Knowledge Winner? Reading Pro? Research Guru?
Whatever title you claim, we hope you'll agree that you are richer than you were before you began.
As the posts went live, we revealed a multitude of amazing giveaways from our generous presenters. The time has come to officially enter yourself in the prize drawing! We don't require you to show us your research notes or a list of the books you've read. We're on the honor system. If you read regularly, established a mentor text research habit, and commented on every post, you have an opportunity to enter the Rafflecopter below for the extra prizes.
You can review all the prizes by clicking the arrows/dots under the first prize name (Mentor Texts for Writers eBook). To keep things simple, we are not opening separate Rafflecopters for each prize. Just enter the drawing one time and you will be entered in the drawing for all of the prizes. We will award prizes in the same order as they are listed. We'll keep the Rafflecopter open through April 7, and strive to announce the winners by April 11. In the meantime, please grab your Winner's Badge below and post it on your blog, website, or social media. A special thank you goes out to our super talented resident illustrator, Lori Nawyn.
For those that are new to ReFoReMo, we are a year-round blog, posting every Tuesday. However, after this incredibly busy month, we will be taking a greatly needed blog break after the April 4 and 11th posts. We look forward to sharing with you regularly again in May.
But, before we go...
What revelations did you have during ReFoReMo 2017? Did you learn something awesome from a certain book? Did one particular post speak to you? What was your overall takeaway from ReFoReMo 2017?
If you have problems posting a comment below, please join us for wrap-up discussions in the Facebook Group.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
While I haven't been able to read and comment on every post, just having all this information here when I need it, along with this fabulous community, makes me so grateful. I thank all involved for the hard work it takes to organize and present this month of learning!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Jilanne! And you are right in saying that this info will be here for you to access at your own pace! :)
DeleteWell, I made it through 200 Picture Books this month! It's hard to wrap my head around everything that I've accomplished lately, but I'll say this: this challenge has allowed me to receive knowledge from colleagues, to consider perspectives from contributors, and to make friends with my librarian! There are far too many topics covered for me to pick out my favorite lesson, but I loved this experience, and I have absolutely formed a research habit that will continue to serve me all year long. I appreciate all of the resources provided through ReFoReMo, and I'll continue using them, for sure!
ReplyDeleteCheers to research habits! Keep up the awesome efforts, Jennifer!
DeleteThis has been a fabulous experience for me, and I was delighted to participate this year. While I would likely call mysed a "knowledge winner" at this stage, I hope to become a "reading guru" as the year unfolds. I've learned so much from my own reading experiences and from the insights shared during the ReFoReMo posts. Thanks for the valuable insights and for coordinating this fantastic mentor text reading adventure!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Meli! Thank yourself, too! :)
DeleteI read and commented on all the posts. This was a great month. Caron Levis introduced me to a few new books and the idea of reading to challenge my writing fears. I had not thought of using mentor texts in this manner.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carrie & Kristi for all your amazing efforts. Enjoy your break.
Great to have you with us, Maria!
DeleteI look forward to it each year. Done it three years now. I learn so much & have an additional excuse to.read PBs, some I haven't read before.
DeleteI have learnt the importance of and how to of using mentor texts as comparative titles in my query letters
ReplyDeleteAwesome progress, Sharon!
DeleteI commented regularly, though maybe not every post. I did read every post and read stacks and stacks of books. I love the new ideas for what to look for in books. As a school librarian, I've had access to tons of books and have always looked at them with idea of what I can use for lessons and enjoyment with a class of students. Writing Revolution was a tremendous help to get me past that frame of mind to reading and thinking as a writer! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHa! ReFoReMo, I put Writing Revolution...well, it was to me.
DeleteI've learned so much this month, and being in the UK, I really appreciate learning more about what is available in the US market. Thanks for the great guidance and recommendations this month!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Rebecca!
DeleteI used this month to learn more about picture book biographies especially--something new for me! So I'm a new knowledge winner for sure!
ReplyDeleteIt's so fulfilling to learn new formats and genres!
DeleteI love ReFoReMo, because every year I am introduced to so many good picture books! Now to savour all I have learned from them.
ReplyDeleteSavour and then flavor as you write!
