Reading Relevant Books Creates Ready Readers

Funded Apr 8, 2018

My students took to this book immediately! They ALL identified with Gabi, even the boys, and there were many other characters in her world they recognized from their own lives and warmed to as well. The girls in particular were pleased to find in Gabi a young woman who had a positive body image while also being chubby, and who wasn't afraid to make the first move in a relationship or to say "no" when put on the spot sexually. We had many lively classroom discussions about the dilemmas Gabi and her friends face. It had been challenging to get students to read previous fiction texts even during class, but many asked to take Gabi home between our block-scheduled classes so they could read it on their own every day.

Not surprisingly, the students also became fully engaged in the writing assignments that went with our readings. They crafted rich sensory descriptions of their favorite foods and settings, insightful persuasive letters to friends and family members who were making poor choices in life, and strong narrative essays about creative pursuits that help them cope with difficult times in the way writing poetry helps Gabi.

I think the poetry assignments were their favorite. Their Haiku poems were lyrical, funny and touching. When it came time to write "conjure" poems to honor the lives and summon the spirits of loved ones who had passed away (as Gabi does in the novel), they truly poured their hearts out. They made delicate choices in diction, syntax and rhythm to communicate the qualities that make someone unique and to capture in words moments of deep personal connection and longing.

While I did not teach summer school, I left our classroom set of the novel with a colleague so a whole new group of students was able to read and learn from them.

Many, many thanks to all of you all for your donations. Your generosity had a very positive impact on my students and myself, and will continue to benefit the students of East LA Performing Arts Magnet. If you want a fun read, or know of a teenager who does, pick up a copy of Gabi, A Girl in Pieces, and enjoy!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Borrus