What books shaped you? Three for my reading autobiography #WSRA19

At the Wisconsin State Reading Association Convention, Donalyn Miller invited us to write a reading autobiography. This is a list of books that shaped us as readers and as people. My group thought that this activity would be an excellent way to end the school year with students or to re-engage a group of "dormant readers". Below is my short list.

Elementary School: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume - I was a reluctant reader until my 3rd-grade teacher read it aloud to our class. I'm told that I reread this book several times before I found my next book. I guess I had some catching up to do.

Junior High: It by Stephen King - I'm surprised my junior high teachers let me read this novel and other King books. The content was not middle level appropriate...if I remember correctly, my friend and I found these books at the public library in town. I particularly remember It because half of the story was told from the kids' point of view. Our town wasn't nearly as dangerous as Derry but we had just as much free reign, something not often seen in today's hyper-vigilant world.

High School: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes - My current preference of science fiction was influenced by this book we read in high school English. The idea that science and technology might always have a cost in addition to the opportunities realized has stayed with me.

What books would be in your reading autobiography? How did these books shape you? Consider writing your own post or share in the comments here.