Tuesday, February 7, 2017

I May Have Hooked A Reader Today


Thank you Two Writing Teachers for creating this space for me to share my corner of the world.

I may have hooked a reader today.

I walk down to our alternative classroom with a copy of Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart in my hands.  I have been waiting for it to arrive so I could give it to one of the students in that classroom.  Without violating student privacy, let's just say this student has a little bit in common with the main character. 

I go up to "G" and say, "I have a book for you."


"I ain't readin' no book," he says with a scowl on his face.


Ignoring his announcement, I keep pressing on.  

"It is about a boy named Jonathan Grisby who is sent to a reformatory school for boys on this island."


"I ain't readin' no book."

I keep pressing on.  "All the adults get killed and the boys are left by themselves to run the island.  I think you will really be able to connect with one of the characters."

"I ain't readin' no book."

I keep pressing on.  "Well, why don't I just leave it here on Mrs. V's desk just in case you change your mind.  I think you will like it, if you just give it a chance."

"Ok, but I ain't reading' no book."

A little later in the day, I see "G" walking in our wing.  When he sees me, he gets this great big grin on his face.

"I started reading that book.  And I ain't nothin' like that kid."

Oh, yea...I think I may have hooked a reader today.

6 comments:

  1. Oh, yea, Leigh Anne - you hooked a big fish! I love your persistence. This book sounds like a great read!

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  2. Celebrate! I love how you crafted your story, moving it forward with dialogue, telling it in the present tense, using the same statement to begin and to end like a drawstring pulling it all together. Do you have "G's" next book in mind?

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  3. Your persistence is awesome, Leigh Anne. And _Scar Island_ is in my reading on-deck circle!

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  4. Love this Leigh Anne. Love how you believed in G and the reader he could bel Love Dan Gemeinhart for writing things that bring books to their lives.

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  5. I love this! Go girl! Get em reading!
    Do you know Dan G does Skype visits? My students read Some Kind of Courage and we Skyped with him. What a treat!

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