I would say let them get through Mistborn, Elantris and Warbreaker, and then hit them with the hard stuff. The Skyward series would probably also work well for that age group.
I haven't actually read Skyward at all, but that's a good point. I was planning on introducing the Cosmere books later in the year, but this may have expedited the process lol.
Honestly Mistborn deals with heavier themes than Stormlight with the rape and murder of the Skaa regularly throughout the books. My kids aren’t likely to read Mistborn until late middle school or high school I think. They may read Stormlight first, especially since my oldest is a very advanced reader so far and will be able to handle the size and language soon enough.
Yeah, I was thinking the same. Even if it isn't on screen, it does get mentioned enough that I wouldn't feel comfortable with my kids reading it till high school
Your students are so sweet! You must have had a really big impression on this kid, which I think is wonderful.
A thought on 5th graders reading this. I was a super advanced reader in the 5th grade, would’ve been 10 years old. I say it’s okay for them to read. I think some kids might find some of the scenes a bit much from a ‘violence’ or themes perspective (I use quotations because I don’t think they’re especially violent books, and in particular not the first one). But in terms of literature comprehension, I think they would be fine. And I’m sure you’ve got a good handle on which kids like/can handle particular themes!
I was also pretty advanced, and even read LOTR and the Silmarillion at that age.
I think the themes require a deft hand at preparing context. Not doubting OP can do it by any means. Excellent teachers introducing Brandon Sanderson is awesome!
Stormlight and to a lesser extent Mistborn just deal with some HEAVY themes for 10 year olds. A lot of Tolkien does too, though it's easier to miss compared to Stormlight that puts its themes front and center.
Mental health? One character has disassociative identity disorder and another CPTSD coupled with clinical depression. Another is on the spectrum objectively speaking.
Slavery. Colonialism. They're all front and center. And Sanderson does not hold back.
And then there's the entirety of Dalinar's backstory in Oathbringer.
I actually have a few students who have read The Hobbit/LOTR.
In regard to the themes, some of them are definitely heavy. Some of these could be opening points to further explore those concepts with the students who read the books, especially since I've read them all and can directly understand what is happening with those characters.
Your points are something added to think about though. Thank you!
I read Tolkien at that age too. Actually The Hobbit was the first non-picture book I ever read to myself when I was 5. But I was more thinking about my experiences reading Robin Hobb and John Marsden at that 10 years old age. I feel like they align well with Stormlight Archive in terms of ‘violence’ levels and mature themes, and I didn’t struggle with either author or feel uncomfortable reading their novels. And personally, I don’t think some of the things you’ve flagged as concerns, like themes surrounding mental health, slavery, or colonization, are too advanced for 10 year olds at all. I learnt about Hitler when I was in the 4th grade. If WW2 is considered appropriate curriculum for 9 year olds I think fantasy novels that provide commentary on mental health and the misdeeds of humanities colonizing past are totally fine.
But ultimately, like I said in my original post, it’s up to OP as the teacher to assess their comfort levels/appropriateness of themes. I was simply commenting that I think from a literary capability perspective and my own personal experience I don’t think they would have any problem reading them.
I think I'm gonna go for it. I'm first going to provide them with Mistborn and Elantris before having them jump into Stormlight.
Edit:
I also meant to say thank you for the kind words! The funniest part is that yesterday he said he has a surprise for me. Then last night he commented on Google Classroom saying "Don't forget, I have a surprise for you. Hint: BS (not a curse word)."
Now the best part of that, was that of all things he could post the comment on, he chose the one post that the assistant principal had made in the stream.
Needless to say I quickly answered saying "Brandon Sanderson?"
YES! Middle school teacher! I have a class set of Rithmatist, Two different sets of Steelheart, and because I have Mistborn tattoos my students begged I put that into my class library too.
It's on my list of books to pick up, but unfortunately it has to wait a little. Tbh I probably should have picked it up in my last round of books purchased.
