From: Megan Schliesman <Schliesman>
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 08:53:54 -0500

Thank you for those of you who shared titles on the topic of transitions.

It's now time for US to transition to our topic for the second week of September: books conveying images of teachers, students, classroom dynamics, principals, staff--anything to do with school.

I think this is an important topic for many of us. We long for books that get it right (and there is a vast continuum of "rightness"--meaning authenticity in the portrayal of school-related issues and individuals), and find it hard to embrace books that misrepresent or simplify educators and education as well as school life for children and teens.
(And even here, I know what I'm saying is far too simplified for responses that involve more than just black-and-white reactions.)

So what are books that you embrace--or reject--for how school including teachers, students, staff, and school-related issues are presented?

I'll start by mentioning one of my favorites for showing the power of a great teacher: A Book of Coupons by Susie Morgenstern. I know others have mentioned this wonderful book on CCBC-Net before. I appreciate it's humor and warmth, and its portrayal of a teacher who respects and challenges his students, who respond to all the gifts -- of knowledge, of attention, of experience, of caring -- that he has to offer.

Megan

Megan Schliesman, Librarian Cooperative Children's Book Center School of Education, UW-Madison 600 N. Park St., Room 4290 Madison, Wi 53706 608&2?03 schliesman at some.place 608&2?03 schliesman at some.place
Received on Tue 21 Sep 2004 08:53:54 AM CDT