Exploding the Reading: Building a World of Responses from One Small Story

Based on learning generated by a 200-year-old folktale used by thirty teachers and a thousand kids, Exploding the Reading explores how to “dig deep” inside the story and encourages teachers to incorporate a variety of response modes. David Booth demonstrates that when students share their personal interpretations with others, they alter, grow, reframe, and extend their understanding of the text. This practical book also shows teachers how to help students discover the world outside the text: the different backgrounds, connections, places, values, and perceptions students bring to their reading. Student samples and actual transcripts present students experiencing the featured story through poems, visuals, blogs, art, conversation, and more.