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In the last six months, The Big Read initiative by the NEA has created a list of books that many communities around the country were reading together.
In an effort to help increase the rapidly falling literacy rates in America (particularly in youth) the National Endowment for the Arts created The Big Read initiative. Here, communities around the country would read a book together and events would then be scheduled in the are to discuss the book in different venues. Though the program only lasted from January 2008 through June 2008, the list compiled for the Big Read is one of the great compilations of classic literature that is both time-honored and accessible. The List
The NEA encouraged towns to engage each other in discussions about these books - not only to encourage literacy and good, neighborly conversation, but also because what makes these books so long-lasting are their timeless issues. Issues of race, free speech, sanctity of life, war, immigrants and many more make up the spine of these great books. The Big Read WebsiteNow that the initiative is past, many may be asking why this is still important? The website for the Big Read is one that contains a wealth of information for readers and teachers alike. Each book has it's own synopsis page, information about the authors, discussion questions, further resources and even a teacher's guide. What About Teen Readers?Remember, teen readers, just because a book is not in the YA section of your local library or bookstore, does not mean that it is off limits. The Big Read encourages readers of all ages to delve into their books, having chosen them with hopes that their themes would appeal to both teens and adults.. Make the Big Read list a checklist for yourself and your friends - post it on your blog (like Teri Brown did) and challenge your friends to see how many of the books they have read. A much bigger and possibly enjoyable and beneficial project would be to create your own list, based upon the NEA's list, but with other books you think relate. To Kill a Mockingbird is a book about growing up and forming ones own ideals - pick your favorite YA read about the topic and make that your Mockingbird entry on your list. Pass this new list around and encourage your friends to read these books as well. You can be your own force for improving literacy in your hometown!
The copyright of the article The Big Read in Teen Fiction is owned by Laura L. Johnson. Permission to republish The Big Read in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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