The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child

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The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child

by Donalyn Miller (Goodreads Author)

4.51 of 5 stars 4.51 · rating details · 3,751 ratings · 1,061 reviews

Donalyn Miller says she has yet to meet a child she couldn't turn into a reader. No matter how far behind Miller's students might be when they reach her 6th grade classroom, they end up reading an average of 40 to 50 books a year. Miller's unconventional approach dispenses with drills and worksheets that make reading a chore. Instead, she helps students navigate the world...more

Paperback, 227 pages

Published March 1st 2009 by Jossey-Bass (first published January 1st 2009)

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Community Reviews

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Sep 20, 2008 Donalyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author) Recommends it for: out of the box reading teachers

Shelves: adult-teaching-books

OK, I only added this one to my list, so all of my GoodReads friends could see it!I could not believe that the book was already added to the GoodReads site...

The book will be published in March of 2009. I am currently doing the copy edits and the final tweaks on the production design. Still surreal to think that I wrote an entire book.

I think it is pretty good, but I am a bit biased. My husband teased me saying that it only deserved four stars out of five because he prefers books with action in...more

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Oct 10, 2012 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: profdev

The thing I love most about the book is its focus: how to nurture our students to be enthusiastic readers. The stories of the struggles she had to help turn kids onto reading and the examples of things she's tried are incredibly helpful. This book is so practical and so helpful and, most importantly, so HOPEFUL. I really needed that.

I have to say that while I've always known part of my responsibility as a social studies teacher is to help my students learn to read text & images I'd never re...more

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Mar 30, 2009 Kyra Dougherty rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am giving it five stars even though I haven't read it yet because, I know it is going to be wonderful.

I LOVE YOU MRS.MILLER!!!!!

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Jan 01, 2012 Sirpa Grierson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-professional

Loved this book. Donalyn Miller is practical and honest in her recounting of the struggles she had in getting her class to read a book. Then with a little "tweak" her students now read dozens of books each year. Her method reminds me of my 6th and 7th grade teacher, Mr. Gibson, a once-in-a-lifetime model of great teaching who somehow came from Glasgow, Scotland to our little provincial Elementary school in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada. Like the author, he allowed us to spend hours readin...more

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Apr 29, 2012 Carm rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2009, teaching-and-writing, books-i-own, library-books, read-in-2012, re-reads

Before I'd even finished my library copy of this book I'd ordered my own. As a reading teacher I am always trying to find ways to ignite a love of reading in the hearts of the students I teach. Donalyn Miller describes her practice of requiring her 6th graders to read 40 books a year in her classroom. In her book Miller describes her classroom library, how she came to this approach to teaching reading, how it impacts state tests, how she shapes her teaching around the independent books, how she...more

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Sep 19, 2010 Jody rated it 5 of 5 stars

Almost gave it a five...this woman is my kindred spirit. I love how she talks about how pointless book reports are. Every year, sometime in mid to late September, my students start wondering if we're going to do book reports. Then, we have our parent teacher conferences in early October and the parents ask me about book reports. I'm a little less dramatic with the parents (who are SO relieved to hear the news), but this is what I do for the students. I become silent. I stare at the whole class a...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Deborah Bobo added it

This is the best professional book that I have read in quite some time. It is so important to help children find the book that will turn them into lifelong readers. I reflected heavily on my own education and upbringing and came to the conclusion that I am an avid reader because of my mom and a few teachers that really kept me excited about reading. I was able to recall a high school math teacher (I really had a rough time in math) that approached me in the library (that’s what they called it in...more

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Mar 01, 2009 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

Donalyn Miller gets it. She understands perfectly why many of our kids don't like reading any more, and she has the answer. You'd think Congress would be knocking down her door by now. Let's hope it happens soon.

In the mean time, anyone who considers himself or herself a teacher needs to read THE BOOK WHISPERER. It's a book that gets right to the heart of what makes us readers and how to instill that love of words and stories in our kids. Miller goes right after so-called "tried and true" method...more

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Nov 17, 2012 Allison rated it 5 of 5 stars

More than 20 years ago I began reading Lucy Calkins. I think the first book of hers I read was Living Between the Lines. From that moment I knew what I wanted my classroom to look like, to sound like, to be like. I knew I wanted to have a reading workshop & a writing workshop and have great conversations with kids around reading and writing. I didn't know, though, how to actually start this. Then I read Ralph Fletcher's very user-friendly Writing Workshop. That got me started, and Lucy's Uni...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: edu

