Reading Their World

As my Young Adult Literature class comes to a close I feel a small sense of loss. Although the reading has indeed been rigourous I have immensely enjoyed my time reading a variety of young adult literature titles. I received an email in March with a list of 15 books that we would be reading for the course. The instructions were to read and journal. My first thought was excitement over the reading list my second thought was dread over journaling. My reading experience is to get lost in the story, not journal about it as I lose my train of thought.

The reading. Oh, the excitement! I can simply sit and enjoy a book, get lost in a world that isn't my own, the pure indulgence of reading. Even though the reading has been rigourous and at times something I have found difficult to fit into my day. I have truly enjoyed my reading experience. The one thing I have found through all this reading is that I am extremely fond of young adult literature. There weren't any of the titles that I particularly hated. Some weren't my favorite books to read, but I didn't hate them outright.

Journaling. I have found that I don't mind sitting after a book and putting my thoughts on paper. I have actually thought of adding to my journal while I continue to read young adult literature. The journal gives me a place to remember my thoughts on a book and questions that I may have after reading. I can use this reflection in my classroom to have discussions with students who may chose to read a title I have already read. A journal also lets me keep track of titles I have read myself. This way I know if there are books in my classroom library that I need to read.

I hope to stay current on young adult literature, so I may be better equipped to have meaningful, thought provoking conversations with my students. If I show an interest in reading their world, I hope that they will find the time to read and discuss their world with me.