You could hear a pin drop....

At the beginning of our school year, I told the students that each time they came to the library they would:

• learn something new
• read something to make them think
• read something for fun
• find new books

Sometimes, the read for fun and thinking books are the same. Currently- our fifth graders are doing just that- the fun read is their thinking read. You see, we're reading Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper. Because I don't believe in spoilers, I won't share the content of the book~ but I will share the effect this book is having on my students. 

In the last week, the responses to this book have been: 

• "I wish I could bring my bed to school and have you read to me all day."
• "Do we have to check out books? Can't we just read this one?"
• "How could he say that? He's a Dr."
• "Do people really treat others that way, Mrs. Ramsey?" (chapter 4)
• Loud applause and cheering.  (chapter 4)
• Sighs of relief.
• Laughter.
• Frustration. 
• "I can relate to her because......" (spoilers)

I've heard from at least 3 parents this week: 

• "My son now has a book he can relate to. And we're talking about it."
• "My daughter hates that she has to wait a WEEK to find out what's next. "
• "I love shelving while you're reading that book- what's it called? Loving it."

What's really fun though is reading the powerful words of such an eloquent writer aloud. Pausing. Waiting. Building tension. And yes, you could hear a pin drop in those moments.