CUNY Academic Commons

Hi Zizhen,

I loved your AST!  It was so clear and informative.  A friend actually gave me this book and I just need to open it and start reading.  Your summary was very concise!  I am curious to see what will happen to the main characters!

Hi Safa,

I feel like this would not be a book that I would choose on my own, but your AST has convinced me to keep an open mind.  Based on the title it sounds like something that would happen in England since it sounds so formal, but your descriptions leads me to believe otherwise.  I am intrigued!

Hi Aisha,

I also do not have access to your AST, but I did watch the movie just recently.  I was very resistant because I thought it was about mathematical concepts (Pi = 3.14?) and that sent me running. To get back on track, I enjoyed the movie.  It was very sad, but the ending was really wonderful.  I will check out the book! Thank you!

Hi John,

I really like your lede.  It was nicely written.  This book sounds really suspenseful.  I definitely want to check it out and put it in my classroom library.  I’m thinking that students can read it together in an informal literature circle and discuss it together.  The librarian at my school conducts after-school book circles.  This…[Read more]

Hi Tatiana!

This book sounds really interesting and reluctant readers might be engaged since there seems to be many surprises. I also like how it focuses on the damaging effects of gossiping because students need to learn what a terrible habit it is to gossip. I like that there’s a mystery element in the book too!  You must tell me how the…[Read more]

Hi Rachell,

Poetry is usually not my strong suit and I usually shy away from it, but based on your descriptions in your AST, it sounds like I might have to reconsider.  I have so many students from the Dominican Republic and I think that they might enjoy a book like this.  The themes mentioned sound like a great way to create a space for s…[Read more]

Hi Kaitlyn,

I love your AST!  It’s really well organized and visually appealing.  I have had my eye on this book for a while.  I was always curious about Joana while reading Between Shades of Gray.  I wondered if she actually knew what was going on with Lina and her family since they were so close.  I enjoy reading books from different pers…[Read more]

Hi Heeji!

I definitely want to read this book!  Based on your descriptions, I think it’s a book that I will enjoy reading.  The Spanish Civil War is not studied that closely in school and personally speaking I would like to learn more.  Themes of courage need to be discussed regularly in the classroom because when we want to make a change to ou…[Read more]

Hi Rubina,

This book sounds like a really great way to start discussions surrounding diversity.  This is so important to bring up and I like how students will remember a story about diversity rather than a one time discussion.  I also like how the book is accessible to so many age groups.  It seems to be a high interest story.

Hi Connor,

The Book Thief was given to me by a friend after I gave her some books and it is still sitting on my bookshelf.  After your recommendation, I will pick up this book and start reading it!  It’s my favorite genre – historical fiction. After I am finished with this book, I will donate it to my classroom library.  The story line sounds re…[Read more]

Hi Anthony,

This book sounds really interesting since we do not read about many characters with Cystic Fibrosis.  I think it’s important for our students to learn that despite disabilities, you can still persevere.  A little romance thrown into the story line doesn’t hurt either! It sounds like a book that I might enjoy!

Hi Yuki,

Your AST was designed very nicely.  I think the theme of this novel is important to discuss with our students.  I love that the character finds inspiration in Dr. King’s letters.  Dr. King was such an eloquent speaker and I just love watching his “I Have a Dream” speech.  We have to keep trying everyday to make sure that everyone is tre…[Read more]

Hi Victoria,

I like the way that you designed your AST.  This book sounds interesting especially the part about finding oneself.  So many students struggle with that and it’s important for them to see that this might be a common theme among many.

Hi Erin!

This book sounds like it would bring A LOT of discussion to the classroom.  I don’t know if I would be able to read it with ENL students, but I would like to read it and maybe have it for my classroom library.  Thank you for your succinct lede.  I feel like starting that book right now!  I want to see what these boys do that they imp…[Read more]

Hi Caroline,

I have always wanted to read this book!  I shied away from it though because I thought it would be too sad.  Based on what you wrote, it sounds like a great book.  I love books that have multiple character perspectives and the theme that you pointed out in your lede is really important.  Thank you for convincing me to read this!

Hi Nicole,

This book sounds really interesting.  I think we need to read books about racism with our students and talk about it whenever we get the chance.  I keep saying that dialogue will bring change and we need to keep trying to understand each other by listening to everyone’s perspective.

Hi Rachel,

You lede is awesome!  I love how visually appealing it is.  Even though I have heard of this novel and movie, I haven’t read it or watched it.  Based on your descriptions, I will definitely put it on my reading list.  The story line sounds very interesting and seems to focus on friendship and compassion rather than the horrors of WWI…[Read more]

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16_e8cwvbXv5RyBHDzOaB6dT62DfTs4MeEc0oO-hFssA/edit#slide=id.p

I highly recommend the book Refugee by Alan Gratz.  It is a historical fiction novel about the trials and tribulations that refugees encounter in their home country, the journey to the new country and their experiences once they reach their…[Read more]

My view around the neighborhood.

My favorite books as a teen were:  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Catcher in the Rye and Danielle Steel novels (I’m happy to report that this addiction is over).