Adolescent Literacy and Writing

Reviews / Votes

Dr. Courtney Brown lifts the power of the narrative outside the classroom to a more non-traditional setting and allows us to peer into an academic free lens that translates the motivations, interests, and processes that influence writing's developmental evolution in the youth of today. Adolescent Literacy and Writing: Narratives outside the Classroom is filled with communication, collaboration, and creativity that is certain to deepen the power of the narrative. -- Gia D. Washington, CEO of Teacher 2 Teacher LLC As educators, we must realize the students we now serve are not those of even ten years ago; therefore, our practices must evolve if we are to effectively reach them, teach them. This begins with a change in our belief system. If we are to truly facilitate learning, this process must be an integral part of our students' lives. Adolescent Literacy and Writing: Narratives Outside the Classroom is a guide to mimic in order that we construct curriculum allowing for authentic experiences of which students will engage so that they actually internalize the classwork. If we are to teach the whole-child, we must know the whole-child. -- Kaydra Ellis, Thrive Academy Adolescent Literacy and Writing: Narratives outside the Classroom is a testament to the power of writing, providing inspirational examples of how writing can be encouraged and accessed. This important text addresses a substantial writing issue: adolescents' motivation to engage in writing outside of school. Classroom-based writing, the writing that happens inside schools, is often privileged because of where such writing occurs. However, all adolescent writing does not occur in classrooms. As literacy demands continue to shift through increasing technology and in response to societal changes, Courtney Brown, PhD, reminds teachers at all levels of the influence of writing outside of school as spaces for student collaboration, creativity, and catharsis. Brown shares the powerful opportunity such place-based writing provides when teachers facilitate writing opportunities about what interests, motivates, and influences adolescents. Presented as a basis for why out-of-school writing is imperative, this text's significant contribution to literacy is the exploration of the potential dissonance between what adolescents are forced to write in school and the ways they engage in writing outside of school. The poignant narratives of Jean, Mary, and Meisha are an amazing resource for teachers, other educators, and family members who seek insight regarding ways to positively encourage adolescents to share their thoughts, viewpoints, and mindsets in positive, productive ways. -- Margaret-Mary Sulentic Dowell, Louisiana State University