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Good question. Haggard Send a noteboard - 10/09/2009 05:49:24 PM
Sounder
Bridge to Terabithia
Old Yeller
Where the Red Fern Grows
Island of the Blue Dolphin
Books by Judy Blume, etc


I'm glad you responded to this post, because I do think there are good arguments to made in favor of these books. As I mentioned in an earlier reply, I think it's important to clarify what the goal is in having students read. Many students don't read books at all. I would argue its more important just to get them to read anything. Reading good, higher quality books can come later. I think many students would prefer to read books that are fun, rather than depressing.

I read those, along with the few you name below. Some of them are extremely interesting, they have good writing that's on a slightly higher (but not too high) level, they teach that life isn't perfect. I love this list of books, actually.

I don't think I'd want my kids just to escape from the life they lead- I'd want them to read stories that taught them that even though life is tough, they aren't the only kids experiencing rough situations (in reference to your suggestions to your wife).


I think that many students (particularly in my wife's class) already know that life isn't perfect. I think it's important for students like these to know that life can be better. It could be encouraging for them to know there are families out there were the dad's not in jail and the mother's not an alcholic. Or that their best friend (or their dog) isn't necessarily going to die.

It's an interesting dilemma because I certainly see your point that it is important for these kids to know that they aren't the only ones in rough situations. It may be very helpful to these kids. I wonder if anyone's done any empirical studies. I'll hafta ask the wife....

And Harry Potter would be ok, but many parents are idiots about it, and I suppose it could be disruptive for a teacher to try to go with it. In some areas anyway.

edit: I do think they need to think about changing it up for high school though. I'm not quite sure why some of those books are required, unless it's to have contact with the classics at least once in one's life. I hated Great Expectations because I was too young. Then again, I loved Slaughterhouse Five. *shrugs*


I hear ya. I hated Great Expectations too. I probably should go back and read it now, but I just can't bring myself to.
*MySmiley*
I'm drinkin' some George Jones,
and a little bit of Coe
Haggard's easin' my misery
and Waylon's keepin' me from home
Hank's givin' me those high times-
Cash is gonna sing it low
I'm here gettin' wasted-
just like my country heroes
-Hank III
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What books should students be forced to read in school? - 10/09/2009 06:35:46 AM 1244 Views
I honestly don't remember being assigned any books to read in elementary school. - 10/09/2009 06:43:59 AM 850 Views
I honestly don't remember... - 10/09/2009 08:30:24 AM 894 Views
We are an exceptional lot. - 10/09/2009 04:40:30 PM 932 Views
I remember being forced to read a few novels - 10/09/2009 08:41:47 AM 854 Views
Should the parents or the students choose the books? - 10/09/2009 05:05:45 PM 841 Views
Let the students choose. - 11/09/2009 06:14:29 AM 946 Views
None - 10/09/2009 08:50:40 AM 950 Views
Re: None - 10/09/2009 05:15:16 PM 1126 Views
I think it really doesn't matter - 10/09/2009 09:22:36 AM 828 Views
I don't remember reading books in elementary school - 10/09/2009 09:46:23 AM 808 Views
Exactly my feelings. - 10/09/2009 05:24:11 PM 845 Views
I feel being forced to read a book ruins it - 10/09/2009 01:06:42 PM 900 Views
in elementary school, we weren't forced to read certain books until around 4th or 5th grade - 10/09/2009 02:22:34 PM 927 Views
Don't leave us hanging! What was the ONE book? *NM* - 10/09/2009 05:27:40 PM 420 Views
I really have no--oh that's what it was - 10/09/2009 07:27:24 PM 900 Views
I ended up liking that book... - 10/09/2009 10:39:12 PM 1543 Views
I'm not sure what's wrong with most of your list. - 10/09/2009 02:23:48 PM 900 Views
Good question. - 10/09/2009 05:49:24 PM 877 Views
Beverly Cleary should be good for that age. She did Mouse and the Motorcycle. - 10/09/2009 04:09:42 PM 814 Views
Roald Dahl is always a good choice - 10/09/2009 05:12:09 PM 978 Views
I'd forgotten about Beverly Cleary. Good choice. *NM* - 10/09/2009 05:51:33 PM 394 Views
That was a long time ago. - 10/09/2009 04:53:24 PM 931 Views
The Three Musketeers - 10/09/2009 06:31:31 PM 828 Views
I read this in seventh grade, LOVED IT! - 18/09/2009 01:44:01 AM 1057 Views
I don't think forcing books on kids is the way to get them to enjoy reading - 10/09/2009 10:44:08 PM 1652 Views
I do wonder generally about the curriculum being set for schools - 10/09/2009 10:44:24 PM 912 Views
books - 10/09/2009 10:51:13 PM 835 Views
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is da bomb!!! Should be mandatory for elementary. *NM* - 11/09/2009 02:59:38 AM 402 Views
Which movie do you like better? (Now with lickable wallpaper!) - 11/09/2009 05:23:45 AM 951 Views
Neither. Both were horrible. *NM* - 11/09/2009 12:13:07 PM 408 Views
No way, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is awesome! - 11/09/2009 01:12:07 PM 841 Views
Bridge to Terabithia - 11/09/2009 03:23:18 AM 809 Views
For Australian students - A Fortunate Life by A.B.Facey *NM* - 11/09/2009 03:39:23 AM 424 Views
I can't help but think, - 11/09/2009 03:07:36 PM 941 Views
I think it should be mostly up to the teacher - 11/09/2009 08:22:59 PM 830 Views
I think it's a good idea to let kids choose their book... - 13/09/2009 07:33:47 PM 993 Views
Umm ... my 'reading' class was like ... - 18/09/2009 01:56:11 AM 813 Views

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