Reading Independence (3:59)

No one likes to kill time. What do you do with those empty intervals when you’re waiting for the doctor or the dentist, or when you’re parked at the curb waiting for your child at school? Do you play on your Smart Phone? Stare at the wall? Practice Zen? What about using some of those spare minutes to read? Our guest today, reading specialist, Donalyn Miller, suggests that we anticipate such moments by toting a book wherever we go. Miller discusses with Rachel how to instill this good habit in our children, to help them become life-long readers. Donalyn Miller taught in elementary and middle schools in Northeast Texas, and was a finalist for the 2010 Texas Teacher of the Year. She’s the author of The Book Whisperer and Reading in the Wild, which explore independent reading best practices and practical strategies for engaging students with reading. Donalyn’s articles about teaching and reading have appeared in publications such as Education Week Teacher, The Reading Teacher, Educational Leadership, and The Washington Post. 

The Role of Comics (14:42)

Our next guest on Worlds Awaiting is Kerry Soper – known by students and colleagues for his expertise in “Pop Culture.” Soper is also an author and artist. He and Rachel talk about how Comics can help all of us in better understanding the world. Soper teaches Interdisciplinary Humanities and American Studies at BYU. His research is often focused on comic strips, satire, and popular film. He is presently working on a book about Gary Larson, creator of the comic strip, The Far Side.

Author Tips (25:14)

We finish up the show today with three children’s book illustrator-authors – Bob Shea, Leslie Helakoski, and Bethanne Anderson – who share tips for anyone who wants to enter the world of illustration and writing.