Alternate Texts as Literature
I agree that students need to be exposed to multiple genres and types of texts. How is a student to know what they really enjoy unless they have been exposed to comics, fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, magazines, etc. Why should we care what they are reading as long as they are reading.
By no means do I think a student should only be reading magazines if this is what they most enjoy. Every student needs to be challenged to dig into literature. But if they are engaged in the reading they are more likely to get something out of it.
We all learn from one another. The multiple experiences available by allowing students choice in their reading will provide meaningful learning experiences.
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I think it's great that alternate texts are starting to be viewed as "literature" and not just a waste of time, but in that label change....in that move to, what?.....mainstream acceptance, doesn't seem like hierarchies are still existing? Is there now just more canons....but now it happens to be a list of best graphic-novels and all the hallmarks that make certain ones stand out need to be noted and found? I don't necessarily think of this as a bad thing or anything....but should I? I do care what student's are reading. A Cosmo article could be viewed as light fun, a way to bring up marketing and stereotypes, or, quite frankly, total crap. Do you hold that student to a different standard than one who is seriously trying to tackle Melville? This is where I start to kind of get lost. Wilhelm talks about getting kids engaged (and I know it's just a first step to draw them into further and further understanding) but where do you draw the line? What do you think?
I think getting them engaged is crucial, but the most important thing to remember is that they are reading. Whether it be Cosmo ot Melville, they are reading. Getting the reluctant reader to read is more important than what they are reading. At least to me.
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