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Completed: Where are the Science Fiction Books?

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"I am a proud sixth grade teacher in a wonderful school. I teach language arts and reading to mostly low income Hispanic students. About a year ago, I was lucky enough to receive a generous donation through Donors Choose to start a classroom library for my students. My library contains over 80 boo... " MORE
"I am a proud sixth grade teacher in a wonderful school. I teach language arts and reading to mostly low income Hispanic students. About a year ago, I was lucky enough to receive a generous donation through Donors Choose to start a classroom library for my students. My library contains over 80 books and 25 dictionaries. It is a cozy and private library located in the back of my room in a large open closet. I have filled my library with posters, bean bags, carpets, lamps, and student art work.

For the past year I have witnessed how comfortable my students have felt when reading in my library. They enjoy the relaxing time in it and they love the variety of books. My students also like taking care of the library. At times, my coworkers send over a few of their students to read in my library because of its warm and safe atmosphere.

I am always reflecting on how I can make my library better and I have decided to once again ask this wonderful organization to donate more books. I am currently taking courses to receive my masters in reading. My professor recently taught me a good lesson. She made me analyze my library and ask myself what kinds of books I was providing for my students. I realized that I was doing a disservice to my students. A lot of my books are award winning and are geared to attract my female students. I also realized that I do not have enough science fiction or series books. Research has been proving that male students like to read science fiction and that most adolescent readers enjoy series books because they get comfortable with the characters. Although I truly believe I have quality literature in my classroom library, I also have to remember that I have to get my students to read any book even if it is not award wining before I get them to read quality literature.

I am a firm believer that reading equals power and because I love reading, I hope that my students will learn to love it too. My proposal will help struggling readers pick up and enjoy a book not because they have to, but because they want to.

My students need 75+ book titles, from genres including science fiction, fantasy, and series books, by authors such as Jerry Spinelli, Walter Dean Myers, R.L. Stein, Darren Shan and Rick Riordan. The cost of this proposal is $846, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ?."

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Ms. H. sent this note after the project was fully funded:

Oct 27, 2009
Dear MAX, Emily C., Marianne, classof67, Renee, Hank, Anne, Scott, Sarah, Devaleena, Cameron, Jeriba, Candra, Matthew, Bruce and Anonymous Donor, 

I cannot wait to show my students all of the science fiction, fantasy and series books that are coming our way. You have no idea how much your generous donation will impact my students. Because of you, my students will have the opportunity to explore reading and find out what being a reader means to them.

With your help, my students will be able to explore several genres and will be vastly exposed to the forgotten genres like science fiction and fantasy. You are opening the door for reading and are showing my students that reading can be an adventure. Your donation will help me take my reluctant readers and guide them into becoming independent readers and thinkers.

Thank you for your support of reading, learning, and for proving to my students that we believe in them!

With gratitude,
Ms. H.

Photos coming soon!