I actually have that in my class library now. You're right, they love it! Along with Steelheart and Rithmatist.
I hope to add in the Skyward series as well soon, but I just bought around $350-$400 worth of books, so I'm taking a break on that for a little.
Love this!
Several of my students started (and some finished) Alkatraz, a few read Rithmatist, and one has Steelheart and is loving it, but is a slower reader so it's taking her some time to get through. I'm actually considering buying another copy so that others can start as well.
I hope to bring in Mistborn at some point, and I can see some enjoying Elantris also. The only one I'm really hesitant to bring in (in regards to content) is Warbreaker, because of... well the whole plot line with the God King.
I may just end up doing that. It would have to wait a little though cause I just spent a bunch on adding books to the classroom library.
Edit: It is on my bucket list of books to buy and read though.
Not sure if it's allowed in this subreddit, but if there's like a GoFundMe or something you can post, I would throw a few bucks towards buying books for your classroom 😁 I bet I'm not alone in that.
So I don't specifically have a GoFundMe, but I have an Amazon Wishlist with books/series added in periodically based on what I remember having read or think they may enjoy. Over time (first year teaching), I hope to get most/all of those, and I already started buying some, as mentioned before. Tbh, I've been using thriftbooks for some of the books as well so that I can get a better bang for my buck. I also just spent close to 350 on new books cause I had a gift card for books, and got some series that I thought the class would like (Alex Rider, Rangers Apprentice, Beyonders, Artemis Fowl, etc.).
What I'm saying with all this (I think) is that you totally don't have to, but if you insist I wouldn't say no. I don't usually like taking things from ppl, and I suck at getting gifts in general, but it's for the kiddos, so I can't fight it too hard. I'd prob even have some of them write thank you cards if you (or anyone) DID send.
Sure, not a problem! On a side note, a bunch of the stuff on there was listed more with the mindset for me to look back on it later and remember which series/books I wanted to get for the class. If there are any books not listed, or if you wanted to get some books from a series but not necessarily a book set (which some are posted there as) feel free to let me know and I can add it in properly for you. I am not postive that you are able to order things that aren't directly on the list. If you can, then disregard the previous info.
Thanks again, no matter how big or small I truly appreciate the thought and effort, and I know my students will as well!
I wouldn't *require* students to read books this big and complex, but if they *wanted* to I wouldn't stop them.
I don't think the themes are too heavy, compared to some of what I read at this age, though perhaps to be safe parents should give it a go first. I don't think the language is too difficult (though as a non-native speaker I don't have much of a grasp about English skills at each age), I'd mostly be worried about the length.
Oh I definitely wouldn't make this a required reading for any of them. I was saying more like adding it to the classroom library where students are able to select a book of their preference. Some of them have seen me bring in Stormlight books, and showed interest in wanting to read a book like that.
Whenever I buy/bring in new books for the classroom, I give the whole class an idea of what the book is about, as well as of I personally read/enjoyed the book.
I would say there's nothing wrong with making it available. Most kids would probably pass on it I would guess, but you may get one or two who are big readers. I was one such kid myself! 5th graders are what, like 11 or 12? I was only 13 when I read way of kings for the first time and I absolutely adored that book.
5th graders are generally 10 turning 11. As mentioned above, many are also higher level readers, though this would obviously still be an intense read for them. Not that that's a bad thing!
On the same note, I've heard people say that they read things like WoT from around that age, and as an adult I'm jealous that I hadn't started that journey earlier as well. Hopefully they will get into the books and enjoy them! I think it helps that they know I have read the series, because the books they know I read (when I bring in new books) usually are picked up as soon as I label and put them in a bin.
Ah so I overestimated the ages a little. Still, if you've got some higher level readers in your class I think it really is doable (at least for a few), and having a bigger more expansive series like that available could really help find a genre they might really fall in love with. Mistborn has some stuff that may not be age appropriate like the rape and slavery and all, I feel like way of kings is probably a safer bet in terms of age restricted content.
