So, why might a teacher want to join ePals as part of the Spice it Up a Notch with Nutmeg experience?  Well, a great extension for students, and a fun and authentic way to create background knowledge about the books would be for classes to find “online pen pals” who live in the geographic area where the books take place.  For instance, when reading The Raven Master’s Secret (a Nutmeg nominee from last year), wouldn’t it have been nice to be able to ask students who live in or around London, if they know about and have ever seen the ravens mentioned in the book?  This could start a conversation where students discuss all types of topics that interest them, as well as the literature. And, ePals makes it quite easy to make these types of connections.  See for yourself at http://www.epals.com