[LIT] tone and mood of group novels

[Bill IVEY]

Hi!

Yesterday, during study hall, some of the 8th graders started commenting
on how all the books they were required to read this year were really
depressing. The 7th graders chimed in and said they felt the same, which
took me aback because I had been trying to avoid precisely that syndrome.
But sure enough, nearly every book I mentioned, they had solid reasons why
the book was sad (even if ultimately hopeful and optimistic). They also
said that was no problem, that all good books are probably that way, that
they wouldn't be interesting otherwise.

Well. There's something to chew on. Would you all agree that "good
literature" (whatever that means... that's a whole different
conversation!) is inevitably sad? As you look at your own group novel
choices, do you see the same syndrome we have in our school? And, if it
does indeed exist, is this a syndrome which "should" be broken and if so
how?

Take care,
Bill Ivey
Stoneleigh-Burnham School