Idea of the Month - 2008
August
Book Look
Almost everyone wants to take a look at a book before deciding whether to read it or not. Give your readers an opportunity to look at books to read and to share something about a book they have enjoyed in a monthly newsletter that gives a sneak preview at what your readers are reading and enjoying.A Book Look newsletter can be published both on the computer and in a paper format to help readers preview books. Invite readers to copy parts of the books they have read and enjoyed to inspire others
to pick up the book. Authors work very hard to entice readers, so use what they have written to help your readers preview books to read.
This newsletter is not a place for readers' reviews of books they've read; instead, they copy a compelling section of what the author has written to share with others. When readers have read a book they liked, ask them to find an interesting section of the book to share with others. Some book sections to consider include:
the opening paragraphReaders can choose any section of the book they have read and enjoyed to share with others. Limit readers to a single paragraph and remind them to identify the title of the book from which the paragraph was taken, and the author's name. Additionally, remind them to include their name and age.
a compelling paragraph in the midst of a mystery
a humorous paragraph
a description of a character
the final paragraph the book blurb
You can develop a Book Look for your classroom of readers of any age. Invite some of your students to design the monthly newsletter with an appropriate graphics program. Readers can decide whether to group the books by subject or genre, or just to randomly share some information about really good books. If Book Look is a library publication, then consider having more than one to interest readers of different ages. A recommendation is to keep the newsletter to a single piece of paper, with book excerpts on two sides. It is also recommended to "publish" the newsletter in a hard copy as well as on the computer; readers still like to see their recommendations in print.
Book Look is an ongoing newsletter to give readers an opportunity to spread the news and the writing in some really good books. Sneak a peak, take a look, find a book!
These ideas are intended to help readers share what they have read and enjoyed with other readers. Sometimes the strategies also help readers select the books they want to read next. They are easy to implement and appropriate for a variety of ages. You will find a new idea posted each month; some are appropriate for the particular month, most are appropriate at any time. Don't forget to look at ideas from previous months to help motivate your readers.