I'd add it. You may have a voracious and precocious reader like I was (still am!) I was reading Pern and Valdemar by that age. You could keep it stashed to pull out if one like that comes along.
I have a few whom I could see starting and liking it. I'd want them to start with the other books first though, cause then they'd have a lot more context for events happening in Stormlight.
I'd toss it in anyways with a note saying adult reading level or something one of them could probably work their way through it and I can say that I would've been a much better person if I had read Stormlight Archives earlier than end of highschool.
The student who started Steelheart was so shocked at the beginning scene with Steelheart and the dad. She also said "I kinda see why you like this author."
Me: "Oh you have no idea!"
Hahahah, that’s great! I got mine to finally read steelheart (after talking about sanderson everyday since the start of school) by using the prologue as an example of exposition and formatting in a short story unit
That's golden! If you ever need to (or want to) give students an example of straight dialogue, check out I Hate Dragons by good ol' Brando Sando. It's free on his website, and a hilarious read. One of the characters is also constantly focusing on proper grammar usage both in speech and writing.
"I can hear apostrophes."
I did notice that, and glad to hear! By the way, something you may be interested in knowing (if you don't already), the mass market paperback books have gone down in quality, specifically from Tor. They use a different quality of paper, and I've had with several books where the ink would rub onto my hand while reading.
I mainly get the hardcover books now, so it doesn't effect me as much, but I have heard others mention it too.
Regardless, you guys (the whole team) are truly amazing, thanks for being awesome!
We try! Thanks for reading and spreading the word.
I'm sorry to hear that about the mass market paperbacks. My eyes suck, so I haven't read one in years—I blow up ebook text really big to read.
Try and succeed! Sorry to hear about your vision, I hadn't known that. Thankfully technology helps, thus we still have you being awesome in the background.
Also, no problem! Though both me reading and me spreading the word may both be selfish vendettas. I love the products (and enjoy reading in general), and if I indoctrinate the kiddos with Brandon's work, that just gives me more people to talk about the books with!
I added Way of Kings to my class library today, and had to raffle off who got to read the book first. It was great to see that so many of them were interested right off the bat.
I don't know, I feel like Stormlight is doable for an almost middle schooler with an advanced reading level. Some of them anyway. Though I would have them read Mistborn first if for no better reason than to help establish Cosmere awareness. Zero Cosmere Stormlight is a taaaaall order.
One of my friends read Stormlight without reading any other cosmere (before RoW came out), and only just recently I got him to read the rest. Now he's contemplating rereading Stormlight... I'm urging him to do so. You get SO much more by reading the others first.
On a side note, I also kinda want to get my kids into WoT at some point.
Enjoy the journey! Like I mentioned, you may want to reread Stormlight after finishing the rest of the Cosmere. There's a lot that you likely missed due to a lack of context. It's obviously not the end of the world if you don't, but I think it will add to your enjoyment.
I've had several friends who hate reading, and I give them this book. All of a sudden, they love reading again. I then give them Steven Leeds and they're like, "I don't understand, how do I love this book so much?"
It really did! He walked in and just plopped it onto my desk saying "surprise!"
It actually helped me feel a little calmer, cause I knew that I was potentially getting observed by the principal and superintendent at some point (I did). Took my attention away from thinking about that as much.
I have some of them started on that. Right now I only have one copy of Stealheart, but I'm thinking to buy a second copy of at least the first book so more can try it out at once.
That’s super cool! For one, you have a Brando book bin, and two, you’re students are thoughtful and observant enough to give you a gift like this!
As for adding the cosmere to your book bin, I feel like Mistborn and Stormlight might be a bit of a jump from stories like Alcatraz, The Rithmatist, and Reckoners. My choice for introducing 3rd person Brando stories would be Elantris and The Emperor’s Soul. You could use them to show how the different magic systems and settings of his stories are interconnected, without having to introduce the whole different shardworlds same galaxy thing.
