How I Would Fix High School Reading Lists: Part 1

So, if you read my last Afternoon Tea discussion post, you may have recognized my hatred for many of the books I was forced to read in high school. Turns out, I have a lot to say about this topic, but instead of ranting I’ve decided to approach the issue from a more constructive angle: how I would fix high school reading lists. 

I understand the importance of classics. I love reading classics. But when I look at high school readings lists I just see a haphazard list of books with lots of “literary merit”, desert-dry writing, and written with adults in mind, not young adults. The majority of young people do not want to read Charles Dickens! I mean, come on. The man was paid by the word, that should clue you into what his writing is like. 

My point is, reading lists should be made while keeping in mind that high school English should encourage a love of reading, young adults are not adults–yet, and not every book with literary merit has to bore you to tears and/or be from the stone age. 

Fixing High School Reading Lists in 3 Steps

Step 1: Replace books written for an adult audience with books written for a young adult audience. 

Wait, but that’s so many books on the list! Well, think of it as an opportunity to explore new authors and perspectives. Instead of Lord of the Flies, why not read Monster by Walter Dean Myers? Both books explore human nature, but the second is set in today’s world and also explores racial stereotyping, peer pressure, guilt, and the flaws of the US court system. Oh, and did I mention Monster is written in screenplay format? (So maybe less of a reliance on Shakespeare?) Don’t get me wrong, I love Shakespeare, but save that for late high school or college.

Not every book in high school has to be specifically for young adults. I didn’t like reading Fahrenheit 451, but I’ll admit the book taught me a lot that I will always remember. The point is to have more variety in high school readings lists. Some books can be wordy and long, but mix it up!

Step 2: Get rid of the idea that a book must be sad and have harsh consequences in order to have literary merit. 

Yes, happy endings are OK. Sure, books with consequences teach us lessons and make us think, but characters don’t have to die for readers to learn something. Why not read The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett? You can find plenty of literary devices in Pratchett’s writing including imagery, *relevant* allusions, and lots of humor–that you can actually enjoy, because, again, the book is not from the stone age. Humor changes over time, so a comedy from 100 years ago can’t be fully enjoyed by a high school student who does not know the full context.

Plus, because the Tiffany Aching series was written for young readers, it features problems that are far more relevant to high school readers like recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and owning them–rather than the general moral failings and savagery of the human race. (Yes, I am going to hate on Lord of the Flies this entire post. 14-year old me was appalled and I’m still angry).

Step 3: Diversify high school reading lists. 

I didn’t like graduating from high school and having to learn on my own that my perception was seriously skewed. Aren’t high schools supposed to prepare people for the real world? I love To Kill a Mockingbird, but it certainly should not be the only book in high school teaching about racism and inequality. How about also reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok?

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Wrap Up

Classics can definitely be applied to today’s world, but we still need to read books written in today’s context for a full education on the world we live in. High schoolers should not have to bend over backward every time they read so they can relate a classic written by a long-dead author to their modern life. Put some modern literature in the mix, even if it’s “easy to read”. Books aren’t meant to leave you confused and looking up SparkNotes every chapter just to understand what’s happening. 

I wish people would remember that high school students are young, and there is plenty of time for them to explore classics on their own time. I didn’t write this post to say “teachers should NEVER have students read slow-paced books with literary merit”. Instead, I wrote this post to say “high school teachers are responsible for cultivating their students’ love of reading as well as teaching them about literary elements.” Seriously, pick some fun, relevant books to read in class. Modern books can have just as much quality writing as classics.

As you may have guessed from the title of this post, I do have more to add on this topic. Next week I’ll introduce a list of books I think high schools should include in the reading lists and why. 

Further Questions

So far what is your opinion on high school reading lists? Do you agree with me? Why/why not? Have you read any of the books I suggested? Do you have any books you wish you’d read in high school?

May your days be full of magic and dragons,

Peyton

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