Embrace a Spineless Book

 This month's reading challenge in the My Little Bookcase Reading Adventure is Embrace a Spineless Book. What is a spineless book, you may ask? According to the Little Book Adventure site, "For the purpose of this project, when we use the term ‘spineless book’, we  are referring to  film, play or television adaptations."

This is the perfect activity to bring many great books to students - and have a great time as well. The challenge this month is to read a book to your class or children that has been the inspiration for a film or play. It is fitting that The Lorax is used as an example - a book that I use with my students each year. With the new movie version just our, this book has been given a new lease on life - but it really is a classic! Be sure to include it in your project.

There are many books that have been inspirations for films. There is a list at the My Little Bookcase site. Be creative when searching for film versions - visit Netflix, the book's own website or search online for movie clips and trailers as well.

The steps for this challenge are easy:

1. Choose a book and read it to your class.
2. Show your class the film version - or arrange to attend a screening or the play version - a great class trip.

Simple, right! There are many suggestions for ways to discuss books and their respective film versions. Additional ideas can be found here.

So - go ahead and give this challenge a try. Then share your ideas and your students' reactions here and at the Little Book Adventure site as well. But hurry - this challenge ends on May 31.

Original copyright 2012 Irene Taylor. Permission to republish in print or online must be granted by the author of this blog in writing.