About Me and My Blog
Welcome to my blog! My name’s Sarah (Mrs. Andersen) and I’m a high school English teacher with a passion for both reading YA and connecting it with my students. I fell in love with young adult lit the summer of 2006 when I took Young Adult Literature with Dr. Steffel at Central Michigan University. I think I read about 20 books in six weeks and I haven’t stopped reading since!
I love this wedding picture 
AS A TEACHER AND BLOGGER:
Every chance I get, I encourage my students to read. One of my favorite things to hear is “I actually read this, Mrs. Andersen! I’ve never read a book from cover to cover before.” It never gets old The reading never stops, and each year I challenge myself to read more than the previous year so I can introduce my students to more great books.
I created this blog to incorporate technology into my teaching, but mostly to give my students a place to discuss the books they’re reading (through topics, articles, etc). Since the summer of 2010 I’ve been blogging and reviewing books on a regular basis. I love what my blog has become because it’s a way for me to let my students (and others) know outside of my classroom more about the books I’m reading. I booktalk the books I read with my students, but with my blog they get a more detailed version of my booktalk. Many of my teaching friends have also been using my blog as a resource in their classroom. How cool is that?! And one of the biggest reasons I love blogging- Who doesn’t love talking about great books?!
Me (right) & Linds (BFF) in T.C.
I Like your honesty in your reviews.
Thank you!
I’ve always liked to read, but during the time since I started taking Mrs. Andersens Y.A. class reading went from something i only did at school, to something that takes up the majority of my time. The class has really helped broadened my reading horizons, because I was hesitant to read many books because I thought that I wouldn’t like them. How wrong I was!
Although I am a Junior in Highschool, and have already taken English 11, I have learned a lot from your English 9 class. Like many others I have not been the reading type, but I am starting to get interested in books. Hopefully one day I will get to read as many as you.
I’m so glad you’re becoming interested in reading, Josh! Even if you’re not in my class next year, you can still come borrow books from me
I’ve always been a big reader, but i found it difficult to find books that were interesting. Picking through dozens of library books became tiring, I took Mrs. Andersen’s class and I’m now having to line books up so I can remember to read them all! (:
Thanks Mrs. Andersen!
It’s a wonderful thing when you have to line up books to read!
You’re always welcome to borrow my books, Courtney.
I <3 your blog
And I <3 you, best buddy
I’m not one of your students, but you have a great blog! I’m always on the lookout for other great book review blogs to follow. New follower
Thank you so much!
To be honest, when I came into your class I said to myself “Man! I hate reading, I would rather just do a bunch of grammar sheets, like in my last trimester English class.” I am usually quiet about these things in class, and from sight of me I don’t seem like I would really say this… But now, only about 3 weeks into your class, I feel like I am already developing an interest in reading. You have a great selection of interesting and entertaining books and you inspired me to read more. Also, thanks for getting those non-fiction books!
Thank you for this comment, Elias! I’m happy you’re developing an interest in reading, and any time you want to read a book that I don’t have, let me know and I’ll get it.
Great blog, some fantastic reviews. Instilling a love of reading is a great gift you’re giving to your students. My own English teacher in primary school had a profound affect on me both in terms of developing a love of reading but also writing. I’ll always remember her final piece of advice to me “Reach for the stars, they’re all yours.” I bet there are quite a number of your ex-pupils remember you in a similar way!