Part 2: Student Literacy Narratives

Table of contents

"Introduction - What is a literacy narrative?" by Emily Wierszewski

What should you know about literacy narratives before you write one? This brief text introduces the literacy narrative genre, including its purpose and conventions.

Literacy and Family

A Christmas Story by Lauren Fencil

Are there traditions associated with reading or writing that you look forward to with your family? In this seasonal narrative, the writer transports us to Christmas morning and shares the joy of new books.

Bedtime Stories: From Spark to Wildfire (audio) by Emily Hazlett 

Research shows that family engagement in early childhood literacy is vital and helps to shape a child’s future investment in literacy. In this narrative, the creator reflects on how her family’s commitment to bedtime stories helped to “spark” a lifelong love for reading.

Green Eggs and the Grecian Origins of Mother's Day by Anna Martz 

This narrative focuses on the important role of strong familial relationships and literacy development. What role has your own family played in your relationship with reading and writing, for better or worse?

Growing with Reading by Kaitlyn Keegan

The writer explores the concept of literacy "sponsors" in this narrative, describing the various ways her                 family's support throughout her life made her into a strong reader, writer, and student today.

If You Give a Girl a Book by Carolynn Bucco

Has a grandparent made a positive difference in your life as a reader or writer? You may find this narrative resonates with your experiences.

Lucky Girl by Tian Schiera 

In this narrative, the writer reflects on her upbringing in Sri Lanka and how her family’s cook, Seetha, taught her to persevere through frustrating experiences with literacy.

My Missing Puzzle Piece by Madison Hamborsky     

What can you learn from everyday activities like putting together a puzzle? The writer explores this idea in this narrative, reflecting on the lessons learned from their late grandmother and how they relate to reading and writing.

My Warm Journey Toward Reading Literacy by Hyeonjeong Lee    

In this narrative, the writer reflects on her childhood, growing up in poverty in South Korea. In spite of the obstacles her family faced, she recalls being surrounded by literacy and the support of her family.

Overcoming Literacy Obstacles by Rachel Dietsch 

Many of us have experienced obstacles in our literacy history. Some of us are lucky enough to have someone by our side to help us overcome them. In this narrative, the writer reflects on the important role her mother has played in her literacy history.

Reading From Within (audio) by Katherine Prantl

     In this narrative, the writer shares memories of reading with her siblings and dad at night and reflects on             what it has meant for her literacy development now that she's an adult.

Safe Haven by Rosa Roman

The writer explores how her grandmother, her Buba, inspired her to write and pursue a career in writing.

Sponsors, Kisses, and Books: Oh My! (audio) by Max McMichael 

What role have your parents played in your literacy development? The author explores the various ways that books have connected her and her family throughout her life, with a special focus on her childhood.

The Magic of Literacy by Grace Baroun

Is there a moment in your life when your attitude toward reading changed abruptly, for better or worse? In this narrative, the writer describes her struggles learning to read independently and how her mom's influence on a trip to Disney turned things around.

  The Magic Within the Pages (audio) by Megan Lynn 

Did you once love reading as a child only to find it a boring chore later in your life? Listen to this audio essay as the writer rediscovers the magic within the pages.

Literacy and Disability

How I Learned to Survive English Class by Griffin Miller

In his narrative, the writer describes how having a visual impairment impacted his literacy practices early in his schooling and how he eventually gained confidence and learned to find pleasure in school reading and writing when he could.

My Literacy Sponsor by Ally Kaputa 

In “Sponsors of Literacy,” Deborah Brandt specifies that literacy sponsors can affect our literacy for better or worse.  In this narrative, the writer explores her reading disability and how an elementary school teacher negatively impacted her relationship with reading and writing.

My Struggle with Reading by Madison Kaufman 

This writer describes the difficulties she faced learning to read with dyslexia.

Racing After Reading by Chloe Walls

Life events can shape our literacy in profound ways. In this narrative, the writer describes how, in her early teens, she suffered nearly a dozen concussions and was unable to read without pain and frustration. Then, along came a required high school book assignment that changed her literacy life forever.

The World Turned Upside Down by Gabriella Greco

The writer weaves two stories from her childhood together in this narrative tracing the origins of her passion for literacy: a concussion at age nine alongside her grandmother's illness and passing.

Written Regret by Mara Guerrieri 

In this narrative, the writer describes her early struggles with handwriting and dyslexia.

Literacy, Books, and Education

A Library Champion Lives Here by Peyton Green

In this narrative, the writer reflects on her early experiences at the library during the summer and how she fell in love with reading.

A Literacy Savior by Jessie Belding 

The author of this narrative enjoyed reading as a small child. But formal schooling ruined her relationship with books and by middle school, she stopped reading entirely. Her story mirrors the experiences of many young people. Do you see yourself in any of the events she describes?

El Diablo by Vinayak Prataap 

Have you ever struggled with writer’s block or been intimidated by an assignment? In this narrative, the writer explores how he overcame his fears to write an engaging research paper.

Freedom by Dorelia Hankins

In this narrative, the writer explores how she learned to tame a writing beast when a high school literature           class assignment challenges her identity and ability to persist as a writer.

Hold the Drama by Emily Coglio 

Throughout this narrative, the writer builds a relatable ethos by integrating her snarky sense of humor.  As you read, consider the effect of her personality on your receptiveness to her story. Why do you think she chose this ethos, given the main idea of her narrative?

