Competency #9: Image

This is the cover for the first book in Patrick Carman's new series. I selected this image because this book is an excellent example of what authors and publishers are doing to try to entice reluctant readers. The book itself is easy to read (fairly short, large font) and written as a journal. Ryan is writing the journal while he is stuck at home recovering from a mysterious accident. His best friend, Sarah, has a video blog. As she uncovers information, she sends Ryan a new password for the blog. The reader then goes to the blog, enters the password, and views Sarah's video. This book is high interest, low ability and has the extra technology punch to lure readers.

I found this image by going to Patrick Carman's website: http://patrickcarman.com/main/skeletoncreek/.

Competency #8: Research Visual

This graph shows a correlation between reading and standardized test scores. It shows that students who read daily have highter test scores. This is relevant to my topic because it illustrates the necessity of reaching out to reluctant readers. Kids have so many distractions that it is more important than ever for teachers, parents, and librarians to actively support reading. Image courtesy of teentrendsetter.com. Teen Trendsetters is an organization that matches teen mentors with struggling readers.

Competency #6: Database Searching, Browsing

I used the browsing strategy on LexisNexis and found results rather quickly. I entered the search term: reluctant readers and the database retrieved 998 sources. I saw articles about Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Harry Potter, and graphic novels, as well as other popular books. Then I saw the title, "The Dreaded Summer Reading List." I found this editorial from USA Today to be interesting and relevant. By browsing I was able to locate some documents I probably would not have found in a more extensive search, but it does take a little more time.

Competency #6: Database Searching, Specific Facet

I used DIALOG for this search. Since DIALOG costs to search, I decided to use the specific facet search. I began with reluctant reader? as my query and found 85 results. I then added program? and school? and combined all three searches. This yielded 11 results, including one for using newspapers for struggling readers.

I liked completing this search because of the way the results are displayed in table format. I was a little nervous because I was afraid I would do something wrong.