This semester I’m teaching Adolescent Literature for the first time . . . and loving it. As a former 8th grade Language Arts teacher, I was immersed in the texts that my students were reading. We would talk about texts, share book suggestions, and laugh/cry together over the characters’ predicaments.
This was an exciting time in my life as a reader because I truly appreciated the connection I felt to my students and to the texts that we read. However, when I took time off to work on my doctorate, I traded in young adolescent novels for books on theory and research methods. After being out of the realm of adolescent literature for about 5 years, I am so excited to be back, and fascinated to see the expansion of titles and options available to students.
This past summer, in preparation for teaching this course, I devoured as much adolescent literature as possible. From the piles of books I read, two stand out:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie
This book shares one Native American boy’s experience growing up on a reservation but going to school off the reservation at an all-White high school. His candid talk, clever wit, and humorous art all add to the story and help the reader digest the insurmountable tragedies his young life experiences.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This book unravels a science fiction tale about a futuristic community that believes in creating a sporting event once a year that involves teenagers fighting for ultimate survival. The character development is powerful as the reader becomes enthralled in the outcome of the game.
If you have a chance, pick up a book!
