Thanking a Teacher

I just came home with our new boy, Griffin and decided to read a book as he snoozes on his mama's chest.  A picture book seemed like the perfect easy read, so I pulled out Patricia Polacco's "Thank You, Mr. Falker." It was really inspiring to read this as a teacher because it shows that you can really make a difference. It's the author's own story of how she struggled to learn how to read and how her teacher took the time to change her life.
I think back on my teachers, and it's nice to remember the impact they had on my life. Mr. Gessner had passion and ran across our desks to put out a "fire" on the blackboard to show us subtraction. Mr. Los was strict, but I knew how much he cared and always wanted me to do my best. Mrs. Lynch is a personal inspiration for me.  She had the biggest heart and everyone loved her, and I think my own teaching style owes a lot to her.  Finally, my parents are both teachers and the best people I know. Without their advice and support, I couldn't do this job.
Thanks to all of my teachers. The best thing a teacher can do is to create a love of learning, and I always try to remember t to make that a foundation for every lesson I plan.

Fortunately, Neil Gaiman

Ok.  I'm back.  It's been a while since I've blogged because I haven't had much time to read much children's literature outside of the school day.  In school, I've been reading a book called I Funny by James Patterson.  Although the book is written more for a middle school audience, the 5th graders are loving it.
My library sends me email updates when new books and movies are released, so I was really excited when I saw a book from Neil Gaiman on the list.  I immediately requested Fortunately, the Milk.  I've enjoyed his other novels so much that I didn't even really look to find out what this one would be about.  Fortunately, the book is great!  I read the first half of the book in one sitting last Saturday afternoon, and I'm hoping to finish the rest this weekend.  Needless to say, it's a quick read.

For my 5th graders reading this, I'm going to use our "Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then" strategy to give you a quick summary.  A family wants milk for their cereal, tea, or other breakfast food, but realize that they are out of milk.  So, the father goes on quite an adventure to find milk for his kids. Then...
I'm not sharing this last part for two reasons:

1. I haven't finished the entire book yet.
2. I don't want to be a spoiler for anybody who'd like to read it.

Although, this book is much lighter than The Graveyard Book, his writing is just as interesting and fun.  The action is very fast-paced, and it almost seems like a screenplay that could be turned into a movie.  It's filled with illustrations that seem to perfectly reflect what's happening.

I just finished reading a 1000-page historical fiction novel, so I'm happy that I chose this book to read next because it's so quick and lively.  I know that any of my 5th graders would love this book, so who's going to give it a try?  Horsham Public Library has a copy available.  You can search for it and request it by clicking this link:  Come on...request this book!  

As always, comment and let me know what you're reading.