Good Things

#ALLIN17 was revealed! December 13, 2016

The Crazy Reading Ladies don't have classrooms next door to each other anymore. More than Mary's administrator status, our reduced proximity has proven to be the most difficult adjustment we CRLs have had to make.

Over the years, some of our favorite moments occurred in doorways. In the hall between classes we'd share sweet anecdotes, vocabulary lists, student work samples, and the occasional eye-roll. During All In!, we'd be in and out of each other's rooms constantly, talking to students about the book and hearing the insightful, passionate reactions of our readers.

This time around we hear the comments individually, only able to share with the other on the rare occasion we (wo)man a mutual lunch duty or indulge in a Saturday pedicure.

And, so - as the finish line to All In! 2017 draws near - we have come to a conclusion: our kids love this book.

They seemed surprised somehow; delighted really, at how much they're enjoying this journey. They love the historical accuracy and the intrigue of a forgotten story. They love the human struggle and the relationships explored. They talk about its powerful, earth-shattering punch - how upsetting and unbelievable that something like this could really happen. They love the brisk pace and the short chapters. Dormant readers who approach books cautiously with side-eyes and a ten-foot pole take a copy when we tell them to try it. "Read the first three chapters and if you don't like it, bring it back." That's the CRL's deal and so far no one has returned a copy. No one.

Everyone loves Ruta Sepetys. And we don't know how it happened that we were so lucky; lucky enough to cross paths with this incredible writer and beautiful person, lucky enough that she's reaching out to our readers and following us every step of the way. Lucky enough that we get to share how her book is changing lives. Lucky enough that we get to thank her. It's just too much lovely.

It's gonna be a good year.

Here's one of the videos we created for our kiddos featuring the official #ALLIN17 theme song: Stand in the Light.

Between Shades of Gray #ALLIN17 Video