Reading for Justice: Engaging Middle Level Readers in Social Action through Young Adult Literature

The book uses young adult literature to teach middle level English language arts students about oppression and social action. It provides teaching strategies, research, writing, and digital literacies, and encourages students to take action in their communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This captivating book serves as a valuable resource for middle level English language arts teachers, empowering them to leverage young adult literature to foster students' comprehension of pressing social issues and provide avenues for meaningful social action. Spanning a diverse range of contemporary topics such as the refugee crisis, Indigenous rights, trauma, and bullying, each chapter revolves around a novel that serves as a powerful lens through which students can explore these complex themes. Authored by experts in the field, the book offers a comprehensive framework for teaching that seamlessly integrates social issues into the curriculum. Through pre-, during-, and after-reading strategies, authors guide educators in connecting the themes of the texts to students' personal experiences and the broader world around them. Research, writing, and digital literacies are emphasized as essential tools for developing students' critical thinking skills and empowering them to become active agents of change. Moreover, the book delves into teaching at the intersections of the focal topic with other areas of social justice, promoting a holistic understanding of complex societal challenges. By offering a multitude of avenues for student action, the authors emphasize the importance of moving readers from understanding and awareness to actively asserting their agency and capacities to effect positive change in their local, national, and global communities. In addition to the core content, the book includes supplementary resources such as documentaries, young adult literature companions for study, connected music, and additional lesson plans, further enhancing the educational experience. This resource is a must-have for educators who seek to inspire their students to become compassionate, socially aware, and empowered changemakers.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 229 x 151 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781475866346