Falling In

I just finished reading Falling In by Frances O'Roark Dowell. I chose to read the book because it had an Alice in Wonderland feel about it. The main character, Isabelle Bean, is not like the other students in her class, and she has often wondered what it is about herself that makes her different. Isabelle is sent to the principal's office for not paying attention in class, because she is too distracted by the buzzing noise she has been hearing all day. On her way, she steps into the Nurse's office to investigate the squeal from Charlie, a classmate who is waiting to see the nurse. Charlie tells Isabelle that she was spooked by the mouse who had looked at her as if he had something to say. She tells Isabelle that he had disappeared under the closet door. Isabelle is determined to get to the bottom of it and tells Charlie, "Yes, I believe I'd like to visit the country of Mice. I'll try to be back by lunchtime, but if I'm not, save one perfect french fry for me, would you?" Then Isabelle opens the door and "falls in."

Isabelle finds herself in another school, in a whole different world, and the students take one look at her red boots and determine she must be a witch. They tell her about the child devouring witch that they have to hide from every year and want her to prove that she is not an accomplice. Along her journey to prove herself, Isabelle meets a new friend, Hen and learns more about why she really is different than the other children in her own school.

There are moments in the book when the author stops the story and talks to the reader and gives them opportunities to wonder about the situation Isabelle has found herself in. It is story about self-discovery, good versus evil, and a book worth "falling" into.

Getting Started

Hello Readers,

I am a 5th grade literacy teacher, and I am interested in knowing what great books you are reading. I stumbled into the world of blogging because I wanted to comment on another blog. I have decided to try my hand at it, and I hope to share the experience with my students in the upcoming school year. If you are a reader and would like to share what books you have just finished (or are still reading), or you are a seasoned blogger and would like to share tips, please post a comment. I would love to hear from you.

Happy reading!