Giving the Gift of Books
from NCTE INBOX 12-6-11
One of the teacher communities I belong to recently posted the question, "What books do you like to give as gifts?" I, of course, have my favorites! For example, I always gave my student teachers a copy of Oh, the Places You'll Go! Often, as teachers, we are asked to share book suggestions -- for gifts and for other purposes. Here are some suggestions from NCTE and ReadWriteThink.
Nearly every NCTE journal features discussions of books and other pieces of literature. Language Arts includes "Children's Literature Reviews," Voices from the Middle talks about "Young Adult Literature," and English Journal shares "Teaching Young Adult Literature."
ReadWriteThink.org publishes two podcast series about children's and young adult literature: Chatting About Books: Recommendations for Young Readers for grades K-5 and Text Messages: Recommendations for Adolescent Readers for grades 6-12.
"Give the Gift of Family Literacy -- Student-Designed Gift Books" in English Journal shares how students can create their own books to give as gifts. Similar ideas are shared in "The Children's Picture Book Project" and "Three Ways to Bind a Handmade Book."
Dr. Seuss is one of the authors whose books are frequently given as gifts. Read about other such authors in "Make New Friends but Keep the Old: New Books from Our Favorite Authors."
Invite students to share their suggestions of books to give by asking them to give Daily Book Boosts.
Winners and nominees from NCTE's Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children would make great and informative gifts. Books that have won other awards would be good choices, too.
If you are looking for suggestions for professional book titles, take a look at the NCTE Online Store.
What are your favorite titles to give as gifts? Share your thoughts below!