The cost of 37 book titles for young adults such as Shattered Mirror, purchased at www.amazon.com, is $523, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
I teach 7th grade literacy at a middle school in Brooklyn where over 80% of the students receive free lunch. 7th grade is a crucial year for students in deteremining how successful they will be on the 8th grade ELA exam. Numberous studies have shown that the more kids read, the better they perform in ALL subject areas. The trouble is, my classroom library is filled with books that do not interest my 7th grade students.
The happiest moments for me as a first year teacher have been sharing an engaging conversation with kids about books. It is even more rewarding to see kids talk to each other about literature in an eager and intelligent way. However, at this point in the year, most of my students have read all of the engaging titles in my library and complain that they cannot choose from my selection of "baby" books. As a result, a shocking portion of my class simply isn't reading.
My classroom library is in desperate need of a makeover. My students need high interest, young adult books in a variety of genres to choose from in order to revive their interest in reading. It is my goal to foster a love of reading in my students. This is impossible without age approriate, engaging texts.
Throughout the year, I have used books as reward for students who are showing improvement in behavior, classwork or who have met reading goals they have set for themselves. I have spent my own money purchasing books they have requested. Kids KNOW what they like and my kids like to read. Please help us replenish our library with titles kids are excited about.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Liles and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
