RE: Looking for books for reluctant and below grade level 8th graders

[Kathy Calhoun]

I was thinking about using the Misfits or the Red Kayak in a reading class of reluctant and below grade level readers (predominately boys).  I will probably use Freak the Mighty already. This will be the first time I will be teaching this type of class.  I will have about 9 students on IEPs included in this group. I am an Intervention Specialist and cert. regular ed.  Any thoughts, suggestions or good links??

Thanks!

[Rob Carey]

The Enemy and its prequel The Dead by Charlie Higson, especially if they watch AMC's The Walking Dead series. You might also think about using graphic novels---I have not used them yet, but the librarian at my school says she can't keep them on the shelves. 

[Kelly Farrow]

Since you're dealing w/ mostly boys, I can't say enough about the importance of nonfiction!! Boys really gravitate toward nonfiction. I'd have a bunch of magazines and newspapers on hand. Short, image-heavy articles will draw in a number of your kids. I second Rob's comment about graphic novels. Titles I'd strongly recommend are Fullmetal Alchemist, the Scott Pilgrim series, and the Tegami Bachi series. There are also tons of awesome GN recommendations right here on this Ning!! Check out the entries from fellow Ning member Stergios Botzakis.

[Kathy Calhoun]

Thank you I appreciate your suggestions!

[Jennifer Sekella]

We had a really good reaction with our collaborative classes - kids with Special Education IEPs and Emotional Disabilities, with the Watsons Go to Birmingham.  I've also had great success with the Outsiders.   I like Gary Paulsen's Nightjohn.  That is a brief but very stirring book.  I'd use with 7th or 8th graders - to visceral for 6th graders.   Let's see - there are the new ones by James Patterson - Middle School - the Worst Years of My Life and Get Me Out of Here - which are Wimpy Kid-ish, and the John Grisham series, which my kids liked, along with the spy ones by Aly Carter - and the art heist ones.  Those are just some suggestions.

 

Jen

[Kathy Calhoun]

Thanks!

[Mary Pratt Lobdell]

Try Robert Newton Peck's A Day No Pigs Would Die--boys LOVE it, girls love it, too.  I've taught it over the years to every sort of student. I've also used The Outsiders on occasion, reading both out loud together--I start by reading the first chapter to them...they share reading responsibilities from there.  How well this works depends on your classroom climate.