In this episode, Erin Bailey interviews Dr. Dowan McNair-Lee about her experiences teaching literacy to middle school students. They discuss the importance of student choice in reading, the appeal of graphic novels and diverse texts, and the challenges educators face in balancing classic literature with contemporary works. The conversation also addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student literacy, the debate between teaching full novels versus excerpts, and the inspirational power of reading for personal growth and connection.

Key Points:

• Student choice and engagement are crucial for fostering a love of reading.
• Graphic novels, manga, and stories offering escapism are especially popular with middle schoolers.
• Graphic novels are legitimate and valuable reading materials.
• Balancing classic literature with newer, diverse texts is important for a well-rounded curriculum.
• Reading full novels allows for deeper understanding, but time and testing pressures often limit this.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting negative effect on literacy scores and student well-being.
• Reading inspires hope, connection, and a sense of possibility, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds.