Sunday Special: The Books We Read in School

Overview

This episode explores the books that shaped childhood and adolescence, the enduring classics taught in schools, and strategies to foster a love of reading in young people. Gilbert Cruz is joined by Sadie Stein, editor at The New York Times Book Review, and Louis Sachar, author of Holes and the Wayside School series, to discuss their personal experiences with literature and recommendations for young readers.

Notable Quotes

- I think it's so important for people to read to kids. I remember nothing else about 4th grade except our teacher reading that book. — Louis Sachar, on the impact of being read Charlotte's Web aloud.

- Reading has enriched my life tremendously. I think it's important to try to pass that along. — Louis Sachar, on the value of fostering a love for books.

- The scariest thing is the idea that if you are made to read too many books that you don't like, it will turn you off from reading altogether. — Gilbert Cruz, on the delicate balance of school reading lists.

📚 The Magic of Early Reading Experiences

- Louis Sachar credits being read Charlotte's Web aloud in 4th grade as the moment he fell in love with storytelling.

- Sadie Stein recalls her teacher reading From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler aloud, creating a magical classroom atmosphere.

- Both guests emphasize the importance of reading aloud to children, noting its emotional and developmental impact.

📖 Classics in the Classroom: Timeless or Outdated?

- A study revealed that six of the top 10 books taught in schools today were also taught in 1989, including Romeo and Juliet, The Great Gatsby, and Of Mice and Men.

- Sadie Stein loved Shakespeare in school, crediting engaging teachers and acting out scenes, while Louis Sachar found it challenging without audio aids.

- Both guests agree that while classics like The Great Gatsby and Catcher in the Rye resonate deeply, others, like Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury, may alienate young readers.

📚 Encouraging Young Readers: What Hooks Kids?

- Louis Sachar believes in respecting young readers’ intelligence and writing stories that he himself enjoys.

- Series books, like Dog Man and The Mysterious Benedict Society, are highlighted as effective tools for engaging reluctant readers due to their immersive and anticipatory nature.

- Audiobooks are championed as an underutilized resource in schools, especially for students who struggle with traditional reading.

📉 The Decline of Pleasure Reading

- A recent report shows only 16% of Americans read for pleasure annually.

- The guests stress the importance of finding gateway books that ignite a lifelong love of reading. Sadie Stein argues against stigmatizing commercialized series, emphasizing that all reading is valuable.

- Louis Sachar reflects on the joy of connecting with readers who credit his books with sparking their love of reading.

📚 Book Recommendations for Young Readers

- Louis Sachar: The Giver by Lois Lowry, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, and The Great Gilly Hopkins.

- Sadie Stein: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz, Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary, and Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard.

- Gilbert Cruz: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and Small Spaces by Katherine Arden for older kids who enjoy spooky tales.