The one book that changed everything for me, was Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls. I read this book for the first time when I was in grade 3. I remember years prior to me reading this book my whole family talking about how much they loved it when my sister read it for the first time, which inspired me to read it so that I could be a “big kid”. At the time, the book was slightly challenging for me. As explained in Powerful Thinking by Adrienne Gear, I was more than capable of ‘book reading’ this novel, but it was a challenge for me to ‘brain read’ it (page 22).

At this time in my life my family was travelling to Calgary to visit my cousin in the hospital almost weekly, so the long road trips and my supportive family helped me to develop my comprehension skills. My uncle would read a chapter of it first, and then I would read it, and my Uncle would get me to re-tell him what happened in the chapter, as well as ask me other questions. This experience for me not only sparked an enjoyment of reading, but showed me as a future educator the importance of supporting students in both ‘book reading’ and ‘brain reading’ (Powerful Thinking page 22). 

Reading Interest Survey

In Sometimes Reading is Hard, by Robin Bright there is a reading survey (page 155) for students to fill out to describe their relationship with books and reading. As teachers, this would be a great tool to use to gauge students interest in reading. This is a great tool that could be adapted for any age range you are teaching. My answers to an adapted version are below!

Describe your ‘one book’ that changed everything for you as a reader.

Where the Red Fern Grows is a novel that follows a young boy named Billy. The story follows Billy as he saves money to buy two hound dogs – “Little Ann” and “Old Dan”. The book follows their journey as Billy trains the dogs and competes in hunting. In this book Billy learns about love, hard work, and heartbreak. I love this book because it was written to make you fall in love with the dogs, and feel the same heartbreak that Billy does.

How do you feel about reading? Tell me about it.

I have very mixed feelings about reading. When I am able to sit down with a good book, I absolutely love it. I get completely immersed in stories and it is hard for me to put it down. However, I do find it very difficult to start a book. No matter how many good things I have heard about a book it is hard for me to pick up a book and get through the first chapter. Once I get through that first chapter it is hard for me to put it down.

What types of books do you like to read?

When I read for pleasure, I only read fiction. My favourite genres are romance and thrillers! I have been looking for good recommendations for crime novels, as I think I would love them.

List some hobbies and things you like to do outside of school.

Outside of being a student, I enjoy spending time outdoors and with friends and family. I was very fortunate to grow up with horses and my love for them has only grown with me. Horses take up most of my time through the warmer months (and I still try to ride in the winter, although it’s much harder!). Aside from horses I have really enjoyed my transition from basketball player to coach over the last few years. It is very rewarding to pass on my knowledge and love for the game to young players!

Who are your favourite authors?

I don’t have a favourite author, I tend to jump around purely based on recommendations. But, some of my favourite books are by Colleen Hoover (All Your Perfects) and Shari Lapel (The End of Her).

Tell me a bit about the last book you read that you really enjoyed.

Two summers ago I read an amazing thriller/romance book. Unfortunately, I leant it to someone and cannot track it down, or remember the title or the author (even with my best googling efforts). The novel was about a married couple and an affair, which ended in murder with the body being disposed of in the wife’s kiln. I read it in less than two days, I could not put it down!

Tell me a bit about what you have been doing since last semester during your winter break. How have you been spending your time?

Over winter break I spent the majority of my time relaxing and with my family. My cousin just had her first baby and I cannot get enough of her, I spent as much time soaking up the baby snuggles and smiles as I could! I also took advantage of our warm winter and spent lots of time outside side by siding and riding my horse.

What subjects or topics do you like learning about?

All through my education I have been drawn towards math, science and physical education. English language arts and social studies were always the more daunting subjects for me. In my practicum I did a mini English language arts unit and I loved doing read alouds and seeing the students writing. Starting this course and doing the readings for the first week really peaked my interest in learning about reading, so I am very excited to continue my learning and growing!

If you could read a book about one thing, what would that be?

Although I primarily read fiction, the perfect book that I would not hesitate to pick up would be a non-fiction book on liberty horse training written by Niki Flundra. She started writing articles in a western magazine and I love every word that she writes. Since the time I was a little girl she has been a huge role model. I have been lucky enough to learn from her on several occasions, but I know she has so much knowledge that would be valuable for so many people!