Although not an educator, I have been disappointed that so many young people have little or no interest in reading. Donalyn Miller does an excellent job presenting some of the reasons why and suggesting alternative ways of teaching that will increase a student's chance of becoming a lifelong reader. Remembering my negative experiences in English/Language Arts class, makes me wish Donalyn Miller had a say in today's education system rather than Arne Duncan! I do think she lets today's parents off...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Marcy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I love the title of this book as well as the major point that Donalyn Miller makes: Building lifelong readers should be every teacher's goal. Students should "embrace reading as a lifelong pursuit." I totally agree that in order to create readers, students need practice reading independently every day. They should have the choice as to what they want to read, and Donalyn provides the expectation and structure that every student in her sixth grade will read 40 books independently from a variety o...more I love the title of this book as well as the major point that Donalyn Miller makes: Building lifelong readers should be every teacher's goal. Students should "embrace reading as a lifelong pursuit." I totally agree that in order to create readers, students need practice reading independently every day. They should have the choice as to what they want to read, and Donalyn provides the expectation and structure that every student in her sixth grade will read 40 books independently from a variety of genres. I am clear that her students tested high because they became good readers from reading. Donalyn does not prepare students to read for tests, and is gratified and relieved that her students test well with her program.

I enjoyed looking over the recommended texts that she has in her classroom, (she has thousands of books for students to read and she has read almost every one). Her authentic discussions with students about their choice of books is extensive. Students know her as a reader. Students keep "Reading Notebooks, writing letters about their books. Donalyn responds in writing, including evaluative and inferential questions. Donalyn has a great student reading form to be filled out by each student at the beginning of the year to discover what kind of readers they are, and where their interests lie.

What I am not clear about after having read the entire book is how Donalyn teaches the mini-lessons that need to be taught so that students can learn the comprehension strategies they need to know, not for tests, but for the Common Core Standards that all teachers need to teach. Donalyn herself acknowledges that "There needs to be a balance between the need to teach students about literature and the need to facilitate their growth as life readers." I personally believe in this balance. Most of the book, however, talks about the need for students to facilitate their growth as life readers by choosing their own interest books, talk about them, recommend them, write letters about them, and read independently every day for at least 30 minutes. What I find missing is how sixth graders learn what they need to learn about literature. Donalyn does not write about her mini-lessons, or the goals about the learning. While I whole heartedly believe that children should develop a LOVE for reading by reading books of interest, there needs to be some sort of teacher-plan as what she expects students to learn, how they will interact with a book in more powerful ways that show learning, not just the love of a book. (less)

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Jul 26, 2012 Carrie rated it 4 of 5 stars

“The Book Whisperer” by Donalyn Miller was amazing! It is not a teen fiction book, but one of the many “teacher books” I hope to read this summer. Throughout the book I felt affirmed, validated, and (on more than one occasion) guilty. But, as a reading teacher and bibliophile, it was wonderful to find a book that spoke my language!

In “The Book Whisperer” Donalyn Miller, a 6th grade teacher from Texas, shares her experiences and insights related to independent reading-based reading instruction. M...more “The Book Whisperer” by Donalyn Miller was amazing! It is not a teen fiction book, but one of the many “teacher books” I hope to read this summer. Throughout the book I felt affirmed, validated, and (on more than one occasion) guilty. But, as a reading teacher and bibliophile, it was wonderful to find a book that spoke my language!

In “The Book Whisperer” Donalyn Miller, a 6th grade teacher from Texas, shares her experiences and insights related to independent reading-based reading instruction. Mrs. Miller states that her primary goal as a reading teacher is to create life-long readers, children who will fall in love with books now and become adults that remain in love with books. She is adamant that the way to do this is NOT through basal reading series, drill-and-kill comprehension worksheets, reading incentive programs, whole-class novels, or standardized test practice. She believes that allowing/requiring the students to read self-selected novels from a wide variety of genres everyday in class is the way to accomplish this goal. The added bonus is that, with a little purposeful instruction, students will become proficient readers who are able to meet the requirements of standardized tests.

First, I was blown away when this woman said that she has a classroom library of 2,000 books!!! 2,000 books, I just can’t imagine it! I felt like I had a pretty good-sized library in my room until I read this book. I feel quite inadequate now. On top of that, this full-time teacher and mother still manages to read a book a week during the school year – she reads extra over breaks and says she reads about 100 books total each year!!! I thought the 70 (total) that I hope to have done by the end of summer break was impressive… again, I feel inadequate!

