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By the fifth grade, finds Kelly Gallagher, most students have developed a dislike of reading. This doesn't have to happen. Reading helps us develops a knowledge of the world, empathy; it aids in battling depression and anxiety. It opens the gates for learning grammar and vocabulary in a much more organic way. Kids who read are healthier and have a greater chance of success. All of my students, regardless of background, should have this chance for success. But variety isn't as easy to come by as it ought to be, and it's so important to see yourself in the world. The reality of what is actually possible comes into clear focus when you do. And when given the time, the place, and a wide variety of choice, kids will read--even high school students. My students read in class at least once a week. One student last year told me that he really looked forward to it--that our Friday readings were the only time he could read something he liked because he wouldn't do it anywhere else. He didn't initially think he would like it. He was not alone. And while I have a good start to a classroom library, it's not what it ought to be given the diversity of my students. I can provide the time and the place, but I need your help to create a library that doesn't just have the token book here and there for my Hmong, Hispanic, Indian; gay, transgender, etc. student. I need books that many of my male students will also have an interest in (boys often report having a hard time finding good books). Everyone needs to know that interesting books do exist, that reading is still worthwhile.
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