Ms. Sinicariello

What is your favorite book?

[It’s] hard to pick just one, but my favorite book that I’ve read recently is called “Snow Falling on Cedars” by David Guterson.  It’s a book about a small island community in the Pacific Northwest after World War II and the discrimination against Japanese-Americans at that time. I also love “In the Time of the Butterflies” by Julia Alvarez, about four sisters during Trujillo’s dictatorship in the Dominican Republic.  

What led you to read that book?

I saw the book at Goodwill, it sounded interesting and it was only 99 cents so I bought it!

Why is it your favorite book?

I love when historical time periods are made personal, and the character development in both of these novels is fabulous.  After reading the book I felt like I not only got to know the characters but also their communities and the time period in which they lived. 

What is your favorite genre?

Historical fiction (duhhhh).

As a teacher, how easy/difficult is it to find time to read?

It’s so hard to find time to read fun stuff because usually I’m reading a lot of historical nonfiction to understand my subjects better, or I’m reading a lot of student essays!  When I do have time to read, it’s easier to read shorter things like news articles or magazines, but I always look forward to breaks when I can sit back and enjoy a good book.

Why do you think it is important to read outside the classroom?

Reading can help build empathy for other people’s lives and stories!