Jonathan Peto > Recent Status Updates

The most recent chapter I read was about the school's library. That better not sound boring to you!

Almost finished with Ch. 1, which gives an amazingly motivating explanation of the other chapters and the "seven core arguments" the book is built on.

The introduction and half the first chapter. Thought-provoking. I'm very interested in getting to the chapters where research is "translated" into teacher planning / classroom activities!

The chapter I just read describes a lot of non-Japanese at the ski resort when the author was in first grade. Just like these days!

The chapter I just read focused on perspective-taking and perspective-getting. It was humbling and transformative. I feel my mind has been sharpened.

This story is amazing! Teenage narrators who are amusing. Scary supernatural evil creatures. Magic. Humor. Big ideas and unique, distinct thoughts and voice.

This is a classic for good reason. The narrative voice, one that looks back and tells the story from a future perspective, is nostalgic and charming.

Reading about knowledge, skills, concepts, dispositions and action is nothing new, so it is nice and surprising for it to come together differently; and to give me some ideas!

I carefully perused the foreword, preface, and introduction. I'm very interested in transforming learning into action as described here.

"LOL I started by examining the Table of Contents closely and the sample unit planner in Appendix A, which did get me thinking about the planner templates at my school. I am most curious about or excited for Chap 4 Perspective-Taking and Perspective-Getting, Chap 5 The Power of Story to Build Connection and Chap 6 Systems, Systems Everywhere."

We are knee-deep in action.

The last few chapters were an emotional roller coaster. I thought we were about to see a lot of plot action. Instead, the author threw me for a loop with the emotional arc. I saw a video of a 60ish year old man talking about how he is more prone to tears than he used to be. If you're a 60ish year old man like me, don't read this in a coffee shop unless you don't mind making everyone uncomfortable lol!

The story mention that choices are important, and Ravani just made a big one. I can't say I'm happy with him about it.

There was a chapter with a scene on the killing floor of the meat factory, and I'm back to one now, but it has been awhile since the last one. I personally don't think it is too much.

I am not sure what I will ultimately rate this. At present, I enjoy the developing friendship between a boy and a girl. I enjoy the mystery about Virginia's family, a little of which has been revealed. Also, I am wondering if Virginia is a MG version of a manic pixie dream girl. Maybe not. She does have a "complex inner life", as revealed in Ch 14 at least, and a lot of girls at my school liked this book...

This book was very popular at my school this year. So far so good. Mysterious opening but also grounded in a heartfelt and gritty reality. I like it that the students like it!

The next chapter is "Their Worst Clothes".