Professional Resource

From the article, “Where Does Adolescent Literature Belong,” Holly O’Donnell discusses what is labeled as “controversial content” in adolescent literature. She states how “suicide, mental illness, death, [and] child abuse … may not be palatable to those who fear that such realistic themes may corrupt our youth and undermine our society” (O’Donnell 85). Mental illness or "cognitive disabilities" are a neglected topic in adolescent literature for just that reason. She also speaks of and criticizes the limitations in adolescent literature. O’Donnell provides the following limitations as examples: “(3) the mélange of hardships, grief, and handicaps make for dull reading; and (4) there is a lack of adolescent drama” (O’Donnell 85). The text set I used all reject such limitations. For example, Inside Out is filled with drama! The entire novel revolves around the fact that Zach is held hostage by two men at gunpoint. Also, Tara’s “handicap” or cognitive disability/illness in Kissing Doorknobs does not make for “dull reading.” Her life story seems to be a roller coaster full of many confusing lows and relieving highs. All three books address issues of diversity while also being quality pieces of literature as well.

O'Donnell, Holly. “Where Does Adolescent Literature Belong.” English Journal. November 1984: 84-6.

Reflection of Text Set - "Cognitive Disability" or Mental Illness

Throughout the three texts, Inside Out, Humming Whispers, and Kissing Doorknobs, there were many paralleled themes in relation to individuals who are “cognitively disabled” or mentally ill. Each character that suffered from a mental illness (Zach, Tara, and Nicole) made it apparent that although they were conscious of their actions, they could not help them.

Take for example the following quotes:

• Inside Out – Zach states, “The thing is, I am not normal. I’m not, and I can’t help it” (Trueman 7).
• Kissing Doorknobs – Tara states, “Do you think I want to do this! Do you think I like it?” (Hesser 66).
• Humming Whispers – Sophie states, “Nicole says being schizophrenic is like screaming in a closet where no one can hear you” (Johnson 112).

This theme is so significant because it clears up some misconceptions people may have about those who are mentally ill. I personally wondered if people who are “cognitively disabled” are aware of their “abnormal” actions. In learning that they are both aware and helpless at times, have helped me better see that the illness or disability does not make the person. Through each of the characters, I have been able to make the necessary separation of their identities and their “disabilities.” It is also important to add that each of the characters took medication or participated in behavioral therapy to help manage and control their “abnormal” actions and thoughts.

Hesser, Terry Spencer. Kissing Doorknobs. New York: Delacorte Press, 1998.

Johnson, Angela. Humming Whispers. New York: Orchard Books, 1995.

Trueman, Terry. Inside Out. New York: Harper Collins, 2003.

Book Review #3 - Humming Whispers

Johnson, Angela. Humming Whispers. New York: Orchard Books, 1995.

In Humming Whispers, we see the effects mental illness has on the family. This story is told by Sophie, a fourteen year-old girl who lives with her older sister and aunt. Her sister, Nicole, is schizophrenic. She constantly disappears, following the voices in her head. Sophie’s life becomes overwhelmed with fear. Fear for her sister, fear for her family, and most significantly fear for herself. Sophie worries that she too may be schizophrenic. Her anxieties cause her to disassociate herself with her surroundings. Humming Whispers describes heartbreak and joys of this family’s life.

This was a very well written book. Not only does this novel discuss issues concerning mental illnesses, it also covers the struggles of African Americans (shown by Sophie, Nicole, and Aunt Shirley) and of Jewish persons (Miss Onyx). This novel in particular focused a lot on how mental illness affects the family. I feel it provided realistic situations; Sophie feels both frustration and empathy and understanding for her sister. At one point she states, “I know what she would be without the sickness and the medicine and the doctors” (Johnson 10). I also like the fact that Sophie feared that she too may be schizophrenic. This revealed the fact that schizophrenia is a genetic disease. It diminishes the stereotype that individuals with mental illnesses are simply “crazy” because of something they have done.

Book Review #2 - Inside Out

(spoiler to this book :)!)

Trueman, Terry. Inside Out. New York: Harper Collins, 2003.

In Inside Out, we immediately are introduced to the main character Zach Wahhsted. During his usual visit to the coffee shop, Zach and eight others are held hostage by two gunmen. Both the gunmen and hostages are taken back by Zach’s “weirdness.” Zach is schizophrenic and very aware of his condition. He’s also aware of what happens when he doesn’t get his medicine. Throughout the novel we are able to see first-hand how Zach’s schizophrenic mind rationalizes his circumstance and surroundings.

I really enjoyed this book! I particularly liked how the setting and events revealed elements of Zach’s illness. I do, however, question the ending of this novel. On the last page we are informed that Zach has committed suicide. Suicidal tendencies may be a symptom of individuals who are schizophrenic, but is not a symptom for all. Zach took medication that helped eliminate his suicidal voices “Rat and Dirtbag.” However, we find out that his medication is not enough. I wonder about the messages this perpetuates about the illness? Does it seem stereotypical? Does it send a hopeless message, or is it showing the realities of this disease? I personally feel it would have ended better had Zach not committed suicide.

Book Review #1 - Kissing Doorknobs

Hesser, Terry Spencer. Kissing Doorknobs. New York: Delacorte Press, 1998.

Kissing Doorknobs describes the life of Tara Sullivan, a teenage girl who has obsessive compulsive disorder. Early on in her life, Tara begins worrying about little things. With age, her worries eventually grow into stronger fears and anxieties. When she hits fourteen “powerful invisible dictators” (Hesser 30) in her head are controlling her urges. She becomes vulnerable to obsessions and rituals she performs. Tara’s relationships with her family and friends are severely strained as she struggles to find understanding and peace in her life.

I very much enjoyed this novel. I feel it realistically represented both the confusion and helplessness of persons with mental illnesses. This novel characterized diverse literature in that it seemed to correct or show truth to misconceptions people may have about those who are mentally ill. Sometimes those who are mentally ill or stereotyped as being “crazy” and not “normal.” This book demonstrated that Tara was not crazy; she simply was confused and lost as to what was happening to her. At one point she states, “Do you think I want to do this? Do you think I like it” (Hesser 66). This statement reveals the separation of Tara’s identity and the disease. Once she and her family understood and learned how to manage the disease, readers were better able to see her.

Creating a "Beale Street" in the Classroom

I really enjoyed Eric A. Kimmel's article, "Joy on Beale Street." One passage that I'm particularly fond of is the following:

"'If you could be black on Beale Street for one Saturday night, you would never wan to be white again.' It's true. Anot not only on Beale Street. And not only for African Americans. Every minority group has its own Beale Street. Embracing your identity brings great joy, along with a sense of wholeness, completion. 'I know who I am and where I belong. These are my people'" (Kimmel 411).

This quote is so significant when looking at it with a pedagogical perspective. As a future teacher, I feel my classroom should sort of be a "Beale Street" for my students. I would hope that my students will feel like they belong both as individuals and as a collective whole to the classroom. I want them to be able to hold no reservations about being themselves.

Throughout this class, I have learned that I can make this possible by being sensitive, aware, and empathetic to issues of diversity and multiculturalism. Presenting accurate portrayals of diverse topics through literature is one way to do so. It's important that children are able to see themselves accurately in the literature, and therefore the classroom. It's also important to be sensitive to students' lives outside the classroom. For example, being sensitive to what holidays children celebrate is necessary. It's necessary to include a variety of ways people celebrate, allowing each child to feel seen. Each child should feel like they are an important part of the classroom! :)

Kimmel, E.A. (2003). Joy on Beale Street. The Lion and the Unicorn, 27(3), 410-15.