Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Book Talk Tuesday

Joining Deanna Jump this week for Book Talk Tuesday.


The books I decided to include today are 3 of my absolute favorite mentor texts.  I use them every single year.  I read them to my class multiple times each year during writer's workshop and each time I read them, my students beg me to read them again.

Salt Hands by Jane Chelsea Aragon gives me goosebumps every time I read it.  Warning:  a few kids cry the first time I read it each year.  It's not a sad book, just so moving!  Unfortunately, I had to pay close to $40 to get my hands on a paperback copy of this book.  It's out of print and if you watch online sellers carefully you can usually get it for around $40 if you are willing to pay that much.  I read it so many times each year that it was totally worth the money.  It is the perfect example of a capturing a small moment.  I also use it during my writer's workshop time to model word choice, clear beginning/middle/end sequence in a small moment and creating mental images with words.


Fireflies  by Julie Brinckloe is the perfect choice for mini lessons on word choice. I also use this book as a model for creating mental images with your words and developing an author's voice.


I use Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee for mini lessons to model varying action words, capturing a small moment, building suspense and adding detail to writing.  I also use this book as a model for adding facial expressions to your illustrations.  


Even though I'm looping with my class, I know we'll revisit these three favorites next year.  
The possibilities are endless!

Happy Tuesday!



4 comments:

  1. That is so cool that you are looping with your class! I really wanted to do that this year but my principal didn't let me because they weren't any 2nd grade openings. I love the book Fireflies and will have to add the others to my collection! Thanks!

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  2. Thank you for the post! I love finding good mentor texts for teaching writing.

    Stacy
    Second Grade Sweetie Pies

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  3. I love finding great mentor texts--thanks for the posts. I'll have to see if they have that book in our library system. They often have great out of print books still on their shelves.

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  4. Thanks for the ideas for mentor texts. I found Salt Hands at the Alibris website for $37 with shipping (hardcover.) they still had 1 more and also a paperback for $26. Happy Teaching!

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