Category Archives: Book Suggestions

So, what do you believe?

On January 25th, I began the process of teaching 8th graders how to write a “This I Believe” essay in 350-500 words.  It seemed like a simple task until I realized the magnitude of what I was asking them to discover about themselves, in addition to being able to share that information with me.  Although I can’t share the essays with you, I have created a video with true belief statements extracted from the original pieces. I hope this will inspire you to ask yourself what you believe in…go ahead…ask your students, too!

These are the original slides that we created the video from:

Kindle: My Love Affair With Reading

I’ve had my kindle for over a year now, and can’t imagine life without it!  I’ve found that I read way more than I used to just because of its accessibility.  Some exciting news just broke yesterday that Kindle will now be incorporating apps into their kindle store!  Click here to read about it.

All of these books I have on my kindle sample list, wish list, or are sitting on my kindle waiting to be read!  Regardless of what ereader you choose, I strongly believe that ereaders are encouraging people to read more.  Now…if I could just get a kindle for each of my students!

Megan’s to-read book montage

Differentiating Instruction With Menus: Language Arts
Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide for Middle School
The Digital Writing Workshop
Let the Great World Spin
This Is Where I Leave You
Ophelia Joined the Group Maidens Who Don't Float: Classic Lit Signs on to Facebook
Nineteen Minutes
Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel
A Gate at the Stairs
Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It
Simple Wishes
Fireflies in December
Raising Jake
Her Fearful Symmetry
The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Aimes
When You Reach Me
The Earth Hums in B Flat
The Weight of Heaven: A Novel
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Middlesex
Olive Kitteridge: A Novel in Stories
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Whistling In the Dark
The Red Leather Diary: Reclaiming a Life Through the Pages of a Lost Journal



Megan’s favorite books »

Book Review: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

William Kamkwamba has an amazing story to tell.  At 14 years old, he built a windmill to power his family’s home in Malawi.  Above is a talk that he gave for Ted talks.  I just finished reading the book…it is a moving and inspiring story for teens to adults.  I highly suggest adding this to your “to read” list.