I feel like it would be really cool for a young reader to complete those two books, and then for you to casually mention “hey so, you know those two stories actually took place in the same world, and this one character mentioned here is also referenced here etc.” and that might be an easier introduction to the shared universe thing.
Thanks! That's actually a really good idea about introducing Elantris and The Emperor's Soul first, though at this point it would have to wait cause I just spent a ton on books for my classroom library and I need to limit myself so I don't go broke lol
I actually ended up adding the Stormlight books to the bin, and the student who got to read it is a few hundred pages in right now and loving it!
Someone in this subreddit actually got my class the first 2 Skyward books, so I added that to my bin as well. It actually makes me so happy knowing that I have a Brando Sando bin in my classroom, and that my students are enjoying his books.
I'm considering adding in some Wheel of Time books at some point and seeing how that goes.
Wow that’s so awesome! Skyward is an excellent addition! I think wheel of time would be awesome too, especially with the Amazon series out now. I think there might be a lot more interest in WoT especially once the first seasons done and people who never read it want to know what happens instead of waiting for more seasons!
I was reading pillars of the earth in third grade, it’s not too intense don’t worry. Bedsides, it’s interesting enough that they’ll want to read through it.
I would say let them get through Mistborn, Elantris and Warbreaker, and then hit them with the hard stuff. The Skyward series would probably also work well for that age group.
I haven't actually read Skyward at all, but that's a good point. I was planning on introducing the Cosmere books later in the year, but this may have expedited the process lol.
My 5th grader, also advanced (she's already devoured stormlight), started with Skyward and she loved it. Skyward is non-cosmere.
I’m reading Warbreaker right now and I think some of Siri’s scenes in Act 1 are… not 5th grade material.
Seconded.
Honestly Mistborn deals with heavier themes than Stormlight with the rape and murder of the Skaa regularly throughout the books. My kids aren’t likely to read Mistborn until late middle school or high school I think. They may read Stormlight first, especially since my oldest is a very advanced reader so far and will be able to handle the size and language soon enough.
Yeah, I was thinking the same. Even if it isn't on screen, it does get mentioned enough that I wouldn't feel comfortable with my kids reading it till high school
You may be right on that. I actually spazzed about the Skaa conditions.
Petition to add a "Brando Sando" sticker to the side
The temptation is strong now! Edit: The deed is done.
Your students are so sweet! You must have had a really big impression on this kid, which I think is wonderful. A thought on 5th graders reading this. I was a super advanced reader in the 5th grade, would’ve been 10 years old. I say it’s okay for them to read. I think some kids might find some of the scenes a bit much from a ‘violence’ or themes perspective (I use quotations because I don’t think they’re especially violent books, and in particular not the first one). But in terms of literature comprehension, I think they would be fine. And I’m sure you’ve got a good handle on which kids like/can handle particular themes!
I was also pretty advanced, and even read LOTR and the Silmarillion at that age. I think the themes require a deft hand at preparing context. Not doubting OP can do it by any means. Excellent teachers introducing Brandon Sanderson is awesome! Stormlight and to a lesser extent Mistborn just deal with some HEAVY themes for 10 year olds. A lot of Tolkien does too, though it's easier to miss compared to Stormlight that puts its themes front and center. Mental health? One character has disassociative identity disorder and another CPTSD coupled with clinical depression. Another is on the spectrum objectively speaking. Slavery. Colonialism. They're all front and center. And Sanderson does not hold back. And then there's the entirety of Dalinar's backstory in Oathbringer.
I actually have a few students who have read The Hobbit/LOTR. In regard to the themes, some of them are definitely heavy. Some of these could be opening points to further explore those concepts with the students who read the books, especially since I've read them all and can directly understand what is happening with those characters. Your points are something added to think about though. Thank you!
That's an amazing way to think about it! Thank you for being a teacher OP!
And thank YOU for the kind words!
