Friday

The World from YA Eyes: What books will interest students?

This past week has been filled with news about the GCSE English Literature syllabus and the changes Michael Gove could be making because he 'doesn't like' certain books(Of Mice and Men, for example). At first, the tagline, "Gove kills Mockingbird" could not be ignored; wherever you turned in a desperate attempt to flee what seemed to be an attack on American Literature, there it was. To Kill a Mockingbird and Of Mice and Men, along with others works by American authors are classics. Whilst people argued that they should be read by everyone, my Twitter feed was filled with outcry; how young people need to be taught the lessons these books include. While Gove has denied that he is  'banning' these books, I'm taking a different stance. Rather than discussing whether the author is American or British, or whether the novel is a classic or not, why not think about what will interest students? English Literature should not be a 'free promotion' of sorts for our British authors, nor should it be filled with plays or poems by only Shakespeare. Admittedly, these new changes will affect students studying in England only, but the GCSE should still be encouraging young people to read. Make it interesting, Mr Gove - and, whatever changes you make, involve those who it will have to study the books, after all.

 
A few years ago, I was forced into reading books I rarely found enjoyment from; only did a few series' over the course of my four years of Primary School actually interest me. Instead of dragging myself through, I handed these books to my father to read - which probably resulted in him skimming through - while I continued with my ever-growing Jacqueline Wilson collection. Of course, I was caught out during a discussion, and ironically kept in to read during a break. I was one of the lucky ones, though: taken to the library, read with every night, bought books for Christmas, but for many, the only place they will encounter a book is in school. Unless I had been reading what I chose to, I probably would have never developed a love of books, so choosing what teenagers study in depth for GCSE needs to be based on more than the nationality of the author.
 
At the moment, there are changes taking place to try and achieve more of a variety in the syllabus, but even as a lover of books, so far I'm not impressed. I'm trying to be completely unbiased here and can see why, if this is the course, why reading is deemed as 'uncool' and for 'nerds' or 'geeks'. Literature should include all books - and I would champion modern classics also being included. There are certain things that have to be included now, regardless of whether we're talking about Gove's ideas or a Welsh exam board. What stood out to me was that Jane Eyre was on one of the lists - and I would love to study a novel by Charlotte Bronte. Although, where are the likes of Harry Potter or The Hunger Games, which would interest students, as many may have previously read them. Gove, base what you choose on what you know young people like! Think about it. With J.K. Rowling, themes such as friendship could be explored; with Suzanne Collins the affects of War and how it is handled in a book for young adults.
 
I'd support an English Literature GCSE that included novels that have strong messages; that teach about life; that you can read without having to type into Google and have the plot summarised. It could be so much better. It's the study of books, plays and poetry - and why not make it enjoyable? Hardly any of what I have seen includes a novel from the 21st Century; the books that the young people of today will probably relate the most to. The books where the language is easier to understand, and the concept simpler to grasp. Keep those much loved classics, BOTH the ones from American and British authors, I feel it is necessary to point out. It would be a mistake to throw them away - but possibly include a wider variety. You can't kill a Mockingbird, that's for sure, but how about giving a young person the chance to study 1984 or Fahrenheit 451. After all, the themes of these books are so relevant.
 
I couldn't write a post about this without directing you to Charli's open letter to Michael Gove on Huffington Post! Congrats!
 
So, what books do you think will interest students?
Do you believe those like The Hunger Games or Harry Potter would fit the Literature syllabus?
 
Tell me in the comments!
 
Sophie
x

8 comments:

  1. Great blog post - very well said! And well done to Charli to for her Huff Post piece - awesome!

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    1. Thank you SO much, Siobhan! I really appreciate your comment!

      Agreed! I couldn't be prouder of her!

      -Sophie :)

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  2. I don't think YA will ever be associated. *le sigh* Which I think is really stupid! Sometimes I feel like the people who choose which books are classics are a little pretentious. Almost as if they go, "Oh! Another book with hard to decipher language and an erratic plot! We must involve it in schools and put it on the list of classics". So I'm not that much of a fan of classics, if you can tell. ;3 I don't have enough patience to absorb it all in in all its splendid glory. I can appreciate them though! But I seriously think more teens would be more open to reading if it were books that interest the teenagers of today and, DUH DUH DUN, that's YA books like The Hunger Games! Sure, keep some of the classics, but you really should give the whole 'Introducing YA' a good long think!

    Though I don't live in England, I am really angry at this man for doing it! Especially because so many want to read American classics! :(

    Great post!

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    1. I hope YA will be one day, but my best guess is that you're right! Your point sums up everything I feel about the books on the syllabus, as someone who also isn't a big fan of classics!

      I completely understand what you mean! Classics are still appreciated, but The Hunger Games would fit in so well with English Lit!

      Thanks so much for your comment, Rachel!

      -Sophie :)

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  3. I do think there should be a more varied syllabus, but, although YA books are really good, I am not sure they would suit this purpose. Saying that, books like Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman, would provide both an interesting read for teens, but also have contextual value,which would be appreciated by students and teachers a like. I must say, I do love classics, but our school did a book called Tsotsi, rather than the two that most schools use.

    Wonderful post :)

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    1. Thanks, Chloe! I love how your school did something different. I wish there was more of a variety, too, but definitely get your point about some YA books not really being fit. I agree Noughts and Crosses would be so valuable for teens!

      Thanks!

      -Sophie :)

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  4. I believe that it is important to involve books from all countries to promote diversity and understanding. Even in the US we are required to read books by British authors. I have no qualms reading translated or foreign books. I also don't want to forget books that are great from other English speaking countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. There are also great books from other languages that should be required such as The Odyssey, War and Peace, etc. Contemporary books are also important if they are going to be used. I understand that reading the entire Harry Potter series is a stretch because it does take a long time to analyze and read, but some stand alone books like Dear Killer (British) are great at exploring complex topic like morals.

    Amelia @ YA Bookologists (ya-bookologists.blogspot.com)

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    1. Thank you for commenting, Amelia! It's so great to hear from someone living outside the US! If you're included our books, I don't see why we can't include American authors(or any authors!).

      -Sophie :)

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read - and comment on - this blog post! I read and reply to every comment, so feel free to ask any questions and I'll answer!

See you soon!

Sophie Louise