(Un)Solicited Reviews #sol20
March 9, 2019
What happens when a second grade class of book reviewers find out that I don’t have the latest book in Jory John and Pete Oswald’s series, The Cool Bean? They set out to convince a literacy specialist in the best way they can… they write a stack of book reviews. So here straight from the second grade is the reason that I (you) should run out and buy this book.
This was pretty convincing until I read this line.
Why are you still reading this go and buy this book!!!!
It’s difficult to say what I love most about this situation and why after nearly a month, these reviews are still traveling back and forth in my teacher bag.
Another thing that I like (in) this book is that after they were nice to Little Bean he starts to be kind to other(s). Another reason I think this book is good is that there (they’re) get(t)ing along again… it teaches you that everyone is cool and sometime people are nice and kind.
Straight from my teacher bag into my heart and into my mentor text files. These second graders don’t know it yet, but they have the makings of some literary essayist. Quick retell, character traits, lessons learned, they are putting it together. So is their teacher.
These showed up on my desk silently one day without notice. Just a sweet little stack of writing gems. I know you wish you could read them all again and again as well.
Here’s one final picture to tide you over.
For the month of March , I will be participating in the Slice of Life Challenge (#sol20) sponsored by Two Writing Teachers. I will be slicing each day for 31 days inspired by my work as a literacy specialist and coach, my life, and my fellow bloggers. This is day 9.
Reflections from a Coach 
There are few things I love more than reading authentic kid writing =) Cute story!
Oh my goodness. Too cute! There is nothing like purposeful writing at the elementary level! Thanks for sharing.
These are great. Thank you for sharing! I love when things we do and teach and pour our heart into end up showing up in the best ways!
What a fabulous moment! So adorable! My favorite line is the ‘Why are you still reading?’ Great job little one.
This is amazing! So funny–and some very persuasive writing. I’m going to have to buy this book too!
I love this kind of writing. I miss that open honesty that they have with what they need to say. My sixth graders have started to lose this, and when I taught eighth grade, they’d totally lost it. Thank you for sharing these magnificent reviews! 😀
Your love of their writing is what makes them interested and engaging writers. They can rely on their audience – you. This makes me feel all squishy inside and smiley on the outside.
Wow! So cute and very impressive! Just another reminder that we can get so much from our students when the purpose is authentic.
Love the idea of creating mentor texts from these!
It looks like these writers found the perfect audience!
These are awesome!! Thanks for sharing and bringing a smile to my face.
What a tribute to both the book and how much they value you as a reader!
This is such a great idea to get students writing more about what they are reading in an important, adult sounding way. I am not a writing teacher, but try to help my boys get better at reading comprehension. This may be a great way to help them without ‘testing’ them on their books. And these were really sweet & made me smile.
I can see why Drew trusts you as an audience: you always help people.