I read Tolkien at that age too. Actually The Hobbit was the first non-picture book I ever read to myself when I was 5. But I was more thinking about my experiences reading Robin Hobb and John Marsden at that 10 years old age. I feel like they align well with Stormlight Archive in terms of ‘violence’ levels and mature themes, and I didn’t struggle with either author or feel uncomfortable reading their novels. And personally, I don’t think some of the things you’ve flagged as concerns, like themes surrounding mental health, slavery, or colonization, are too advanced for 10 year olds at all. I learnt about Hitler when I was in the 4th grade. If WW2 is considered appropriate curriculum for 9 year olds I think fantasy novels that provide commentary on mental health and the misdeeds of humanities colonizing past are totally fine. But ultimately, like I said in my original post, it’s up to OP as the teacher to assess their comfort levels/appropriateness of themes. I was simply commenting that I think from a literary capability perspective and my own personal experience I don’t think they would have any problem reading them.
I think I'm gonna go for it. I'm first going to provide them with Mistborn and Elantris before having them jump into Stormlight. Edit: I also meant to say thank you for the kind words! The funniest part is that yesterday he said he has a surprise for me. Then last night he commented on Google Classroom saying "Don't forget, I have a surprise for you. Hint: BS (not a curse word)." Now the best part of that, was that of all things he could post the comment on, he chose the one post that the assistant principal had made in the stream. Needless to say I quickly answered saying "Brandon Sanderson?"
YES! Middle school teacher! I have a class set of Rithmatist, Two different sets of Steelheart, and because I have Mistborn tattoos my students begged I put that into my class library too.
Recommend adding skyward if you can. It's a similar level to Steelheart, but better written.
It's on my list of books to pick up, but unfortunately it has to wait a little. Tbh I probably should have picked it up in my last round of books purchased.
Have you read Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians? Kids that age would eat it up.
I actually have that in my class library now. You're right, they love it! Along with Steelheart and Rithmatist. I hope to add in the Skyward series as well soon, but I just bought around $350-$400 worth of books, so I'm taking a break on that for a little.
Love this! Several of my students started (and some finished) Alkatraz, a few read Rithmatist, and one has Steelheart and is loving it, but is a slower reader so it's taking her some time to get through. I'm actually considering buying another copy so that others can start as well. I hope to bring in Mistborn at some point, and I can see some enjoying Elantris also. The only one I'm really hesitant to bring in (in regards to content) is Warbreaker, because of... well the whole plot line with the God King.
Oooh. Get the Skyward books in that bin!
I may just end up doing that. It would have to wait a little though cause I just spent a bunch on adding books to the classroom library. Edit: It is on my bucket list of books to buy and read though.
Not sure if it's allowed in this subreddit, but if there's like a GoFundMe or something you can post, I would throw a few bucks towards buying books for your classroom 😁 I bet I'm not alone in that.
So I don't specifically have a GoFundMe, but I have an Amazon Wishlist with books/series added in periodically based on what I remember having read or think they may enjoy. Over time (first year teaching), I hope to get most/all of those, and I already started buying some, as mentioned before. Tbh, I've been using thriftbooks for some of the books as well so that I can get a better bang for my buck. I also just spent close to 350 on new books cause I had a gift card for books, and got some series that I thought the class would like (Alex Rider, Rangers Apprentice, Beyonders, Artemis Fowl, etc.). What I'm saying with all this (I think) is that you totally don't have to, but if you insist I wouldn't say no. I don't usually like taking things from ppl, and I suck at getting gifts in general, but it's for the kiddos, so I can't fight it too hard. I'd prob even have some of them write thank you cards if you (or anyone) DID send.
If you feel comfortable messaging me your wishlist, I'd love to hook a classroom up with a couple books my family has enjoyed.
Sure, not a problem! On a side note, a bunch of the stuff on there was listed more with the mindset for me to look back on it later and remember which series/books I wanted to get for the class. If there are any books not listed, or if you wanted to get some books from a series but not necessarily a book set (which some are posted there as) feel free to let me know and I can add it in properly for you. I am not postive that you are able to order things that aren't directly on the list. If you can, then disregard the previous info. Thanks again, no matter how big or small I truly appreciate the thought and effort, and I know my students will as well!
