Reading Story

I wanted to put this in a separate post because it really does not involve information technology, but it's a wonderful and positive story about the power of reading.

My nephew teaches at a "wilderness" school for kids 11-17. Many have been sent to this school in North Carolina by the courts or by school recommendation because no other school program has worked for these kids. Most are on probation for one thing or another, almost all are in academic trouble. They are assigned to this school for a 10 month period; the goal is that they will advance one grade level in each of the core courses that they study. Basically, because of the diverse ability levels, the students work on individualized programs, but one of the curriculum requirements for English at all levels is that the student must read at least one book and write a book report.

Recently---within the past couple of months--my nephew Brandon told one of the boys in his group that he had to finish the book report assignment or he would not be able to "graduate" from the program. This boy has been through all kinds of school experiences--private schools, military schools, public schools--without marked success, despite what my nephew describes as "great" parents. The boy gave all the usual "I don't wanna, I ain't gonna" sorts of responses, but Brandon persevered. Eventually, he gave the boy the first Harry Potter book "just to try." Well, six Potter books later, the boy wanted "something else like that," so Brandon gave him The Hobbit. Two days later, the boy brought it back and asked if Brandon had the trilogy. . . which of course he did.

The kids are all out on vacation just now; the boy's parents had agreed to take him to a midnight bookstore Poter Party to get number 7 as soon as it came out.

The boy told Brandon at one point that he needed to read all these books while at the wilderness school because he probably wouldn't read once he left. My sister and I are both betting he's wrong. What do you think?