Request for Library Media Center

RE: Material Recommendation for Library Media Center

Dear Principal Zipp:
As you are aware, the Common Core Standards have increased the need for students to read
informational text. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) by grade 12
students should be reading 30% literary text and 70% informational text. It is with the Common Core
and the new ELA Modules in mind that I, as school library media specialist, am recommending the
purchase of a series of text titled, Social Issues in Literature.
The series focuses on multiple topics in literature and address specific works of literature that are
taught in the ELA Modules. The series provide simple, straightforward way to locate information and
aids with student research topics. After reviewing the current module and the texts studied, the Social
Issues in Literature series contains a book for each grade level. Grade 9 studies Romeo and Juliet;
grade 10 covers The Joy Luck Club; grade 11 discusses Hamlet; and grade 12 studies The
Autobiography of Malcolm X. Below are the list of books from the series that I recommend for
purchase:
Coming of Age in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet. PB ISBN: 978-0-7377-4615-0.
$21.20
Womens Issues in the Amy Tans Joy Luck Club PB ISBN: PB ISBN: 978-0-7377-3902-2. $21.20
Corruption in William Shakespeares Hamlet. PB ISBN: 978-0-7377-4810-9. $21.20
Racism in The Autobiography of Malcolm X. PB ISBN: 978-0-7377-4261-9. $21.20
Each title in the series at structured the same way. The books provide 3 chapter containing 5-7 articles
each exploring a similar theme related to the text and topic. The books give quick summaries and
backgrounds on what the articles contain, allow students to quickly find an article that relate to their
research topic or inquiry. Students can use this text series to supplement research. It is also a way for
teachers to enhance the informational text required in the new curriculum modules. The series is
similar to online databases, but at much lower cost. The books are easier for students to navigate and
will continue to be useful as informational texts.
It is on my recommendation the high school allow the school library media center to purchase these
four titles to start. Attached is a .pdf of the entire books in the series Social Issues in Literature. Please
take the time to review the titles on that file as more titles may be added to the curriculum. I will also
forward the information to the English department to include their input in future purchases.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at ajohnsto@ccsd-k12.org or by phone at
(716) 686-3629. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Andrew Johnston
School Library Media Specialist
Graduate School of Education
State University of New York at Buffalo

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