DeleteReFoReMo contributors show us a wide variety of ways to use mentor texts. They also introduce us to new books, and books we've missed--or need to look at again with fresh eyes. I've developed better library habits, maintaining my hold list, and checking books in and out regularly. And mentor texts stay with us, even after they go back to the library. Thanks again for a fabulous month!
ReplyDeleteSo many great things listed here, Ginger! YAY!
DeleteAnother fabulous ReFoReMo--thank you! It was fun to do some re-reading, and also to read some books that I had skipped because they didn't immediately appeal to me (most I was still ho-hum about, but a few I loved!). Loved when there were specific things to look for in a text...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Laura, and great to have you with us again!
DeleteI love ReFoReMo for many reasons. But perhaps most because it gets me into the habit of starting my day off with a short stack of picture books! Which are as yummy as pancakes but better for my figure. I loved Matthew Winner's post--I'm a huge fan of beautiful language and loved his mentor text picks. I can't wait for next year!
ReplyDeleteHooray for finding things you love!
DeleteThis was my first ReFoReMo and I loved it. I appreciate all the hard work by everyone involved. The book suggestions are so helpful. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that, Kay! Glad you're with us!
DeleteLoved the book list this year! Some were familiar while others were wonderful surprises and all taught me something about myself as a writer. Each days post also brought a different understanding of what resonates with me in writing, especially Kelly DiPucchio's post on finding a funky way to tell the story. Feeling motivated!
ReplyDeleteHooray for learning more about yourself as a writer! Onward with motivation!
DeleteWhat a whirlwind month! This experience has been so valuable, & I have lots of books remaining to read and study. I appreciate everyone who worked to make this year's ReFoReMo a success!
ReplyDeleteYes, slow down and read at your pace. Research deeply. Enjoy!
DeleteAs I look to my left, I spy Kirsti Call's "Questions to Ask when reading mentor texts", printed in large type, always in sight when I pick up the next book in the pile from the local library. On my right, a few posts I just had to print out to ensure rereading, most recently, Jodell Sandler's post on poetic pacing, pause & delivery. As importantly, perhaps, I have not only read outside my comfort zone, ie, books that may not have called to me otherwise, but I've learned that if there's a type of book out there that fits a manuscript I've written or want to write, I need to read, read, read books like it. Hence, the growing pile at my feet, as I head into my next reading for research month - that starts tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHooray, Patricia! And monthly challenges will be back starting in May- the third Tuesday of every month. :)
DeleteThank you, Carrie and team, for co-ordinating the month-long event. I love the illustrations in 'If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don't!' by Elise Parsley. The mentor text, 'Reading Picture Books With Children: How to Shake Up Storytime and Get Kids Talking about What They See' by Megan Dowd Lambert is available as an e-book. here in Australia. I had a sneak peek at the sample chapters and have added the book to my Goodreads 'Want to Read' list. A big thank you also goes to illustrator, Lori Nawyn for providing the 2017 Winners Badge.
ReplyDeleteHooray for new relationships with books! :)
DeleteIt's been another awesome year! Yes, I did read everyday. But even better, since I first started the ReFoReMo Challenge a few years ago, I've kept up my reading habit. I LOVE READING PICTURE BOOKS!
ReplyDeleteI love it, too, Heather! :)
DeleteI am so thankful for ReFoReMo! It introduced me to some wonderful new books and reminded me of some old favorites. All of your posts are also a great resource if I'm looking for a mentor text to help with a specific issue. Thank you all! I'm sorry it's over for now but I'll have my "nose in a book" until next time.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear, Andrea! And use the weekly posts to supplement. :)
DeleteI woke up early even while on vacation to read the next post. I check a bag of picture books every two weeks but I find I pick ones I think I will enjoy. With REFOMORE I found new titles I may not have picked on my own. thank you!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your vacation, Terri!
DeleteDon't think I commented on every post, just wanted to say I made friends with my library and that's a pretty good prize for me. 👏
ReplyDeleteI sure hope you gained knowledge from the posts and books you researched. That's the best prize of all!
DeleteThis year, I was inspired to do author or illustrator studies. I became more familiar with the biographies of team Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet, re-read books by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and looked at both the writing and art of Marla Frazee. Thanks to all who contributed and organized the event!
