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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]DD is going to Westland as a 7th grader and I emailed the school to ask whether this was a requirement. It is. Apparently they'll be discussing the book ad nauseam all year.

I'm as lefty as they come, but I greatly miss the days of classical education, and reading classical literature ([b]with appropriate explanations on misogyny, historical stance against homosexuality, class systems, etc[/b]). Rick may be a valuable book to open children's minds, but it certainly is not well-written.

I wish Westland had more of a balance between modern culture and great writing.
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 :shock: You want them to teach [i]that [/i]history?!

I thought we were supposed to put our heads in the sand.[/quote]

PP you replied to. Well, yes. I love the classics, I got a lot out of them (both British/American and my native country's). And when you read Dickens or Austen or Twain or Balzac, you can't let certain racial/gender assumptions and societal restrictions go without comment, can you? It's a whole teaching moment.

I'm perfectly fine with contemporary novels on current societal issues. I see it as the continuation of all the conversations I have with my kids about other novels from the past. But why just Rick? Why not pair it with a classic, and have a comparative discussion?

Basically what I'm whining about are the low standards. The kids are just asked to read one, poorly written book. It's not nearly enough. I usually curate a list of summer reading for my kids and we discuss them, but it would be nice if the school could help me out!

And yes, to answer another PP's question, this book is part of the Middle Years programme. I don't think it's easy to opt out, as this book is supposed to be discussed throughout the year. Just complement it with something YOU think your child should read :-)

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