COMMENTS AND RESPONSES FROM PERRY
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
--Perry
Dear Mr. Moore,
I just ordered 25 of your books simply based on reviews I've
read. I teach 8th grade Language Arts in North Kohala (at the
northernmost tip of the Big Island).
I'm about half-way through, and I'm giddy because I know my
students are going to love it. The reason that I'm writing you before I've finished your book is
to invite you to speak at our middle school's Language Arts class.
In my lesson plan researching, I read that you're a surfer.
Your hobby (passion?) might get you to Hawaii, we would love to be the first to
host you here.
My wife is also a teacher (Music), and we would be happy to have
you as a guest. Heck, it might even give you a story idea or two (King
Kamehameha was born here, you know).
Either way, consider yourself invited.
Aloha,
A Teacher
Kapaau, Hawaii
School ends in June
Dear Teacher,
You made my day. Nothing would make me happier than to visit. Surf's
up on the Big Island! Sounds like you have the best of all words.
Making the world a better place with the work you and your wife do.
Thanks for buying the books. Feel free to have the class e-mail me
all their questions and I'll respond. Would be happy to come visit.Thank for you the generous invitation. Please contact my speaking agent: Mike D'Andrea at GTN (Greater Talent Network) in NY. They're
easy to find on the web.
You and your wife are such an inspiration to me. I'd love to inspire more teachers, my own real-life heroes! What's the best way to do it?
You really made writing this book worth all the while for me with yourletter.
I wish you were one of my teachers growing up. (And I had some pretty great ones!)
All the best,
Perry
Dear Perry,
Consider my invitation to come to Hawaii an open invitation even if
you find yourself too busy this year
(I will contact Mr. D'Andrea). The students would love to host you and
show off their best
surfing spots.
On a different note, have you or "your people" considered packaging
your book for schools?
Many states' school districts, including Hawaii's, are working on
rewording their discipline policies
to include "homophobic" or anti-gay language in their definitions of
harassment/bullying.
Your novel not only has the benefit of being timely, it's also a great
read that, given the right
exposure, could/should become a staple on schools' reading lists.
In packaging your book to schools, I mean more than offering a bulk
discount, but including a
thematic study guide. Almost all school "classics" or standards have
them (including "your" Narnia
series). Basically, the guides help teachers design lessons around
your novel that include the
obligatory vocabulary words and chapter summaries--but also lesson plan
ideas such as connecting
literary elements of the author's craft (i.e., foreshadowing,
flashback, story arc, genre, etc.). It would
also include anticipatory sets (fancy teaching term) like "create your
own super hero" or a lesson
on stereotypes. It would/should also include your article on the fate
of gay
super heroes, writing prompts and an author Q and A.
I only mention this because, depending on your time, it might actually
be fun for you to create this
resource as a compliment to your novel (and to ensure it's being taught
correctly, or in your vision).
I also mention this because there is a DOE sponsored event for all Language Arts teachers on
the islands where authors were brought in
to host Q & A s. The DOE also
sponsored a "Big Read" wherein,
ideally, everyone was supposed to read the same novel and
was giving supplementary
teaching materials. This year's book was the JOY LUCK CLUB. I just
couldn't get into it.
Anyway, it's just a thought.
Of course, once you're on Oprah, all things will change.
Again, thanks for your prompt reply. My students will definitely be
contacting you with comments
and questions as we get further into the book this quarter. Hopefully,
you can make it out here and
visit us in person.
Mahalo,
A Teacher
To all teachers,
There is a HERO DISCUSSION GUIDE linked on this very site. Please feel free to use it. Also, if you're interested in including HERO in your curriculum, please contact the marvelous Angus Killick at my fine publishers, Hyperion Young Adult, here in NY.
Thanks!
