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Blank Space: A story about reading for 7-10 year old reluctant readers
When teacher Miss Gonzalez asks her class to write about their favorite part of any book, one student answers honestly: The blank space! This story, written in concrete poetry, conveys the experience of many striving readers who choose a book by the size of the margins and text. This book's elegant design, lyrical language, and abundant white space offer striving readers lots of time to co-create the story. Blank Space by Beth Bacon is a simple yet powerful exploration of the act of reading. The story asks, where exactly does reading happen? It happens somewhere between the words on the page and the reader’s heart and mind. The themes in this easy-to-read story can aid teachers, parents, reading specialists, and librarians in sparking discussions on reading strategies. Children who are reluctant to read will see themselves in this hi-lo book for intermediate readers. Like Beth Bacon’s other books, I Hate Reading, The Book No One Wants To Read, and The Worst Book Ever, this book validates the experience of today’s striving readers.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2018
63 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bacon
6 books30 followersBeth Bacon is the author of books for reluctant readers. Her titles include The Book No One Wants To Read, I Hate Reading, Blank Space and The Worst Book Ever. Beth’s awards include the Candlewick Award for Picture Book Writing, the Marion Dane Bauer Award for Middle Grade Writing, and PSAMA PULSE Award Finalist for marketing. She has an MFA in Writing For Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Visit her website at www.bethbaconauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 1, 2019
This was alot deeper than I expected. It's funny and silly but clever and thought provoking aswell.
Very well written.
Very well written.
April 9, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
Meta and mind bending but so true! Are the blank spaces greedily filled by Goodreads thoughts for me? Not all the time... forgotten that I’d already read a book by Bacon so time for a re-read for that too as well as immediate rereads with the kids purposely counting 1..2..3.. in the spaces
Formatting note - worked best for myself in landscape on Kindle app phone
Meta and mind bending but so true! Are the blank spaces greedily filled by Goodreads thoughts for me? Not all the time... forgotten that I’d already read a book by Bacon so time for a re-read for that too as well as immediate rereads with the kids purposely counting 1..2..3.. in the spaces
Formatting note - worked best for myself in landscape on Kindle app phone
August 1, 2018
Definitely will be using this in my classroom!
September 4, 2018
See this review and more on Books and Ladders!
I thought this was cute and a fun picture book. I will definitely be showing it to my niece!
I thought this was cute and a fun picture book. I will definitely be showing it to my niece!
August 9, 2018
BlankSpace
There's something i love about Beth Bacon's minimalistic children's picture books and how different types of readers can relate to them. Everyone who likes of lives books doesn't necessarily enjoy the same aspects of a book and this story did a good job of showing that.
There's something i love about Beth Bacon's minimalistic children's picture books and how different types of readers can relate to them. Everyone who likes of lives books doesn't necessarily enjoy the same aspects of a book and this story did a good job of showing that.
November 2, 2021
Another great read for kiddos who are reluctant readers.
April 12, 2018
Wow! I am an avid reader. I read hundreds of books each year, but Beth Bacon has opened my eyes! As a teacher, I teach students that when writing, frequent paragraphs give the reader's eyes a break. When I write or prepare handouts for students, I am aware of white space. But, as a reader, I have never considered the blank space in the accurate, whimsical, completely correct way it is presented in this gem of a book! Thank you, dear author! You have changed my life...and teaching.
March 21, 2018
Such a good book!
I was reading this with my kid. This was fantastic now she wants to read more! Thank you Beth Bacon! ☺☺
I was reading this with my kid. This was fantastic now she wants to read more! Thank you Beth Bacon! ☺☺
August 2, 2018
A must for readers everywhere! Bacon is such a inventive writer.
April 17, 2021
What a refreshing way to address the feelings of reluctant readers! For children with reading disabilities this book demonstrates the empathy their teachers and fellow students should display.
The protagonist is a student who has been asked to write in a journal about his favorite part of a book. All the other students have their notebooks filled with words and ideas. This student has a journal with blank pages because his favorite part of a book is the blank space. Why? He uses the spaces to imagine, design, and recreate the meaning of the words in his mind. When he gets a chance to explain this to the class, they finally realize the import of his message.
The concrete poetry and unique design of the pages within this book are a visual treat. Its message is one that needs to be heard. While very young students may not fully comprehend the message, I feel this book is an effective tool for middle-grade students, teachers, and parents of reluctant readers.
The protagonist is a student who has been asked to write in a journal about his favorite part of a book. All the other students have their notebooks filled with words and ideas. This student has a journal with blank pages because his favorite part of a book is the blank space. Why? He uses the spaces to imagine, design, and recreate the meaning of the words in his mind. When he gets a chance to explain this to the class, they finally realize the import of his message.
