Book Talk: Relationships and the Importance of Never Staying Silent
Encouraging Reading Tip #1: High Interest Books
Movies, television,video games and the Internet are all luring our children away from books. After all, why read a story when someone else has done all the thinking for you and made a movie. If you notice that your child is reading less, you can encourage her/him to book up a book by offering HIBs. HIBs are High Interest Books that your child can relate to and read with ease. Usually these books are written in very descriptive and basic language and should not require your child to use a dictionary every five minutes. The key is to make sure that the book will keep the frustration levels down so that your child will want to finish the book. Below are some HIBs that are sure to get your child reading.
How Tia Lola Came to Visit Stay
Julie Alverez (2002) New York, NY: Dell Yearling.
Miguel does not want his aunt to come visit, but Tia Lola comes from the Dominican Republic and his life changes forever. This is the story about a young man’s journey to find his place in New York City and within his family. While Julia Alverez usually writes adult books she has crossed over to Young Adult Fiction very well. The vivid descriptions- very common in Latin American Fiction- helps readers understand just what is means to be Latino in New York. If your child has had to endure moving to a new country, state, even school, she/he will be able to relate to the struggles that Miguel faces in his new country.
This is a fairly accessible book and should be available at your local library (young adults section) or at Amazon for only $12.44. Your child may also find it available in his or her school library! Encourage your child to borrow books from the school library as well! It saves you pennies and opens them up to more books!
Speak
Laurie Anderson (2003)
New York, NY: Penguin Putnam Books.
Melinda did the right thing by reporting what happened at the summer party, but now she is the outcast of high school. Speak is the story about doing the right thing and dealing with the sometimes awful consequences. While boys may snub this story, it is a great one for young girls. The strength of the protagonist serves as a great model for young girls. I would be sure to discuss the sensitive issues with those reading this novel. In class, I ask my students to write journal entries for this book in order bring any misconceptions and misunderstanding students may have about the events of Melinda’s life to my attention. Parents should be sure to spark discussions about actions and consequences.
This book is also easily accessible and should be available at any local library. It is not available brand new from amazon itself, but is available from people who sell their items on Amazon. Prices start at $3.22
The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants
Ann Brashares (2001)
New York, NY: Delacorte Press.
Four friends embark on a magical summer apart in which they remain connected through a pair of powerful pants. You may have seen the movie based on this novel. If so, please don’t judge a book by it’s- well it’s movie. This book is a great story about friendship and finding inner strength. Brashares characters deal with some important issues like divorce, death, friendship, severe illness, virginity, and honesty. I recommend this book for the older teen who may be dealing with similar situations. And, because unlike the movie, these events have not been tidied up to create a safe ending, the novel is real and honest in it’s depiction.
This book and its sequel are easily accessible through Amazon or any local library!
Kristina Brooke is a Mom on the Rise to a rambunctious pre-two-year-old, a wife, a High School English Teacher, and a very crafty lady. She likes reading, playing stinky-feet, telling people about cool/bad buys, and trying to figure out how to raise a well-rounded child. She is also on a mission to lose weight and really needs support.
[...] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here’s a quick excerpt Encouraging Reading Tip #1: High Interest Books Movies, television,video games and the Internet are all luring our children away from books. After all, why read a story when someone else has done all the thinking for you and made a movie. If you notice that your child is reading less, you can encourage her/him to book up a book by offering HIBs. HIBs are High Interest Books that your child can relate to and read with ease. Usually these books are written in very descriptive and basic language [...]
[...] Read the rest of this great post here [...]
[...] Book Talk: Relationships and the Importance of Never Staying SilentBy KristinaMiguel does not want his aunt to come visit, but Tia Lola comes from the Dominican Republic and his life changes forever. This is the story about a young man’s journey to find his place in New York City and within his family. …Pajama Mommy » Mommy Blogger Community – http://pjmommy.com [...]
[...] Book Talk: Relationships and the Importance of Never Staying SilentBy KristinaMiguel does not want his aunt to come visit, but Tia Lola comes from the Dominican Republic and his life changes forever. This is the story about a young man’s journey to find his place in New York City and within his family. …Pajama Mommy » Mommy Blogger Community – http://pjmommy.com [...]
[...] Book Talk: Relationships and the Importance of Never Staying SilentBy KristinaMiguel does not want his aunt to come visit, but Tia Lola comes from the Dominican Republic and his life changes forever. This is the story about a young man’s journey to find his place in New York City and within his family. …Pajama Mommy » Mommy Blogger Community – http://pjmommy.com [...]
I read sisterhood of the traveling pants I enjoyed it actually.
I’ve read and own speak and sisterhood of the traveling pants. I love them both. I really enjoyed reading Speak. It was a great read.
[...] a wife, a High School English Teacher, and a very crafty lady (when I have time). I enjoy reading, playing stinky-feet, telling people about cool/bad buys, and trying to figure out- like [...]
[...] Book Talk: Relationships, and the Importance of Never Staying Silent [...]
[...] Book Talk: Relationships and the Importance of Never Staying Silent [...]