Write Beside Them - Initial Reactions and Giveaway

I recently mentioned that I had just started Penny Kittle's Write Beside Them: risk, voice, and clarity in high school writing. Just as my college class and school activities kept me from picking it up for so long, it also slowed down my actual reading. It was hard to make myself go to bed at a reasonable hour or to do other reading with a deadline over finishing up the book. It was that good.

It has been an excellent resource as I have been constantly reflecting over my current writer's workshop set up for this year and considering goals for short and long term improvements.

Because I enjoyed the book so much, I am very excited to announce that I have an extra copy of the book that I would like to give away. For the next two weeks I will be posting different thoughts/reflections about the book. Each time you comment on any of the posts about the book, I will enter you in the drawing that will take place on Sunday, March 21st. On your comment just make sure that there is a way I can contact you in case you win. If your comment does not link back to your blog, try to leave an email. I will also announce the winner.

For now I am going to sit back and revel all of her brilliant thoughts and continue to ponder the implications for my classroom, but stay tuned for posts revolving around the book! In the meantime, you can learn more about the book on Heinemann's site and on the English Companion Ning book club discussion that occurred last November/December. I know that I will be exploring the posts from the book club since I was not able to participate at the time but am sure it has many great ideas.