known for her popular blog the book whisperer donalyn miller is a dedicated teacher who says she has yet to meet a child she couldnt turn into a reader her approach however is not conventional miller dispenses with the more traditional reading instruction of book reports and comprehension worksheets in favor of embracing students choices in books and independent reading her zeal for reading is infections and inspiring and the results are remarkable no matter how far behind millers students may be when they enter her 6th grade classroom her students read an average of 40 books a year achieve high scores on standardized tests and internalize a love for books and reading that lasts long after theyve left her class travel alongside the author as she leads her students to discover the ample rewards of reading and literature her secrets include affirming the reader in every student supporting students reading choices carving out extra reading time modeling authentic reading behaviors discarding timeworn reading assisgnments developing a classroom library with highinterest books rich with classroom examples and practical advice and stitched together with the thread of millers passionate voice this book will help teachers support students of all levels on their path to reading success and points a way out of the nations literacy crisis the book also includes an invaluable list of books that students most enjoy reading