Texas Lone Star Reading List discussion

Of the books I've read, Peak, Schooled, Born to Rock, and now Chance Fortune and the Outlaws, none of these boys has a father. To some extent, in Night of the Howling Dogs, one of the characters does not have a strong father figure either.

Couldn't help but notice all these authors are working with this idea. In Schooled, this doesn't really affect the main character much, but the other characters are definitely affected because they lack a father figure. Is this something worth discussing or writing about in class? Is it too personal?

Personally I would shy away from it as it is so personal and know there are lots of kids without fathers. Perhaps you can discuss it by high school but elementary would be dicey. In fact I may even be colored a bit since my own grandson does not have a father in his life. I wonder how this will affect him over time. I am wondering when he will figure out everyone else has one. He is only three right now and worships his mom and grandfathers. Yes he has both sets of grandparents but the father is still not in his life.

Elementary school? This is a list for middle school and up.

Andy wrote: "Elementary school? This is a list for middle school and up."

I read a wide range and have kids from K- 8th.

I understand. I read a lot of books from various genres, too. This particular list of books, however, is touted as a list for middle school readers (and up). When I suggested writing about it in class, I never meant for this topic to be introduced to elementary students. It is personal; so, even at the middle school level, I wonder, how would others approach it.

I had not considered an outright rejection of the topic.

I still think that for kids who lack a father figure it is hard for them to really know how it affects them till they are about high school age. The titles you mentioned are all titles that my fourth and fifth graders are reading, as well as my 6th and 7th. The eighth graders read higher level materials.

Judy, I really want to drop this topic, but I cannot help but point out the problem in your argument. If you feel that these books hold a topic that is too personal for kids to handle, why are you allowing them to read the books in the first place? How can you object to discussing the topic and yet you allow them to read the book that promotes the discussion of such a subject? That doesn't make sense.

I would not object to kids talking about it if they brought up the topic. It is just not one I would plan a huge discussion on. I thought you asked whether I would plan a writing lesson about it. I would pose a question or discussion that was more general for grades 6-8. I do know I worry about getting into students personal lives and rocking the boat of some parents. I would not avoid the topic if students brought it up. So subject is dropped. I have enjoyed the discussion though. It is fun to share ideas and have enjoyed picking your brain. Thanks.