ReplyDeleteI love doing author studies! You can find quite a few on our blog (our first ReFoReMo blog), including one on Amy Krouse Rosenthal: http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/reforemo/category/author-study There are also other author studies here on the new blog, too! Doreen Cronin was the last one and more will be on the way. :)
DeleteI really liked all the different ways to look at a pb. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteRee
My focus during this year's ReFoReMo changed from volume to variety. My interests have grown through a diversity of books and posts. ReFoReMo posts lead me to read Black Dog, Tony, Memoirs of a Goldfish and so many more treasures. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that you opened your mind to study deeply. :) It's the reading for research that counts most and variety will often teach you more.
DeleteThanks, everyone, for introducing me to books I may not have known about otherwise! This month, I broke the 1500 mark for PBs read. YAY!
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of PBs. :)
DeleteI've read out of my usual categories and because of that, I've WRITTEN out of my usual categories. I have established a better habit of daily reading and I have ReFo to thank for this. Great, high quality daily posts and an active FB group kep t be going, plus you, Kirsti & Carrie, Janie & Keila. THANK YOU .
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that it has helped you achieve MORE, Kathy! You are going to soar higher than ever before!
DeleteI was able to adjust my reading approach - to read like a child and then reread the mentor texts more analytically. Great job by the team to get me thinking with more focus, to ask deeper questions about books, and see hope that my stories might have more possibilities than I imagined. Great experience and one to continue going on. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome! It's great to hear that you are seeing books like your audience now! A very important skill for a writer to have!
DeleteReading so many different books opened me up to even more possibilities for story telling. Sometimes when I walk into a library, I am overwhelmed by the choices. The daily posts gave me a focus on what to pick, and I was introduced to writers and styles I never would have picked on my own. Although this is my second ReFoReMo, this is the first time I commented on all the posts and read almost all the books. It has been an incredible experience! Thank you again, Carrie and Kirsti, and all the presenters, for all your hard work.
ReplyDeleteHooray! So happy to hear of your focused progress! We'll feature a focus every month... so there is more goodness on the way!
DeleteReforemo just gets better and better. I studied the hooks, titles, first spreads and endings more than I had. With cards for three libraries and ebooks, I had stacks of books each week. The newest titles I found at my local bookstore. Thank you, Carrie, Kirsti, guest bloggers, and Lori. I'll be back next year. Dee Knabb
ReplyDeleteYay, Dee! I am a huge believer that there is always more to reveal as long as we keep reading mentor texts. :)
DeleteI found a lot of music, lyrical language, and tools for tweaking endings in the mentor text reading I did this month. Thank you for everything you do to keep us reading, researching, and writing!
ReplyDeleteYay Lori!
DeleteFor me, I checked out more nonfiction than usual. I was happy to see that I'd read most of the fiction recommendations, as I read with my children and for myself everyday.
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm glad you found nonfiction that you loved!
DeleteI feel like a research guru! What I love most about ReFoReMo is that the wonderful contributors take a lot of the work out of finding mentor texts. And by that, I mean that it's difficult to find a mentor text if you don't know it exists. A lot of the books on this list were completely unknown to me, but were spot-on to what I'm currently working on. This is my third year with ReFoReMo and I can't believe it has ended so quickly. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteI was off to a rocky start thanks to vacation and my youngest moving across country in the beginning of March but I caught up and enjoyed over 75 picture books, some of which I had already read but read again with a new perspective. I learned something new from each presenter and took away a feeling of euphoria knowing I am in this journey with so many amazing people...the entire Kidlit Community! I am now in research mode for the next month for three projects that popped into my head during this month. Again, thank you to all of the presenters and Carrie and Kirsti for setting up this wonderful month and keeping the mojo running for the rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteI think what was most interesting to me was seeing which mentor texts inspired different writers. Some of these books might not have been on my radar before this project, and I am so grateful for the experience. What I also learned is that even experienced writers must continue to read and research, this process goes on and on. Thank you so much for organizing this!
ReplyDeleteIf think my title is Smorgasboard Sampler. I read 125 books off the wonderful lists and searched the library under "imagination." Yesterday I highlighted my favorites - all over the board! But there is nothing that makes me write more than reading so bring on April! 1K thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe more I read about picture books, the more I want to crack the code of writing good ones. It amazes me the variety of books we've seen this month, which proves the variety that get published. You guys do a wonderful job with this month! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis year I explored some unusual mentor texts and formats for my current WIP (Work in Progress). I read picture books in ways I never would have imagined!
