Oral Book Reviews in 2008!

We'll welcome the new year with a series of oral book reviews based on biographies / autobiographies / memoirs that each 8th grader began reading ten days ago and will probably finish in the down times during break. Students were encouraged to think of someone - basically anyone - who particularly piques their interest and then seek out a biography about that person. Interests ranged from Coco Chanel to Marilyn Manson to Eleanor Roosevelt to Stanley Tookie Williams...and more. When we reconvene in 2008, we'll share our new-found "friends" through a rather formal oral book review format that trains us in the art and ability to stand and deliver in a stylized, choreographed manner. The reviewer will begin with a riveting passage from her book, then will explain its meaning before introducing us to her title and author. Before completing her presentation, she'll explain what lessons she learned from reading about another's life, what the strengths of her author were, and what award she'd assign the book, were it up to her. In this manner, we'll be introduced to thirty-five people of note and will experience the vicarious pleasure of reading of others' exploits! Can you tell that biography is one of my favorite genres?

Eighth Graders: I've posted the individual "book review appointments" on my core's hot pink blog - just in case you've forgotten your sign-up time. Happy Reading!!