"In this book/CD-ROM package, Godin, a high school teacher, offers instructions for making handmade books out of inexpensive materials as a creative way for secondary students to demonstrate their responses to a literary work. Part I outlines six keys for designing 'amazing' assignments, including crafting assignments based on Bloom's taxonomy, choosing supplemental readings, and balancing teacher and student choices. Part II gives directions for constructing 12 different types of interactive 3D books out of paper lunch bags, grocery bags, and file folders. B&w diagrams and photos of completed projects accompany step-by-step directions and templates for tracing and cutting pieces. Part III offers guidelines and rubrics for assessing the projects. The CD-ROM contains color photos of all 12 projects, completed by real high school students, plus reproducible templates, sample assignments and worksheets, and student handouts."
-©2010 Book News Inc. Portland, OR
“The paper bag project was unique, creative, and fun. It was a great way to express thoughts and ideas through pictures and words. It is the most memorable assignment I have done in high school.”
-Jeff Killian, Hillsborough High School student
“Deirdre has supplied us with a unique approach to novel studies that taps into originality, creativity, and individuality. The literacy projects she created not only provide students with choice, but they also foster the development of the higher-level critical thinking skills valuable in education and life.”
-Judith Donahue, Assistant Director for Language Arts Literacy/Humanities, Piscataway, New Jersey
“The literacy projects attend to standards in unique and exciting presentations that demonstrate students’ understanding of novel elements. Their enthusiastic engagement produced high-quality products that were shared and enjoyed by their peers and school community.”
-Jackie Levy, Content Specialist for Language Arts Literacy, Piscataway, New Jersey
“Deirdre's literary projects were a hit with the teachers in the humanities (social studies & English). Her unique projects are a creative way to access the higher levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and an entertaining way to reach various learning styles in the classroom. Students do not even realize that they are learning at high levels as they synthesize information in these alternative assessments.”
-Adrienne Olcott, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Delaware Valley
Regional High School, Frenchtown, NJ
“These comprehensive keepsakes were different from anything I had done before and definitely were among my favorite projects. They are creative, unique, and convenient; I even used them in the following years. I could honestly say that I've found multiple uses for the different kinds of books, and each one has come out awesome."
-Sam Moravec, Hillsborough High School student
"This book is a book for professional teachers to use in oder to make great hands-on literature projects. There is a CD at the back that is also helpful. Good ideas for all groups of teachers."
-Brenda Gorman, Arlington Independent School District Library Services, April 2012