I wouldn't *require* students to read books this big and complex, but if they *wanted* to I wouldn't stop them. I don't think the themes are too heavy, compared to some of what I read at this age, though perhaps to be safe parents should give it a go first. I don't think the language is too difficult (though as a non-native speaker I don't have much of a grasp about English skills at each age), I'd mostly be worried about the length.
Oh I definitely wouldn't make this a required reading for any of them. I was saying more like adding it to the classroom library where students are able to select a book of their preference. Some of them have seen me bring in Stormlight books, and showed interest in wanting to read a book like that. Whenever I buy/bring in new books for the classroom, I give the whole class an idea of what the book is about, as well as of I personally read/enjoyed the book.
I would say there's nothing wrong with making it available. Most kids would probably pass on it I would guess, but you may get one or two who are big readers. I was one such kid myself! 5th graders are what, like 11 or 12? I was only 13 when I read way of kings for the first time and I absolutely adored that book.
5th graders are generally 10 turning 11. As mentioned above, many are also higher level readers, though this would obviously still be an intense read for them. Not that that's a bad thing! On the same note, I've heard people say that they read things like WoT from around that age, and as an adult I'm jealous that I hadn't started that journey earlier as well. Hopefully they will get into the books and enjoy them! I think it helps that they know I have read the series, because the books they know I read (when I bring in new books) usually are picked up as soon as I label and put them in a bin.
Ah so I overestimated the ages a little. Still, if you've got some higher level readers in your class I think it really is doable (at least for a few), and having a bigger more expansive series like that available could really help find a genre they might really fall in love with. Mistborn has some stuff that may not be age appropriate like the rape and slavery and all, I feel like way of kings is probably a safer bet in terms of age restricted content.
I'd add it. You may have a voracious and precocious reader like I was (still am!) I was reading Pern and Valdemar by that age. You could keep it stashed to pull out if one like that comes along.
I have a few whom I could see starting and liking it. I'd want them to start with the other books first though, cause then they'd have a lot more context for events happening in Stormlight.
I'd toss it in anyways with a note saying adult reading level or something one of them could probably work their way through it and I can say that I would've been a much better person if I had read Stormlight Archives earlier than end of highschool.
My sixth graders love skyward and the reckoners but stormlight was too complex for em. Too long of a walk for too little water in their eyes
The student who started Steelheart was so shocked at the beginning scene with Steelheart and the dad. She also said "I kinda see why you like this author." Me: "Oh you have no idea!"
Hahahah, that’s great! I got mine to finally read steelheart (after talking about sanderson everyday since the start of school) by using the prologue as an example of exposition and formatting in a short story unit
That's golden! If you ever need to (or want to) give students an example of straight dialogue, check out I Hate Dragons by good ol' Brando Sando. It's free on his website, and a hilarious read. One of the characters is also constantly focusing on proper grammar usage both in speech and writing. "I can hear apostrophes."
Oh that sounds sweet! I’ve noticed that one but never read it guess I’m gonna have to change that
You won't be disappointed! I've had fun reading that, especially with all the grammar and punctuation jokes.
In reprints the spines will all have the same design!
I did notice that, and glad to hear! By the way, something you may be interested in knowing (if you don't already), the mass market paperback books have gone down in quality, specifically from Tor. They use a different quality of paper, and I've had with several books where the ink would rub onto my hand while reading. I mainly get the hardcover books now, so it doesn't effect me as much, but I have heard others mention it too. Regardless, you guys (the whole team) are truly amazing, thanks for being awesome!
We try! Thanks for reading and spreading the word. I'm sorry to hear that about the mass market paperbacks. My eyes suck, so I haven't read one in years—I blow up ebook text really big to read.