I’m not sure whether my students will be glad I read this book or not. Mrs. Miller did advocate against booktalks (which many will be happy to hear), but she advocates for book reviews (which many will NOT be happy to hear). She believes in giving students time to read EVERY DAY in class for 20 – 30 minutes (which many students will be happy to hear), but that is because she requires her students to read 40 books each year (which many will NOT be happy to hear). Mrs. Miller advocates for student-selected, independent reading (which many students will be happy to hear), but she also advocates for students to read a set number of books from each of a variety of genres (which many will NOT be happy to hear). I think my students would give this book mixed reviews.

What I am walking away from this book with are:

1) “You cannot inspire others to do what you are not inspired to do yourself.” I need to be more inspired to read every day, all kinds of books, so that my students can be even more inspired to read.

2) “We make time for what we value, and if we value reading, we must make time for it.” I need to do better at showing the students that I value reading by giving them time DURING CLASS to read.

3) Discuss more, assign less. Discussions about books are a natural result of reading and are what adults do when they finish a book. Worksheets, projects, and tests are not “real world” – they are not what real readers do at the end of a book.

4) Set expectations HIGH! Why not require the students to read 40 books a year? Why not bring back the genre reading requirements?

If you're a teacher who feels like your love for books may be bordering on a mental illness, pick up "The Book Whisperer" today. You'll be validated, uplifted, and renewed. What a great way to start another school year!(less)

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Jul 08, 2012 Kyle Henderson rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book approaches the teaching of reading with a simple motto: kids need to read, read, read...and then read some more. It sounds insanely easy in concept, and after reading through the book, I find myself wondering why the pedagogy presented did not come to me before. Of COURSE students need free choice in selecting novels. Obviously reading for passion creates better readers. No kidding kids hate to read a class novel at the pace of the entire class.
I will definitely be putting these tips...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Jenny rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: educators

Recommended to Jenny by: Sherry Dodd

Shelves: education

I was loaned this book at the beginning of the year and set it aside. I think my procrastination with it had a little bit to do with time management, but probably mostly to do with resenting teaching language arts again this year when I have 2 degrees in social studies. I mean, let's face it, it sat on my shelf at school right next to my desk and I saw it nearly every day, but I didn't read it, this had nothing to do with forgetting about it.

You know those moments when you want to kick yourself?...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Natalie Rion rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: extra-credit

“The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child” is a book written by Donalyn Miller. This book is great. It teaches you how to awaken the inner reader inside of you. Sometimes, it’s easy to loose sight of reading and the impact it can make on our lives and especially children’s lives. She explores creative ways to read and understand literature. The book emphasizes the quality of literature children read. She says that children should choose their own books to read, just because...more

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Apr 17, 2012 Holly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: extra-credit

The Book Whisperer is a terrific book for teachers and parents. I will recommend this to my teacher friends and it will be kept on my book shelf I will also recommend this to parents that want to see their children's reading grow. I already want to reread this book, which is extremely rare for me. I read this over a semester of school for casual reading. It was recommended to me by my instructor. The Book Whisperer has a main focus on children reading quality literature. It emphasizes that c...more

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Apr 01, 2012 Natalie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: teaching, favorites

Though I have never met Donalyn Miller, while reading her book I knew that we were kindred spirits. I had to giggle as she wrote about her relationship with reading. It reminded me so much of my own. She wrote about how secretly pleased she was when she would pass ridiculous reading tests given by her teachers, without even reading the whole book. When I was in AP Literature, I dropped out halfway through the year, because we were in the advanced reading class and we'd only read 2 1/2 books! (I...more Though I have never met Donalyn Miller, while reading her book I knew that we were kindred spirits. I had to giggle as she wrote about her relationship with reading. It reminded me so much of my own. She wrote about how secretly pleased she was when she would pass ridiculous reading tests given by her teachers, without even reading the whole book. When I was in AP Literature, I dropped out halfway through the year, because we were in the advanced reading class and we'd only read 2 1/2 books! (I still got a 4 on the test at the end of the year.)

Donalyn's message is simple but so poignant: LET CHILDREN READ! She requires that her sixth grade students read 40 books a year. She does this without incentive or punishment. For students who only read 22 (the smallest amount anyone has ever read) they celebrate because that's typically about 20 more books than they read last year. They accomplish this because Donalyn thoughtfully helps students find the magic in books. And, most importantly, she gives them time to read.

So much of what Donalyn said in her book, matched what I feel in my heart. I teach first grade, so reading for me is a little different than in a middle school setting, but much of what I have evolved too in my teaching, is already along the lines of what Donalyn recommends.

