chapters 5 – 8
Week 3:  Chapters 9 – 12
Week 4:  Chapters 13 – 16
Week 5:  Chapters 17 – 20
Week 6:  Chapters 21 – end

A big change for this year’s project is the removal of grade levels.  Instead, just pick the  book you think will best suit your class and your goals.   All of the books chosen share the themes of transformation and love, something I think all students can relate to.