The concrete poetry and unique design of the pages within this book are a visual treat. Its message is one that needs to be heard. While very young students may not fully comprehend the message, I feel this book is an effective tool for middle-grade students, teachers, and parents of reluctant readers.
October 21, 2018
Who says the words and pictures of a picture book are the only parts of the book that matter! The blank parts, the space between the written words and the accompanying art, are so very important to the whole reading experience! Can you survive without air? Hear without sounds? Stay grounded without gravity? This book challenges and engages the school crowd, instead of the preschool storybook crowd of The Worst Book Ever.
Again, I appreciate the simple graphics and the color scheme from author Beth Bacon, as well as the thought-provoking dilemma and realistic reactions from our protagonist’s schoolmates. And of course, I appreciate the blank space for the simple reason that it makes you turn the page faster when there are fewer words to read.
Again, I appreciate the simple graphics and the color scheme from author Beth Bacon, as well as the thought-provoking dilemma and realistic reactions from our protagonist’s schoolmates. And of course, I appreciate the blank space for the simple reason that it makes you turn the page faster when there are fewer words to read.
June 30, 2021
Blank Space, Don't You Love Them
Here is a totally original book by Beth Bacon. This great, creative book, written all about the blank space in books. Young readers and older will be astonished by the ideas included in this clever book. The reluctant reader will enjoy watching the words. I will let your discovery why. (It is fascinating.). I highly recommend this well done book.
Our young ones likes the blank space in books. "Reading a book with lots of blank space feels like gliding on a magic carpet...". I will leave it for you to find out why.
Enjoy the blank space while you read.
Here is a totally original book by Beth Bacon. This great, creative book, written all about the blank space in books. Young readers and older will be astonished by the ideas included in this clever book. The reluctant reader will enjoy watching the words. I will let your discovery why. (It is fascinating.). I highly recommend this well done book.
Our young ones likes the blank space in books. "Reading a book with lots of blank space feels like gliding on a magic carpet...". I will leave it for you to find out why.
Enjoy the blank space while you read.
August 26, 2018
Blank Space
5/5 stars
Okay I'll say it, this was freaking brilliant! (I'm sensoring myself because this is probably aimed at younger audiences)
This was precious and read like a Shell Silverstein book. It romanticises the blank spaces in books and the way it wove in a narrative as well... I just loved this. I would love a physical copy to admire the blank spaces more properly.
You can't even be mad about the low work count. That's the whole point! Brilliant.
5/5 stars
Okay I'll say it, this was freaking brilliant! (I'm sensoring myself because this is probably aimed at younger audiences)
This was precious and read like a Shell Silverstein book. It romanticises the blank spaces in books and the way it wove in a narrative as well... I just loved this. I would love a physical copy to admire the blank spaces more properly.
You can't even be mad about the low work count. That's the whole point! Brilliant.
August 4, 2018
What a fantastic book!
I am so glad to have stumbled on Beth Bacon.
I love her approach, writing and great design.
I read this to my 7 year old and he loved it - we had several giggles and laugh out loud moments. Can't wait to read some more of Beth's books to him. These are the type of books that should be sent home as readers for early school age kids
I am so glad to have stumbled on Beth Bacon.
I love her approach, writing and great design.
I read this to my 7 year old and he loved it - we had several giggles and laugh out loud moments. Can't wait to read some more of Beth's books to him. These are the type of books that should be sent home as readers for early school age kids
August 17, 2018
My grandkids and I are loving Beth Bacon's books! She approaches a subject in a unique manner. In this book, she addresses reluctant readers by telling us many wonderful reasons why she loves the blank spaces in books. She made us think about books in a new way. We have reread "The Worst Book Ever" many times. We are looking forward to reading more of her books.
December 26, 2018
I really liked this one!! I agree that I also like blank space. I love to read, but sometimes reading books with more blank space makes me feel more relaxed, and reading books with blank space at the end of a chapter makes me feel accomplished. I love it too and it gives you room to breathe! Any child who struggles with liking to read may really enjoy this story too.
May 25, 2019
I absolutely loved this! There's actually a lot here...will be appreciated by young kids but there is also so much here on reading and the act of reading for both those who love books and those who could do without them. I want to buy a copy of this for every teacher that I know. I just ordered all her books.
September 20, 2021
Mixed feelings
I read this to my three kids and one thought if was terrible and boring (the youngest... Age 7). The middle thought it was ok (he's almost 9). My 10 year old thought it was great. We like some of her other books. I liked the idea of this book. It just wasn't for everyone.
I read this to my three kids and one thought if was terrible and boring (the youngest... Age 7). The middle thought it was ok (he's almost 9). My 10 year old thought it was great. We like some of her other books. I liked the idea of this book. It just wasn't for everyone.
November 13, 2023
Loved this!