ReplyDeleteI really focused on great beginnings and endings. I had so many fantastic mentor texts to read. I can't wait to put my ideas into action. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThis was my first year doing ReFoReMo and I loved it! I try to read a lot for research purposes but it was so nice to have the daily lists and goals.
ReplyDeleteI think the best part is having someone recommend certain picture books and share what has been important to them in that one. It helps me to look at picture books in study mode to have that bit of intro. I always read a lot of them but having a focused read is so beneficial! Thanks to everyone!
ReplyDeleteI have been introduced to some of the most amazing picture books this month through the ReFoReMo recommendations. It's been fun and inspiring. Thanks for all the work and thought that everyone put into the month to make it such a meaningful experience.
ReplyDeleteYay! It's so exciting to discover new gems!
DeleteReFoReMo has been eye opening for me. Before this month I read PBs but not to the same degree and mostly without direction. Having a specific goal and focus really helped me have that research focus. Thank you Carrie, Kirsti, & Lori!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteReFoReMo has helped me to really study texts for those picture books qualities. I loved all the mentor text lists. They kept me reading with an open mind and an analytical view. You're the BEST!
ReplyDeleteI read new books and re-read old books. I found the posts to be extremely insightful and inspiring! Many thanks to those who wrote them, and to Kirsti and Carrie for organizing ReFoReMo.
ReplyDeleteThe range of mentor books was wonderful as were the posts. Such great insights. I so enjoyed this month of delving into these books. Thanks so much for hosting. I learned a lot.
ReplyDeleteThis month has been incredible! While I volunteer at my local Children's Library and read PBs there, it was great to bring them home and pore over them for this challenge. A great habit has begun. Thrilled to see you'll continue posting weekly after your much deserved break. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteReading these mentor texts helped me revise my own manuscripts, and beat writer's block! My kiddos were excited every time I came home from work (the library) with another stack of books. All the blog posts were fantastic! Thank you to a great ReFoReMo team!
ReplyDeleteReFoReMo has solidified in my mind the importance of regularly reading mentor texts. Amanda Paul's Water is Water was especially helpful in a revision that had been stumping me for awhile.
ReplyDeleteI'm subbing in several different classrooms at the moment and have to stop myself from reading picture books so I can teach the teacher's lesson plan! #confessionasofapblover
ReplyDeleteI read and commented on all the posts. This was a great ReFoReMo. Thank you and Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI'm a knowledge winner for sure! ReFoReMo has been my breakfast companion for the past 29 days and it was awesome. Each post taught me to look at PBs a different way, from a different angle, with different purposes. It reminded me of my desire to write a PB biography and actually gave me an idea for an interesting subject. I haven't found any children's books on him. It forced me to dive into books that I wouldn't have picked up myself, specially those with a more serious tone. And of course my PB wish list is longer. Thanks everyone!
ReplyDeleteIt was never a doubt in my mind on whether or not to participate this year. Though time consuming (all the reading!), it's COMPLETELY worth it. I read most of the books on the list, and if I couldn't find it, then I read others in the genre in it's place. I was motivated to read and write throughout the month, and will continue ti do so through the year. YAY!
ReplyDeleteKnowledge winner! The many talented ReFoReMo contributors have introduced me to some titles that I wouldn't normally gravitate to. I'm looking forward to re-reading all of the books this summer when life is a little slower and I can savor the beautiful words and illustrations
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting, Carrie & Kristi. So many great tips and lots of PBs added to my to-be-read pile!
ReplyDeleteThis was my first ReFoReMo and it was amazing! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first ReFoReMo. I loved it. There were so many excellent mentor texts to study, and I thank everyone that helped make this a memorable month.
ReplyDeleteThis has been such an awesome experience. It was my first time and it opened my eyes to picture books in a whole new way. Before I thought they were just awesome to read but I feel like I am starting to see how they can help me write as well. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for another wonderful year of ReFoReMo! The reading, the researching, the commenting, the community -- all so incredibly useful and robust. Looking forward to the year ahead! Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThis month I discovered that some of the books that I would NOT have chosen from a line-up were actually the ones that spoke to me the MOST. I think that means I need to expand my mentor text habit beyond the usual suspects into books that might be outside my usual interests. Thank you and I look forward to the weekly posts starting in May!
