I think it’s really weird that in school you always have to read books that are decades if not centuries old. Don’t get me wrong: They’re great books, and they should be read. But it irks me that there’s a derisive attitude toward books written more recently, especially if they’re popular (What, we can’t teach “Harry Potter” or “Eleanor & Park” in school?), and I can’t quite figure out why. Is it because they’re written in more modern language that’s easier to understand? Is it because kids might actually enjoy them, and heaven forbid we make learning fun and accessible? What is it?
Here’s a list of fantastic books written in the 21st century. It’s a great example of how many wonderful books have been written in our recent past, and I think more of them should be taught in schools.
Except for “Twilight.” Burn the “Twilight” books.
