My name is Sarah and I am the face behind TheReadingZone. I am a 6th grade Language Arts teacher who strives to instill a love of reading and writing in her students. I can’t imagine my life without books- the many overflowing bookcases in my house and classroom are a testament to this. When I began teaching I discovered the lack of middle school teachers who blog and set out to make a difference. I read and review all the books I place in my classroom library and hope that my reviews can help other students, parents, teachers, and librarians choose the perfect book.
I love my students. I love raising monarch butterflies. Besides my rampant love of books and writing, I also work as a volunteer staff member for the Monarch Teacher Network. My students and I raise and release monarch butterflies every fall, track their migration each winter, and await their return in the spring. In February 2008 I was privileged to travel to Michoacan, Mexico to visit the overwintering grounds of the monarchs, which was a life-changing experience.
My blog focuses on reading, with a lot of writing and writing workshop thrown in. I also talk about my classroom and classroom projects. Take a peek inside a 6th grade Language Arts classroom!
I do accept review copies of books. I promise to read each book but cannot guarantee I will review each one. A review is a courtesy, not a guarantee. I tend to focus on middle-grade and young adult literature, fiction and non-fiction. Please email thereadingzone@gmail.com for mailing address.
I love reading your blog. I just discovered it. How do you find the time to read all these books?
I’m so glad I found The Reading Zone. I’ve been working with 7th & 8th graders for many years, and this fall we will have 5 classrooms of 6th graders in our building as well. I need all the help I can get for this new adventure!! Thank you.
Mrs K.
hey, nice site
p.s. i’ll see you on fri.
I like the stuff you have going on here. I’m in the process of establishing a blog reviewing YA literature. I’d be grateful for any advice/thoughts you have on it.
I want to ask you a question re your entry about Hugo Cabaret and am not sure I’m writing in the correct window. I chair the Illinois Reading Council Studies and Research Committee. We are currently compiling a list of books for struggling readers in grades 5-12 that IRC members have suggested. One of the recommendations wasthe Invention of Hugo Cabaret. As a result I looked at the book and was surprised at how advanced and generally difficult the vocabulary seemed to me. The struggling readers I have worked with in grades 6-8 are generally reading at about a 2-4 grade level. Many qualify for free lunch and most are African-American. I wouldn’t think the book would appeal to them. Can you tell me a little more about the background and reading level of your 6th graders who you said did enjoy this book? As the book was recommended by two participants in our survey, we surely are including it in our list but I would appreciate a little more details about who it appeals to.
When you say you teach Language Arts…how is you schedule set up. I teach L.A. five sections for 42 minutes and there is another teacher who teaches writing…is that how your school works. I LOVE this websites…it restores my faith!!
I just found your blog and have enjoyed reading your posts. I teach high school, and two of my classes are reading classes for 9th graders who read below grade level. I use tons of YA lit, so I enjoy your reviews and ideas.
Do you purchase books yourself for your classroom? I know I do. I’m way too impatient to try to wade through the red tape of purchase orders, etc. If the kids and I want certain titles, I end up looking in local bookstores or ordering from the internet. I’ve always felt a little guilty about this, and I suffer through looks of disbelief and outrage from other teachers. I was very relieved to read in Readicide that K. Gallagher budgets $50 a month personally to buy books for his classroom.
I follow you on Twitter. Today I was prepping for a summer book club on Gary Schmidt books when I stumbled upon your blog, and review of Wednesday Wars. Where have I heard of this woman before? I mused. Then I realized I read your Tweets. I like your blog, and read-alike lists. I’ll delve further as I have time. Nice work. LG
Thank you for creating The Reading Zone. I plan on checking it often.
I have just started my own year-long reading quest called 365 Read Alouds. Each day I review a children’s book and think about how it connects to units of study, community building, reading skills, etc.
I would love your feedback. Please check it out: http://www.365readalouds.wordpress.com
I just discovered your blog and I’m so excited to read it! I also teach 6th grade and it’s so nice to see another 6th grade teacher who loves books and writing as much as I do!
Hi, Sarah,
I have just found your blog and twitter. It is nice to find other elementary teachers, especially those who love books.
I’ll keep reading, great job
I love your thinking on this site. I love books, too, and love reading about books. Could you please share your thoughts on technology and reading? You know, reading that is not done between a front and back cover?
Your blog is wonderful.
I am an avid reader and I am also setting up my own book blog. It’s very cool to see a teacher blogging and I will be following your blog for new books to read. =]
Would it be alright if I link your page onto mine?
=] Chantal
[...] might want to read this, by Sarah who blogs at The Reading [...]
I found you today, in the midst of the Richard Peck controversy, and then I kept reading. This is just to say that I love what you are doing here.
Hi! I’ve really been enjoying your blog since I found it a few weeks ago. I’m working on my certification to teach middle school language arts and/or social studies, so I appreciate your insights on middle schoolers, motivation, literacy, etc. I’ve been trying to keep track of education-related materials at my own blog, and it’s exciting to find so many teachers willing to share their reflections and resources! Thanks!
Nina
I enjoy your blog. You write about books that my son really loves – and introduce ones that are new to us and we are eager to try. Thanks for being so passionate about books and reading and for sharing your enthusiasm on your blog.