My sixth-graders and my high schoolers both understandd that ARCs are not finished works and may differ from the final draft. But ARCs work wonders with readers. Even the most reluctant reader can be swayed when they realize they are the first . They are holding a copy of the book before almost anyone else. It’s a magical, special experience and I’ve watched it hook reader after reader. However, I realize I am lucky because I do have access to ARCs. The quantity of ARCs doesn’t matter- one ARC can cast a spell over a classroom of readers. So how can other teachers bring ARCs into their classroom?
- Conferences! Book-oriented conferences like NCTE, IRA, and ALAN are a great place to connect with publishers and pick up ARCs. Plus, the professional development and connections with colleagues and authors are unbeatable! I have also attended ALA and BEA despite not being a librarian or bookseller.
- Facebook and Twitter! Many publishers host giveaways on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. For example, Little, Brown does a fantastic job of connecting via Facebook and Walden Pond Press is all over Twitter. Look for some of your favorite publishers on social media and enter any contests and giveaways that they offer. It’s well worth it.
- Goodreads! Did you know there is a giveaways section on Goodreads? Every few weeks I go through the YA and children’s giveaways and enter them all. You gotta be in it to win it, right?
- #ARCsFloatOn! My personal favorite because it’s personal. #ARCsFloatOn is a literacy initiative that grew out of #titletalk over a year ago. Most teacher fund their own classroom libraries which means that new books aren’t always feasible. But out there in the world there are bloggers and reviewers with an abundance of ARCs and review copies. Because it isn’t a good idea to re-sell ARCs, many reviewers and bloggers would like to find places in their community to donate these books. That’s where #ARCsFloatOn comes in. From our website:
“Teachers interested in being contacted by donors may register here. Your information will be vetted and added to our searchable database. Reviewers with books to donate may search the database for schools. Donors are then responsible for contacting teachers with a list of the books they have available, and to arrange for shipping or dropoff of the books–it’s up to both parties how to “float” the ARCs. Donors are responsible for all arrangements and shipping costs. We just provide you with the means to connect.”
Kids and teens NEED access to good books, new literature. As teachers, it can be almost impossible to fully fund a vibrant class library. But teachers are creative! Check out any of the ideas listed above to bring ARCs into your classroom. And reviewers are in a special position here and can really assist teachers in these tough economic times. If you receive free books from publishers (ARCs or review copies!), please consider donating your review books to a classroom teacher. By donating the books that you receive for free, you are promoting awareness of great books and authors, helping teachers and librarians, and encouraging more reading.
her husband, two Australian Shepherds, and cat. She was born a member
of the Nerdy Book Club. She was “that girl” at her younger siblings’
sporting events with her head in a book. You know, the antisocial
one. :) She has been teaching Freshman World Literature and English
IV at a STEM high school in NJ since 2010. She previously taught
sixth grade Language Arts in New Jersey. Sarah blogs at
www.thereadingzone.wordpress.com and can be found on Twitter
@thereadingzone.
Wow! This is valuable information. I’ve only ever had one ARC but my kids reacted just as yours do, with awe and wonder at being among the first to read the book. I have over 400 books in my classroom library, most of them purchased at my own expense. The resources you provided are great. Thank you! ~Sherry
I’m so glad you found the information helpful!
I have raffles for ARCs, and for some reason, WINNING a book makes it even better. Of course, I could probably raffle off my pocket lint and have kids enter, but the raffle seems to add another layer of fun. (AND I make them write me letters in order to enter– bonus writing skills!)
Oh! I love the idea of having students write a letter in order to enter the ARC contest! Awesome idea!
I’ve just started entering contests – mostly through Walden Pond Press (who have an amazing Twitter presence!). I have won a few books that way, and I get so excited! I spend a lot on books for my classroom. I’m blessed to able to (mostly) afford to do so. But I’d love to get more books for my kids to experience without breaking the bank. Thanks for the extra ideas.
Thank you for all the good links. I too have shared some new books that I’ve won this past year & I’m going to a conference soon and hope to gather more! It is amazing how excited students get when they have the opportunity to be first!
This is why I love Nerdybookclubbers: I use Goodreads all the time and I never knew about that book giveaway section. It’s a great find. Thanks. I just put my name in for a few books.
Kevin
I heart ARCs, too. Never got lucky at Goodreads, but out of the blue a few years ago amazon made me a Vine reviewer, which means I can get up to four freebies a month. You’re right — kids find the allure of not-yet-released books irresistible!
Okay – so I have to share the good news! I’ve always joined any tweeted contests on Goodreads, but didn’t realize there was a whole page of contests to check out until I read this post.
So yesterday I went and added my name to a bunch of “soon to be ended” giveaways. I woke up this morning to the email that I’d won a copy of the newest Seekers book!!
My son is totally jazzed, and I have students who will be dancing in the aisles. It comes out Feb 7th, so I doubt I’ll have it way before it’s out… but still very cool!
Thank you for all this great information on ARC’s. I was a member of Goodreads, but didn’t know about their give-a-way page. On Friday, I entered several “ending soon” give a-ways and today I found out I won TWO BOOKS! Thank you, Thank you, and my students thank you!
As a book reviewer and member of the NCTE/CLA Notables committee, I receive books that are not appropriate for my 6th graders because the titles are meant for older/younger readers. Being able to ‘float’ these ARCS and review copies to other classrooms makes me happy because I know the books will be read by children instead of sitting in a box somewhere. Thank you for sharing ARCs Float On with the rest of our community, so that more readers will benefit.
This is brilliant! I’ve been donating my ARCs to schools for a couple of years, but it’s really cool to see the organized effort you’ve put together Sarah.