ReplyDeleteI read 113 books and commented on all the posts. Carrie, Kirsti, and team-thank you for a fabulous 2017 ReFoReMo. Thank you to the guest bloggers who shared inspiration, tips, and prime examples to move me forward. Each book spoke to me and it is hard to pick just one! I have say that my favorite fiction book was MOTHER BRUCE. The lyrical language and humor had me in belly laughs. The nonfiction book which struck a strong note with me was DIZZY. The emotion, pace, and language were powerful. Enjoy your hiatus and I look forward to seeing you in May. ReFoReMo has kept my heart and mind doing something I love best-writing!
ReplyDeleteWonderful month!
ReplyDeleteJust like last year, this event introduced me to so many inspiring and thought provoking new PBs. I'm trying my hand at NF for the first time so it was particularly great to be introduced to so many new NF mentor texts. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard on our behalf!
ReplyDeleteThis month has broadened my choices in PBs which will continue into the future. There are so many wonderful books, authors and so much to learn from many. I've read every post, commented on most and read all the books my library had available. I have some yet to search out elsewhere and look forward to reading them in the future. Thank you all!!
ReplyDeleteI read picture books every day because I have two young kids. This month definitely changed HOW I read them though... and made a big difference in how I experienced them. I read most of the postings as they came through on my email so will be catching up on my comments now... all the bloggers deserve our praises... what a great group of insightful creatives!!!
ReplyDeleteThis was my first Reforemo and it was such a great experience! I was especially inspired by books which have a bit of a subversive tone to them, such as Penguin Problems, Worm Loves Worm, and Don't Cross the Line. I'm Trying to Love Spiders blew my mind in its simplicity and ease of tying story and non-fiction together, and the rhythm and illustrations of Little Baby Buttercup have made it a huge hit for both myself and my daughter. I could just keep going... Last Stop on Market Street is a modern classic...
ReplyDeleteBasically, this experience was in invaluable and I can't express how grateful I am to have found you!! Thanks for making this happen!
Ironically, my FB memories showed me my very first winner's badge from two years ago today. This is an awesome writing community and I'm thankful to be a part of it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for creating this wonderful community of like-minded book lovers! I'm a permanent fan. ReFoReMo made March great month!
ReplyDeleteREFOREMO LADIES: What didn't I learn? What posts didn't teach me? What books didn't speak directly to me? How was I not inspired and encouraged with my own writing? EVERYTHING, EVERY BOOK, EVERY POST taught me invaluable lessons TOO NUMEROUS to count! The month of ReFoReMo might be over, but what I am taking away from it will continue to be with me, inspiring me and guiding my pen! THANK YOU for SUCH AN AMAZINGLY INSPIRING JOURNEY! Whether or not I win one of the AWESOME prizes the presenters have SO GENEROUSLY donated, I am walking away a WINNER with ALL I have learned and the NUMEROUS ways I have grown as a writer, reader, and researcher! THANK YOU, EVERYONE!!!
ReplyDeleteI have read and commented on all of the mentor posts. Thank you for another great ReFoReMo!! I really enjoyed the posts by Jodell Sadler on Anthropomorphism, Vivian Kirkfield on Opening Lines in Non-Fiction and Yolanda Scott's post on diversity in Fairy Tales.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't choose just one day of being inspired! It was something new every single day! I learned much, read new books, revisited well known books with fresh eyes, compared stories and story features - and completely filled extra space in the RV with stacks of books. I may have also set a record at the library. Thank you to my grandson, Hayden, for letting me fill up his card with my over the 75-book-limit books. Thanks to everyone who made this month a success!
ReplyDeleteAs always, ReFoReMo 2017 was an excellent opportunity to learn and grow as a reader, writer and educator. Thank you, Carrie, Kirstine, Janie, & Keila and guests for the excellent tips and titles.