Currently, toward the end of the year, my students now spend about 40 minutes independently reading. During this time I am pulling students to read with them one-on-one. From day one I tell the students that reading is always an acceptable activity and one of the first things we do is find books to read and put in our book bags. I have hearly 2,000 books in my room, almost all bought with my own money. The first year I started teaching I came into school and the other teachers had printed nearly 3 crates full of worksheets for me. And that was only for the first term. I shudder to think of how many worksheets I did that first year. Since that time, every year I have opted out of more and more reading worksheets, until I hardly use any at all. You don't teach someone to ride a bike by talking about the parts, they have to get on and try and the same goes for reading. We learn to read, by reading.

Like Donalyn mentioned, when I meet a fellow reader, we are already friends. Reading is such an integral part of my life, that I can't separate myself from it. Reading always brings me comfort and joy.
I don't consider myself socially stunted from all my reading. Before I ever went to Paris, I'd already visited with The Count of Monte Cristo and roamed the streets with the Scarlet Pimpernel. The first time I saw the Paris Opera House, I was already familiar with it from reading "The Phantom of the Opera." When I was traveling through Australia it came alive as I listened to "In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson on my ipod. I would not be who I am today without books.

While I have already been transforming my class into a "reading classroom" I got a lot of new ideas from Donalyn. Even though I do teach in a younger grade, there are a lot of ideas I can modify to work for me. For instance, I'm going to start a "favorites" tub and let students put favorite books in there. I'm also going to let students do "book commercials." Even first graders can do this.

All teachers should read this book. Reading is important and vital. If you are one of those teachers that doesn't like reading, then listen to the words of Donalyn and find your own passion. We can't afford to create a nation of non-readers.

I am grateful to Donalyn for sharing the message of reading and I hope more teachers can pick up the call and create a place for reading at school. (less)

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Feb 13, 2012 Barb Middleton rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: professional, adult

Miller is a 6th grade language arts teacher who requires her students to read 40 books a year. She creates a culture of reading by training students to read every day. Much of the book centers around why this is important in education and how teachers can fail to create a community of readers. It doesn’t go into great detail on how she sets up her classroom on a daily basis.

I found some of the information helpful. I am going to try the, Reading Interest-A-Lyzer by Sally Reis, that can help me de...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Tracey rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is meant as a call to teachers to join the revolution of freedom of choice reading for our children, allowing them to awaken their inner reader. As a parent of a 3rd grader who is only reading because he has to, this caught my interest of how i can perhaps help to awaken his desire for reading, if it can't be done at school. I truly feel reading opens up a whole new world to us in all genres. I'm not a college educated parent, and I want more for my son, that I know you can only get from ha...more

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Aug 21, 2011 Lynner rated it 5 of 5 stars

Meet Donalyn Miller, author of The Book Whisperer, a self proclaimed book lover, and sixth grade teacher. Donalyn is the type of reader who stays up late at night to finish a novel she just can’t put down. She is passionate about books, keeping piles of books she wants to read and lovingly names the book pile Miller Mountain. Her classroom and home are filled with books that she has read or wants to read. Now meet Donalyn’s students who probably have a book currently in their hand. They may hav...more Meet Donalyn Miller, author of The Book Whisperer, a self proclaimed book lover, and sixth grade teacher. Donalyn is the type of reader who stays up late at night to finish a novel she just can’t put down. She is passionate about books, keeping piles of books she wants to read and lovingly names the book pile Miller Mountain. Her classroom and home are filled with books that she has read or wants to read. Now meet Donalyn’s students who probably have a book currently in their hand. They may have only read a handful of books in the past, but in Mrs. Miller’s room they become super-readers tearing through books at an alarming speed. They sing Mrs. Miller’s praises and value her opinion on books and reading. Oh, and they also read an astonishing average of 64 books while in sixth grade.

The Book Whisperer is an inspiring read in which Donalyn Miller welcomes you into her classroom. Rather than giving tips and outlining a perfect reading program she demonstrates a novel (no pun intended) approach to reading and relies on leading educational experts to back-up her message. Simply stated, Miller teaches reading by letting students read. While a quick read of Miller’s book might make you think that Miller doesn’t offer actual reading instruction in her classroom, there is a definite structure that she uses and promotes.

1. Set high expectations. Miller expects that all students will read 40 books during 6th grade. She has genre requirements that outline the kind of book the children should read. By setting high expectations Miller demands that students rise to meet her challenge. Her classroom culture is positive and demanding, and her students overwhelmingly meet her high expectations. Even when students fall short of the 40 books that she requires, they read ten times that of other years or in other classrooms.

