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There is nothing in the world like a good book. This is particularly true for high school students. I honestly believe that the habits we instill in high school become the habits that adults have for the rest of their lives. Research tells us that people who read more do better on state tests, classes, and in life. Research also tells us that high school students do not read enough. Unless students have access to quality books, they might never become the types of readers we hope they will become. Next year I want my students to read more novels, maintaining short stories and poems, but spend more time with book clubs. In order to do that, I need collections of books. I've tracked down books that have been written recently, have won awards, and have been marketed towards teenagers. Yes, we will read The Crucible and The Great Gatsby, because as an American Literature teacher, I feel these classics have so much to offer. However, it can be difficult for students to move from appreciating a classic to loving reading. Gatsby is great and nearly a hundred years old. Mexican Whiteboy is great, and Matt de la Pena is still alive and has been willing to speak to students on skype, something I'm really hoping to make happen. I want my students to love reading. To become readers. Can you help me do this?
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