Perry
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Schools using HERO to teach
This is another favorite e-mail of mine from a great teacher in Hawaii. HERO can be a wonderful addition to any class curriculum. Remember, there is an excellent discussion guide that Hyperion put together and posted on my website. Please feel free to use it. And I'm always happy to visit schools and respond to class e-mails!--Perry
Dear Mr. Moore,
I just ordered 25 of your books simply based on reviews I've
read. I teach 8th grade Language Arts in North Kohala (at the
northernmost tip of the Big Island).
I'm about half-way through, and I'm giddy because I know my
students are going to love it. The reason that I'm writing you before I've finished your book is
to invite you to speak at our middle school's Language Arts class.
In my lesson plan researching, I read that you're a surfer.
Your hobby (passion?) might get you to Hawaii, we would love to be the first to
host you here.
My wife is also a teacher (Music), and we would be happy to have
you as a guest. Heck, it might even give you a story idea or two (King
Kamehameha was born here, you know).
Either way, consider yourself invited.
Aloha,
A Teacher
Kapaau, Hawaii
School ends in June
Dear Teacher,
You made my day. Nothing would make me happier than to visit. Surf's
up on the Big Island! Sounds like you have the best of all words.
Making the world a better place with the work you and your wife do.
Thanks for buying the books. Feel free to have the class e-mail me
all their questions and I'll respond. Would be happy to come visit.Thank for you the generous invitation. Please contact my speaking agent: Mike D'Andrea at GTN (Greater Talent Network) in NY. They're
easy to find on the web.
You and your wife are such an inspiration to me. I'd love to inspire more teachers, my own real-life heroes! What's the best way to do it?
You really made writing this book worth all the while for me with yourletter.
I wish you were one of my teachers growing up. (And I had some pretty great ones!)
All the best,
Perry
Dear Perry,
Consider my invitation to come to Hawaii an open invitation even if
you find yourself too busy this year
(I will contact Mr. D'Andrea). The students would love to host you and
show off their best
surfing spots.
On a different note, have you or "your people" considered packaging
your book for schools?
Many states' school districts, including Hawaii's, are working on
rewording their discipline policies
to include "homophobic" or anti-gay language in their definitions of
harassment/bullying.
Your novel not only has the benefit of being timely, it's also a great
read that, given the right
exposure, could/should become a staple on schools' reading lists.
In packaging your book to schools, I mean more than offering a bulk
discount, but including a
thematic study guide. Almost all school "classics" or standards have
them (including "your" Narnia
series). Basically, the guides help teachers design lessons around
your novel that include the
obligatory vocabulary words and chapter summaries--but also lesson plan
ideas such as connecting
literary elements of the author's craft (i.e., foreshadowing,
flashback, story arc, genre, etc.). It would
also include anticipatory sets (fancy teaching term) like "create your
own super hero" or a lesson
on stereotypes. It would/should also include your article on the fate
of gay
super heroes, writing prompts and an author Q and A.
I only mention this because, depending on your time, it might actually
be fun for you to create this
resource as a compliment to your novel (and to ensure it's being taught
correctly, or in your vision).
I also mention this because there is a DOE sponsored event for all Language Arts teachers on
the islands where authors were brought in
to host Q & A s. The DOE also
sponsored a "Big Read" wherein,
ideally, everyone was supposed to read the same novel and
was giving supplementary
teaching materials. This year's book was the JOY LUCK CLUB. I just
couldn't get into it.
Anyway, it's just a thought.
Of course, once you're on Oprah, all things will change.
Again, thanks for your prompt reply. My students will definitely be
contacting you with comments
and questions as we get further into the book this quarter. Hopefully,
you can make it out here and
visit us in person.
Mahalo,
A Teacher
To all teachers,
There is a HERO DISCUSSION GUIDE linked on this very site. Please feel free to use it. Also, if you're interested in including HERO in your curriculum, please contact the marvelous Angus Killick at my fine publishers, Hyperion Young Adult, here in NY.
Thanks!
Perry
posted by Perry at
10:28 AM
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