READ THIS BOOK

      I recently read Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper.  It's definitely on my list of favorite books now! I seriously could not put this book down.  I read this book for my annotated bibliography because it won the Sunshine State Young Readers Award.  I had no idea I would love it so much.  It is a powerful story told from the point of view of a young girl diagnosed with cerebral palsy.  She cannot talk or walk, but she is very smart.  The story tells of what she is thinking and all the things she wish she could say.  This book had me laughing and almost crying at some parts.  I do not know much about cerebral palsy and this story opened my eyes to the hardships that students with disabilities go through on a daily basis.  However, the book is not written to make the reader feel sorry for the girl in the book.  It is more about making readers aware that students with disabilities do not want sympathy.  They simply want to be treated like so called "normal" students.  I don't want to give too many details as to give the whole story away, but I HIGHLY recommend this book!  I think it would be a useful tool in the classroom as well.  It would teach students to not be scared of students with disabilities, but to accept them.

Image Resource: www.barnesandnoble.com

Good Reads

I joined Good Reads last year after hearing about it from Dr. Slick in my professional studies class.  After exploring, I grew to really like the website.  It allows me to do so many things!  I use it mostly for finding new books to read.  I find new books by looking at books my friends have reviewed and by looking through different lists.  Good Reads also gives recommendations based on books I have read and rated.  Aside from using the website to find books, I use Good Reads to organize books I have already read, and to remember books I want to read.  I have one shelf that is just for children's books so I can remember books I would like to use in the classroom.  Everyone should explore and join Good Reads!