The Book Talk: An Enticing Invitation to Read
—Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp
About the Authors
Donalyn Miller is a leading expert on independent reading and children’s literature, and the author of three best-sellers, including The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child. She has taught language arts and social studies in the Fort Worth, Texas, area and was a finalist for the 2010 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Colby Sharp is a fifth-grade teacher at Parma Elementary in Parma, Michigan. He is the cofounder of Nerd Camp and Nerdy Book Club and author of The Creativity Project: An Awesometastic Story Collection.
Expert Idea
The Book Talk
Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp believe that few practices are more powerful than surrounding children with books and sharing stories of how specific titles touched your heart, taught you something important, or just made you laugh until you cried. In other words, give book talks!
Book talks:
- Spark an interest in books
- Help children discover books they want to read
- Foster a love of reading
Think of a book talk as a short commercial about a book, aimed at convincing other readers to pick it up and give it a try.
Teach It
Download a Tip Sheet with pointers for helping your students participate in book talks at home.
Download
Watch and Learn
Book Choice: Miller and Sharp discuss the importance of finding the right books.
Book Talk: According to Miller and Sharp, one of the best ways to find the right book is with a book talk. Watch a book talk in action, in which a third-grader teacher and student each share their recommendations.
Learn More
- Read a Sample Chapter
Click here to download a chapter from Game Changer! Book Access for All Kids.
- Order the Book
Click here to order Game Changer! Book Access for All Kids.