Reading & Literacy Blog

The Book Whisperer

Donalyn Miller was a 6th grade language arts teacher in Texas who is said to have a “gift": She can turn even the most reluctant (or, in her words, “dormant”) readers into students who can’t put their books down. This blog is no longer being updated.

Education Opinion The Next Chapter
Donalyn Miller says goodbye to The Book Whisperer blog and invites you to continue thinking and learning about reading instruction.
Donalyn Miller, September 30, 2012
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2 min read
Education Opinion What the Kardashians Taught Me About Reading Instruction (No, For Real)
Donalyn Miller invites Christopher Lehman to share what he learned about teaching reading by watching reality TV.
Donalyn Miller, September 9, 2012
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7 min read
Education Opinion Books That Build Community
Donalyn Miller provides a list of children's literature that promote community-building and launch a new school year.
Donalyn Miller, August 16, 2012
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5 min read
Education Opinion Guess My Lexile
Donalyn Miller examines overuse of reading leveling systems like Lexile Measures when matching children with books.
Donalyn Miller, July 25, 2012
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4 min read
Education Opinion 2012 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award Finalists Announced
The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN) of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is pleased and proud to announce the finalists for the 2012 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award for Young Adult Fiction.
Donalyn Miller, July 10, 2012
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1 min read
Education Opinion Building Up Your Book Muscle
Donalyn Miller suggests methods for increasing your knowledge of children's books.
Donalyn Miller, June 17, 2012
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4 min read
Education Opinion 4th Annual Book-a-Day
Donalyn Miller announces her 4th Annual Book-a-Day Summer Reading Challenge.
Donalyn Miller, May 15, 2012
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1 min read
Education Opinion Book Recommendation: The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
Christopher Healy stops by The Book Whisperer blog to share his new book, The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, a marvelous middle grade adventure story.
Donalyn Miller, April 30, 2012
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3 min read
Manipulated image of old hardcover books flying on white background
Liudmila Chernetska/iStock + Education Week
Reading & Literacy Opinion Launching Summer Reading
Donalyn Miller suggests ideas for launching students' summer reading.
Donalyn Miller, April 22, 2012
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2 min read
Education Opinion First Do No Harm (Reprise)
Donalyn Miller revisits her thoughts on standardized test prep at the expense of authentic reading instruction.
Donalyn Miller, April 2, 2012
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3 min read
Education Opinion 2012 NCTE/CLA Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts
Donalyn Miller announces the 2012 Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts winners for readers in grades K-8.
Donalyn Miller, March 13, 2012
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3 min read
Education Opinion Share a Story Shape a Future: Creating a Reading Culture at Home
As part of the annual Share a Story/ Shape a Future blog event, Donalyn Miller provides tips for parents who want to create a reading culture at home.
Donalyn Miller, March 5, 2012
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2 min read
Education Opinion Make Every Day Read Aloud Day
Donalyn Miller invites you to participate in World Read Aloud Day on March 7, 2012 and describes the importance of reading aloud to students.
Donalyn Miller, February 15, 2012
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4 min read
Education Opinion I Resolve to Read
Donalyn Miller doesn't think it matters how, when, or what we challenging ourselves to read in 2011, as long as we commit to read.
Donalyn Miller, January 1, 2012
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3 min read
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