Nicolle and Eden discuss John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men with high school English teacher and author Christy Thomas, which has be challenged over three decades since the American Library Association began tracking in the ‘90s.

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About Christy:

I earned my BA in English (Literature) from Boise State University, an MA in Education (Literacy) from Eastern Washington University, and I have over 17 years experience teaching high school English Language Arts at the core and AP level in Washington and Idaho. I am also the author of The Keening Trilogy — a young adult fantasy series which also placed in the top 50 YA books in Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award; two of my short stories are published in anthologies printed by The Log Cabin and selected by a group including members of the Idaho Commission on the Arts. 

I’ve taught Of Mice and Men with high school sophomores for over 12 years of my career because of its timeless themes, its accessibility, all the problematic “isms” it casts a light on, Steinbeck’s writing the novella like a play (among other stylistic choices), the rich discussions it invites, and the contemporary issues that tie-in to the novella. However, it is also a novella rife with (as previously mentioned) problematic language and ideas — from the blatant racism, objectification of women, prejudice against the elderly and those with physical disabilities, and lack of understanding those with special needs. But to me, that is exactly Steinbeck’s point: the ranch is a microcosm of the very problems in America that we still grapple with today. And while some may see Lennie and George’s story as one of friendship — including its limits and its responsibilities — the tragic story also makes us face the real and tough decisions we must make when life “happens.” The prince of the ranch does not save the day, and it is often the people who have the most to lose which pay the ultimate price.

References:

* Christy’s books:

* Sidhe's Call https://a.co/d/cgbleHA

* Hidden Sidhe https://a.co/d/dCrZMok

* Rising Sidhe (Keening Trilogy) https://a.co/d/2ZYBRHj

* “The Language Police” by Diane Ravitch

* The Log Cabin Literacy Center

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