FRIDAY 55
One cannot have a new book.
He has lost one.
He lashes out.
What's going on?
I'm very sad...
my dad is in jail.
Another cannot have a new book.
She has lost two.
Where?
At my old house.
Her teacher says the mother died.
A lost book is nothing
next to a lost parent.
So many of the students in my schools have stories like this. That even two of them have such stories is heartbreaking. That there are so many as to render it somewhat commonplace is almost too much for the imagination or the heart. When I was interviewed for this job I said one of my goals was to make the library a safe and nurturing place for the students. More than ever I strive toward that end.
19 comments:
I applaud you for your heroic efforts. And, yes, it's beyond heartbreaking...
Oh... I can only imagine it is hard to follow the rules when a child so wants a book...
These 55's of your kids are wonderful... and sad. Keep 'em coming.
So sad. The kids in your school district are lucky to have you.
Do you live in Appalacia?
Jeez Trini, these kids are doomed!
You portray their dilemma so subtly
Loved your novel 55
Thanks Michelle for your meaningful creations
Have a Kick Ass Week End
How tragic. It certainly puts in perspective how not important some things at school are.
oh yeah, i feel it....getting to know many of the kids in my classroom...there are tragic stories out there....what is a book in comparison...
We complain bitterly about the cost of college textbooks. When my son went into the pharmacy technician program, he literally spent $1000 on the damn things.
I think it's a tragedy that sometimes kids can't get the books they need. I feel the schools should supply the books.
Of course a book is a material good and can be replaced. A person cannot.
so sad and so true .. these children are too young to be dealing with such losses ...
So many teachers I know have similar stories. You all must prevail! Save a library and you save a child. Instill the love of reading and they will learn to cope with the rest.
1. Read 55. Confused.
2. Read paragraph below 55. Intrigued.
3. Re-read 55. Heart broken.
It is really sad to see the situations of many young people today.
The library as a safe have...
What a concept.
One of the schemes for Lions Clubs International this year has to do with reading.
You might contact a Lions Club near each school about assisting somehow.
There are no guarantees, but many are just looking for an opportunity.
Heartbreaking. These poor darlings do need to lose themselves in a book.
This breaks my heart. Thank you for all that you do for the kids.
Un-returned books aren't lost. They are simply adrift until a new pair of hands give them a home.
Too bad we can't say the same thing for the hugs from a parent...
Heartbreaking, for sure. And good for you that your heart can be broken by it. Alas, we have seen similar stuff all too often at our kids' urban public school. . .
Sad Michelle. Well done to you for sympathizing with these children. I think you were meant to have this job. Do you think so? - Dave
And then, BAM, you're at the point where you want to go beyond what a library can do and just hand kids books, no strings attached.
And the gentle response matters. It does matter.
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