Modern Novels

I took EH349 Lit for Young Adults a few semesters ago. This class was all about literature for young readers, like those that will be in our classrooms. It was my favorite class, and I learned that there are more books out there to choose from than The Scarlet Letter. There are novels filled with exciting new worlds and breathtaking adventures that will have even the most timid reader on the edge of her seat. These books are so relatable to students because the characters are the same age as them, and they are facing the same types of problems. The novels are also fast paced, which is what students today crave in order to be kept intrigued. I realize that it may be harder to teach these "new" kinds of books. It's a challenge to some because it is expensive to get a classroom set, especially when you have those To Kill A Mockbird's sitting over there on the shelf. Also, because these books are so modern, they may contain things that parents don't want their children reading. These are things like sex, drugs; you know.. the usual. However, it is possible to teach Young Adult Literature. One only has to take a few extra steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. Being a teacher is all about going above and beyond to make sure our kids are getting the most out of their schooling, and I'm certainly up for the challenge. In my next post I'll explore how to get around the struggles of teaching these novels, so stay tuned! Until then..