If I remember correctly, I set this gift to the side throughout my first year of teaching. Entering my second year of teaching, I was moved to 5th grade and I picked up Al Capone Does My Shirts. It didn't take long that year to realize that students were much more interested in reading and discussing the books that I have read. I know that this may not be mind-blowing and that there are multiple professional development texts available to support this idea, but as a (once) young teacher, nothing is more powerful than learning that firsthand.
Lastly, you'll be happy to know that this book was not in this condition when my sister gave it to me. The current condition of the book is a result of it being passed from reader to reader without ever spending much time on the shelf. It's the result of 5th graders learning about autism, Al Capone, and Alcatraz; and it's the result of readers developing their passion for reading while also working to find themselves.
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