If you were to describe your curriculum, would it include the word diverse? Many of us have a set curriculum that consists of classic literature that does not connect with teenagers today. Of course, teachers are amazing and find ways to connect through supplemental resources, but why not ALREADY include diverse books that are relatable and engaging to teens? Aside from the positive benefits incorporating diverse literature has on classrooms, many times you can find diverse books that pair extremely well with the traditional novels already taught in classrooms.
Before we begin, it's important to note that classical literature DOES have a place in classrooms and it should. We teach Of Mice and Men, Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Night, The Pearl (all GREAT novels by the way) and many other novels and short stories that belong to the traditional canon.
So what are those benefits you speak of, you ask. Well let’s talk about it!
1. They help our students gain a better understanding of the world.
Many of our students have never left their little corner of the world, and they have no idea what is on the other side of it. They are not able to see other places, meet other people, and look at all the cultures, perspectives, ideas, and issues in our world. Yet, we expect them to go out and tackle the big issues? How? They have no experience. I know what you’re thinking. We can’t just pick them up and take them to gain those experiences. What is the next best thing? You know where this is going-- BOOKS! Students need to read about the big issues, big ideas, and the biggest life changer of all--relevant literature. Whether it is relevant to their age, culture, lifestyle, zip code, race, or struggle, it is important to them. And because we are those teachers… you know what I am talking about… THOSE teachers who refuse to teach out of a textbook, doing what we think is best for our students, mixing it up and making it fun, trying to change the world teachers… making a change in our curriculum for the benefit of our students is what we are about. Yes, you! I see you reading this blog, thinking about changing it up, and already envisioning the difference it will make. Alright, you’re going to make me say the first cheesy line of this blog… “Be the change you want to see in the world." -Gandhi.
2. Diverse books promote empathy.
Reading books about people different from ourselves helps us familiarize ourselves with others. It helps us place ourselves in someone else’s shoes and learn about other people’s experiences. When we are not exposed to the reality of diversity, we are leaving ourselves open to looking at the world through stereotypes-- often negative-- and prejudices. We are living in a world that is deeply divided. We see it on social media, the news, and some of us live it daily. If students read books teaching them about others, then maybe we can bridge that gap and build a kinder, more compassionate world. Cue cheesy line #2... BOOKS CAN SAVE THE WORLD!
3. Diverse books are relatable and engaging.
When we look at most communities, they are DIVERSE, so it’s important for all people to be represented in literature and for our students to read those novels that relate to their experience. Failing to incorporate diverse literature is a disservice to our kids. Our students need to see themselves in literature. They need to see themselves as the hero, as the protagonists, and not just the sidekick, stereotypical drug dealer/trouble-maker, cast member in random-scene-in-movie #4, type of way. When we, as readers, can relate to characters in a book, those characters help to validate our experiences, help to let us know that what we feel, what we believe, and who we are MATTERS. More importantly, it helps readers know that they are IMPORTANT and can be the hero in their story, too.
Below we highlight some great book pairings if you are interested in adding some diverse novels into your curriculum.
This coming year we will be teaching Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds and pairing it with Hamlet by Shakespeare.
Topics & Themes they share: revenge, death of a loved one, ghosts, grief.
We will also be teaching Dear Martin by Nic Stone in our English I class and pairing it with To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Topics & Themes they share: racism, prejudice, justice.
Night by Elie Wiesel and Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (There is a movie based on the novel out called Ashes in the Snow).
Topics and Themes they share: survival, resilience, prison camps, oppression
The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon (has a movie out) and Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare.
Topics and Themes they share: teen love, fate, free will, familial responsibility
