LOVE the idea of book conferencing, book talks, and daily reading/writing. Kittle provides some clarity here, sometimes introducing books via book talk that then become mentor texts/topics for writing. Other authors (thinking specifically of Ebarvia) mention free choice reading/writing that are incorporated in class time. I dream of having this option, but still I question how these daily practices can be implemented without eating needed time.

“Reading is oxygen for a student's future success. There is no giving up here. Every kid. Every year,“ (63).

I like Kittle's emphasis here (and throughout this chapter) on how we must reach every kid, not just those that are already proficient readers or that are willing to give reading a try. Reading comprehension and analysis are important for so many life skills, and we have the opportunity to teach that daily. Every kid. Every day.

McBride makes it clear throughout the novel (in her author's note and acknowledgments as well!) that we are never alone, no matter the struggles we face. The two owls (later revealed to be Whimsy and Faerry's siblings) follow the characters throughout the story, providing aid and protection. They are never questioned, never thanked, and never absent. This representation of support translates to a less magical world: someone always has our back.

Truly a beautiful book. The free verse style, layered motifs, and deep conversations held within the words created such a wonderful and heartfelt story. Mental health includes a lot of things (and can be a struggle for our students and ourselves). I loved the incorporation of fairy tales as a manifestation of Whimsy's internal struggles, built from her interests and demonstrating a sort of comfort even amongst the sorrow.

Let's talk about audiobooks in the classroom! As a student, audiobooks have been used from time to time as an additional option for in-class reading. How do we take the data from Cart's research related to the benefit of audiobooks and apply them to our classrooms? How do we make them accessible to all students (without paying for them) and support audiobooks as a source of literature for our students? Do school libraries offer audiobooks? Libby?

While the decrease in literacy is concerning, the new literacy born from increased technological advances and time spent online is a compelling concept. Cart describes new/multiple literacies as the result of multimedia and digital technologies (214), and the focus on texting or social media is interesting. Skills in traditional literacy are replaced with what is more important to the new generations: communication and quick fills of information.

“'We are who we are, and we'll be who we'll be. A book can make us *feel* that, but it can't *invent* that. It's already inside us,'“ (Levithan 122).

Among so much else in this book, Donovan's open conversation with his mother brings about this quote. While I was reading, I thought about its truth in my own life. But even more important is the truth this will bring to students: unlearning prejudices or becoming more of themselves without fear.

After reading the first three chapters, I audibly gasped at the ingenuity of a story within a story within a story. SO. GOOD! I was laughing and crying alongside the characters, and Levithan's focus on censorship speaks to the issues we face as we become educators. This book would be a wonderful read in the classroom alongside Banned Books Week to bring awareness to our students about how censorship affects their education.

“Comics Belong in the Classroom“ - video
The first time I used a graphic novel in a class was my 2nd year of college. Even then, I was doubtful about its legitimacy as a piece of literature. However, my mind was completely changed after that course, and it continues to evolve as I read more graphic novels. It seems to become more common that students dislike English class, and they need an accessible avenue to literature, which comics/GN provide.

I've never given much thought to what YA literature was in the past, but Cart's chapter on the supposed 'invention' of YAL is as insightful as it is (slightly) unnerving. The basis of YAL seems to be manipulation: teenagers were gifted media that excited them while also exploiting their interests. From Cart's explanation, it seems that the first YAL books were created not in the interest of writing or art, but in the interest of profit.

This page represents a moment where the art adds and transcends the written word. The separation of Pedro from the rest of his family in this scene illustrates the themes of otherness and isolation seen throughout the book. Many other moments reflect similar themes through the art itself, and make the book both more insightful and more relatable to students. Seeing themselves in art AND words open doors for belonging among literature.

There is something so compelling about graphic novels, and this one was so so good! I loved the ways that the art corresponded to the words on the page to create such an interesting and immersive story. Like I mentioned for “Flying Lessons“, using texts such as this that explore new mediums with our students can make such a huge difference in their journey as an English student. Pedro Martin is an amazing storyteller and I loved every second.

“I looked at Dad to see if he was kidding. He wasn't. He wasn't kidding, and he had said 'we.' I liked that.“

The final story in this collection seemed to truly express the convoluted relationships that many kids have with their parents. The world feels so much bigger when you're a kid, and Chris's hidden but ever-present feelings related to both his dad and his abilities shape his world. This moment provides hope for Chris and the reader.

I absolutely adore the formatting choices made in Kwame Alexander's “Seventy-Six Dollars and Forty-Nine Cents“. Again, form and variety in style are so necessary to provide to our students, and the poetic structure of this short story provides just that. While keeping readers entertained, Alexander flawlessly executes something that many cannot - rapturous storytelling in a form that our students don't see enough of.

I didn't even realize that Peña's “How to Transform an Everyday, Ordinary Hoop Court“ was written in second person until I was about half way through the story. Something about it felt natural and immersive, but once I realized the POV, I was a little thrown off. I know my own reading preferences, but it made me think about those of my students. Exposure to different writing styles is important and necessary for students and ourselves.

This masterful collection of short stories truly speaks to a variety of audiences, and kept me engaged from the start. “Flying Lessons and Other Stories“ was filled to the brim with dreams, nostalgia, and emotion. While each reader may feel drawn to a different story than the next, we all leave this book with a sense of belonging. Great start to a course full of interesting reads!