More on Life Issues:
Across the grades, the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts/Speaking and Listening call for students to “Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners” and with grade-appropriate “topics, texts, and issues” that allow them to build on the ideas of others and to express their own viewpoints. Book clubs offer an ideal entry point for middle and high school students.
There’s nothing like a book on a tough topic to pull in reluctant students and get them talking about characters and their motivations, making connections to plot and setting, and crafting some sophisticated arguments and analysis. Successful work with literature on tough topics gives struggling students the confidence and tools to engage with challenging texts and provides practice for all students in meeting the standards. Having multiple copies of individual titles and a selection of books at a variety of reading levels available in the library can entice teachers to use them for book clubs. Better yet, volunteer to launch a book club by giving booktalks and helping students make their selections.
If a book club doesn’t fit into your program, you can still get students talking and thinking by making sure to have works on tough topics readily accessible. Promoting these titles is easy. Frequently update book displays on a particular issue or make bookmarks with lists of titles. While hard to keep current, bookmarks are worth the effort and students can pocket them surreptitiously. Create posters focused on a specific topic and add several book covers plus a QR code that leads to a website with more suggestions–cool and easy to update. Whether for individual readers or book clubs, these titles are sure to give students plenty to discuss and digest.
ANDERSON , Laurie Halse. Wintergirls. Viking. 2009. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780 670011100; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978 0142415573; ebk. $9.99. ISBN 978 1101029190.
Gr 8 Up –Best friends Lia and Cassie bond over staying thin–anorexia and bulimia are the tools to keep weight off. When Cassie is found dead, Lia must come to grips with her complicity in Cassie’s death and how her own choices might be leading her in the same direction. Audio version available from Brilliance Audio.
COONER , Donna. Skinny. Scholastic/Point. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780545427630; pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780545427647.
Gr 7-10 –Fifteen-year-old Ever has a new stepmom, two thin and popular stepsisters, and grief over her mom’s death–overeating is her solace. Ever’s constant companion is Skinny, the critical and belittling voice in her head. Gastric bypass surgery makes a significant physical difference, but how can she dispel Skinny’s constant presence? Audio version available from Scholastic.
LANGE, Erin Jade. Butter. Bloomsbury. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781599907802; pap. $9.99. ISBN 9781619631212.
Gr 7-10 –Butter, weighing in at over 400 pounds, knows his saxophone skills and sharp wit can’t compete with his obesity. When his online (and dishonest) flirtation with the unattainable Anna leads to the promise of a New Year’s Eve meet-up, Butter creates a website where he vows to eat himself to death while classmates watch via webcam.
SHAW, Liane. thinandbeautiful.com. Second Story. 2009. pap. $11.95. ISBN 978 1897187623.
Gr 7-10 –At 17, Maddie finds encouragement to pursue thinness on anorexia-supporting “pro-ana” websites where those determined to achieve extreme weight loss find a worryingly supportive community. Hospitalized, Maddie struggles to accept a true understanding of what beauty and health really look like.
WISHINSKY, Frieda. Blob. (Orca Currents Series). Orca. 2010. RTE $16.95. ISBN 9781554691821; pap. $9.95. ISBN 9781554691814.
Gr 6-10 –Starting high school after putting on weight over the summer makes Eve a target for bullies. An Internet diet looks promising, but failing to follow it leaves Eve increasingly discouraged. Sensible advice from grown-ups and a few understanding friends help her take control of her life. Realistic adult charact