SORRY...WE'RE BOOKED

written by Melissa Martin illustrated by Charles Lehman

reviewed by Traci Kosmach principal, Riverview Elementary Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools

We all know a Tessie or Tommy. More importantly, as educational leaders, I hope we all know (and are also the kind of) adults who have patience and knowledge to lead children and adults toward being better listeners, conversationalists, teachers, and leaders.

Tessie, and eventually Tommy, are children who have a whole lot to say: that in itself is not a bad thing. Tessie’s tongue speeds off and over others. She has no idea that listening and thinking are important parts of communication. (Watch for the TLT triangle.) She is excited to share everything, every time. Fortunately, Tessie’s teacher is a kind adult who makes several attempts at helping Tessie tame her tongue. When Mrs. Hardy’s reminders and talking stick have no impact on Tessie’s talking— and her classmates begin actively avoiding her nearly constant barrage of chatter—Mrs. Hardy introduces Mr. Abel, the school counselor. Tessie is ready for some real learning about taming her tongue.

Mr. Abel begins to help Tessie by asking her to imagine what a good listener does. Tessie knows what good listeners do and she knows that it is hard work. Mr. Abel has good strategies for teaching Tessie how to tackle the hard work of being a good listener. His initial advice is valid for all of us, “When your tongue wants to speed off, that’s a sign you need to slow down.” He continues to teach her how to do just that, and guides her to developing a few of her own strategies. Together they create a plan which Tessie proudly shows her parents. This story makes it clear that working hard over time allows Tessie to be successful in taming her tongue. She even turns her tongue into a terrific science project for all, which includes a fun fact for children regarding a Tibetan greeting.

This book is well illustrated and provides solid and straightforward guidance for grownups in the final three pages titled “Tips for Helping Talkative Children”, which includes some tips for educators and some things to avoid. Talkative children exist in every school, and this book is a resource you will likely want to use and share: I already have!

written by Todd Nesloney and Adam Welcome

reviewed by Dan Sebring, principal, Normandy Elementary, Bay Village City Schools

Have you ever gone down the slide during your students’ recess?! If yes, you rock! If not, why not?! I have done this at times during my own students’ recess—it is completely unexpected, and students love it! (See chapter 20.) What would you do if you discovered other secrets that changed everything? Those “secrets” may be contained within the pages of Kids Deserve It! And as you can probably tell by the title, the real secret to our career is routinely remembering and reorienting ourselves around why we became educators in the first place. This book calls to the hearts of teachers and administrators, begging us to look at learning and schooling through the eyes of our elementary students. At a time when external pressures and demands seem to drive all of our efforts, we also have the pressure to maintain conventional thinking and judge ourselves by test scores (See chapter 19). Don’t give in to those isolated pressures. Push back and invite a few other educators to read through this book with you. “Get off the island” (Chapter 2) and collaborate to reconsider your classroom or school through the eyes of your students. After reading this book, you can join a movement of educators who have read this book before you. Join the conversation on Twitter (#KidsDeserveIt) to connect with those beyond your building. Rediscover your love of teaching—because after all, our kids deserve it!

Do you love to read? We are always in need of book reviewers. Contact Abigail, our editor, at navigator@oaesa.org to let her know you’re interested. Thanks!