Summer Book Study: The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease

Summer Book Study: The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease

I’m pleased to announce the continuation of a summer tradition here at Pre-K Pages, our annual Book Study Blog Party! Based on the number of e-mails I have received inquiring about the title of this summer’s book I know this is the moment you have all been waiting for.

Summer Book Study: The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease #preschool #kindergarten #homeschool

Without further ado, we are pleased to announce the title of the book that was selected this year, The Read-Aloud Handbook (7th Edition) by Jim Trelease.

About the Book
Published by Penguin Books in 1982, The Read-Aloud Handbook spent 17 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. With more than 2 million copies sold world-wide and translated into many languages The Read-Aloud Handbook is considered the all-time bestselling guide to children’s literature for parents and teachers. New editions of the book have been released over the years with the most recent, seventh edition scheduled for release on June 25, 2013.

Jim Trelease Author of The Read-Aloud Handbook
(Photo Source: Wikipedia)
About the Author
A journalist by trade, Jim became curious about the connection between reading aloud to children and their motivation to read. This curiosity led him to research the topic in depth and ultimately to the publication of the book. His goal has always been “…to help children make books into friends, not enemies.”

Why Did You Choose This Book?
The main reason this book was chosen is because it’s a perfect topic for early childhood professionals and parents to discuss; it’s also very well-written and researched without being too “textbooky” (quick, somebody call Stephen Colbert- I made up a new word!) And then there’s a little thing called fate. In 2000 I had the opportunity to see Jim speak in Dallas but I was unable to attend; this was the biggest regret of my professional career. Jim inspired my rain gutter bookshelves and the implementation of a pre-k version of SSR in my classroom. You know that question about what three famous people would you most like to have dinner with, dead or alive? Jim Trelease is on my list. About 18 months ago Jim and I crossed paths via e-mail after he saw a post I made on Facebook. Our correspondence revealed that he was working on the seventh edition of The Read-Aloud Handbook; I have been eagerly awaiting the release ever since- talk about perfect timing!

Who Should Read This Book?
You might be thinking “I’m a teacher and I read to my class every single day, I don’t need to read this book.” And you would be dead wrong. There is so much more to Jim’s message than just “read to your kids” – that only begins to scratch the surface of this book. Not unlike the Common Core, Jim goes a mile deep and an inch wide on this topic exploring every single aspect thoroughly- and in my opinion with just the right amount of wit and humor, making it a relaxing and enjoyable read. If you’re asking me who should read this book my response is a resounding everybody! I think this book should be required reading for every single administrator, politician, school board member, teacher, and parent.

How Do I Join the Book Study
Here’s how it works, starting July 8 we will be posting twice each week on different chapters. To join in the discussion all you have to do is follow the participating blogs and leave comments with your thoughts and questions. If you have your own blog you can also join the linky. Here are the bloggers who will be hosting the chapter discussions:

Where Do I Get the Book?
The Read-Aloud Handbook will be published on June 25, 2013 and can be pre-ordered on Amazon so you can have it in your hands on that day.

Where Can I Find the Previous Book Study Posts?
Literacy Beginnings by Fountas and Pinnell
Teaching in the Digital Age by Brian Puerling

Book Study Blog Party: The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease

Stay tuned for a summer of fun and reading!

28 thoughts on “Summer Book Study: The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease”

  1. I just ordered mine! I’m interested to find out what I could possibly learn about reading aloud that I don’t already know. I hope I’m surprised!!!

  2. I will have to see if I can get a copy of a new edition. This was required reading for me in college, so my copy is just a bit older….like 20 years older….

  3. TheBargainbabe

    Whooohooo! I didn’t realize there was a new edition coming out. I just finished pre-existing. 🙂

  4. Pingback: Summer Book Study: The Read Aloud Handbook — PreKinders

  5. This will be my first Pre-K book study! I just returned to teaching (finally!) in January and am just loving every minute of it…

  6. I just ordered my copy. I hope to join the posts as the time gets closer and school is over. Thanks! 🙂

  7. Pingback: Summer book study: The read aloud handbook by Jim Trelease | Teach Preschool

  8. I’m in charge of inservice for my preschool and hope I will be able to share what I learn with our other teachers.

  9. I am so excited to join this summer reading book study. Our school always has a summer book study but as you can imagine….it’s usually geared toward the elementary class. This book is just a perfect read for the pre-k classroom teacher.

  10. Pingback: Your Personal Teacher’s Assistant for June - Teach Junkie

  11. This is a great choice for your summer book study. I read the book about 5 years ago, and loved it. I recommend it to everyone. I am looking forward to reading the updated version.

  12. I am looking forward to joining your summer book study. I have been patiently waiting to read the “Read Aloud Handbook” (7th Edition) by Jim Trelease since I heard it was coming out. I really enjoyed reading the previous one and have shared some of his handouts with my parents.

  13. TheBargainBabe

    Guess what I got in the mail today?? MY BOOK! Hope the reading series starts soon, I’m eager to get going. 🙂

  14. Pingback: PreK + K Sharing

  15. Holly Johnson

    This is my first one and I am fixing to order the book. Do we follow all of the blogs? Thanks for this wonderful opportunity!

  16. So excited to be joining. In Boston area taking a writing course focusing so much on read alouds. Can’t wait to join in the discussion

  17. My book came today! Looking forward to reading, sharing, posting, learning, and summer excitement!

  18. Pingback: Summer Book Studies - PreKinders

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