ReplyDelete~Suzy Leopold
I tried to focus on biographies this time around, and I read so many. I like the current way of beginning with the childhood and pulling a thread from that throughout the story to emphasize accomplishments. Of course, I couldn't resist the fiction titles either. It was nice to revisit some after the guest posters called my attention to elements I overlooked. Thanks for your work to help us all improve. I appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for another great ReFoReMo! I enjoyed reading a variety of genres! I really enjoyed Bob Shea's humorous picture book about Unicorn Thinks He So Great. Fun read!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great month of research! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI have learned so much this month. I think I commented every day. I certainly read many of the books every day and bought a few to add to my collection that will be mentors on my journey. Thank you for this wonderful challenge.
ReplyDeleteI haven't made it through all of the books yet! I've got a pile still at home and some more waiting for me on reserve at the library. I have learned a ton of stuff this month. It's been a lot of work but it's been fun. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to choose what aspect of this month affected me the most. I think that being immersed in such a variety of texts helped me freshen my perspective on what is out there, and the high quality of the texts inspires me to edit and re-edit my writing in order to make it shine. Thank you so much for this fun and inspiring month.
ReplyDeleteI have notes on each book. I loved the biographies. I've a list of must buy books- Einstein and Gershwin biographies are favorites.its been a great month.
ReplyDeleteThis challenge has helped me tremendously. I especially appreciate how generous the presenters were with their time and knowledge. I’m already seeing the results in my own writing! Huge thanks to Carrie and Kirsti!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how many times or ways I can say it ... this year's challenge, built on last year's, has helped me see children's books in a deeper way. I already loved them, now it's on an even more appreciative level. I'm learning through experience, which, for me, is always the best way. Thank you (with no borders) to Carrie and Kirsti, and all the presenters who have enriched my experience. And to other participants whose comments have added books to my list! Hugs to all!
ReplyDeleteMy best take-away from this was getting comfortable using interlibrary loan at my local library! Up until now, I had tended to just read whatever books happened to be on the shelf-- clearly I was missing a lot! Definitely loved many of the recommendations! It was also so different reading books to myself, versus just reading them out loud to my kids.
ReplyDeleteI am sure this book is worth it's weight in gold. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteThe month flew by and the posts were so RICH, one could get such a tummy ache! 7-Up to the rescue! I think I commented on every single one, though being so full, it's hard to remember. I keep reviewing my notes and getting a new sugar high (okay, pardon the food metaphors...enuf already...yeah...).
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThis year I commented on every post. I got behind and knew I could catch up when my schedule eased up. The different perspectives gave me new insights into the books I had already read. So I went back and reread them with new eyes. Thank you to all the bloggers for their hard work and time. A special thank you to Carrie and Kirsti for the organization and background work that goes into this challenge. My reading habit is thoroughly ingrained.
Yipeeeee! So glad you participated so fully and got something out of it!
DeleteI learned so much this year doing ReFoReMo. I think one of my favorite parts of this challenge is reading all the books that I may not have ever read or come across without ReFoReMo! I also crossed off a couple that have been on my "to read" lost for too long. Thank you for organizing this month! I hope to keep up my weekly library trips and daily pb reading.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've been inspired to keep up your weekly library trips! Yay!
DeleteI have loved studying the language in the mentor texts. It is so inspiring to read beautiful writing. It has also been wonderful to read books that I probably would not have selected on my own and to read biographies of people with whom I was not familiar. This challenge really does expand my horizons and makes me want to work harder to be a better writer. Thanks for everything. Although I actually kept up with the reading/commenting this year, I appreciate your giving us extra time at the end here, if we needed it. Can't wait to do it again next year!
ReplyDeleteWooo Hooo! Welcome to the ReFoReMo family!!
DeleteI'm confirmed picture book junky, already on track to blow past last year's goal of reading 1000 picture books. Actually, during ReFoReMo I read fewer picture books than usual, but I read them more deeply. I loved finding connections between the contributor's experiences, the books they recommended, other books I read on my own, and the stories I'm writing. I also enjoyed seeing how several contributors recommended the same book for different reasons--another kind of connection.
ReplyDeleteI think I commented on every post. I read most of the book recommendations, and I'm trying to get my hands on the rest of them.
Thank you for creating such a rewarding experience. I'll be back throughout the year to keep up with you.
Yay Kim! We're so glad you participated and will do so again!
