March Slice of Life Challenge hosted by Two Writing Teachers
“It’s Monday! What are you Reading?” is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.
It is a chance for book lovers to share their reading accomplishments as well as what is on the proverbial nightstand. She even does a giveaway. Subsequently Jen and Kellee at Teach Mentor Texts added an opportunity for those reading kidlit to join the fun. Since I read both I will post to both.
Check them out, join the conversations, and discover more great books.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher*
Yes, I only finished one book this week, but what a book. Have you read Thirteen Reasons Why? If not, and you care about the life of high school students, get your hands on a copy. The book is the story of a high school girl explaining why she commits suicide. The day before she ends her life she makes audio tapes explaining what has happened in her life and how other people have impacted her. After her death the tapes are delivered to the thirteen people who play major roles in the story. Thirteen Reasons Why is told from the perspective of one of these people as they are listening to the tapes. The effect is two first person accounts, the tapes themselves and the one listening to the tapes.
The lesson? Our actions impact others, if we realize it or not.
I think this book would open up important conversations with teenagers. I teach 5th grade. It is not appropriate for them. Do any of you use this book with students? I have coached and mentored high school students. I have found that they appreciate authentic conversations. (Don't we all?) Thirteen Reasons Why does not sugar coat high school life. I think it could be a great opening for dialogue about what is going on in their lives. I encourage you to add it to your list and give it a read.
An * indicates my ‘must own’ list, either for myself or my classroom library.
Wow! Sounds like a book both my high school students and I need to read! Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteYes...I've read 13 Reasons Why. It's an edgy book that stays with you loooooong after you close the cover.
ReplyDeleteRuth
I'm sure it's a good book, but just not my cup of tea. I wish I could say it was, but I cannot handle it. I'm glad others can though. I hope it can be a help to someone out there.
ReplyDeleteThis is a book I want to read. Have heard many good things. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi! Did you link up on our blog for the It's Monday post? I didn't see it on the linky! Glad I found it through the Slices. I loooooooove Thirteen Reasons Why. It made me think about how every teeny tiny interaction can make such a difference in someone's life.
ReplyDeleteOoh, this is the first time I've heard of this book. I really want to read it now. Unfortunately, suicide is a huge problem here in Korea with the teenagers and adults here. I hope I can get myself a copy of it.
ReplyDeletejee young
@Jen - Thanks for the reminder. Now linked.
ReplyDelete@Jee Young - I read it on my Kindle from my library in the States. It is such a slick way to go.
It's been ages since I read it. I will definitely reread before the movie.
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