Review of "The Book Whisperer"

The first quote on the back of The Book Whisperer says it all: " . . . a primer of the heart on how to make reading magical again." ~ Carol Ann Tomlinson

We have to do what librarians have done for years. . . be experts of really good books for our students . . . guide them in the direction of their interests. We have to share the excitement and love of reading with our students. Basals, as a rule, do not do that. Donalyn Miller gives us the roadmap and encouragement to make the time to let students read and to make choices of what they read. You can still use the standards as a guide . . . you can sit in little book clubs and discuss the key elements of good writing as you are giving them the freedom to read. You still can use your school's assessments, because their reading will be better. . . they have practiced more reading by reading books than filling out worksheets. They have become excited about reading and aware of the good writing craft used by wonderful authors. With the emphasis on high ability students. . . giving them time to read is perfect. AND you can encourage and inspire even the reluctant reader. Thank you, Donalyn Miller, for inspiring me!

Reviewed by Shirley Thacker, TC '07