In Cart‘s chapter, he aptly describes young adulthood as “an ill-defined developmental space somewhere between childhood and adulthood” (Cart, 3). As a relatively new concept in the history of humanity, does the ambiguity of the young adult experience impact how controversial young adult literature is in today‘s classrooms? With no good definition of YA, how do we determine what is or isn‘t appropriate for students from all different backgrounds?
One thing I've learned throughout my time in English Education is that literature provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable experience through the characters they read about. I found this perspective particularly relevant to “From Romance to Realism,“ mainly when it discussed the prevalence of novels depicting various career paths. Because these students read about the specific details of these jobs, they gain relevant experience.
“'For years I have been yearning for a magazine entirely dedicated to me' (Palladino 1996, 91–92)“ (Cart 9).
Cart presents an enlightening history of YA lit, but something that stood out to me was the focus on audience, especially when defining a new genre with changing styles and ideas about life. It's important to know what THEY want or need to read so they can feel seen and understood, and this knowledge can help shape our classrooms too.
The nostalgia! My mom came across my collection of SVH and sent them home with me. I intend to donate them to my kiddos classroom library, but I am going to enjoy them for a few days first.
pickThis was a YA recommendation from a friend. It‘s short but packs a lot of punch. It‘s the story of 15 yo Hoodie whose Orthodox Jewish community moves to a new area. It‘s about prejudices towards those unfamiliar to you. It‘s about being different and fitting in, and it‘s about questioning your beliefs and teachings. It‘s a timely, solid read, especially for high schoolers.
pickIt's interesting that the Melanie Rehak book (which is great!) has almost the same title and is the same color as the original, 1975 edition of this Bobbie Ann Mason book. Mason's book covers lots of sleuths, not just Nancy, and has Mason's personal commentary. I love Bobbie Ann Mason and her thoughts on the Bobbseys, Cherry Ames, Trixie Belden, and others were entertaining. I think I'd like to try a Judy Bolton, but probably not a Vicki Barr.
pickThis is a fun SVH Christmas book. Todd is still in Vermont & is coming to see Liz over the break. But she‘s not sure if they still have that spark anymore. Meanwhile, Suzanne Devlin, who terrorized Liz & her friends the last time she visited, is coming for Christmas. She says she‘s changed & is sorry & wants to make it up to everyone, but Jess doesn‘t buy it. She comes up with some pretty mean pranks to try to get her to leave. But Suzanne has ⬇️
pickBina and Darcy explore the roles that friendship and loyalty play in their newly formed band. I enjoyed watching Bina explore her creative process as she starts to have trouble writing songs. Even without having read the first volume (because this was a random library pick for me), I enjoyed this middle grade book. #Friendship #Music
#middlegrademonday
@karisimo
Most of Duncan's books fit this category, and I still find her relevant today. Anyone remember I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER? This one is a fave of mine.
