Letters October 2006

Timeless interviews inspire tomorrow's teachers
I am studying to be an elementary school teacher, and I am a longtime fan of both literature and the Spanish language. When I read the article about Pam Muñoz Ryan ("Pam Muñoz Ryan: A Confluence of Rivers," October 2005) I was very intrigued, so I went searching in a local bookstore and my school library for her books. So far I have read two: When Marian Sang and Becoming Naomi León. I am very quickly becoming a fan of Ms. Muñoz Ryan, and I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to an excellent contemporary writer.
Kristy Henderson
via e-mail

Editor's Note: Our interview with Pam Muñoz Ryan, as well as many other in-depth conversations we've had with inspirational children's book authors and illustrators, can be found on our website within the Author Interviews section.

Middle school thanks
I had to write and let you know that I'm in love with Peter Barnes' idea of the Balloon Tower Challenge ("Your Middle School Classroom – Tricks of the Trade" April 2006). I am a middle school math teacher (grades 6-8) and have really been drawn to the ideas and suggestions in this column. My students have really appreciated them as well, and that makes learning all the more fun for them!
Kara Mancini
Boston, MA

Celebrating the calendar
I love how you include a little box with the month's calendar celebrations ("Your Green Pages"). It is nice to be able to have all the "special days" contained in one place. It also brings to mind some celebrations that you have not heard of or that you may have forgotten about. I hope you continue to do this for each upcoming month – it is a great resource!
Dena Burkett
Middletown, DE

Corrections
In the August/September 2006 school story feature ("It Takes a Child..."), there is a typographical error in the phone number listed for Brigantine (NJ) Elementary School Principal Donald Marrandino. The correct number is 609-264-9501.

Also in the August/September issue, the special "Books by the Month" pull-out section was inadvertently inserted following page 80, rather than page 32. Be sure not to miss this guide filled with year-long, book-related activities!

October, 2006, Vol.37, No.2