Professor Dewey's Book Talk

The Story of a Life

You know that I love reading and talking about books—both fiction and nonfiction books. Nonfiction - is the opposite of fiction. Books that are nonfiction, or true, are about real things, people, events, and places. If you are looking for a nonfiction book in a library, you will look in the shelves that are organized by NUMBERS in the Dewey Decimal system. A special kind of nonfiction book is called a biography. A biography is the true story of a person’s life. You can usually find biographies in the “92” section of the library. I think it’s really cool to learn about people’s lives and find out fun facts about famous people in biographies! Did you know that “Professor Dewey” is not my real name? If you want to find out how I chose my name, you can visit my website at www.professordewey.com. You can also watch videos about the books I recommend. Tell me about what you're reading by clicking on the Comments link below.  Happy Reading!

Candy From the Sky?

I just read a really awesome nonfiction book called Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot.  This biography is the true story of a little girl who isn’t really famous except that she wrote a special letter to a pilot. People who lived in East Germany after World War II couldn’t get any supplies—even food, so pilots flew over dropping food and supplies with parachutes. Lt. Gail Halverson secretly began dropping candy with little parachutes to the children. One little girl named Mercedes wrote a letter to the “Chocolate Pilot” asking him to drop candy at her house. Because of her letter, Lt. Halversen and Mercedes became friends for life. This is a great book about how ordinary people overcame a tough time after war—you should check it out! Be sure to visit my website at www.professordewey.com to see a video about this book. Be sure to let me know when you read about this “True Story of the Berlin Airlift and the Candy that Dropped from the Sky.”  Tell me what kind of candy you would have like to see dropped by parachute! Happy Reading!

The Fastest Woman!

I want to recommend a really awesome nonfiction book I just read called Wilma Unlimited. This biography is the true story of a little girl who loved to run and play until she got very sick with a disease called polio. Everyone thought she would never walk again, but Wilma worked very hard for many years. Not only was she able to walk, she was able to run in the Olympic Games. It’s awesome to read about how Wilma Rudolph overcame many struggles so she could be the FIRST in so many ways—you should check it out! Be sure to visit my website at www.professordewey.com to watch a video about this book. Click on the Comments link below to let me know when you read about “How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman” in Wilma Unlimited! Happy Reading!

How Did Dr. Seuss Get His Name?

Most people know about Dr. Seuss books. They are so funny with great comic illustrations…but do you know about Dr. Seuss? Did you know that isn’t his real name? If you read The Boy on Fairfield Street, you will find out “How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss.” This biography is the great true story about Dr. Seuss’ life growing up loving zoo animals and doodling and trying to discover how he is going to make a living—boy am I glad he decided to write and illustrate books! Be sure to visit my website at www.professordewey.com to watch a video about this book.

 

I have a special challenge for you this time—as you’re reading The Boy of Fairfield Street, see if you can discover how Ted Geisel chose the name “Dr. Seuss.” You can BLOG me with the answer--just click on the comments link below. Don’t forget to include the page number where you found the answer. (Also, to be safe, don't give your name, just your initials.)

 

It’s so cool that everybody remembers Ted Geisel as Dr. Seuss—maybe everyone will remember me as Professor Dewey! Happy Reading!

Blogging Professor Dewey?

Are you asking yourself, "How do I blog Professor Dewey?"

Well, it's super easy...After each of my posts there is a link called "Comments." Click on that and then type your message. You can answer a question I've asked on a video or in my blog or you can tell me about the books you're reading. You can even recommend a book to me!

You can help me know where you're commenting from if you'll include the name of your school and your teacher's name. You can include the grade you're in in your message. It says your Name is required, but to be safe, just type your initials. When you are ready, click the "Post" button.

I'll read through your comment and then post it on my blog. Be sure to check back later to see your comment posted! I might even include you or your school in a future video--how cool is that?

I can't wait to hear from you about what you're reading!

Happy Reading!

Professor Dewey