How Shakespeare Taught Me Murder by Madeleine Flory  

Which writers or books have influenced the way you write? In this narrative, the writer meditates on what they learned about words and making an impact on your audience from Shakespeare.

Me, Myself, and Literacy by Sarah Hester 

The author of this narrative cites multiple, early encounters with the public library as pivotal in her literacy development.  As you read, consider the role of public institutions like libraries and schools in your own literacy history.

My Fairy Godmothers and I by Dominique Pampena 

In this narrative, the writer reflects on how two of her teachers acted as her literacy “fairy godmothers.”

My Teacher, William Shakespeare by Alexis Teitelbaum 

Have you ever had a teacher whose enthusiasm and approach made a boring subject seem fun? In this narrative, the writer shares how her middle school English teacher showed her that Shakespeare can be exciting and to never to give up on a “boring” book. 

Poems with Paxson by Gabrielle Levkulic

Have you ever had a teacher who took a subject you were afraid of or disliked and made you feel better about it? In this audio narrative, the writer recounts how her teacher Mrs. Paxson taught her to read and think about poetry, which she once found intimidating but now enjoys and understands.

The Best Reader There Ever Was (audio) by David Franco

In this narrative, the author describes how a school reading challenge combined with his competitive nature, sparking an interest in literacy in spite of his early dislike for reading. 

The Tattered Box of Another World (audio) by Josephine Maher

When you think back on your childhood, are there any books or series that stand out to you? In this audio narrative, the writer explains how her grandmother introduced her to the fictional world of The Babysitter's Club and how the series led her to develop a lifelong passion for reading.

The Time Traveling Power of Books (audio) by Emma Rodgers

In this audio essay, the narrator weaves a story about falling in love with the genre of historical fiction and        explores how books have the power to take us back in time.

To All the Books I've Loved Before (audio) by Emma Shaulis

Did you enjoy reading as a child, only to have that pleasure challenged by assigned school reading? In this audio essay, the writer explores how her educational experiences caused her to fall out of “love” with reading.

Turning Creative Gears by Siya Behl

The writer of this essay had lost connection with her inner voice. Her narrative shows that even bonds which seem broken beyond repair can be reestablished with just a simple push from the right person. She was able to find her voice again by reflecting on previous experiences with community service and by practicing “seva,” an Indian cultural value built upon selfless service.

What I Learned About Literacy from (AR)ainbow Loveseat by Sam Gray 

What books, people, or objects from your childhood shaped your relationship with reading? In this narrative, the writer explores how a handmade reading seat and the Accelerated Reader (AR) program each contributed to their changing relationship with books and reading.

When One Door Closes, Another Opens by Kaylee Pivirotto 

        In this piece, the writer describes how being introduced to the Spanish language helped to rekindle her love for                   literacy.

Why Holden Caulfield is My Hero by Madison Galinac

Although she once resented summer reading assignments, the writer of this narrative discovered a character she           loved in Catcher in the Rye. In her story, she shares how the book changed her mind about reading and mental            health.

Literacy on the Job

"Extra! Extra! Read All About It!" by Caitlin Srager 

Have you ever had an experience with literacy that you felt negatively about at the time but, looking back, turned out to be pivotal in your literacy history? In this humorous narrative, the writer reflects on how a tough summer job changed her writing style forever.

Unconventional Literacies

Acting as a Language by Azaria Oglesby 

The writer of this narrative explores the ways that acting intersects with reading and writing in her life. How have your personal interests or hobbies influenced how or what you read and write?

Foreign Forté by Maria Zafaran 

Have you ever been involved with an activity or hobby that helped you find your confidence with literacy? In this piece, the writer explores how music allowed her to become a more self-assured speaker.

Public Speaking by Sierra Luzier 

When the author of this narrative was asked to write and deliver a speech to her graduating class, she was filled with fear. Have you ever been tasked with a writing assignment that gave you great anxiety, too?

The Cult Known as Concert Band by Christyada Gordon 

The writer of this narrative uses Anne Lamott’s theory of literacy sponsorship to explore the development of her musical literacy. As you read, consider how people, places, and texts can act as literacy sponsors in your life.

To the Stage and Beyond by Carsyn Rivardo      

In this narrative, the writer reflects on how performing their favorite stories for family (and stuffed animals) helped them acquire vocabulary and the skills in memorization required to be a good reader and, later on, stage actor.

Literacy as an Escape

A Writer's Revelations (audio) by Mikaela Fitzpatrick 

Has reading or writing ever helped you to cope with major life events or illness? In this narrative, the author explores the ways that writing -- especially poetry -- has helped her to manage heartbreak and anxiety.

Lights Out by Natalie Myers 

This narrative describes reading as an act of rebellion. The writer argues that the “fun” of reading for her is in its forbidden nature. Have you ever engaged in reading or writing when you weren’t supposed to or read/wrote in a genre that was forbidden?

The Changing Seasons by Chynna El-Ayazra 

Have you ever escaped into a good story and felt so immersed in a fantasy world that you forgot about reality? In this narrative, the writer describes how she discovered the Eragon series and realized she could become a dragon rider.

    The Spark That Can Never Be Put Out (audio) by Angeles Ondish

In this audio narrative, the author describes how a special Christmas gift--a journal--became a key part of her literate life as a young adult.