A Stone in My Shoe: Teaching Literacy in Times of Change

Renée B. Meloche is an instructional consultant with the Halton Board
of Education.

This book consists of 14 articles, several of which were originally
published in the journal The Reading Teacher. The author sees the
changes occurring in our educational system as an opportunity for
educators to think and understand in new ways, and to question the
status quo. Teachers have traditionally been directed by
bureaucratic—usually white, male—authorities. The reading series,
teachers’ aids, and other educational materials have been developed in
isolation from the classroom setting. Neilsen challenges teachers to
examine their practice, to listen and learn from their students, and to
speak out about what is good for students. She addresses many topics,
from professional development to parental involvement in education. Her
proposed solutions are sometimes less than realistic, but her thesis is
provocative and always interesting.