Best book ever

Disaster in Room 101
by Stephen Mooser

A disastrous science project and a Halloween costume contest provide William with disappointment, excitement, and the most memorable school day of his life.

NSJR is three and one-half years old. One day he found the book Disaster in Room 101 for 25 cents at Goodwill. He wanted so much to buy it with his own money, but his mother was concerned that the reading level (RL: 2.6) was too high for him to tackle. NSJR reasoned that if it was true, he could keep the book until he could read better. He got to buy the book.

Every day he's been eager to work with his nine-year-old brothers on sounding out, recognizing, and pronouncing words. Every day he was reluctant to stop for the night.

Then, for three nights this week, he read the book to us. By himself. All 80 pages. He only asked us how to pronounce one word - aisle. Each night he insisted on knowing his mistakes. There were very few. "Teach me!", he joyfully exclaimed.

NSJR says that he thinks he will keep this book forever because it is the first he's read himself and the first he bought. And I have the great good fortune to be included in his joys and discoveries and new-found love of books, making Disaster in Room 101 the best ever.

Tags: books, children, homeschooling, learning to read, literacy