Historical fiction

Many students today see history as boring. As educators, we must demonstrate why the curriculum is relevant and important in students' lives. By combining interesting history lessons with historical fiction books, I believe students will be able to see why history is important and how enjoyable it can be. As a history major, it pains me when a student tells me they hate history and who cares about the past. It is so important that students know about history to create the future. One way to interest students in a particular time period or world event is to introduce historical fiction into the classroom. As a media specialist, I need to be aware of the curriculum and purchase books that both teachers and students need to continue to foster a love of history and reading.

Top 10 Challenged Books

For the year 2010, And Tango Makes Three is once again the most challenged book. I had read this book and honestly, it has its place. Would I want a five-year-old reading this book? Absolutely not. On the other hand, I think this book opens the door for discussion when a child is ready. I was very suprised to see that Twilight was one of the top ten challenged books. I have read the entire series, and I see nothing wrong with any of the books and would recommend those books to my students. As a parent, I also understand why children should not have access to certain books without parent permission. I think students should be exposed to materials when they are mature and able to understand the suject matter, and I think parents would best know this for their child. Will I let my daughter read some of these books? I will when I think she is old enough, and I will make sure we discuss the book and its content together. I think as long as parents are aware, students should be able to read what they want.

What Makes a Book Controversial?

I have found that most books that are deemed controversial are usually about sex, religion, sorcery and/or magic, or contains graphic language. I understand that in school libraries this is an extremely important issue because some parents do not want their children reading about certain issues or exposed to certain topics. Media specialists must be aware of the books they select, yet be careful not to censor. There should also be a policy to handle challenged books to ensure the proper steps are taken to handle the situation.

Young Adult Articles

     My first article from Seventeen magazine discusses the pressures teen girls face to be the smartest, thinnest, or prettiest. 74% of teen girls feel pressure to be “perfect,” and four out of five girls say they are overwhelmed by the pressure. Several teens featured in the article talk about their problems with depression, cutting, and eating disorders.

The author encourages girls to talk to someone they trust when their emotions are out of control. Creative outlets like photography and painting were also mentioned as ways to deal with stress.

     I am thankful that issues like cutting and eating disorders are openly being discussed with real teens and teen star Demi Lovato. I feel it is so important for young people to see that everyone has the same self-doubts, and that everyone feels the pressure to be perfect. I have had numerous students in the past that cut themselves because of emotional issues in their personal lives; they did not know of any other way to deal with the pain that they felt on a daily basis. I agree that teens should talk to someone they trust or seek professional help. The idea of finding a creative outlet is also good advice. These issues are felt by most teen girls, and I think it sends a positive message that everyone feels this way about some issue in their life and asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of.

My second article came from the School Library Journal and discusses new ways media specialists can promote reading. The author recommends that media specialists post favorite books on the library’s website to encourage patrons to read. By providing links to reliable websites that contain recommended reading lists, media specialists have a valuable outreach tool. Online newsletters emailed to patrons are also mentioned to help promote reading and library services. Online chatting is another way to connect and help patrons with reference questions. Another way to expand reading promotion is online book discussion groups. The media specialist chooses a book and then fosters discussion through the website. The online book discussion is an excellent way to reach many more readers and is a more convenient way to ensure the love of reading continues.