I am a retired elementary teacher. I taught for 38 years. I started out in 4th grade in the mid 70s and 80s. My favorite thing as a teacher was reading aloud to the class. My teammate and I took turns reading aloud to our combined classes every day. We did this for 10 years. "Where the Red Fern Grows" was our favorite read- aloud and the childrens' as well. Both my teammate and I would always get choked up in the final chapters, and we would pass off the book to each other at that point so we could get through it. The students were always spellbound and sniffling. Their parents would ask about that book saying that their children would come home telling them about this wonderful story they were hearing at school. After teaching 4th grade, I taught first and second grade for the rest of my career. My favorite read aloud for my 2nd graders was always Charlotte's Web. Like you, I can quote many lines from that book. There is so much children's literature that should be required reading for us all. We always stressed to our parents, read aloud every day/night to or with your child. It's one of the best things you can do for your children. I was lucky enough to have a mother that read to us every night.
So well said! My fifth grade teacher read books to us after lunch. We laid our heads on our desks so we could just rest and listen. My favorite books were The Boxcar Children. There were several books about them.
I still buy books for the children in my family. When they are with me, I try to get them to put the iPad down and just look and listen to a children’s book with me.
I couldn't agree more. I also read aloud a children's version of Helen Keller's story. Talk about a lump in your throat. Another great one with a great theme is Maniac Magee.
I taught 5th grade for most of my teaching career. I chose to teach because of the most challenging teacher who led to my love of learning: Miss Valera McInnis! Many of your former students likely loved learning because of you!
Gary Larson's pretty close to the top for me. What a great, twisted point of view that gives me a different perspective whenever I run across some of his drawings. And, there's nothing quite like the real experience of someone who has had to steal chickens or hop a rail car just to stay alive. Amor Towles' "The Lincoln Highway," is a pretty good book about traveling across the country, too.
I confess I've never read it, and now that you said it made you cry, I won't, because I can't bear sad animal stories. But I had to look up Wilson Rawls, and indeed, what a remarkable life he had! Apparently he owes something to his wife, who encouraged him to rewrite the novel after he had destroyed his manuscripts--and she helped with spelling and punctuation. She must have been pretty remarkable herself. Thanks for another interesting story!
And I’m so glad to learn this Ms. Pierce for I read about how libraries are being closed in Houston schools and books removed from libraries in Florida schools. My guess Wilson Rawls would be omitted since there’s coondogs included in his works.
I am entranced by reading you. First I was drawn to how you write. Then it was what you write that touched me. You are a special talent. Thank you for the enjoyment. And I just put in for Where the Red Fern Grows at the library. Thanks for that too.
As a librarian I was disappointed that my son didn’t like to read as much as I did. Turns out I was simply suggesting the wrong things. He loved Where the Red Fern Grows, books about World War 2 and Wired magazine. Taught me something.
My teachers would always check the books we were checking out. I forget what book I had but it didn’t matter because she would always change it. I read some really good books and this was one of them and no I wasn’t the only one trying to get by with an easy read.
Didn’t read “Red Fern” until last year. So sorry I didn’t know about it earlier. Powerful story. I now recognize its influence in Mr. Dietrich’s long-form work. All of which are worth reading.
You mentioned "Where the Red Fern Grows" about a year ago and you peaked my curiosity. As a result, my daughter gave me a copy for Christmas. It was everything you said and more and it's now on my favorite books list! I can't recommend it highly enough!! Thanks
I am a retired elementary teacher. I taught for 38 years. I started out in 4th grade in the mid 70s and 80s. My favorite thing as a teacher was reading aloud to the class. My teammate and I took turns reading aloud to our combined classes every day. We did this for 10 years. "Where the Red Fern Grows" was our favorite read- aloud and the childrens' as well. Both my teammate and I would always get choked up in the final chapters, and we would pass off the book to each other at that point so we could get through it. The students were always spellbound and sniffling. Their parents would ask about that book saying that their children would come home telling them about this wonderful story they were hearing at school. After teaching 4th grade, I taught first and second grade for the rest of my career. My favorite read aloud for my 2nd graders was always Charlotte's Web. Like you, I can quote many lines from that book. There is so much children's literature that should be required reading for us all. We always stressed to our parents, read aloud every day/night to or with your child. It's one of the best things you can do for your children. I was lucky enough to have a mother that read to us every night.
