I have the most spunky, creative students this side of the Mississippi, and there is never a dull moment in my classroom. Three of the courses I teach are composition classes, which are writing intensive. My students joke that after completing one of my writing courses, they have the stamina to each write their own novel.
I have high expectations, but my students always exceed them (and we have a lot of fun, too).
Their writing makes me laugh, cry, think, and question. I would not trade this group of writers for anything.
My Project
When I was little, I wanted to be Nancy Drew when I grew up. I scavenged every garage sale table and library shelf I came across, looking for Nancy Drew mysteries. But it wasn't just Nancy Drew that I loved. I remember exactly where I was when I read about the deaths of Old Dan and Little Ann. Where the Red Fern Grows is a book that has stuck with me. I read The Great Gatsby six times, sometimes hoping for a better ending for Jay, sometimes for Daisy. I felt cheated when I learned that The Things They Carried wasn't a "true" war story. While reading The Hunger Games, I promised myself that I would never read again if Peeta died. These plots and characters made an impact on me, and I was curious to know which books left lasting impressions on my students.
I wasn't surprised, but I was discouraged to learn that some of my students have not read a book "just for fun" since they were in elementary school.
In their defense, they are busy. There is a lot of pressure to be the perfect college candidate. They work after-school jobs, babysit younger siblings, play sports, and participate in school clubs like student council. Of course, they also have to fit in time for homework and a social life.
I want to make reading enjoyable for them again. That is why I'm requesting two copies of ten different titles from the teens bestsellers list. I plan to give these books to students - no strings attached. There won't be any homework or tests on the themes and symbols. They may even find a book that resonates with them the way the titles above did with me.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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