2. Create a reading environment. To say that Miller has a classroom designed to promote reading is putting it mildly. The walls of her classroom are stacked high with bookshelves. She allows students to find their own perfect place to read rather than creating book nooks, she sets the entire classroom as a stage for reading. Miller also uses the majority of her class time on independent reading. Students are able to browse classroom libraries but also keep journals with a list of books they would like to read in the future.

3. Teaching the vocabulary and structure of reading. When Donalyn Miller requires students to read 40 books, the purpose is to have the students read in volume. When students are required to read a variety of genres, the purpose is to read widely. Miller introduces students to different genres in the first grading period, reading excerpts and relying on the student’s own experiences as readers. The students construct reading journals to take notes and reflect upon their own reading. The genre studies offer students some structure to promote reading widely. She suggests that reading from a variety of sources like this helps build background by providing differing viewpoints.

4. Building a community of learners through conversation and conferencing. Much of the assessment that occurs in Miller’s classroom is informal dialogue through book commercials and reviews. Miller has a keen ear for listening to recommendations offered to her and other students in the class. She conducts on-going conferences with readers asking about progress and encouraging growth as readers. Miller also has recognized that given the opportunity, students will begin to have discussions as readers on their own.

5. Guide and model reading. Being a reader herself, it is no stretch that Donalyn Miller will read with her class. She always has a book in hand and relays stories to the students of staying up late at night to finish a book or abandoning a book because she is frustrated or bored with it. She shares strategies with students in the first person, drawing from her own experiences as a reader. She also guides readers through texts and excerpts using mini-lesson format to introduce literary devices that students may encounter while reading. Overall this form of teaching is meaningful to students because of Miller’s genuine and sincere approach.

In her book, The Book Whisperer, Donalynn Miller’s attitude toward learning is powerful and inspiring. Her quiet way of telling her personal story is backed by research educational powerhouses like Allington, Fountas & Pinnell, and even the National Reading Panel Report itself. Her style of writing must mirror her style of teaching, not taking excuses and putting reading and children first. For me, this is the real lesson I have learned from Miller, to trust yourself in your own classroom and show your students that they can trust you as well. Personally, Miller has also motivated me to read this summer more than ever. It is no surprise she can motivate students to do the same.
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Aug 08, 2011 Amy Gonzalez rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: English Teachers

Recommended to Amy by: National Writing Project

Shelves: teaching, books-on-reading

“It is the culture of teacher-centered instruction and standardized testing hysteria. The culture makes me question myself, and I know that is the reason why many teachers resist altering their practice (p.169).”

I remember last year how torn I was in teaching the mandated curriculum and then thinking of ways to teach the curriculum I wanted at the same time. I knew that in the end the MCAS scores did not matter, especially with my school slated to close at the end of the year anyway. Still, I wo...more “It is the culture of teacher-centered instruction and standardized testing hysteria. The culture makes me question myself, and I know that is the reason why many teachers resist altering their practice (p.169).”

I remember last year how torn I was in teaching the mandated curriculum and then thinking of ways to teach the curriculum I wanted at the same time. I knew that in the end the MCAS scores did not matter, especially with my school slated to close at the end of the year anyway. Still, I worried about having my students engage in Silent Sustained Reading throughout the week because I needed to go over open response writing and whatever book I was required to teach. But honestly, the best thing I did last year was read alouds in September, book reviews every Friday, book club recommendations, after school Graphic Novel Club, and silent sustained reading on Mondays and Fridays. My kids loved to read on those days!! And they actually read! I spent some time building up my classroom library and everyone was able to find something they enjoyed. I only wish now I incorporated more independent choice time because that was when my class was really alive. Instead, I kept it to 2 days making it not as important as the mandated whole class novels and MCAS. So its no surprise that students were like, "Miss, you READ during the Summer??" at the end of the year.

Now I'm going to teach in a new school district that totally embraces independent reading! When I found out that there is no mandated curriculum I was both excited and nervous, mostly nervous. I read this book to help settle my nerves. Everything about independent reading I believe in and in fact my teacher prep. programs like Boston Teacher Residency, introduced me to the concept of reading workshop. In fact the 4 books she mentions as inspiring her work are books that I already own due to BTR. But I never actually got to practice reading workshop making me doubt if it could truly work.

