“We read to know that we are not alone.” 

― William Nicholson

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” 

--Dr. Seuss 

“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.” 

--William Styron

“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” 

--Robert Frost 

“Books are the ultimate Dumpees: put them down and they’ll wait for you forever; pay attention to them and they always love you back.” 

-- John Greene 
 

I have five texts that have literally changed my life.  I mean, really changed the way I think about reading, and really shaped my reasons for wanted to

go into English education.  Some would be considered cannons, and some are just classics that I can't let go of.  Nonetheless, they inspire me, they

inspire me to want to teach, to share the love of reading, and they remind me that even the most ordinary text can become special when the teacher or

yourself makes it special. Find Your Love!

1. Oh, the Places You'll Go!, Dr. SeussI can't get enough of this book.  Around the age of 6 or 7, I got my hands on Dr. Seuss, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" It was

my new favorite book, and until today still my favorite book.  The message was simple, and it was so exciting for me to think that I could literally go anywhere in

the world and in life that I wanted to.  Every time I read this book, I take something new away.  

My favorite passage from this book is, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. 

You can steer yourself any direction you choose. 

You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go." (p. 2)

I know that's simple, but it was so powerful to me, and it has stuck with me for many years now. 

Dr. Seuss changed my perspective on reading, because I saw that it doesn't matter how simple something may seem, there's always

deeper meaning behind the text.  A reading of my favorite book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go", Student Artwork--> 

2. The Awakening, Kate Chopin- I took AP English in 12th grade, and the first book we read in that class was a cannon text that I can't even remember to this day,

and because of that, I immediately checked out of AP Lit.  I turned in my first paper, and it came back with red marks all over it, for the first time ever. 

I went to the teacher, I told him that I did not care for this book and my work clearly reflected that, but that I would give the next book a chance,

and improve my writing.  The next book was "The Awakening," and I'm so glad that I took the time to change my attitude towards the cannons.

  I LOVED this book.  It was the first really introspective book I had ever read, and the taboo themes of 1800's discussed, feminism, the idea of

isolation and separation, identity loss through marriage, and history surrounding the author intrigued me.  My teacher had us thinking on a much deeper level,

and this reignited my love of English.  It is because of this book I even began considering a job in English Education.  I encourage everyone to read this book.

3. Deeper Reading, Kelly Gallagher-Dr. Reynolds (UNCG) offered extra credit in our Young Adult Literature course to read a chapter per week and discuss for extra credit,

on this book. I'm so glad she did.  This was the first professional book that I had read cover to cover, and it is a godsend.  The way that Gallagher approaches learning particularly in regards to struggling readers and writers simply makes sense to me. I loved the idea of us, as teachers, being the tour guide through reading with

our students, and the strategies he provided have been proven and true.  I used this as a major resource through working for Freedom Schools this summer,

and the students really did respond to Gallagher's methods.  Definitely a great read

.4.  Speak, Laurie Halse AndersonI read this book many moons ago, however, my second read through last semester really changed me, and really

sparked my interested in Young Adult Literature.  This book was very powerful to me back in high school, because a similar situation that happened to

the protagonist, Melinda, who had been raped, was currently buzzing around our school.  However, I was 13 examining this issue.  Now, I'm 21, reading

this book through a preservice teachers eyes, and I see the power that this book holds.  I can see how powerful it can be for classroom use.  More importantly

in regards to this book, it taught me the power of language, and equipping students with the proper language, so that they can become powerful. 

I love this text..it gives me chills. 

Pinned, Sharon G. Flake--This book honestly holds no literary merit with me in terms of being wonderfully written, or prestigious, or even have spectacular

use of diction, etc.  However, this was the first book that I ever taught, and my students loved it, and in return I loved it.  This is a book about an academically

gifted, physically disabled young man, and a young lady with a learning disability, however athletically gifted.  It's honestly no more than a tale of how two

teenagers get together despite their differences.  However, through teaching this book, my students were actually sad that the book was over, and they

talked about it the rest of the summer. It just goes to show you once again, any book can be life changing for students, it's not all about us (teachers). 

We must keep this in mind always, and this book has done that for me.

Some of my favorite Young Adult Lit/Books I think all high schoolers should take a peek at (in addition to the ones listed that apply) :)

“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger“

Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World” by Bryan Lee O’Malley

"Anything" by David Sedaris“

"All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque

"Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

"The Trial" by Franz Kafka

"Enders Game" by Orson Scott Card...

See me for more suggestions!