Shelfari

Shelfari allows you to build a virtual bookshelf to show-off books you've read, are currently reading, or hope to read in the future. As you add books to the virtual shelf, you can add your own critique and commentary so others can read your thoughts, opinions and ratings.  Shelfari also provides you with the opportunity to connect with other readers and see what's on their bookshelves. A community of readers can be formed by creating a space where people can seek out book recommendations or create an online book group to discuss favorites.  If you're unsure what book to read next Shelfari can assist you in making that decision by providing you with what other members are reading and what books are most popular overall or sorted by genre.

I'd like to tie this tool into the in2Books feature of ePals.  Students would create their own virtual bookshelf with two books that they would like their pen pal to read, their pen pal in turn would also select two books for the student to read.  Using their virtual bookshelves, the students and pen pals would read and review their own books and that of their pen pal.  This would provide opportunity for discussion, new perspectives as well as expanding their literary choices.  I think it would be interesting to also require that students read one book from one of their peer's Shelfari bookshelves as well.  Reflection pieces and/or journals could be implemented throughout the process to see what student's are discussing and learning from the project and their pen pal.