I had to put the video up through google drive because it was too long!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/155CXKSt70QH_ritB5Go8f0JEw2t--Acz/view?usp=sharing
I would definitely try to bring the topic of LGBTQ+ into the classroom through texts that we read. Although having a whole book brought into the classroom may be difficult, this can also be shown through poetry, short stories, videos, and more that students can work with throughout the year.
I am thinking of either doing some kind of digital poetry or a zine! I think both could work well for this topic/the books I read.
Hi Brianna! Thank you for sharing your book talk; your book talk felt so natural and you have such an amazing presence and personality here! I agree with what you mentioned in the book talk and in your reflection about the importance of bringing these topics and voices into the classroom to introduce a variety of perspectives as windows and mirrors for students. I found the first graphic novel that you mentioned to be really important too, specifically in that the protagonist experiences rage and says/does homophobic things. I think it is important for young readers to interact with imperfect characters and see how those characters grapple with and learn from their mistakes in order for those who read the stories to help grow their empathy and resilience as well. While it is never okay, students encounter homophobia in many avenues and many students internalize the hurt that may arise from that. Modeling some healing, learning, and growth around this topic can help students who may have encountered homophobia but not felt comfortable speaking against it or even about it. Thanks again for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Brianna. This is a great collection of books and work well for your civic engagement book talk. You could also use these books as you choice read (book #12) for CURRINS 650, or perhaps extra credit read for 650. Reach out to me via email with any questions about this.
ReplyDeleteHi Brianna! Thank you for sharing your book talk and your ideas. I really appreciated how you emphasized bringing LGBTQ+ topics into the classroom in accessible and thoughtful ways, especially through multiple formats like poetry, short stories, and videos instead of only relying on full-length novels.
ReplyDeleteYour connection to Flamer and Turning Twelve really stood out to me because both texts show how identity development and self-understanding can be complex during adolescence. I think your point about using a range of texts throughout the year is really important because it allows students to engage with these topics in smaller, more approachable ways while still building understanding over time.
I also really liked your idea of incorporating digital poetry or a zine. That feels like a meaningful way for students to not only respond to texts but also express their own identities and perspectives creatively. It also gives students agency, which can make discussions around identity feel safer and more personal.
One question I had for you is how you would structure the zine or digital poetry project so that students feel both guided and free in how they express themselves, especially around sensitive topics like identity and belonging.
Overall, your book talk gave me a lot to think about in terms of how we can create inclusive literacy spaces that don’t rely on just one format but instead offer students multiple ways to engage and reflect.