Donalyn Miller is so passionate about reading and teaching, you can't help but hope again. I found that reading this book felt like having a conversation over beers with a colleague you trust. You get each other. You know what teaching is all about. You're there to encourage each other that you can keep doing this.

I'm excited that I can try independent reading next year every school day. However, I do wonder how I would feel if I was still teaching in Boston. She does offer ways to meet district requirements while meeting student needs but still its hard to imagine the application and how principals would feel about it. Also, I wonder about the demographics in her classroom economically and socially and how that plays a part.

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Aug 05, 2011 Sabrina rated it 5 of 5 stars

I first read this book in the spring of 2011, as I frantically tried to finish up my own graduate studies that semester AND finish a wonderful year of teaching full time. I couldn't put this book down and blasted through it in a few days.

I adore Donalyn Miller and I want to be her when I grow up...that is, if I ever do. ;)

In all seriousness I loves her book. It was inspirational and I enjoyed the narrative woven throughout the text. I agree with letting students choose their own books and plan...more

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Jul 22, 2011 NTE rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: about-writing-reading, advice, all-time-favs, favorites, how-to, keepers, kid-lit, nonfic, parenting-teaching, teaching

Reading this book reminded me of a couple of things:
1) I really miss teaching, and need to get back to it
2) If a teacher knows what she's doing, kids can achieve pretty much anything
3) Nobody understands teaching reading like an avid reader. (I don't think you can do it any other way)

And Miller is, for sure, a reader. Anybody who requires her class to read 40 books over the course of the school year, builds an extensive lending library in her classroom (and shows them how to use it), or says thi...more

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Jul 12, 2011 AnnaMay rated it 5 of 5 stars

A fantastic epiphany book! This was very easy and enjoyable to read and I love how she described what happened to her students as they were set free to choose their own books. 40 books in a school year for each student!? Bravo. This book wouldn't have held much value if Miller simply bragged how great her 7th graders were (she's a language arts and social studies teacher at a Middle School.) Instead of going that route, she teaches how we can each apply her approach with our own readers (whether...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Jason rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: professional, memoir

I heard Donalyn Miller speak at the NWP Annual Meeting in November 2010. Her book is a love story to free reading in the classroom, and it's hard not to be swept up in her passion. Even though I teach 10th grade, I still found strategies I could use in my own classroom. Donalyn is practical in her use of reader's notebooks and in the design of her massive classroom library. I will borrow both of these ideas in the fall. I would like to hear another voice on the topic of student choice--one geare...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Joni rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: informational

Loved this book! I'm inspired and empowered to make a difference! I'm a mom (and not much of a reader - yet). I read this book because I wanted to find ways to inspire my child who is a developing reader. My biggest take away is "MY role" needs to change from telling her to read to becoming a reading role model. We will be more diligent about dedicating daily time "together" as a shared experience instead of sending her off alone to read. She will read independently, or to me if she wishes, book...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Eileen Corbett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Donalyn Miller is a 6th grade Language Arts teacher who advocates an unconventional approach to teaching in her book, The Book Whisperer. An avid reader herself, Miller shares practical ideas for awakening the inner reader in her students and ultimately developing life-long readers. Miller began her teaching career by following the traditional approach to teaching reading skills, which included developing units around a novel the entire class would read and then following through with comprehens...more Donalyn Miller is a 6th grade Language Arts teacher who advocates an unconventional approach to teaching in her book, The Book Whisperer. An avid reader herself, Miller shares practical ideas for awakening the inner reader in her students and ultimately developing life-long readers. Miller began her teaching career by following the traditional approach to teaching reading skills, which included developing units around a novel the entire class would read and then following through with comprehension worksheets and book reports. She quickly learned this approach was not encouraging students to be independent readers. Now Miller begins the school year by surveying the interests of students and then making personal book recommendations. Students are given time to read daily, a wide selection of books, and are allowed to control most of their own decisions about reading choices. Students frequently share book recommendations with each other, and reading becomes contagious. Students are expected to read a minimum of 40 books during the school year, and most reach this goal! Miller's tactics have resulted in improved reading skills, above average scores on standardized tests, and, most importantly, a genuine love of reading. The Book Whisperer contains several resources, including reading lists and questionnaires, that will be helpful to readers.
This book is an excellent resource for teachers, school librarians, and parents. Anyone who is interested in developing independent readers will appreciate Miller's practical approach to teaching reading. The primary strength of the book is the fact that Miller's approach works. Her students consistently surpass their reading goals and continue to come to her for reading recommendations long after the school year is over. Miller acknowledges that she is fortunate to have a principal that supports her unconventional teaching approach. While all teachers may not have this administrative support, they will still be able to use many of the ideas and resources provided in this book. It would be interesting to know if Miller had any ideas to share with readers about convincing campus administrators to support this teaching approach. The Book Whisperer is a must read for classroom teachers and school librarians and should be included in the professional collection of school libraries. For more information on this topic, look for the book, Readicide by Kelly Gallagher.

