Birmingham, 1963

History and poetry rolled together in one touching book is Birmingham, 1963 by Carole Boston Weatherford.  This is a fictional story of an actual event in history told with poetry and the use of authentic photographs.  The powerful words describe the church bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963. Four young girls lost their lives.  The author gives a beautiful tribute to each girl at the end of the book.

What a great book to share with older elementary, junior, or senior high kids about the struggle for equality during the time of the civil rights moment.  It love how the author told the story from the view point of an innocent child putting you there in the middle of this shocking event in history.  I would highly recommend it. 

You Read to Me, I'll Read to You

This Monday I will be leading a workshop. I will be discussing poetry books and how they can be used to teach reading and writing fluency. Poetry is fun and kids love it! The newest book by Mary Ann Hoberman, You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Scary Tales to Read Together, is quite appropriate for this time of year. This is a perfect book for shared reading or buddy reading. The poems are about mummies, skeletons, zombies, and trick or treat. What a great way to get kids to read without really realizing it is a learning experience. So try this book with your class or with your own children to build their reading fluency. Just try not to be scared!