Chalk and Ink: Episode 47; It's Gotta Be Fun With Torrey Maldonado

It's hard to say which was more fun, talking with Torrey or reading his novels. But it's safe to say that if you're in his classroom or holding one of his novels in your hands, he has your back. Not only will he support you, but you're going to laugh a lot as you examine some tough questions.

Before I jump into the episode and the tough questions we talk about, click here to get your hands on Hands, Torrey's newest novel that releases in January. Be sure to order before January 23rd, to get a signed copy. Not only will you be thrilled to put this book in your students' hands, you'll be supporting an independent bookstore in the process. Two wins with one click! 

Now, back to the content in Torrey's terrific episode. In addition to exploring tough questions in his novels, Torrey asks tough questions in the classroom. After I shared the questions I use while discussing novels, Torrey shared the questions he asks his students to think about before, during, and after his lessons:

1) What are we learning?
2) How do you know what you're learning?
3) Why does it matter?
4) What do you do with what you're learning?

Here's my question-who wouldn't want to be in a dynamic learning environment like that?

We also take a deep dive into the multidimensionality of his characters, which stems from the multidimensionality of his students and the mentors he has had throughout his life, including his beloved mother and grandmother.

Instead of titles, Torrey recommends that elementary and middle school classrooms have books by the following authors:

Kelly Starling Lyons
Tameka Fryer Brown
Sharon Langley
Jacqueline Woodson
Eric Velasquez
Jerry Craft 
Renée  Watson
Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
Derrick Barnes
Gordon C. James
Charles R. Smith Jr.

During the podcast, we also mentioned Tracey Baptiste's work.

If you want to be entered to win a copy of one of Torrey's amazing signed books, leave a comment below and fill out my site's contact form.

As always, many thanks to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art.

Happy listening!