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Favorite Books Leave Lasting Impressions

The list of #BooksBeloved keeps getting longer! Readers young and old are sharing their favorite books and why the stories mean so much to them:

Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey

I am a middle school special education resource and dyslexia teacher. The demographic that I have served over the years has been largely comprised of students at risk of not graduating and of low socioeconomic status. Many are dealing with very uncomfortable situations at home and this book has really made an impact. All of my students (even those who do not share any of Tish’s troubles) have experienced this impact. It has really opened them all up and helped them develop a greater sense of empathy. It has also helped them realize that there are people in their lives who care and will do everything in their power to protect them and their futures. Even my most reluctant readers enjoy the read aloud and actively participate in whole group discussion, often becoming very passionate about sharing their opinions and feelings about the characters as well as how the plot develops. It is a great read that I thoroughly enjoy every time I read it (even though that is often 4-5 times per day) and that leaves me emotional every time. — Tracie

The Secret Garden

I read this book during my fifth grade year in school as the braille book was in the school’s library. One of the characters in the book had a disability which could be resolved through exercise, but first he needed to develop friends and also a sense of hope. The little girl in the book was originally from India and came to live at an uncle’s huge home, seemingly almost castle-like. She, too, developed friendships and found a new sense of hope as well as personal growth. I read this book several times as a child and have watched the movie made from this book several times as an adult. I love the story and love what the characters experienced within the garden itself and within their friendships with one another. – Linda

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

The original recording was sent to my middle school resource room during my 7th grade year. It really struck a chord as it presented the world of 1930s Mississippi from a child’s point of view. I think it should be recommended reading for young people in order to get an understanding of the consequences of racism. – Pauline

Murphy’s Boy

I was 11 or 12 when I found it on my mother’s bookshelf and decided to read it. From that moment on I wanted to be a special education teacher, and I reread that book and others by Torey Hayden over and over for years. I spent over 13 years schooling myself in techniques, curricula, and so forth, and put it into practice by tutoring, yet the magical moment of reaching a child in a big way and giving him what he needed never occurred. Then, just when it seemed as if the chance would pass me by, I had my own child and he turned out to have special needs. I had the opportunity to homeschool him and use everything I had ever taught myself. It all started with that book. – Charisma

How to Eat Fried Worms

This book is very funny. It made me laugh. It was funny seeing Allan and Billy challenging themselves on eating a worm a day for fifteen days. This book has a great sense of humor. – Hamlet

Now It’s Your Turn

Books touch people in so many different ways. Thank you to all the book lovers who shared their favorites. Now it’s your turn; we want to hear from YOU. What is your favorite book?

  • Share on the Books Beloved form
  • Share on social media with hashtag #BooksBeloved
  • Invite your friends and family to share

One Comment

  1. Lots of books like Percy Jackson, Mortal Instruments, Hunger Games, Kane Chronicles, etc.

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