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Book Recommendations

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Following are book recommendations  from this year's Duval County Toy of the Year semi-finalists.  Each teacher has recommended a book that made an impact and aided in their practices.

As a result of working in many schools across the county, I experienced very different school environments, mostly divided by socio-economics.  Frustrated by some of the differences, I became interested in the causes and solutions to these inequalities.  All Together Now: Creating Middle-Class Schools Through Public School Choice by Richard D. Kahlenberg, is a fascinating book that addressed exactly those concerns.  As a result of reading this book I felt less mystified by my experiences, and more determined to be actively involved in educating everyone about what is going on and what can be done about it.  There is nothing like research to back up your opinions.
Kris Campbell, Elementary Art, Englewood Elementary

I recently read a book entitled Teach With Your Strengths: How Great Teachers Inspire Their Students by Rosanne Liesveld and Jo Ann Miller. The book is an extremely easy read in which you will catch yourself connecting to the material time and again. Upon completion of this text, there is a website to visit to take an assessment that gives your top 5 strengths!
Felicia Herrera, 5th Grade Teacher, Louis Sheffield Elementary

Reading Power by Adrienne Gear is organized with five reading strategies and activities.  This book includes student samples and practical tools that help teachers and students understand what is happening in the head of the reader. Included is an extensive booklist for teaching each strategy.  I have used this for helping new teachers as well as veterans.  It can be used K-5.
Jennifer Grzeskowiak, 4th Grade, Greenland Pines Elementary

This is one of my favorite books!  When I read The Fluent Reader by Timothy Rasinski, it offered interactive methods for teaching fluency.  While applying the research-based activities, I found the practical instruction very effective.  The techniques can be applied K-12.
Jennifer Grzeskowiak, 4th Grade, Greenland Pines Elementary

I recently read Still Learning to Read: Teaching Students in Grades 3-6 by Franki Sibbersona and Karen Szymusiak.  This can be used by teachers for classroom routines, to promote student independence, and supply multiple planning forms.  This book offers purposeful and effective ideas for grouping which is a big help for training new teachers.
Jennifer Grzeskowiak, 4th Grade, Greenland Pines Elementary

I attended Professional Learning Communities (PLC) training based on Learning by Doing  by Richard Dufour, Rebecca DuFour, Robert Eaker, and Thomas Many.  The book provides practical steps for creating successful PLCs in our schools.  I have already witnessed growth in students and teachers as a result of implementing ideas from this book.
Susan Tidwell, School Instruction Coach, Sandalwood High School

A Framework for Understanding Poverty  by Ruby Payne is for anyone who teaches students that live in poverty.  It provides a new understanding of what we're up against, especially in regards to how much we have to do in the area of literacy to put these children on a level playing field. 
Susan Tidwell, Keystone Teacher, Sandalwood High School

 

My absolute favorite book to use in American Government is A Patriot's Handbook: Songs, Poems, Stories, and Speeches Celebrating the Land We Love compiled by Caroline Kennedy.  It's perfect for readalouds (some led to "cry-alouds"), for warm-ups and wrap-ups, and it provides a basis for rich conversation and debate.   
Susan Tidwell, American Government Teacher, Sandalwood High School

I especially enjoyed the energy and positive attitude that Fish! by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen gave me to launch my career as a beginning teacher.  In 2006, a companion volume to Fish! was published, entitled Schools of Fish by Phillip Strand, John Christensen, and Andy Harper. This updated "twist" on the Fish! philosophy was specifically created for educators.  It demonstrates how building stronger relationships with our students fortifies the teaching process and results in better learning.  The book reminds all educators that our job is not just teaching students to learn, we are inspiring them to want to learn, so that motivation will ultimately come from within.
Alison Watson, Kindergarten Teacher, Beauclerc Elementary

I enjoyed the sensational There are No Shortcuts by Rafe Esquith and keep returning to the wisdom of Esquith's words for inspiration. Esquith writes many personal and heartfelt stories of his successes and struggles as a teacher of fifth and sixth grade students living in an urban, low income neighborhood.  He declares that success comes from students, teachers, and parents being dedicated, persevering, and having a superior work ethic.  One of his incredible solutions to the challenges he faced daily was to "ramp up" the curriculum and teach his students about the works of Shakespeare, which they totally embraced and performed with theatrical gusto! He has encouraged me to think outside the box and always do what is right for children because what we can imagine we can also inspire those around us to achieve.    
Alison Watson, Kindergarten Teacher, Beauclerc Elementary