Malice in Wonderland

Normally, I wouldn’t ask, but I’m in a bit of a crunch. As many of you know I’m a first year teacher in a small rural school district. The teacher I replaced retired after spending her entire career in the district. She was a great teacher, however, she did not teach novels in her junior high classes. Because of this, I have no books (other than textbooks) to use with my junior high classes and I would like to have them familiar with how to study a novel before they go on to high school. 

I was hoping to be able to use my classroom budget to buy books for all of my junior high classes. I was able to purchase a class set of Hunger Games for my 8th graders, but the rest of my budget went towards replacing books (or making sure I had enough books) for my high school classes (I teach two periods of 11/12th grade English, as well). 

It is my hope to do a unit on the Holocaust with my students. We have had some bullying issues lately and I was hoping that this unit would not only be academically educational, but also socially education. I would like to use literature circles in order to differentiate for my higher, mid, and lower readers.

I know that the #Education community is made up of several kind and generous individuals who like to support their own. Last year I saw a few teachers in similar situations create Amazon Wish Lists and I was blown away by the support they received. This inspired me to create my own wish list.  On my wish list you will find 4 novels (Number the Stars, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Milkweed, and Code Name Verity). 

So, in the event that any one has a few extra dollars (or even an extra copy of one of the books on my list) that you’re willing to spare your help would be greatly appreciated. If you are able to help out please leave a return address so my students and I can send you a thank you card.

Thank you for your support.