Below is an example review from the Literary Book Club. Attention, Teachers: have your students submit their own book reviews! All grade levels welcome! Instructions are on the site.

Boom!!! A bomb is not a fun thing to possess, definitely when there is no place to discard it. The setting of The Terrorist is in London. The events occur in present time. The main character is Laura Williams, her brother Billy Williams and Jehran. The Williams are originally from America. Jehran is part of a Muslim family. Someone killed Laura’s brother, Billy. Now Laura is looking for Billy’s killer. But, one of her friends is acting suspicious. So, is one of her friends a true friend? 

When young, enthusiastic Billy Williams was given a package, he knew what it was---a bomb! He couldn’t throw it in the crowd. There was a lady with a baby in a stroller nearby as well as a large crowd near him. He wrapped his body around the bomb and counted down the few seconds of his life remaining. He let himself die for the others. Now, Laura Williams is chasing down the one who plotted the awful terrorist attack on Billy. This is one of the best books that I’ve read. It always feels like it is encouraging you to keep reading. You will probably agree with me if you read this book. If this book was a restaurant it would be booked 24-7. On a scale of 1-10 I’d give it a 10.

News from the Talk website

"They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." (From the short story "Eleonora," The Gift: A Christmas and New Year's Present for 1842, 1841.) Who was Edgar Allen Poe? What did his writings most convey? This lesson featured on the TALK site gives students an opportunity to read through a chronology of Poe's life. Guided reading, note-taking and discussion all build background knowledge as students prepare to read his this famous author's intriguing works.

Teacher's Lesson site: http://teach.fcps.net/talk/activities/Poe/default.htm

Student site: http://teach.fcps.net/talk/activities/poe/student.htm

We would love to include YOUR classroom activities which use technology in support of literacy in any area of the curriculum. Send us ideas and activities you would like to see included in the TALK website. For information on this, or more information on how to use TALK , contact Cathy Brandt via email or at 381-4124.