Hello y'all
I found a list online of contemporary books that should be taught in schools and while I totally agree with some of the titles on the list like 13 reasons why by jay Asher and speak by Laurie halse Andersen, it got me thinking What other books would you add to school curriculum and why? I would add lone survivor by marcus littrel because I think its important for almost adults to see what people went through to protect their freedom.
So lets hear it what would you add and why. ( I also tried to link the article here. If it doesn't work then I also posted it to my Facebook page)
26 Contemporary Books That Should Be Taug... http://www.buzzfeed.com/brettvergara/26-contemporary-books-that-should-be-taught-in-high-school
I have to be completely honest, I haven't read most of these books. And I haven't heard of many of them. But here is my opinion anyway, because, well, that is what I do. :) Rather than go through all the books I haven't even heard of (Which is in fact most of them), I will just tell you what I think about the others being taught in High School.
ReplyDelete"The Book Thief" is a big deal. And a lot of people love it. I read it back when I was going to BYU--I, and... I have to say, I wasn't entirely impressed. I really liked the narration style--who WOULDN"T be compelled by a book narrated by Death?!-- but I didn't love it. Maybe I would love it more, now that I am "grown up"? I own the book, so I will give it another chance someday. But as for being taught in High School... I think there are valuable lessons to be learned from the Holocaust, but I also think there are a lot of good books to do so. I don't know whether this would be the "best" book to tackle the job.
I have HEARD of "The Kite Runner," but have never read it. It always looked like pretty intense reading, so I never picked it up.
"I am Malala" is on my list. I gave the audiobook to my dad for Christmas, and hopefully will be able to borrow it sometime to listen to. I think maybe it would be a good book to teach in schools right now, but it is based off a recent event, so I don't know whether it would be a good high school book. Again, I haven't read it so I can't say.
My mom read "The Glass Castle" for her book club. I can't remember if she loved it or hated it, but I haven't picked it up.
I actually HAVE read the "Uglies". and, I don't think for a high school it would be good curriculum. Granted, it is a good story, and it teaches good lessons. It just doesn't FEEL like a High School English book to me. And maybe that is the point. Maybe I am just jaded. I suppose, if you want students to read, it is a good idea to find books that would be interesting. Also, as a random side note, I haven't seen this cover image for the "Uglies" before, and I don't like it. Not only is it mildly disturbing, but the random fingernail colors bug me. Yeah, I am ridiculous.
I started "Bossypants" twice, but have had a hard time getting past the first few chapters. So I am inclined to say no, that this book would not make a good High School book, partially because of that, and partially because it is another celebrity who may not be famous in a few years.
If you are going to add a dystopian novel in High school, I could completely agree that "The Hunger Games" would be a good choice. Although Katniss drives me crazy, I think there is a lot of good stuff in the pages of the "Hunger Games."
I haven't read "Secret Life of Bees," but that one is on my list!!!
"Water for Elephants." Well... Probably not. I know it is a hugely popular book, but there was quite a bit of content in the book I couldn't stand reading. In fact, I stopped reading because I didn't like what I read. perhaps I need to give it a chance, but I was not a fan.
And, as much as I love Harry Potter, I think it would be a bad idea for High School. Because the really cool lessons are learned throughout the entire series, not just book one. And although some students wouldn't have a problem devouring all seven books for a class, I think for the most part there would be a riot.
So... There you have it. I will ponder books I think SHOULD be on the list, as well. That will take some thought.
I actually own a physical copy of the secret life of bees so if you ever want to read it let me know. I agree that some of these would be difficult to teach from/get everyone on board with (this is a buzzfeed list after all) although I think some might have value as a comparison book with other more traditional novels. Kinda like we did in high school with like brave new world amd 1984 or I think Jane Eyre and pride and prejudice. Although I cant think of a good example now I remember thinking that while reading this list. (side note I really want to read bossypants. its good to know that it might be difficult. Also other side note while I haven't read the kite runner book I love the movie. . But it is not really a lighthearted fun fest)
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