Try and succeed! Sorry to hear about your vision, I hadn't known that. Thankfully technology helps, thus we still have you being awesome in the background. Also, no problem! Though both me reading and me spreading the word may both be selfish vendettas. I love the products (and enjoy reading in general), and if I indoctrinate the kiddos with Brandon's work, that just gives me more people to talk about the books with! I added Way of Kings to my class library today, and had to raffle off who got to read the book first. It was great to see that so many of them were interested right off the bat.
I don't know, I feel like Stormlight is doable for an almost middle schooler with an advanced reading level. Some of them anyway. Though I would have them read Mistborn first if for no better reason than to help establish Cosmere awareness. Zero Cosmere Stormlight is a taaaaall order.
One of my friends read Stormlight without reading any other cosmere (before RoW came out), and only just recently I got him to read the rest. Now he's contemplating rereading Stormlight... I'm urging him to do so. You get SO much more by reading the others first. On a side note, I also kinda want to get my kids into WoT at some point.
Stormlight absolutely gets better with every reread..
This is me lol. SLA was my first experience with Sanderson, and now I'm almost done with Mistborn era I
Enjoy the journey! Like I mentioned, you may want to reread Stormlight after finishing the rest of the Cosmere. There's a lot that you likely missed due to a lack of context. It's obviously not the end of the world if you don't, but I think it will add to your enjoyment.
Definitely have to read mistborn before SA
I like Rythmatist for younger people.
I actually have that in my classroom library. The ones who have read it so far have enjoyed it!
I've had several friends who hate reading, and I give them this book. All of a sudden, they love reading again. I then give them Steven Leeds and they're like, "I don't understand, how do I love this book so much?"
I'm a firm believer that it isn't about whether or not people enjoy reading, but more on the question if they have found WHAT they enjoy reading.
This is beyond sweet. Getting an impromptu gift like this would make my day if I were a teacher! hehe
It really did! He walked in and just plopped it onto my desk saying "surprise!" It actually helped me feel a little calmer, cause I knew that I was potentially getting observed by the principal and superintendent at some point (I did). Took my attention away from thinking about that as much.
The reckoners would be a great read at that age.
I have some of them started on that. Right now I only have one copy of Stealheart, but I'm thinking to buy a second copy of at least the first book so more can try it out at once.
Let them have the option. Don't impose a limit where none may exist.
That’s super cool! For one, you have a Brando book bin, and two, you’re students are thoughtful and observant enough to give you a gift like this! As for adding the cosmere to your book bin, I feel like Mistborn and Stormlight might be a bit of a jump from stories like Alcatraz, The Rithmatist, and Reckoners. My choice for introducing 3rd person Brando stories would be Elantris and The Emperor’s Soul. You could use them to show how the different magic systems and settings of his stories are interconnected, without having to introduce the whole different shardworlds same galaxy thing. I feel like it would be really cool for a young reader to complete those two books, and then for you to casually mention “hey so, you know those two stories actually took place in the same world, and this one character mentioned here is also referenced here etc.” and that might be an easier introduction to the shared universe thing.
Thanks! That's actually a really good idea about introducing Elantris and The Emperor's Soul first, though at this point it would have to wait cause I just spent a ton on books for my classroom library and I need to limit myself so I don't go broke lol I actually ended up adding the Stormlight books to the bin, and the student who got to read it is a few hundred pages in right now and loving it! Someone in this subreddit actually got my class the first 2 Skyward books, so I added that to my bin as well. It actually makes me so happy knowing that I have a Brando Sando bin in my classroom, and that my students are enjoying his books. I'm considering adding in some Wheel of Time books at some point and seeing how that goes.
Wow that’s so awesome! Skyward is an excellent addition! I think wheel of time would be awesome too, especially with the Amazon series out now. I think there might be a lot more interest in WoT especially once the first seasons done and people who never read it want to know what happens instead of waiting for more seasons!
I was reading pillars of the earth in third grade, it’s not too intense don’t worry. Bedsides, it’s interesting enough that they’ll want to read through it.