“Dear Children’s Book Bank
I just wanted to say thank you again for helping my grade 1 students achieve success in literacy and develop a love of reading. By providing such a literacy rich and welcoming environment, the students in my class became more confident and motivated readers. About 80% of my class began Grade 1 not knowing their letters sounds or how to decode even simple high frequency words. They also had trouble explaining what the main idea in stories were. Most were reading at a DRA (Develpomental Reading Assessment) level 1 or 2. By the end of Grade 1, about 85% of the whole class was reading at a level 16 (the level they should be when exiting Grade 1) or above. More important than decoding new sounds and words, by the end of the year, they were able retell the stories they read, determine the big idea and the lessons learned, and make meaningful connections between the books they read and their lives. Our weekly visits to the Book Bank played a huge role in my students’ commitment to and success in reading and learning. Thank you for the wonderful read alouds, and all of the beautiful books you’ve given my students to read and cherish over the years. You and your support system have made a world of difference in the lives of so so many children (as well as parents and teachers). We appreciate all that you’ve done for us.”
-From a local Grade 1 teacher.
I’ve read “The Twits” on Monday July 15th, 2013. I read the whole book in one day! You probably know that the title of the book is called “The Twits.” The author of the book is Roald Dahl. The characters of the book are Mr. Twit, Mrs. Twit, Muggle-wump family, 4 boys and the birds.
My favourite characters in the book are the monkeys and the birds. I like those characters because the birds help the monkey and the monkeys found a way to do revenge on the Twits. It was a really good idea. Oh these mean old twits make the monkeys stand on their heads all the time. The monkeys also have to eat and drink upside down.
In the book Mr. Twit and Mrs. Twit played lots of tricks on each other. Well the monkeys were tired of doing tricks for the twits they wanted revenge! The Twits is a great book.
My favourite part of the book was when the monkeys turned the house upside down. I like the pictures of Quentin Blake. I would recommend this book to my friend Kate.
-Reviewed by Hannah, Age 7
The Children’s Book Bank started a new program last month to encourage summer reading. The Book of the Month program kicked off in June with E.B. White’s “Stuart Little.” This program provides staff, volunteers, and kids with an opportunity to read and discuss books together. July’s Book of the Month is Roald Dahl’s “The Twits.” This summer – let’s read together!
Join the discussion on twitter! #BookBankReads