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.
Building on my earlier post about parents, having come from an educator family, I've always heard horror stories about parent interaction. This is why I was fascinated by Mr. Howe's empathy towards Donovan's mom and how he refrained from vilifying her despite all the stress. While parents may engage in contests, they have good intentions in looking out for their children. As such, parents are not scary figures and can even be our strongest allies.
“My mother would thank me...for turning her head a little so she could focus on the right thing.“ (Levithan 154)
While I initially hated Donovan's mom, this quote, along with her support of Curtis, made me like her more. As teachers, we need to recognize that parents have the right to doubt books and that taking action does not vilify them. Howe even agrees, arguing that a contest is simply a response to fear, which Donovan's mom concurs with.
The most intriguing character of this work for me had to be Mr. Howe/Gideon. I admire his immense care for his students alongside his bravery and adamance for standing up for his beliefs. His speech at the board meeting was terrific, making me feel like the high schoolers in the background whooping at his argument. I loved that we were able to see the growth of Mr. Howe through Gideon and Roberto's relationship, making for a tear-jerking reunion.
pickOut of everything I've read so far for the YAL class, I believe this book was my favorite. The interconnected storylines proved to be an engaging read, and I found the characters extremely lovable. I shed a few tears by the time the resolution was reached. This narrative addresses book censorship in a way that is both interesting and relevant to young readers, serving as a great starting point for discussing the topic and its impact on society.
After reading, I found that Pedro Martín has created multiple other short stories to go alongside “Mexikid.“ This discovery is impressive, considering how much I enjoyed the consecutive chapters of the memoir and their ability to tell a personalized story that adds up to a larger narrative. I could picture using this work as a Mentor text to assist students in writing narratives. It is easier to work with a vignette and expand further from there.
It was interesting to see how mythical Abuelito is portrayed throughout the narrative. There is no exact description of his life by himself, but every other character has a story about him that they believe to be true. Only through his unrelated conversations with him does Pedro come to understand who his grandfather is. This example could serve as an excellent introductory lesson on sources and their application, especially when we view others.
pickI found this graphic memoir hilarious! Pedro Martín immerses readers in the antics of his family as they travel to take their abuelito back to the United States. I greatly appreciated how each family moment was interspersed with a cultural practice that they shared, like kissing elders' hands or making birria. Especially in today's climate, this narrative stresses the importance of familial obligation and support, regardless of the circumstances.
pickOverall, this anthology of short stories was impeccably put together. As a “We Need Diverse Books“ publication, I greatly appreciated that the short stories within the book should be considered as different houses within the same neighborhood. This comparison highlights how, just as in real life, some people may experience and identify differently from one another, and their stories are all valid. I can see each piece being used in the classroom.
I was first introduced to Kwame Alexander's verse poetry in “The Crossover“ during middle school. His work made me view poetry in a new way, one that differed from the authors I typically read. Essentially, his work captivated me.
I can see students sharing this captivating story in “Seventy Six Dollars and Twenty Nine Cents,“ with the verse poetry showcasing an intriguing narrative about supernatural powers through innovative poetic forms.
During the fall semester, I took a “Film as Literature“ course that focused on media produced by indigenous communities. It proved extremely informative, especially when considering the societal expectations that indigenous culture is a relic of the past.
The class demonstrated that culture is still practiced today, and this statement is proven true in “Choctaw Bigfoot“ by Tim Tingle. The traditions of language and oral storytelling continue.
I wholeheartedly agree with the message of education as a transformative power in “The Difficult Path“ by Grace Lin. Throughout the narrative, the protagonist, Lingsi, utilizes her education and reading skills to escape servitude on the high seas. This belief in education was a cornerstone of my upbringing, thanks to my educator family.
This text is perfect for students to grasp the “why“ of education and how it may truly change lives.
