lightship presentation for michigan reading association 2013

Once More to the Lighthouse: Using YA Titles in the Classroom

Mr. Paul W. HankinsSilver Creek High School—

Sellersburg, Indiana

Lightship Titles:

Serve as a source of inspiration via their quiet sense of story.

Lightship Titles:

Draw the sailor, the sightseer, and the sojourner

the same.

Lightship Titles:

Take their place in a bay—where the water breaks–

in a position of trust as well as truth.

Lightship Titles:

So long as we seek their light,maintain their visibility from above, afar, near,

and within.

Lightship Titles:

Maintain their position through a recognized and revered message:

“This way. . .home.”

Lightship Titles:

Are positioned at the place—at the end of the pier—

reminding us of the still waters that run deep.

Lightship Titles:

Are diligent . Unmoving, they remain steadfast, even when we have moved on—

or stepped away.

Lightship Titles:

Stand in place—a guidepost as much as they are a

gathering point.

Lightship Titles:

Are unquestioned for their message; unchallenged in their position.

Lightship Titles:

Know that light is the life for those seeking shore or shelter from the

storm.

The Brand New Teacher in Room 210

“not knowing something doesn’t mean you’re stupid. All it means is that there’s still room left to wonder. “

The Sophomore Teacher Shares “Freshman”

“You know what guys do? They stand up for people. You know why? Two reasons. It's right. And it feels good. Even if the person doesn't know what you did. Maybe especially then.”

Third Year—Settling in under a “Big Sky”

“My bounce-around life had taught me that dreams were dangerous things - they look solid in your mind, but you just try to reach for them. It's like gathering clouds.”

We’ll Support the Controversial in the Name of “Truth”

“I realized that, sure, I was a Spokane Indian. I belonged to that tribe. But I also belonged to the tribe of American immigrants. And to the tribe of basketball players. And to the tribe of bookworms. And the tribe of cartoonists. And the tribe of chronic masturbators. And the tribe of teenage boys. And the tribe of small-town kids. And the tribe of Pacific Northwesterners. And the tribe of tortilla chips-and-salsa lovers. And the tribe of poverty. And the tribe of funeral-goers. And the tribe of beloved sons. And the tribe of boys who really missed their best friends. It was a huge realization. And that's when I knew that I was going to be okay.”

The Knife and the Birth of RAW INK Online

“Here's what I think," I say and my voice is stronger and thoughts are coming, thoughts that trickle into my noise like whispers of truth. "I think maybe everybody falls," I say. "I think maybe we all do. And I don't think that's the asking." I pull on her arms gently to make sure she's listening."I think the asking is whether we get back up again.”

Readers in the Real World Need YA

YA is “Good” for Readers

“Strange, how such a small realization can affect everyone's life forever. In movies there is always a carefully staged moment - a big crescendo of music, close- ups of the actors' faces, the camera slowly pulling away to let all this sink in for the viewer...but, in real life, most all of the extraordinary things happen with no more loudness than a whisper.”

After NIGHT. . .a return to hope and humanity

Andrius turned. His eyes found mine. "I'll see you," he said.My face didn't wrinkle. I didn't utter a sound. But for the first time in

months, I cried. Tears popped from their dry sockets and sailed down my cheeks in one quick stream. I looked away.

The NKVD called the bald man's name."Look at me," whispered Andrius, moving close. "I'll see you," he said.

"Just think about that. Just think about me bringing you your drawings. Picture it, because I'll be there."

I nodded."Vilkas," the NKVD called.We walked toward the truck and climbed inside. I looked down at

Andrius. He raked through his hair with his fingers. The engine turned and roared. I raised my hand in a wave good-bye.

His lips formed the words "I'll see you." He nodded in confirmation.I nodded back. The back gate slammed and I sat down. The truck

lurched forward. Wind began to blow against my face. I pulled my coat closed and put my hands in my pockets. That's when I felt it. The stone. Andrius had slipped it into my pocket. I stood up to let him know I had found it. He was gone.”

The Best Laid Titles. . .are in Reader’s Hands

“’The little man jerked down the brim of his hat and scowled over at Lennie. “So you forgot that awready, did you? I gotta tell you again, do I? Jesus Christ, you’re a crazy bastard!”’”

Jaycee shakes me and I jerk my head around. “Wait. What? What did I do?”

I’d fallen asleep , that’s what. There’s drool on my cheek and a smudge mark on the window. I wipe my face and try to figure about why Jaycee’s calling me a bastard.

“Not you,” she says without me asking. “That’s George talking. And he’s mad at Lennie because he already forgot where they’re going. I told you you weren’t paying attention.”

“I’m sorry,” I say. “I guess I fell asleep. I was thinking about Scooter. . .and we did get up kind of early.”

“It’s okay.” She pats my shoulder. “Go to sleep, my little Lennie.”

Lightship Titles for

When the Water Gets Rough

I think books can help create a safe way to learn and talk about painful or frightening experiences and issues, especially when no one around you is talking about those things. . .There were times when I was a teen that I would mark off passages in books (with post-it notes), and show those or give the entire book to people I cared about, hoping that they would understand something I couldn’t find the words to talk about or was too scared to verbalize.

Cheryl Rainfield (SCARS)

This Book May Have Some Surface Wear and Remainder Marks

One time when I was either a tween or early teen, I'd read an Archie comic in which Betty was exercising like crazy so that Archie would, you know, find her attractive. Her mom commented that lately, Betty was eating like a bird, and Betty replied, "I am a bird: an ostrich, with a long skinny neck and a blob for a body." I thought this was funny. Later, when my mom commented about what I was eating, I repeated Betty's statement: I'm an ostrich, with a long skinny neck and a blob for a body."

And my mom replied, "There's nothing skinny about you.“

Jackie Morse Kessler (HUNGER)

Maybe. . .I am sending a rally call to young people to think of domestic violence the same as a swine flu epidemic (FREAK OUT!)

Maybe I'm sending a call to everyone who reads the book to DO SOMETHING. SAY SOMETHING. START TALKING NOW.

Maybe I just want to point out that ignoring things never gets us anywhere.

Whatever the reasoning, I write tough books because that's what comes naturally to me--and I can't see myself stopping any time soon.

A. S. King (ASK THE PASSENGERS)

Secrets have always fascinated me . Several times in my life I've had moments that have caused me to view people in a completely different way once their secrets were revealed and I think that's a pretty common experience.

When I was 18, a very honest conversation with my mother revealed some secrets that totally changed my view of our family and what happened when I was small.

C. J. Omololu (DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS)

When a Book Says “Forever”

Suddenly every leaving and returning began to make sense. The novel would be my navigation guide.

My log would show my love for books.

My lightship would be—now and forever more—

a library shelf.

Friend or Follow Mr. Hankins after today’s presentation to share titles or to keep up with the new additions to the “Lightship Titles” List.

Facebook:

facebook.com/PaulWHankins

Twitter:

@PaulWHankins

Email:

PaulWHankins@aol.com

See you on the road, but in the meantime, you can revisit today’s presentation at

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