Fish in a Tree

You know how sometimes you read that one book that really speaks to you, the one that makes your life make sense? I am reading that book right now. I didn't expect this book to touch me so deeply. I picked it up because it is a Rebecca Caudill book and I want to read at least 3 to my class, so they are eligible to vote in March.

Quick summary: Ally a middle school student has always been misunderstood in school. She always found herself accidentally in trouble and was labeled as a trouble maker. To make matters worse, her dad was in the military so her family moved a lot. She wasn't ever in one school for very long. Through out the course of the story we learn that Ally is dyslexic. This story beautifully illustrates how a person with a learning disability feels in a variety of situations. 

I have been reading this to my jr high class. The students in that class can all relate to Ally and what she is going through. This book has sparked so many awesome discussions. I am amazed by the way the students are hanging on every word and usually are bummed when the chapter is over. Yesterday we read about the class student counsel election. It brought up a lot of current event topics. I am so impressed by the connections my class is making between this book and real life!

Last week the book hit me in the feels. Ally described how it felt living with a learning disability. I actually got choked up while I was reading.

It made things so clear. I couldn't help but think about A2. This is her struggle. Every day.

Then I thought about my students. This is their struggle. Every day. 

This book gave me a new sense of importance and urgency in my job. I could be the "lifeline" for these struggling students. I want to be that person. I want to make learning easier. I want to make learning make sense for them. I want to help them keep their bikes together while they ride. 

I hope every teacher adds this book to their personal reading list. It is Y.A. It isn't a challenging read. It is probably a a 4 hour uninterrupted read. This will give a whole new perspective on those kids who need more help than others. 

I can't wait to share this book with the A Team!

Reading Challenge Book 4

I have always been a fan of historical fiction books. It probably goes back to my mom and me spending hours reading Little House on the Prairie books together. I was really excited when I read the reviews for May B and saw that it was compared to Little House on the Prairie over and over again.

At first I was, honeslty, a little disappointed with the Little House comparison. Other than setting, there wasn't much else the same. However; the book is fantastic even without the Little House-ness. I really connected with May B. I totally and completely hurt for her with every turn of the page. When she was lonely, I was lonely. When she was cold, I shivered. When she was hungry, my stomach growled. When she was anxious, I was biting my nails with every word I read. When she was discouraged, I was crying. I felt every emotion May B felt. (Way to go Caroline Starr Rose!)

As with all the Rebecca Caudill Award nominations, I found myself having a major case of the eyeball sweats.  May B has a reading disability, probably dyslexia, but is so determined to learned to read. She works hard even when others discourage her from trying.  During her time away from home she has a lot of time for self reflection. At one point, while she is discouraged by her situation, she also becomes discouraged by her ability to read.  Page 80 hit me hard:

"I must be stupid." Those four words sunk me. I thought about all the students I have had who struggle with reading. I thought of bubbly A2 and her reading struggles. Would she eventually get to the point where this is how she felt about herself. Does she already feel this way about herself? What can I do as a teacher, as a mom, to prevent my young readers from this self-destructive mentality? 

For me this book wasn't life changing, but it was "life improving." I will try to be less frustrated as I listen to A2 slowly struggle through her reading assignments. I will do my best to hide my concern.  I will take my role as a supportive, encouraging mom to a whole new level. 

I will be reading this book with my class this year. I am certain many of my students will relate to May B, just like I did.