11/15/2010 Read 339/439 Quick Picks Discusssion

[Pam Goble]

PART 3 - PARTICIPATION CRITERIA FOR THE NING.

1. Since all of you are reading different books, the idea is to share the many reads students can experience from reading YA literature. For each list you, will get
reviews on approximately 20 or more books.

2. What must be included in your posts are:

            a. A short summary

            b. A connection to YA Lit criteria

            c. A link to a resource for further information about the book/novel( these may include author information, reviews, insight or information
about issues the text references.

            d. Your opinion/recommendations of the book/novel relating back to criteria. A key
question to consider is whether the book is
classroom appropriate, and, if so, what reading
level/grade/studentswouldbenefit from reading the text. If it is not
suited for the classroom, if students are reading the book, what is the
appeal?           

3. Lastly, you must respond to at least 2 other posts in detail.

Again have fun...after the class is done you can still keep those reviews coming on the NING and talk to each other about what your are reading for the year!

 Pam

Pam

[Nicole Priester]

No not really. The book just kind of ends after the third climax. this book really is a roller coaster ride and an incredible story.

[Alexander Wm. Evers]

It can be arduous trying to decide which "heavy" issues to address in class. Ideally, the classroom could be a place where we confront any issue. Using a text, such as "Scars", is risky. While some students may benefit from addressing and exploring these themes/issues; other students, who may or may not be struggling with these issues themselves, may become more reticent. That is, the cathartic reflection often elicited by these type of texts can be helpful and educational, however, they also possess the power to further students isolation. -Would I use this text? maybe.- I think that, as with any "heavy" text, the educator must make a rational and informed decision about his/her students' ability to handle the text.
The ending of the novel, in my opinion, is the best determinant of the appropriate age/grade. "Heavy" texts that end openly, or without a clear resolution, are best suited for older students. Given the open-ending, the novel elicits reflection, prediction, and catharsis that is appropriate for more mature students.

[Pam Goble]

Open ended "endings" are high level; younger readers like a resolution.

[Christina Abruzzini]

Nikkie,
This sounds like such a powerful and emotional book! It definitely sounds intriguing by your review. While I have not personally known anyone who has cut themselves, I do think this type of book would be effective for younger people to read about to hopefully raise an awareness about cutting. I also think that the fact there are gay/straight aspects makes it even more fascinating and important for young people to read. You did mention that you would not read it in a classroom which I do agree with. You said they are touchy subjects which they definitely are, but do you feel that the material is at least age appropriate within a high school setting? Did you feel that the book had too many mature elements involved or that it was too emotional/violent/upsetting for a younger reader? I am only curious because even though it sounds like it would be too much to read in a classroom, I could also see it being effective perhaps. I'm not sure though because I have not read the book - you would definitely know better!

[Danielle Sonni]

WOW this book is heavy!! What an overwhelming story. I could see this book being helpful for students who are going through a rough time, maybe a guidance counselor could use this book to help students speak out about problems in their lives.

I don't think I would teach this in the classroom either, could be really traumatizing for students who are going through some of the same things as the main character.

[Alexander Wm. Evers]

"I don't think I would teach this in the classroom either, could be really traumatizing for students who are going through some of the same things as the main character."

This was my fear. However, I wonder if it might also have the effect, on students going through these things, of showing them that they are not alone, not the only one experiencing "this" problem, struggling with "that" issue, etc. Reading about a character who self-mutilates might upset a student who cuts, however, it might also inspire them to share their situation and seek help. It's another one of those "Who knows" educational conundrums; akin to age-old, "why is deodorant invisible to adolescent boys" question.

I think that, maybe, this could be a text that is made available to students via classroom library. That way, if a student read the back-cover blurb and wanted to read the novel they could; or, if it upset them they would not, but at least they'd know it's there.

[Pam Goble]

Bibliotherapy is a way to connect; it's amazing what kids do read and understand, but there is fine line and we have to know the students/class/student/context.

[Shelly Fields]

I have just been learning about bibliotherapy. Being a psychology major, I am fascinated by the concept of using books to help kids. I plan to go into School Counseling and will definitely be researching the use of bibliotherapy.

[Meghann Lothson]

This sounds like one of those books that would be good for students to have access to, but some parents would never stand for it. Kendra's situation sounds like it molds her in many ways--being molested probably had something to do with her sexual orientation, and her mother's hatred for her art is heartbreaking. I'm in art and always have been (I'll be able to teach it once I graduate) and I've always known that my parents support my art. My mom tends to not like the pottery I make because it isn't colorful, but that's nothing. I can't imagine feeling so badly about a comment from a parent that it makes me question my entire self-worth. There are plenty of ways that a student can go wrong, and the lack of support from parents can always mean the difference between life and death.
Thank you for pointing out that "diversity" has more to do with than gay and straight in the book. It's so easy to pick out the easy examples of diversity in books and movies, but we so often forget the more complex examples. This is essential to teach students; they need to understand how deeply their words and actions can really hurt. Cutting is so difficult to know about, and it's that self-mutilation that comes from others not being willing to understand. It's hard to realize when a student is sinking, but helping them come back is the greatest feeling. We deal with this constantly in the student ministry I work with.
I think it would be a good idea not to teach this one. However, that doesn't mean that it isn't a great novel. The important issue here is deciding the rightful place for it, and I believe that teachers everywhere should read books like these to remind themselves why they do what they do. It isn't wrong or over the top. It's real, and if we ignore it, we're letting hundreds of kids like Kendra fall through the cracks.

[Nicole Priester]

I am not trying to start a fight, but your comment "Kendra's situation sounds like it molds her in many ways--being molested probably had something to do with her sexual orientation" really is offensive in my opinion. this is one of the main reasons why I would NOT teach this book in my class. I would not want to get into a debate of what causes someone to be homosexual. Whether it is expirences or genetics, it is not my place to teach that, because I do not know. I know my personal opinion of that, but I do think that I would get very heated in that type of discussion along with students, and that is not my job nor is it helpful for anyone.

However, I do not think that being molested had any effect on Kendra's sexuality. I am one who believes that you are born gay, nothing makes you gay. I have known plenty of people who were molested, and none of them are gay and I know plenty of people who are gay who were never molested.

[Rosalind Engerman]

Sounds like a great book on a subject that needs to be addressed in the world that teens live in. Cutting is no laughing matter, and usually occurs after years of repressed emotions that are too painful to bring to the conscious mind. I agree that this book may not be appropriate as a full class participation reading roster, but maybe it could be used in a High School Psych class. I could also see a teacher using bits and pieces from this book in class, but once again, I do not think it would be totally appropriate for an entire class to read the whole book.

[Pam Goble]

It probably is a very usable book for a classroom library or a counselor's office. We do have many books that are reserved for certain students where their parents have signed consents for them to read realistic/controversial subject matter.