Leave No Child Be . . .

ALAN Review, Winter 2004 by Weiss, M Jerry

Different people will certainly react in different ways to these books, but our students live in these worlds. Too many have suffered, often holding thoughts within themselves, even driven to dire acts and consequences. These books can help young people face life. The greatest question I ever heard regarding proof that comprehension in reading is taking place is: "What impact is reading making upon the reader?" How does the teacher find out? With good discussions and writing assignments.

After Effects

I am still smarting from the comments of a couple of English teachers who attended a workshop I conducted and said, "You want our students to read such books instead of the classics?" In reply, there are several interesting definitions of the word "classic" in Webster's Universal College Dictionary. One is "an artist or artistic production considered a standard." Another is "Something noteworthy of its kind and worth remembering." How "classic" is daily life? The morals and values we live by and discuss, as well as teach, can and should be done in the context of the issues of today. That doesn't mean we can't use the past, and the literature of the past, as well. But we can reach many students by starting with the present and building upon their experiences to understand issues and ways of expression of previous generations.

In conclusion, I am not overlooking the many excellent writers honored by ALAN for their bodies of works. S. E. Hinton, Paul Zindel, through Norma Fox Mazer and Harry Mazer represent the highest standards and have been innovative in producing literature for our times. Yes, there is Hamlet. But there is also Wendy Wasserstein, and many others, who help us grasp new problems, concepts, and ideas.

Keep reading.

M. Jerry Weiss is Professor Emeritus at Jersey City State College in Jersey City, New Jersey, and recipient of the 2003 Tedd Hippie Service Award.