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Apr 03, 2011 Chris Kervina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: professional-books

Though I’ve had online conversations via Twitter with Donalyn Miller for well over a year now, I shamefacedly admit that I’d never read her book until this weekend, and I wouldn’t have if my husband hadn’t been teaching himself some programming at Barnes and Noble where we met after work. It’s not that I haven’t picked it up a dozen times or that I wasn’t curious. But I didn’t want to add yet another book to my pile of professional books to be read. At this point, that stack alone could serve as...more Though I’ve had online conversations via Twitter with Donalyn Miller for well over a year now, I shamefacedly admit that I’d never read her book until this weekend, and I wouldn’t have if my husband hadn’t been teaching himself some programming at Barnes and Noble where we met after work. It’s not that I haven’t picked it up a dozen times or that I wasn’t curious. But I didn’t want to add yet another book to my pile of professional books to be read. At this point, that stack alone could serve as a coffee table if I threw a sheet over it. But, while my husband worked for about an hour, I’d torn through more than half of the book. So, I knew I had to buy it this time, and that I wouldn’t just add it to the pile to be rediscovered later.

From the first descriptions of Miller's own flailing first years as a teacher, I saw my own struggle between assigned and independently chosen reading. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of whole class novels in the high school that I fear that even someone who feels strongly about getting kids to read, as I do, can fall into it in the rush to “cover material.” Despite my best intensions, I have often made choice reading take a back seat to standard curriculum. Not surprisingly, my students have treated their choice reading as something to be put off and I have been disappointed by their lack of enthusiasm for either choice or whole novel reading.

Miller’s classification of readers into developing, dormant, and underground readers also spoke to my own experiences as a reader and with my students.

I was what Miller calls an underground reader in school—I skimmed the required readings so I could get back to the books I really wanted to read. I was the kid who always had a fantasy novel tucked into my book bag and I’d pull it out whenever I got the chance to do so. If a teacher engaged me with the whole class novel, I’d read it. If not, I was a good enough skimmer, Cliff Notes user, and discussion participant to fake my way through the books I didn’t like. As a teacher, I see myself in some of my students and look the other way when they finish their work early and sneak a novel under the desk.

But I also see what Miller calls “developing” and “dormant readers” in my classes. The developing readers, most of whom I see in regular classes, have had the joy of reading beaten out of them by the frustration of low reading skills, the tedium of worksheet-driven instruction, and the droning of teachers’ voices who have given them the answers to regurgitate on tests. They are the ones that brag that they haven’t read a book since Captain Underpants, as if challenging me to engage them and certain I will fail. Many of the students in my regular 11th grade classes, and more than a few in AP as well, are dormant readers, who see reading as a task to endure for the sake of their grades or the threat of parental displeasure.

What a disservice I do for all three when I don’t make time for pleasure reading. Unlike the underground readers, the developing and dormant readers have no idea how to pick a book and no faith that reading will ever be anything but a teacher-directed slog. Both groups have given up on the idea of a book ever being something they would enjoy. It’s no wonder that my own efforts to include choice in the classroom have fallen flat—I have yet to fully embrace dedicating the time to just letting my students read and creating a culture where all reading is valued.

Miller’s book has given me more ammunition for justifying choice and reading time in the classroom. I know I am still tied to whole class novels, but I wonder if it might be more possible than I imagined to take more of a 50/50 approach (as suggested by Kelly Gallagher in his book Readicide) if I use some of Miller’s ideas about creating a culture of readers. Perhaps instead of allowing a single outside reading per quarter, I should be setting a reading challenge goal, teaching elements of literature with shorter works, and assessing how kids apply what they know from our whole class work on their independently-chosen books. I certainly am convinced I need to keep my promises to myself to dedicate class time to choice reading instead of getting caught up in the “rush rush—get it covered” pressures of standardized testing.

Of course, Miller has added to my reading list as well—I’m going to have to look up several authors she mentions (Blasingame, Krashen, Allen, and others) and ones I know will dovetail with her philosophies and help me create a reading culture (Lesesne). I foresee a busy summer with flagged books, notebooks, and new ideas.

