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Picture Books for Older Readers
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From: Ellen Berrie <eberrie>
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 14:30:23 -0500 (EST)
As a retired elementary school librarian who has been thoroughly enjoying lurking on this listserve for some time, I cannot resist sharing my experience with picture books for older readers.
It had been a concern of mine for some time that students in the upper grades were missing wonderful new literature for young people because their teachers would not allow them to select books below their 'reading level'
(ie: in the E section). Meanwhile there were wonderful books being published that these students were missing because they ended up in the E
(easy reader) section of the library. As an 'itinerant' librarian (only in each school a couple days a week), I was hard pressed to find a way to share these books with my students.
My students presented me with the perfect opportunity (and I was eternally grateful for having been concerned and pondering the quandry well in advance). A sixth grade student presented himself at the desk with "The Five Chinese Brothers" to check out. Knowing full well this was NOT acceptable fare for his choice ---and knowing he was a reluctant although perfectly able student), I challenged his choice. In our discussion, I agreed with him that it was a wonderful story and I would certainly like to read it to the class, but noted that he needed to choose something more appropriate. . . . . he left the book on one of the library tables and disappeared. Soon thereafter another student presented himself with the same book. We had a similar discussion.
Half way through the library period I suddenly became aware of an unusual quite in the room . . . looked up to find most of the class seated and expectantly waiting. Then someone said to the student still searching the shelves, "hurry up, Mrs. Berrie is going to read "The Five Chinese Brothers". News to me!! But then I remembered saying I would love to read it. . . . . . aren't kids wonderful?
Yes, I read the book to the class --- they were totally absorbed and absolutely quiet. Fortunately I was ready. I pulled out one of VanAllesburg's books and explained how many, many books had been published since they had moved beyond the E section that they would love and should not miss. Their teacher returned and was totally amazed to find me reading
"The Wreck of the Zypher" to silent, totally absorbed class. What a wonderful day!
But that was not the end. Much as I loved and trusted my students, it never occurred to me this was the begining of what I had been dreaming of. The next week this class arrived as usual and I was not thinking at all about our last meeting when someone said, "what are you going to read to us today?". Not being in the habit of reading to the upper grades, this question came as a real surprise. Then I remembered. Thank goodness for VanAllsburg. I pulled out a couple more of his books (which this grade had missed) and we thoroughly enjoyed sharing both the stories and the illustrations. And thus began my most memorable and rewarding experience as an elementary school librarian.
Every week the class came prepared to select their books promptly and find a place to sit and enjoy our sharing of E books they had 'missed' during the process of growing beyond this acceptable area of selection. It was WONDERFUL. And the best of all was the last day of library. . . . . the day they were to come just to return all books. My reluctant reader (lazy student) brought "The Five Chinese Brothers" to my desk and announced that I was to read it and that today the teacher was going to stay and share it with us. She did, I did and I have never ever had such a rewarding and profound experience.
Thank you for the opportunity to share.
ETB
Received on Wed 05 Nov 1997 01:30:23 PM CST
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 14:30:23 -0500 (EST)
As a retired elementary school librarian who has been thoroughly enjoying lurking on this listserve for some time, I cannot resist sharing my experience with picture books for older readers.
It had been a concern of mine for some time that students in the upper grades were missing wonderful new literature for young people because their teachers would not allow them to select books below their 'reading level'
(ie: in the E section). Meanwhile there were wonderful books being published that these students were missing because they ended up in the E
(easy reader) section of the library. As an 'itinerant' librarian (only in each school a couple days a week), I was hard pressed to find a way to share these books with my students.
My students presented me with the perfect opportunity (and I was eternally grateful for having been concerned and pondering the quandry well in advance). A sixth grade student presented himself at the desk with "The Five Chinese Brothers" to check out. Knowing full well this was NOT acceptable fare for his choice ---and knowing he was a reluctant although perfectly able student), I challenged his choice. In our discussion, I agreed with him that it was a wonderful story and I would certainly like to read it to the class, but noted that he needed to choose something more appropriate. . . . . he left the book on one of the library tables and disappeared. Soon thereafter another student presented himself with the same book. We had a similar discussion.
Half way through the library period I suddenly became aware of an unusual quite in the room . . . looked up to find most of the class seated and expectantly waiting. Then someone said to the student still searching the shelves, "hurry up, Mrs. Berrie is going to read "The Five Chinese Brothers". News to me!! But then I remembered saying I would love to read it. . . . . . aren't kids wonderful?
Yes, I read the book to the class --- they were totally absorbed and absolutely quiet. Fortunately I was ready. I pulled out one of VanAllesburg's books and explained how many, many books had been published since they had moved beyond the E section that they would love and should not miss. Their teacher returned and was totally amazed to find me reading
"The Wreck of the Zypher" to silent, totally absorbed class. What a wonderful day!
But that was not the end. Much as I loved and trusted my students, it never occurred to me this was the begining of what I had been dreaming of. The next week this class arrived as usual and I was not thinking at all about our last meeting when someone said, "what are you going to read to us today?". Not being in the habit of reading to the upper grades, this question came as a real surprise. Then I remembered. Thank goodness for VanAllsburg. I pulled out a couple more of his books (which this grade had missed) and we thoroughly enjoyed sharing both the stories and the illustrations. And thus began my most memorable and rewarding experience as an elementary school librarian.
Every week the class came prepared to select their books promptly and find a place to sit and enjoy our sharing of E books they had 'missed' during the process of growing beyond this acceptable area of selection. It was WONDERFUL. And the best of all was the last day of library. . . . . the day they were to come just to return all books. My reluctant reader (lazy student) brought "The Five Chinese Brothers" to my desk and announced that I was to read it and that today the teacher was going to stay and share it with us. She did, I did and I have never ever had such a rewarding and profound experience.
Thank you for the opportunity to share.
ETB
Received on Wed 05 Nov 1997 01:30:23 PM CST