So well said! My fifth grade teacher read books to us after lunch. We laid our heads on our desks so we could just rest and listen. My favorite books were The Boxcar Children. There were several books about them.
I still buy books for the children in my family. When they are with me, I try to get them to put the iPad down and just look and listen to a children’s book with me.
I couldn't agree more. I also read aloud a children's version of Helen Keller's story. Talk about a lump in your throat. Another great one with a great theme is Maniac Magee.
I taught 5th grade for most of my teaching career. I chose to teach because of the most challenging teacher who led to my love of learning: Miss Valera McInnis! Many of your former students likely loved learning because of you!
My favorite book also-
“It’s a shame people all over the world can’t have that kind of love in their hearts, he said.
There would be no wars, slaughter, or murder; no greed or selfishness. It would be the kinda of world God wants us to have - a wonderful world.”
Wilson Rawls,
Where the Red Fern Grows
Beautiful reply.
Gary Larson's pretty close to the top for me. What a great, twisted point of view that gives me a different perspective whenever I run across some of his drawings. And, there's nothing quite like the real experience of someone who has had to steal chickens or hop a rail car just to stay alive. Amor Towles' "The Lincoln Highway," is a pretty good book about traveling across the country, too.
Só true. Loved The Lincoln Highway.
Thank you for book recommendation, I will find it.
It would be simpler to ask "So, what are you reading? Is it any good?"
Many times, the author that I am currently reading is my favorite-of-the-moment.
I like to imagine all of you Sean-readers to be as voracious as I am when it comes to reading.
It's akin to asking which of your children is your favorite.
Those interviewers lack imagination.
Everyday. I read. I go to bed with a Book, glass of water and my dogs. So. So many favorite Authors.
Mine is dog, singular, but me, too.
A good response would be….”All of them!”
I agree!
The author Connie Schultz often does a Facebook post with the question, “What are you reading?”
Very inspirational!
Lots of good suggestions.
I don’t do facebook anymore. But I will see if I can find Ms. Schultz. Thank you so. Ain’t this a lovely lovely post of Sean’s.
Connie is on Substack too.
Her column is called Hopefully Yours.
Thank you so
I confess I've never read it, and now that you said it made you cry, I won't, because I can't bear sad animal stories. But I had to look up Wilson Rawls, and indeed, what a remarkable life he had! Apparently he owes something to his wife, who encouraged him to rewrite the novel after he had destroyed his manuscripts--and she helped with spelling and punctuation. She must have been pretty remarkable herself. Thanks for another interesting story!
I feel sad for those who don’t read. A library is the world, opened to you. World? It’s even other universes.
You made this children’s librarian’s day, Sean! 📚
And I’m so glad to learn this Ms. Pierce for I read about how libraries are being closed in Houston schools and books removed from libraries in Florida schools. My guess Wilson Rawls would be omitted since there’s coondogs included in his works.
The reading of a really memorable book can change the trajectory of a person's life...
I am entranced by reading you. First I was drawn to how you write. Then it was what you write that touched me. You are a special talent. Thank you for the enjoyment. And I just put in for Where the Red Fern Grows at the library. Thanks for that too.
As a librarian I was disappointed that my son didn’t like to read as much as I did. Turns out I was simply suggesting the wrong things. He loved Where the Red Fern Grows, books about World War 2 and Wired magazine. Taught me something.
My teachers would always check the books we were checking out. I forget what book I had but it didn’t matter because she would always change it. I read some really good books and this was one of them and no I wasn’t the only one trying to get by with an easy read.
Love....sean of the south is mentioned every day in our house.🥰
I used to read "Where the Red Fern Grows" to my class. It is indeed a lovely book! Thanks for reminding me.
Didn’t read “Red Fern” until last year. So sorry I didn’t know about it earlier. Powerful story. I now recognize its influence in Mr. Dietrich’s long-form work. All of which are worth reading.
You mentioned "Where the Red Fern Grows" about a year ago and you peaked my curiosity. As a result, my daughter gave me a copy for Christmas. It was everything you said and more and it's now on my favorite books list! I can't recommend it highly enough!! Thanks
You are one of mine, Sean. I admit it even without being cross examined under "nuclear studio lights".