How wonderful this little book is. Oh, the blank space. Simply fantastic. So very sweet and adorable. I must read this to my kids. It is a good one for all kids. To teach appreciation of silence, to teach leaving space for breathing, for listening, to truly hear. Lovely.
How wonderful this little book is. Oh, the blank space. Simply fantastic. So very sweet and adorable. I must read this to my kids. It is a good one for all kids. To teach appreciation of silence, to teach leaving space for breathing, for listening, to truly hear. Lovely.
August 2, 2018
A cute children’s book that actually takes you very deep into the beauty and experience of reading. It is well worth the, especially when introducing young readers to poetry, creative writing, storytelling in general, and making the most out of what they’ve read.
August 3, 2018
Very Creative!
This is a short, but very creative and clever book for children. I liked the imagery a lot. However, some of the tiniest print was a little hard to see well enough for me to read without triple clicking to zoom in on the very small letters.
This is a short, but very creative and clever book for children. I liked the imagery a lot. However, some of the tiniest print was a little hard to see well enough for me to read without triple clicking to zoom in on the very small letters.
August 15, 2018
A brilliant perspective given in a impactful format!
I've often contemplated the role of silence in music, but never in the blank space of the written word. A creative perspective that I'm now aware of and greatly appreciate!
I've often contemplated the role of silence in music, but never in the blank space of the written word. A creative perspective that I'm now aware of and greatly appreciate!
September 15, 2018
Enjoyed
Short and to the point - great point of view that no one really thinks about.
This would be a great read aloud for a creative writing lesson or a lesson on how to really look at a story.
Short and to the point - great point of view that no one really thinks about.
This would be a great read aloud for a creative writing lesson or a lesson on how to really look at a story.
September 25, 2018
Great children’s book!
I would love to share this is the library with the elementary kids. I think most of them could relate and would enjoy the beautiful imagery created by this book.
I would love to share this is the library with the elementary kids. I think most of them could relate and would enjoy the beautiful imagery created by this book.
February 26, 2019
My heart is filled with blank space!
This is such a great, quick read with so much meaning! My favorite page states, “The blank space fills my heart. That is where I feel what I read.”
This is such a great, quick read with so much meaning! My favorite page states, “The blank space fills my heart. That is where I feel what I read.”
May 8, 2021
I really like this book. I'm glad I have a copy to look back on whenever contemplating the joy of reading. I think this is a wonderful adult children's book, but not so sure how great it is as simply a children's book.
The description clearly lists this book as a "hi-lo book for intermediate readers" which makes me feel a bit better about my apprehension. Clearly, there are youth readers at many levels and I don't want to diminish or discount the intellect and comprehension abilities of young readers. Still, I know adults who would have a difficult time grasping the meaning and significance of this book.
Overall, I'd say this book is genius and a bit daring. Maybe it's not for everyone or the average, but those who get it will definitely appreciate it. This book is a triumph for striving intermediate young readers and adults who truly love books and reading.
Recommended.
The description clearly lists this book as a "hi-lo book for intermediate readers" which makes me feel a bit better about my apprehension. Clearly, there are youth readers at many levels and I don't want to diminish or discount the intellect and comprehension abilities of young readers. Still, I know adults who would have a difficult time grasping the meaning and significance of this book.
Overall, I'd say this book is genius and a bit daring. Maybe it's not for everyone or the average, but those who get it will definitely appreciate it. This book is a triumph for striving intermediate young readers and adults who truly love books and reading.
Recommended.
May 15, 2021
I love it!
This is a great book that draws you in with a unique but hilarious style! I believe both children that love reading and children that dislike reading will be intrigued and excited to read this all the way through. Brilliant style!
This is a great book that draws you in with a unique but hilarious style! I believe both children that love reading and children that dislike reading will be intrigued and excited to read this all the way through. Brilliant style!
July 23, 2021
My new favorite children’s author.
This book is simply wonderful. Thoughtful, well written and illustrated this book is great for anyone who loves to read and those who hate to read. BRAVO Ms. Bacon.
This book is simply wonderful. Thoughtful, well written and illustrated this book is great for anyone who loves to read and those who hate to read. BRAVO Ms. Bacon.
September 29, 2021
LOVED THIS BOOK!
The premise was funny (and funnier in my head) but so well written and thought out. So well described that I will look for the blanks in everything! Even as I am typing this, I see the blank space that gives pause.
The premise was funny (and funnier in my head) but so well written and thought out. So well described that I will look for the blanks in everything! Even as I am typing this, I see the blank space that gives pause.
November 20, 2021
Delightful book that gives a reader something to think about when reading books. Bacon share the blank spaces in a book and lets readers see why they are so important. The illustrations help emphasize the point.
Terrific book for discussions and reflecting on being an active reader.
Terrific book for discussions and reflecting on being an active reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews