ReadWriteThink.org is Chatting About Books

Free podcast shares the best in children’s literature, reviews by kids, opinions of the experts

It’s that time of year again. Teachers around the United States are unpacking their classroom libraries and restocking the shelves. Invariably, a trip to the bookstore is warranted to spice up the collection.

But which books are kids genuinely excited about? Which books will generate the most enthusiasm and engagement and keep kids coming back to your bookshelf throughout the school year? And most importantly, what’s a fun and easy way for on-the-go teachers to get answers to these questions?

Emily Manning, the host of ReadWriteThink.org’s new, free podcast, Chatting About Books, knows. As a reading intervention teacher for third through fifth graders, she thrives on the challenge of finding books that will spark a love of reading in her students. And now she’s sharing her book finds with the world. Launched in April 2008, the show already has hundreds of loyal listeners each month.

Every episode highlights two or three books for grades K–5 grouped around a central theme. Upcoming episodes will feature fractured fairy tales, books about elections, and great books for boys. Past episodes, which you can download anytime, include books on the environment and shared poetry read-alouds.

One of Emily’s favorite pastimes is trolling through her local library and bookstore, searching for those hidden gems that will someday become well-worn classics in her classroom library. And she is not afraid to dust off books like The Lorax to offer a fresh and engaging perspective on what these classic texts still have to offer children.

And you don’t have to take only Emily’s word for it—each episode of Chatting About Books includes a "Cookies and Milk" segment, in which Emily talks with a small group of kids who have read the books. Their honest and enthusiastic reviews will have you smiling as you make your book list.

This segment is followed in each episode by an "Expert Chat" during which Emily talks with other educators, literacy professionals, and even the authors of the books featured in that episode. They swap reading strategies, ways to get kids engaged with books, and, in the case of the book authors, the inspiration behind their work.

Emily is particularly excited by the opportunity she’s had to interview such notable authors as Jon Scieszka, Marla Frazee, and Marissa Moss. "I never dreamed that I’d actually be able to sit down and talk at the same table with these talented authors that I’ve admired for so long," she said.

Each episode of Chatting About Books is around 15–20 minutes long, perfect for listening during your commute, break time, or while you’re grading that stack of papers. You can subscribe through iTunes so that new episodes are automatically downloaded to your computer each month.

Each episode also has its own page on the ReadWriteThink.org website so you can find more information about the books, a summary of each episode, and links to related literacy activities and websites. Find these pages, and listen to past episodes anytime, at www.readwritethink.org/beyondtheclassroom/.

Now, as Emily likes to say, "We’re done chatting about books. Get on out there and read!"

ReadWriteThink.org is a nonprofit website maintained by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English with support from the Verizon Foundation, and in association with the Thinkfinity consortium.

ReadWriteThink.org is Chatting About Books. (August 2008). Reading Today 26(1), 48.