Slip N Slide Into Summer Reading
Is 27 too old for the slip n slide? Apparently, not! Our oldest daughter, Rachael, who is visiting us in Reno took a break from the heat and jumped on the slip n slide the golf course crew set up for the local kids. (See my Instagram post for a quick video) Summer certainly is for fun! It is a time to recharge as educators. Hopefully, that means summer reading as well. Finally, we can dig into that stack of books piled up by our beds! Let’s practice what we preach, and read all summer long.
Reading is actually good for you on many levels. Studies show that readers have better physical health, empathy, and are often happier! (University of Sussex, published in The Telegraph, March 2009) The same study out of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes reduces stress by 60%, slows your heartbeat down, eases muscle tension, enhances social skills, and alters your state of mind. Other benefits of reading include better sleep and slowing of cognitive decline.
It is also important for us as educators to read- to experience firsthand not only the reading strategies we teach, but most importantly the JOY of lifelong reading for pleasure. Donalyn Miller, author of The Book Whisperer (Jossey-Bass, 2009) suggests the power of sharing your reading life with your students by explaining what you find interesting or challenging. She says it is important for students to trust us not only as their teacher but as a fellow reader.
Here are my summer reads so far. This list shifts constantly especially if a friend hands me a book at a dinner party or if my daughter gifts me the title she can’t carry on the plane back to San Diego, or if I find a title that looks inviting in our neighborhood book exchange!
If you tell me what YOU are reading, I may change my mind and read your book suggestion first!
My Summer Reading For Pleasure
Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I’m Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan
Whenever Kelly Corrigan writes a book, I run to the nearest local bookshop to grab a copy.
I absolutely love her work! She writes some memoirs as well as essay advice books like this one.
Corrigan shares personal stories and insights about the 12 hardest things to say with chapters titled, No, I Was Wrong, and even No Words At All. I read it quickly once through already. I will read again this time with a pen in hand to “close read” and mark it up. One of my favorite lessons Corrigan shares is that sometimes when talking to your people simply by asking your kids, spouse, friends to “Tell me more.” yields amazing results. Another tidbit I enjoyed is the idea that no words at all work best sometimes. For example, the Steph Curry (my FAV!) finger gesture giving God thanks after a three pointer, or a music director, or just a litany of dance moves, cheers, high fives, embraces and even emojis. She is a breath of fresh air always that Kelly Corrigan. If you’ve never heard her read her essay Transcending here it is.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
I decided to read this because my husband’s family is from Alaska and this saga takes place there.
We are headed to Alaska for a memorial this Summer, so I wanted to get in the Alaska mood. Sometimes the setting of a story deeply impacts your comprehension depending upon your experiences and travel wish list. This was a hard read for me. The characters make their way to the wilderness and a long dark winter with an abusive father/husband. I got through it and won’t forget it. But I will be glad when it is over. Sometimes we have mixed feelings reading a book like this.
This is my first Kirstin Hannah book. She has many others, and I will try her again. I have friends who devour her work. Maybe I just didn’t connect with the storyline.
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Okay so this is a “Read with Jenna” book club selection. Sometimes I do let the celebrities guide my reading list including Reece Witherspoon. (Remember when we relied on Oprah?)
Since its another Kristin Hannah and I am a huge fan of historical fiction. I will give this one a go!
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I am so excited to read this version with a new introduction by Michelle herself. I just love this gutsy fabulous woman. For those of you who’ve read this a while ago, what did you think? Besides historical fiction, I also absolutely enjoy any kind of memoir, autobiography, biography, or book of essays. This book boasts sales of 14 million copies sold worldwide. Now its 14 million and one!
Honorable mentions- I might also read Daisy Jones and the Six!
My Summer Reading For Professional Development
Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness by Don Vu
I am cheating in a way because I wrote a review for Scholastic for this book. So, I read it once.
This is a two-time read and then I plan on keeping it on my desk all marked up so I can refer to it during my trainings. Don Vu is an award-winning principal who shares his six conditions of a school’s culture of literacy (Commitment, Collection, Clock, Conversation, Connection, and Celebration) and how ways to create an environment where all students especially immigrant children survive. What I love most about this book is Don’s personal stories about his family who came from Vietnam in the 70’s. I laughed and cried. Not sure when I’ve ever been so touched by a professional book. This is a must read! Plus, there are many practical strategies to use to boost reading in your classroom and school.
A History of Literacy Education by P. David Pearson and Robert Tierney
This is a commitment that I am so excited to make! Two absolute Hall of Famers in our field have taken on the history of literacy through the ages. I have heard P. David give various talks over the years highlighting the history of education so reading about it will be great. I am sure I will be referring to this one for years to come. What an undertaking for these two greats! Thanks in advance to them!
Honorable Mentions