This year as I looked over the books that I have read in the past year and I tried to figure out whether to do a list of the best graphic novels, picture books, or young adult novels, it occurred to me that it might be best to do a series of short lists. So […]
by Andrew Blok and Bill Boerman-Cornell “These are the paired wonders of reading: the world-creating power of books, and the reader’s effortless absorption that allows the book’s fragile world. All air and thought, to maintain itself for a while, a bamboo and paper house among earthquakes; within it readers acquire peace, become more powerful, feel […]
For this column, we are going to take a break from the Bedlam gang and hear some books that columnist Jan Kaarsvlam is writing and is sure will influence your teaching. He would like to recommend that you buy and read copies of these books as soon as possible, as he isn’t sure he will […]
10. Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. If you haven’t read it yet, do so now. Actually, that is my whole review. But if you want don’t like being commanded to buy a book and want some reasons, here they are: The voice of the storyteller is masterful; the story is […]
Every now and then I run into someone who, upon finding out that I am a literacy researcher, patiently explains to me that with computers and the Internet, books will soon be things of the past and teaching reading will be about as valuable as teaching cursive. One of the Christian high schools in my […]
For most, reading is a pleasurable skill that is acquired almost imperceptibly. I’ve heard it’s like waking up one morning suddenly knowing how to make sense of the jumble of letters on a page, almost effortlessly, without even having to move your lips. At least that’s what I’ve heard. It’s not like that for me. […]
In keeping with the theme of this month’s issue, John Walcott asked the panel members to recommend some of their favorite books for Christian educators or for their students. Justin Cook submitted the following recommendations for teachers: An Ethic of Excellence, by Ron Berger (2003). Ron Berger is a master teacher in the expeditionary […]
1. Fleischman, Paul. Whirligig. New York: Macmillan, 1998. My friend Kim has recently returned to the joy of reading. This one is especially for her. There is a seventeen-year-old kid named Brent who has just moved to a new school. He is nervous and insecure and trying to fit in, so when he is invited to […]
This issue once again offers our readers a number of suggestions of good books to read over the course of the upcoming summer break. There are a variety of reviews and suggestions here. All of the books will provide enjoyment and opportunities for growth. Some are related directly to what goes on in our classrooms […]
Our newest member of the panel, John Walcott, introduced the theme of this issue by sending the following message to the panel contributors: This issue of CEJ focuses on “Good Books that all Christian Educators Should Read.” I would like you, therefore, to submit recommendations of books in keeping with this theme, but also to […]