On the flip side, there are some teachers who wouldn’t be as open-minded, and insist that their students read only books that were deemed “classics”. That is no way to engage students. Then they feel that they are being beaten over the head with their elders opinions, belief systems and choices. What you are doing to explore other genres should be encouraged. Only by incorporating books that children perceive to be more relevant to modern life can you then shine a light on the relevance of one that they may have considered out-of-date, and therefore, out-of-touch. It’s a delicate balance, and one that you seem to be trying to reach.

I majored in English Literature and I adore the classics. I credit my joy of reading and my thirst for knowledge to some well loved English teachers and my mother. It is the teachers, as well as the parents DUTY to nurture the joy of reading in children. And that depends on being able to reach them on each one’s personal level. They can do that by sharing many types of literature, including the classics.

I have one daughter, so I might get lucky in passing on that joy. Tough job for you and your classroom full of kids! But, it is for that reason that teachers deserve to have more support than they usually get nowadays. Kudos to you!