Live Updates
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Kathleen N. (volunteer) on Jun 20, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.
Ryan G. (associate) on Jun 21, 2009
"I gave to this project because I believe children need more access to science fiction, to spark their imaginations and expand their reading horizons. "
Hank from San Jose, CA gave in support of Gawker Media's Giving Page on Oct 1, 2009
"I gave to this project because I love books and have enjoyed many of the books that were requested. I hope you have fun reading them."
Candra from Michigan gave in support of Gawker Media's Giving Page on Oct 1, 2009
"The 6th grade was a very rough year for me, and reading was a great source of escape and inspiration. I especially loved Science Fiction (still do) and I hope I can share that with a few more kids. (PS, I'm giving as part of io9.com's Charity Challenge!)"
Jeriba from Phoenix, AZ gave in support of Gawker Media's Giving Page on Oct 1, 2009
"I gave to this project because I remember spending long hours discovering new places and new things through books, and I want more kids to have that opportunity. Keep on reading!"
Matthew from Georgia gave in support of Gawker Media's Giving Page on Oct 1, 2009
Cameron from Seattle, WA gave in support of Gawker Media's Giving Page on Oct 1, 2009
"I gave to this project because I loved reading all sorts of books when I was growing up, but especially series books. I think that every child should have the same opportunity. I hope the kids enjoy the books! "
Devaleena from New York gave in support of Gawker Media's Giving Page on Oct 1, 2009
"Thank you Hank, Candra, Jeriba, Matthew, Cameron, and Devaleena for your support and for helping bring back books to life!"
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 1, 2009
"I gave to this project because my love of fantasy and sciene fiction books knows no bounds! Don't underestimate the girls in your classroom that will be draw to the selection you've provided (and if you can, you should look into the feminist-leaning works by Tamora Pierce ... strong heroines, fantastic story-telling, and, above all else, the message that a girl can do anything - and age-appropriate for your class, to boot!)"
Emily C. from New York, NY gave in support of Gawker Media's Giving Page on Oct 5, 2009
"Thank you Emily for your support and advice! I will definitely look into the work of Tamora Pierce."
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 5, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in education."
Renee from California gave in support of Gawker Media's Giving Page on Oct 10, 2009
"Thank you so much Renee for your support and for your belief in education."
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 10, 2009
"I gave to this project because I attended Piper School and Morton West and I believe in the kids in the Berwyn school districts. Learn all you can."
classof67 from Illinois gave in support of 2009 Berwyn Challenge on Oct 17, 2009
"Thank you so much for your donation and your belief in Berwyn students!"
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 18, 2009
"We gave to this project because you took the time to identify your classroom's needs and share them with the community. we love being able to help, eductation is important to us!"
Sarah from Round Rock, TX gave on Oct 23, 2009
"Sarah, thank you for the support to my classroom and to education!"
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 23, 2009
"I gave to this project because I enjoyed reading science fiction & fantasy in high school."
A donor gave in support of Good Dogg's Pimp My Birthday Extravaganza on Oct 24, 2009
"Thank you to the donor in support of Good Dogg's Pimp My Birthday Extravaganza! I truly appreciate your support!"
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 24, 2009
"I gave to this project because books are the key to any future you can imagine. Everyone should have books to read and a safe place to read them."
Bruce from Illinois gave on Oct 26, 2009
"Thank you so much Bruce for your support and for helping my students have more books to read!"
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 26, 2009
"the need for science and math education for our children to remain competitive in the world is great....and childhood is where an interest in these subjects can have a life long impact.........and I want to support the dedicated teachers that struggle to provide opportunities with limited resources for OUR kids"
Marianne from Alexandria, VA gave on Oct 27, 2009
"I'm more than happy to continue to raise interest in fantasy/sci-fi, as those are my favorite genres to read."
Scott from Fort Worth, TX gave in support of Mac|Life Loves School! on Oct 27, 2009
"I gave to this project because I love reading and playing with my grandchildren and would like to help provide some educational opportunities to other children who may need it."
Anne from Galloway, NJ gave in support of Mac|Life Loves School! on Oct 27, 2009
"I hope that I have helped...even if just a little bit...and hope that others do too."
MAX from WEST ORANGE, NJ gave on Oct 27, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news on Oct 27, 2009
"Marianne, thank you so much for your support! You have definitely impacted a life long love of reading for my students!"
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 27, 2009
"Scott, thank you for your support! With your help, my students can now have the opportunity to choose fantasy/sci-fi as their favorite genre too!"
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 27, 2009
"Anne, thank you for your support! You have definitely reached out and helped my students have more opportunities to enjoy reading!"
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 27, 2009
"Max, you have helped more than you can imagine! My students are going to be thrilled when they see all of our new books! Thank you for your support!"
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 27, 2009
Teacher MailThank You Letter posted!
The teacher Ms. H. on Oct 27, 2009
Purchased the books for Ms. H.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member) on Oct 28, 2009
Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.
Funded!
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