DeleteDespite a demanding job and family illness, I made the effort to obtain every book, read every post and to comment on each one. I knew I'd gain more with fuller participation, and I have. I was particularly inspired by the biographies and WHEN ANJU LOVED BEING AN ELEPHANT. Thank you, thank you, for this great opportunity for professional growth!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Leah! We're so glad you made the effort to fully participate!
DeleteThis has been a wonderful month. Living in South America, far away from the American kid lit community, make months like this one absolutely invaluable. I've learned so much about what current trends, the latest books, and got to read posts from some of my favorite authors. I learned to be resourceful in finding books and was able to "read" many of them via youtube. My husband is traveling to the states soon and is taking an extra suitcase to bring back a lot of the books I fell in love with over the course of March. Can't thank you enough for this invaluable service. I read every single post but not sure I commented on all of them. Regardless, I already feel like a winner for having participated :)
ReplyDeleteYipeeee! We're so glad you found the ReFoReMo family!
DeleteI learned so many things from this challenge. One surprise revelation was how I've underestimated how engaging nonfiction can be. I remember nonfiction books my son used to read being like illustrated copy from the encyclopedia. Today's nonfiction has a whole new style!
ReplyDeleteWhen I post my badge, I'm calling myself a Champion of Research to celebrate my accomplishment and my future advocacy. Thanks again to all who made this challenge happen.
I agree with you, that non-fiction has improved IMMENSELY over the last 10 years! Glad to see you here!
DeleteThank you for all the great information. I've read a lot of great PBs this month and learned so much! This was my first time participating. I enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteYay!
DeleteI wasn't sure how much I would get out of ReFoReMo, but I decided that it could be fun to try. A friend asked me to do it with her. For years, I have been studied on my own - NF PBs, mainly art-themed and biographies. For 8 years, I was a monthly contributor to INK: Interesting Nonfiction for Kids blog. For 10 years, I was a monthly art appreciation volunteer in my children's elementary school - and often incorporated PBs in my lessons. For 15 years, I read 5 books a night to my kids.
ReplyDeleteBUT, I learned so much reading the daily books AND the blog posts. Each one was different and unique, so educational. (I read all the books and commented on every post.)
Also, I read a few books to my dear husband, so he has a greater appreciation for what I have been trying to do!
Thank you so much for creating this supportive program! And, thanks to all your great mentors. Namaste!
Yipppeeee! It sounds like you've done your own ReFoReMo for years! Glad you participated and gleaned something!!!
DeleteNo matter how many books I read each year, I always discover new ones through ReFoReMo. Thank you! I definitely feel like a knowledge winner.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this fantastic event. This was my first year participating and I'm so glad that I did. I'm already looking forward to reforme 2018! I've loved studying old favorites and finding new to me favorites. Several members of my critique group participated. It has been great to discuss the mentor texts and apply the things we've learned into our work. The kidlit writing community truly is the best.
ReplyDeleteAlways appreciate the work put into a successful #ReFoReMo. It has become a regular practice for me and I look forward to this every year! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteSo grateful for the hard work and organization that's put into this. We writers benefit greatly from your opening up so many new books for us. The librarians welcome me with, "Well, hello again, Mrs. Rivers."
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to be part of this wonderful adventure. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you do to organize ReFoReMo. I love discovering books that are new to me and rereading familiar ones after hearing others' insights and takeaways.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great challenge! I'm so glad that I did it. The amount of reading and research that I was able to accomplish in a short amount of time is astounding! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a wonderful 1st Reforemo! Enjoyed every minute of it. Reforemo helped me get closer to my goal of reading 375 PBs this year. I'm at 208 right now. It also helped me get into the habit of visiting my local library several times a week. I added to thr list by adding in books by thr guest bloggers, books written by same author as thr ones of mentor texts, etc so my Reforemo list keeps growing and growing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great month!
I have been reminded once again of the incredible variety of amazing books being created for children, and the importance of familiarizing myself with all the different styles and formats, so that I can keep growing and learning. Thank you for another great challenge and a wonderful learning experience!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing challenge..thank you to all who hosted, posted, and participated. I LOVE YOU ALL!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the looks I got leaving the library with my mountain of books. I always love the inspiration I get from the mentor texts. I looked forward to the post each day. Thank you.
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