What else could you ever need?
This week, we're talking about individualism. This raises some questions: what does it mean to be an individual? Is being an individual worth it? I don't believe there's really a single "right" answer to these questions, but it's certainly one that students ought to explore and define on their own terms, and one of the best ways for them to consider this is through reading books that struggle with these questions in different ways. A perfect example is the book I read this week: The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti. Bartoletti took a real (though relatively unknown) historical figure named Helmuth Hübener and told his story from what she imagined his perspective to be. The story takes place during Hitler's rise to power in the early 20th century. Helmuth is a young German boy who slowly begins to realize that the government is lying to manipulate the German people, but Hitler's regime has created an environment where speaking out against the law is unimaginable, for it would surely bring harsh punishment or even death. There are many people who dislike the strict laws the Nazi Party has made, but the threat of punishment keeps almost everyone silent. Finally, however, Helmuth decides to take a stand. He uses his writing skills to make and distribute anonymous pamphlets to raise awareness of all the wrong Hitler is doing in Germany, even though each passing day increases the likelihood that he will be caught and perhaps executed. Helmuth's story is absolutely inspiring. I feel it would be a good choice for middle or high school students to read because it will show them that one person, even a teenager, can make a difference in the world if they stand up for their beliefs. The Boy Who Dared can teach students to find what it is they believe in and support and cling to it, no matter what the world may tell them. Students need to know that their thoughts, beliefs, and actions matter. They need to know that they don't have to simply accept what higher powers tell them. In fact, they should never just accept it! They should be encouraged to question and explore and seek the truth. Bartoletti's novel would provide students with a real-life example of how one teenager's courage made a world of difference, and that is such a necessary lesson to learn.
1 Comment
Katie Dredger
3/25/2015 05:55:06 am
I love fiction closely based on historical events.
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AngelicaLaughter and literature are two of my favorite things, and I consider them to be crucial parts of my life. This blog is designed to spread life, laughter, and literature to anyone and everyone who needs them most. Photo by Tim Geers
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