In education, the content and context of high school literature have come under scrutiny. As society progresses and perspectives shift, there is an increasing need to reevaluate the books that shape young minds. This thought-provoking article looks at dangerous literature, questioning the place of certain high school books in modern education.
Of Mice and Men: A Tale Too Grim
“I know it’s weak, but the ending to Of Mice and Men really messed up my 13-year-old brain.”
This classic book by John Steinbeck can be pretty heavy, dealing with themes like friendship and dreams amid hardships. However, it has a very sad ending that can leave young readers feeling down. This is why some people think it might not be suitable for every teenager in high school.
Dianetics: A Controversial Pick
“Dianetics, or anything else by L. Ron Hubbard.”
While researching various religions can be educational, many see “Dianetics” as a controversial book. The teachings of L. Ron Hubbard have sparked much debate, and having it in a high school reading list might make some parents and students uncomfortable.
The Bluest Eye: A Painful Read
“The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison was rough.”
Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye is a deeply emotional story that discusses complex and painful themes like racism and abuse. Although it’s a powerful book, it might be too intense for young students, especially those who’ve gone through similar experiences.
A Day No Pigs Would Die: A Heartbreaking Tale
“A Day No Pigs Would Die. I read it in the 7th grade, and it still affects me in my mid-30s. Life is already sad enough.”
This book tells a harrowing story about a young boy’s hard life on a farm. The harsh realities of life and death presented in the book can be too much for young students.
1984: Too Mature for the Young
“I was in a gifted class, and we read 1984…in the fourth grade. Great piece of literature, but maybe a titch intense for nine-year-olds, y’know?”
While 1984 is a masterpiece by George Orwell, it discusses serious themes such as totalitarian regimes, surveillance, and lack of privacy. It might be a bit too much for young kids to comprehend and could potentially cause unnecessary fear.
Night John: A Dark Tale
“I was supposed to read Night John in 4th grade. We stopped when parents complained about the vivid description of a slave being ripped apart by dogs. I’d definitely let my kids read it, but not in 4th grade.”
Night John is a harsh depiction of slavery that includes violent scenes. While it’s important to educate students about slavery, it might be best to wait until they’re a bit older to introduce such graphic content.
The Kite Runner: Not For Kids
“The Kite Runner….my dad saw me pick that up at a bookstore when I was in the 7th grade, and he said no, I wasn’t allowed to read that till I got older. Me being the rebellious little brat, I was convinced by my friend to buy it, and we took turns reading it. Yeah, that book is not for kids…I learned some things that day :(.”
The Kite Runner is a powerful novel, but it tackles heavy themes like violence, guilt, and redemption. It might be more appropriate for older high school students or adults than younger kids.
Ethan Frome: A Depressing Narrative
“Ethan Frome.”
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton is a deeply tragic story about a man stuck in a loveless marriage. It might be too grim and hopeless for young students, who could find it disheartening instead of educational.
The Scarlett Letter: A Tough Grind
“The Scarlett Letter, that stuff was a grind. I love to read, but I wanted to claw my eyes out so I could stop reading it.”
The Scarlett Letter is a classic novel, but its old-fashioned language and lengthy descriptions can make it a challenging and tedious read for high school students. Engaging young readers often require books that they can relate to and enjoy.
The Things They Carried: An Unsettling Reminder
“Was given The Things They Carried in HS and had nightmares for weeks because I had a brother overseas in combat at the time. Part of me never wants my kids to read it because of how much it negatively affected me, which I know isn’t a good reason. I think it is a worthwhile book, but it will always make me uncomfortable.”
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien presents the horrors of war, which can be quite disturbing, especially for those with family members in the military. It’s a significant book but might not be appropriate for all high school students due to its graphic and unsettling content.
16 ANNOYING PHRASES THAT MAKE PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY HATE YOU!
OBSOLETE MILLENNIALS: 14 SKILLS THEY LEARNED IN THE 90S THAT HAVE NO PLACE IN TODAY’S WORLD
OBSOLETE MILLENNIALS: 14 SKILLS THEY LEARNED IN THE 90S THAT HAVE NO PLACE IN TODAY’S WORLD
THE FALL FROM GRACE: 12 PROFESSIONS THAT WERE ONCE REVERED, NOW A TOTAL JOKE
THE FALL FROM GRACE: 12 PROFESSIONS THAT WERE ONCE REVERED, NOW A TOTAL JOKE
FROM ‘OKAY BOOMER’ TO ‘UGH BOOMER’: 10 HABITS THAT IRRITATE MILLENNIALS
Each generation has its quirks. Most label it as an “old person thing” when asked why grandpa or grandma does something unusual. The defense from the other side is that “it was the way things were back in our day.”
FROM ‘OKAY BOOMER’ TO ‘UGH BOOMER’: 10 HABITS THAT IRRITATE MILLENNIALS
