Lots of thoughts...

Hello Darling Children,
I have been staring at this computer trying to think about what to write about. I am a bit flummoxed because I haven't really been reading a whole lot of "kids" books lately and I don't want to bore you with information from my boring adult readings. I think it is interesting stuff, but it would probably put you right to sleep. I will tell you that I have been reading more of Chew On This. And I get more and more angry every time I pick it up. Sometimes I get angry because of the way that big corporations try to manipulate kids. I always knew about it. I was aware it happened, but I didn't know the details about the extreme lengths these companies go to until lately. It upsets me to think that they are brainwashing you and fooling you into buying their products. I realize that you are capable of making intelligent choices and not falling for the schemes, but I don't think that they should do it in the first place. Another thing that makes me a bit angry is how the food is made. For example, did you know that a certain fast food restaurant uses BEEF flavoring in their french fries? So when you order their fries, you aren't just getting a spud, but you are getting things you may not want, especially if you are a vegetarian. This company actually had a law suit against them because of it.

I am thinking about abandoning The Phantom Tollbooth for fourth grade read aloud. I love that book because of all of its play on words. I think it is losing something in translation with the read aloud though. Part of the problem is that you really have to see some of the words in print for it to be funny. So instead of being funny, I think it may just be confusing. I hope that some students will still want to finish it though because it is a great book. That leaves me searching the shelves for another interesting story though. I'm not sure what to choose. Do you have any suggestions? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Happy reading,
Ms. C