The Book Whisperer

Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child

By: Donalyn Miller

Narrated by: Sean Runnette, Hillary Huber

Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Donalyn Miller is a dedicated teacher who says she has yet to meet a child she couldn't turn into a reader. In The Book Whisperer, Miller takes us inside her sixth grade classroom to reveal the secrets of her powerful but unusual instructional approach. Rejecting book reports, comprehension worksheets, and other aspects of conventional instruction, Miller embraces giving students an individual choice in what they read, combined with a program for independent reading. She also focuses on building a classroom library of high-interest books, and above all on modeling appropriate and authentic reading behaviors. Her zeal for reading is infectious and inspiring, and the results speak for themselves. No matter how far behind Miller's students may be when they start out, they end up reading an average of forty books per year, achieving high scores on standardized tests, and internalizing a love for reading that lasts long after they've left her class.

Travel alongside the author as she leads her students to discover the ample rewards of reading and literature. Brought to life with Miller's passionate voice, The Book Whisperer will help teachers support students of all levels on their path to reading success. This book also includes a dynamite list of recommended "kid lit" to help parents and teachers find the books that students really like to read.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Miller provides many tips for teachers and parents and includes a useful list of ultimate reading suggestions picked by her students. This outstanding contribution to the literature is highly recommended for teachers, parents, and others serving young students." (Library Journal)

great resource..This book will change how I teach

A must read for reading teachers!! Changed my thought process on independent reading in school

great book

great book, great listening, I'm going to use some of her ideas! I would love to incorporate more "productive" reading in my room

This book will change your teaching approach!

This book should be included in teacher preparation courses. It is by far one of the best professional texts I've read.

More of a resource for school teachers

I was looking more for tips on how to cultivate the love of reading in children as a parent but this book was geared toward teachers applying ideas for their students and what works through her experiences. Good ideas but won't be needing any of what I learned as a homeschooling parent.

Great Information

Excited to try what is taught in the book. I had a rough year last year and needed this book for help!

Thinking about reading

This book really opened my eyes about independent reading and how very important it is for my students to read. I've used some of her strategies already in my classroom and it's already done numbers for my kids and their reading. I can't wait to start from scratch next year, since I started reading it after already starting the school.

Should be read.

Very informative. I found it to be insightful and helpful when determining how to set up my reading program.

A must listen to book for every teacher.

The message is clear and profound. If we expect students to become proficient readers we must give them time to do it.

Wake up readers!

I loved this book because it woke me up as a teacher! I am excited and energized to simplify my teaching. I’m ready to stop making ELA so complicated and just let my students read!

Enlightening...a must read for all teachers!

This book has some good ideas on how to reach students and help them to become lifelong readers, ones who read for the joy of it. Many strategies we use are not effective and the ones they describe in here are thought provoking and great strategies. I highly recommend this book!