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Meet the C-SPL November 2024 Reader of the Month, Megan!
I am a mother of two beautiful girls who also love reading. My husband and I have been married for ten years. We will likely fight over who will read the Harry Potter series to our kids. 🙂
As a classroom teacher of 21 years, reading aloud to kids has always been a favorite sacred time of the day. I love building the anticipation and bringing the characters to life during read alouds. Reading breaths life into a story, helps us empathize with others through different perspectives, and challenges our thinking. In college, my children’s lit professor taught me the value of reading aloud and the magic of storytelling. One of the best compliments from my students was returning to school after a day of being away, and they asked me to re-read a chapter because they enjoy my expression. Kids need good modeling when it comes to reading. I love making that something that brings them joy that lives on for years in our memories.
C-SPL November 2024 Reader of the Month Q & A:
Q: What book(s) are you currently reading?
A: I am reading “The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center and just finished “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt.
Q: What is the best book you have read within the last year (or ever)?
A: That’s tough to answer… My top reads are: “The Measure,” “The Midnight Library,” “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue,” “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” and “The Last Letter.”
Q: What is your ideal reading environment (location, sound, snacks, etc.)?
A: Ideal locations are lounging on a cozy couch, in a coffee shop, or outside with a nice breeze and sunshine.
Q: What book are you most excited about reading next, and what about it is exciting?
A: “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” (Part 2 of “The House in the Cerulean Sea”) and “Onyx Storm” (Part 3 of the Fourth Wing Series).
Q: Have you discovered any exciting new authors or genres?
A: Authors: Taylor Jenkins Reid, Rebecca Yarros, Christina Lauren, and T.J. Klune.
Q: Have you read any books recently that change the way you think about something?
A: Brene Brown has such an interesting perspective on social interaction and personal reflection. She always challenges me to want to grow as a person and sharpen the saw to grow.
“The House in the Cerulean Sea” is about loving people for their strengths as well as their challenging elements of personalities/actions.
“The Midnight Library” is a lovely perspective about revisiting decisions of the past and being able to change the path. Recognizing that the path we choose to take helps us learn and grow, so ensure the bumps along the way.
“American Dirt” taught me to be thankful for what we have in our country. People in other countries face challenging adversity and sometimes will risk everything for the safety of their family.
Q: What book has been the most challenging for you to read? How did it challenge you?
A: “The Fragile Threads of Power” and “A Game of Thrones.” Both books traveled to different lands, had many different family groups to remember, and it was hard to trace who was who. When the book bounces around too much with all of these elements to remember, I need a road map or a family tree to not get lost.
Q: When do you decide to stop reading a book? In other words, do you read every book to the last page, or is there a moment when you decide to stop?
A: Generally, I try to give a book a few chapters to decide if I want to bail or stay the long haul. If I struggle to get into the characters or don’t like the storyline, I pick up a different one.
Q: Do you remember when your love of reading began?
A: In college at Winona State, my professor of children’s lit would read us picture books. I thought it was ridiculous at first. But after I heard her read aloud, I was entranced! We were all drooling on our desks. As a teacher, I love the connections to our learning, teaching about literary elements, character development, plot, figures of speech, and teachable moments. Kids love being read to and I love sharing those titles and authors with my students to keep them in good books. I love bringing the stories to life for them and helping them connect with the characters.
Q: What other library resources do you enjoy (DVDs, CDs, board games, baking pans, digital content, etc.)?
A: I love using the apps: hoopla and Libby to read digital books. Even my own children enjoy using the digital platforms to access movies, books, and music. The Maker Space is amazing! I have made different t-shirts and learned how to use their equipment to make my own creations. The 3D printers are incredible to watch! The Take and Make bags are fun for adults and even the kids. I love the ideas and simple directions to create something to match the season.
Check out Megan’s Favorite Books
Be the next C-SPL Reader of the Month!
More Reader of the Month posts.