N answers “I am very upset that this book is on a...”

Sandra Catchings asked this question about Night:

I am very upset that this book is on a list as appropriate for 14 year old 8th graders. Because it is , my son is being forced to read it by his school. My family is deeply effected by this book. My son is in emotional upheaval and very depressed. This book should not be listed as appropriate for this age group. It should be read at the high school level and up- and be lsited as so. How could a book like this end up ?

N It really depends on what school district the book is assigned in. I teach for NYCDOE, and since its the largest school district in the USA, the curri…moreIt really depends on what school district the book is assigned in. I teach for NYCDOE, and since its the largest school district in the USA, the curriculums and guidelines differ from district to district, or even school to school. I've been an English teacher for 10 years, and I first taught "Night" to middle schoolers, which at the time, I thought would be too difficult for them. However, there were Holocaust themed movies that were used as a companion to visualize the Holocaust such as "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" and "The Devil's Arithmetic" which had graphic scenes of violence and Antisemitism. I now teach 10th grade, and many of the kids have read "Night" in 8th or 9th grade. So I think the book is appropriate from 13+. Now as a someone who is personally triggered by memories of a challenging past- I can see how the memoir can upset the reader. However, as far as removing the memoir as required reading? No, absolutely not. (less)

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