WJ apex parents — assigned book?
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Anonymous
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Hi parents,
I am wondering how many kids are reading the alternate book Esther than the assigned. Just reading the Wikipedia entry about the assigned book has me pretty upset and I’m not sure how my 14 year old would deal with it. I haven’t read the book (and really don’t want to) so I don’t how much detail it gives about the underlying crime. My inclination is to get the alternate book but if most kids are reading the primary assigned book and it will be discussed in class, maybe that’s pointless. Curious what others are thinking/doing. Thanks. |
Anonymous
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It will be discussed.
In high school, your child is going to encounter a lot of topics you are uncomfortable with. |
Anonymous
| What's the assigned book? |
Anonymous
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Significant trauma aside, I would have my DC read it.
I would also read the book to form my own opinion. Then, I’d suggest DC and I discuss it together. This allows me to explain what I think and ask DC about their thoughts or beliefs and why that’s the case. Because a teen’s task - as a growing adult - is to learn and explore what they believe. I wouldn’t declare to DC that they can’t read a book without having read it myself. That would not be a helpful way to make or model informed decision making. |
Anonymous
I really can’t read it. That subject matter will make me so upset I wouldn’t be able to work or lsleeo well for a long time. I just don’t have the emotional bandwidth for that. I’ve read other books on the same topic (death penalty and wrongful convictions) but cannot read anything about torture of children. I do feel bad telling her she has to read something I know I wouldn’t be able to read. |
Anonymous
| What book is it? |
Anonymous
Clearly you’re not a WJ apex parent so your opinion is not being sought. The question is what other kids in the program are doing not what other McPS parents would do in the same situation. |
Anonymous
| We are Apex 2028, and if it's the same book about the real crime rape/murder, it's a sh*t choice and barely discussed or used in any way in class. You don't have to read it. |
Anonymous
And you wonder why Option 3 exists... 
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Anonymous
My kid is also Apex ‘28. The subject of the book did a Zoom call with the kids. There was a lot of good discussion ahead of time and the kids prepared questions to ask him. My kid found it very moving. It was about someone on death row who was exonerated by dna evidence. |
Anonymous
Bloodsworth. It has a brief but detailed description of the underlying crime but that’s definitely not the focus of the book. APEX English is going to read more advanced books and have more mature discussions. It was the highlight of 9th grade for my kid. The APEX program has expanded since they dropped the testing requirements with class of ~’25 but it isn’t a fit for everyone, regardless of IQ. |
Anonymous
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My APEX student read the book last year and found it to be very interesting. APEX students had some very rich discussions around the idea of wrongful conviction, the justice system in general, and the evolution of DNA evidence as a tool. To my knowledge, there was no detailed discussion at all of the crime, but rather an emphasis on the fact that the crime Kirk Bloodsworth was convicted of was serious enough to put him on death row. The case was especially interesting to students because it took place in Maryland and Bloodsworth was the first person death row inmate to ever be exonerated from his crime based on DNA evidence. As an added bonus, Bloodsworth spoke to the students about the long process of proving his innocence. I don't take your concerns about the nature of the crime/detailed description lightly, but if there's a way you could feel comfortable exposing your child to the case (maybe skipping/ripping out the page where it discusses the crime - it really is only a page or so), it's interesting and worth learning about.
It is my understanding that the alternate text is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, also a true story that took place in Maryland. Both books offer excellent interdisciplinary connections, as well (science and social studies). |
Anonymous
| The Bloodsworth Book is not for literary value. It's a true crime story tied to AP Gov, if anything. The Zoom assembly was a unique and interesting experience, but if you have a sensitive child, the main points can be covered via a summary of the elements of wrongful conviction and ultimate vindication. Wikipedia. |
Anonymous
AP Gov is one of the three required 9th grade classes for Apex. |
Anonymous
What are the other two? |