For challenging me to see potential in my own, giving practical advice on how to build and maintain a classroom library, and engaging me from start to finish (a rarity for professional books), I give The Book Whisperer 5 stars. I highly recommend this readable book on reading.
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Oct 18, 2010 Terri rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I wish I had written this book! It is my philosophy on reading and education exactly. And Donalyn Miller manages to capture all of that in a readable, easy format. I read it in one day (and I am not a non-fiction reader generally). Fantastic! I want to buy a copy for all of my teacher friends.

The book is solidly based on all of the research I have read, but doesn't present the information in a "holier-than- thou" way. It is enthusiastic and sincere while offering good, practical ideas. Ther...more Wow! I wish I had written this book! It is my philosophy on reading and education exactly. And Donalyn Miller manages to capture all of that in a readable, easy format. I read it in one day (and I am not a non-fiction reader generally). Fantastic! I want to buy a copy for all of my teacher friends.

The book is solidly based on all of the research I have read, but doesn't present the information in a "holier-than- thou" way. It is enthusiastic and sincere while offering good, practical ideas. There are many quotable passages. Some of my favorites:

"I am a reader, a flashlight-under-the-covers, carries-a book everywhere-I-go, don't-look-at-my-Amazon bill reader. I choose purses based on whether I can cram a paperback into them, and my books are the first items I pack into a suitcase. I am the person whom family and friends call when they need a book recommendation or cannot remember who wrote 'Heidi.' (It was Johanna Spyri.)" That's me, except for the Johanna Spyri part!

"Stephen Krashen, respected researcher, activist, and author of 'The Power of Reading,' identifies fifty-one studies that prove that students in free-reading programs perform better than or equal to students in any other type of reading program."

"Anyone who calls herself or himself a reader can tell you that it starts with encountering great books, heartfelt recommendations, and a community of readers who share this passion."

Miller details how she changed her ILA/Social Studies block classes from a whole class reading,discussion, and dissection of a single book model to an independent/free reading model where students are required to read 40 books in a year of their choosing. Miller provides guidance for students in terms of teaching literary concepts, helping them choose books, and giving them opportunities to talk about books, etc. As she says, "Providing students with the opportunity to choose their own books to read empowers and encourages them. It strengthens their self-confidence, rewards their interests, and promotes a positive attitude toward reading by valuing the reader and giving him or her a level of control. Readers without power to make their own choices are unmotivated."

My only qualm with the book is that it promotes classroom libraries. In our present day economy, funding for a 2,000 book classroom collection is not likely - unless it is teacher funded. As a Media Specialist, I wonder why she is not making more use of the library. Why is she not collaborating with her school's Media Specialist to ensure that an abundance of good books are available to her students? A school library is a much sounder use of resources. And it widens the reading community to include the entire school, not just one person's classroom. Last year, my school library circulated over 50,000 books. When a teacher requests a book (even multiple copies of a book), I am always happy to comply. And the Media Specialist is a great resource who could alleviate a lot of the work for the classroom teacher in terms of finding good books, booktalking, etc. She only dedicates a few pages to the library in the book. Like I said, this bothered me.

However, the book reinforces everything that I believe about reading, and it taught me some new things as well. Highly recommended.

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Aug 26, 2010 Bonnie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: the-book-whisperer

Finished and inspired!
I am back Twittering with an National Writing Project community created in the month of July during annual Summer Institutes and at an NWP retreat in Austin, Texas.

As I was twittering around last week, I came to a conversation about The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller. I clicked around for a few reviews and downloaded it to my iPad library and started reading last week on my gym’s Ellipse. Once I began, I couldn’t stop thinking about how I supported my 8th graders as life...more

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About Donalyn Miller

Donalyn Miller is a 6th grade language arts teacher at Trinity Meadows Intermediate School in Keller, Texas. In her quest to spread reading freedom, Donalyn teaches staff development presentations in campuses and conference rooms across the country. Her articles and essays appear in national publications like Library Sparks Magazine. Donalyn shares her ideas and strategies for teaching reading and...more

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Reading in the Wild: The Book Whisperer's Keys to Cultivating Lifelong Reading Habits

Finding Mrs. Warnecke: The Difference Teachers Make

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“Reading changes your life. Reading unlocks worlds unknown or forgotten, taking travelers around the world and through time. Reading helps you escape the confines of school and pursue your own education. Through characters – the saints and the sinners, real or imagined – reading shows you how to be a better human being.” — 216 people liked it

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