Hanging Out about Connected Learning

Recently I was surprised and honored to be a part of this Google Hangout with some of my heroes, Mimi Ito and Howard Rheingold. It was my first time in a Hangout, as you can probably tell by watching it, but I learned a lot and it was a great experience for me. I hope to keep following, learning from,  and participating in Connected Learning events.

Watch live streaming video from connectedlearningtv at livestream.com

For more info about the Hangout,  and for upcoming events,  check out the Connected Learning site.

Love Notes

Late last night, I received the following email:

Hi Ms. Abarbanel,

I just finished The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. You gave it to me to read for DEAR Day...

I'm crying and I LOVE this book!! Just wanted to let you know...I couldn't wait until Tuesday to talk about it.

Literally indebted to you,


And there is the power combination of Drop Everything and Read, John Green, and individualized attention from a librarian.  I love approaching kids individually with a favorite book. The books I hand to kids one at a time tend to get checked out more often than booktalked books.  And they usually come back to tell me how they liked it.


I got this email about another John Green book, Will Grayson, Will Grayson:


I just wanted to let you know that I finished Will Grayson Will Grayson.  It was such a good book!!!  I was wondering if you could possibly recommend some other gay-themed books that I should read.  I would really appreciate it!!


I love when the kids send me love notes about the books that spoke to them. They are the most powerful feedback I get. Do you have any favorite notes from students about books? Share them here!