For the Love of Books!

Although it may be perceived as snarky, my answer is always a heartfelt response.

"Kids. I teach the kids that are in front of me."

A good friend of mine happened to be behind me in a signing line during a famous young adult author's visit. The author, a genial individual to say the least, asked me this very question while signing my copy of the newest book (because let's be honest, why is a middle-aged white chick in line to meet a young adult author? You don't have to be a rocket scientist to put 2 and 2 together. I'm a teacher just like all the other middle-aged women in the crowd). My response was what it always is. "Kids. I teach kids."

From behind me, a snort rang through the crowd. "Did you just say you taught kids?"

I turned to see my friend a few feet back. "Duh. Yeah, I did."

We had shared many committee assignments over the years, but recently, she had moved out of the classroom. She was a new administrator on another campus in a neighboring district. When you hear an honest response that hits you right in the core belief system, you can't help but make a comment. "Of course you did. Because that is the kind of teacher you are."

I knew it was a compliment.

I don't teach books. Or grammar. Or how to write a 5 paragraph essay. I teach kids. I teach kids how to think and question, how to make meaning of the crazy world we live in, and how to find love and empathy in the darkest corners. I teach kids who become adults before my very eyes. And they teach me.

This reciprocal relationship is founded on the stories we share, the stories we read and write, because literature is not about highlighting this or that part; literature is about understanding the shared human experience. I teach kids who are embarking on that experience for the first time each day, and each day, we all learn a little bit about what it truly means to be human.

So, that is why I read middle grade and young adult books. I want my kids to see their experiences and dreams, their fears and joys, their family and friends in the stories we read. I want them to engage with a text not because it is for a grade or (heaven forbid) because I said so, but because they are invested in a story that is meaningful to them on one or more levels.

The books I present to you, dear reader and educator, are not for the faint of heart. They are not about things easily glossed over, or outright ignored. These are books that will make someone mad; these are books that get banned. Hard things in books can lead to a better understanding of ourselves and others. Controversy (big or small) can lead to respectful discourse and even reform. Long story short, we can't develop thinking, empathy, and grit in our students (you know--those people we actually teach) if we don't offer them experiences to chew, digest, and nourish the mind, body, and soul.

Because I don't teach books. I teach kids.