Recently by Patrick Sandora
Have you run across any of those D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) programs at schools or other places? Basic idea is that you carve out some time when everybody has some uninterrupted reading time, and make a fun thing of it.
I remember some past PageTurner winners—including All Hallows High School in the Bronx—have done quite wonderfully with them.
Of course, they don’t work so well if the kids aren’t armed with good books they can engage with. That is, if the books aren’t there, and they aren’t fun reads, the time reading isn’t likely to be fun, either.
I mention this because somebody just pointed out that my friends at FirstBook and some others are involved in a D.E.A.R. website that offers materials and guidance for people looking to try it out.
Actually, if you know any schools looking for books (for kids ages 10 and up) I happen to be giving away some Maximum Ride books myself right here. Kids seem to have been enjoying them, and some schools have done some pretty fun book-oriented stuff with them.
JP
I remember some past PageTurner winners—including All Hallows High School in the Bronx—have done quite wonderfully with them.
Of course, they don’t work so well if the kids aren’t armed with good books they can engage with. That is, if the books aren’t there, and they aren’t fun reads, the time reading isn’t likely to be fun, either.
I mention this because somebody just pointed out that my friends at FirstBook and some others are involved in a D.E.A.R. website that offers materials and guidance for people looking to try it out.
Actually, if you know any schools looking for books (for kids ages 10 and up) I happen to be giving away some Maximum Ride books myself right here. Kids seem to have been enjoying them, and some schools have done some pretty fun book-oriented stuff with them.
JP
I was in Marrakech once. Marrakech is the location of the summer palace of the Sultan. According to Koranic law, the sultan has to meet with his subjects each day to hear their complaints.
Because of the custom, a public square has been built outside of the palace. The square fills up every night at sundown. It's quite a show.
On this particular night, I sat in the public square, sipping a pastiche, watching people bartering for camels, monkeys, spices, perfumes.
Suddenly, the huge crowd parted, and a 6'8" man in indigo and saffron robes, with indigo dye from the robes tinted into his skin-a totally amazing looking man-appeared in my sight line.
Because of the custom, a public square has been built outside of the palace. The square fills up every night at sundown. It's quite a show.
On this particular night, I sat in the public square, sipping a pastiche, watching people bartering for camels, monkeys, spices, perfumes.
Suddenly, the huge crowd parted, and a 6'8" man in indigo and saffron robes, with indigo dye from the robes tinted into his skin-a totally amazing looking man-appeared in my sight line.
Continue reading Is It All In The Presentation?.
So my British publisher goaded me into starting a Facebook page. Apparently it’s all the rage. Do you guys have one? Do please feel free to become my “friend.” I can’t promise I’m going to remember birthdays and things, but here’s the link.
You can make a virtual bookshelf by picking out books you’ve read, are reading, or would like to read, and folks can easily come by and chat with you about them.
I don’t know if your kids have Facebook pages— and I’m not suggesting they should, necessarily, especially not if they’re younger— but if they do, or are about to get one, you might suggest they try out this application. It’s kind of fun.
Please let me know what you think.
JP
You can make a virtual bookshelf by picking out books you’ve read, are reading, or would like to read, and folks can easily come by and chat with you about them.
I don’t know if your kids have Facebook pages— and I’m not suggesting they should, necessarily, especially not if they’re younger— but if they do, or are about to get one, you might suggest they try out this application. It’s kind of fun.
Please let me know what you think.
JP
