Reading Reasons: Motivational Mini-Lessons for Middle and High School

This is the best reading book since Cris Tovani's I Read It But I Don't Get It (which if you didn't already know is the most amazing reading book ever). This has helped me plan out my English classes for next year and has lots of ideas and lots of ready to use lessons that truly instill the love of reading.

For those Language Arts teachers that are searching for material for the new CORE CURRICULUM, this is a must (and a lifesaver). I want all the Language Arts teachers that we service through the i3 grant and the NSULA National Writing Project to have a copy of this in their hands. I have already incorporated material from this in two presentations that I will start making in the fall in the schools that the NSULA NWP services. Did I mention that the service and delivery was quick and excellent, and you could not ask for a better quality text than I received. Thanks

I have not encountered a Kelly Gallagher book that I haven't enjoyed. The best part about all of his writing is its authenticity. Gallagher is not some administrator with six years of classroom experience acquired two decades ago, nor is he someone whose studied public school education at the university level; he is a real-life educator, in the trenches, current, not because of academic research but because of practical, hands-on experience. One of the major paradoxes of the education system is that the major decisions affecting educational practice and pedagogy are made by ignoring the people with the most valuable experience: the teachers and the students. Gallagher's book, Reading Reasons, is just what the doctor ordered. It isn't laden with intellectual theories about zones of proximal development. It is tangible advice that's been tried, not merely a strategy that's been observed. The book offers forty mini-lessons that teachers can use to engage students in reading by helping them see reasons to read. While not all of the strategies will appeal to every educator, there are enough to choose from to create the climate of your choice. The mini-lessons range from brief activities (5-10 minutes) during a single class period or techniques that you could use daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly depending on your preference. The book also leaves room for expansion as Gallagher admits our reasons grow every day and vary from person to person. This is in no way a comprehensive list, nor does Gallagher claim that it is. What it is is a springboard for educators to begin inspiring reading in their students. Once the torch is lit, it will be up to the teacher and his or her students to develop more reasons and add to the list.

Kelly Gallagher is the best ever. I used this book to help shift the mindset of my students in an Intensive Reading class. Three of them have already read a million words this year, and have boosted their reading scores with just a few pointers from me. So... yep. It works!

Great mini lessons to get kids excited about reading! I have used several of these ideas, and even shared them with other teachers. Not only do they get my kids excited, they also get *me* excited because I see how well my students respond!

I understand all of the fuss about Kelly Gallagher! I purchased the book for an MA action research project. Great activities to help students connect the importance of reading to the real world.

Kelly Gallagher knows what he's talking about! This book is my second by this teacher/author, and I am ready to apply the ideas immediately. Gallagher's philosophy of teaching reading skills to secondary students without losing their interest is right on. I think every secondary language arts or English teacher should have this resource.

In my opinion, this book is less useful than Gallagher's other books. While this is well-written, I don't find myself reaching for this book as often as Deeper Reading or Write Like This.