My students are hungry for books that challenge them. They have continually been excited by the themes, conflicts, and questions that have arisen from classical Greek texts. They often ask to borrow other books to extend their reading, but they end up reading in isolation.
My students attend a school for commercial arts in New York City.
This year, I have students in the ninth, eleventh, and twelfth grade. I have found, time and time again, that they are often looking for an additional challenge. As a result of their artistic talents, many students like to think conceptually, and I believe a good book can enrich that process. Many of my students attend an extracurricular Philosophy Club at our school to further develop their thinking about the "big questions." I am continually excited and amazed by my students and their willingness to dive into various texts.
My Project
This year, I have seen my students become energized by literature. Their excitement seems to stem from their ability to share the experience of literary study. They have expressed an interest in tackling books like East of Eden, and I would love to be able to provide the opportunity for us to do so as a community.
East of Eden and Let the Great World Spin would help us to continue our conversation about morality. East of Eden could provide the Advanced Placement seniors with the chance to draw connections between literature from ancient Greece and the United States. Additionally, some of my advanced ninth graders could read the book as an extension to their reading of Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.
Let the Great World Spin would provide students with the opportunity to create a book club, a space where they can read an amazing modern text and share the experience. Students would also be able to compare McCann's style of storytelling with Steinbeck's.
These books would really help my students to critically think and push themselves as readers.
Both texts would provide an opportunity for students to become better readers and thinkers, thus preparing them for college and the world. In addition to the academic benefits, students would have the chance to continue their love and excitement for reading.
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