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Review of Advice to 9th Graders: Stories, Poetry, Art & Other Wisdom Contributed to Bookpleasures.com by Norm Goldman
- By Norm Goldman
- Published October 16, 2023
- General Non-Fiction
Norm Goldman
Reviewer & Author Interviewer, Norm Goldman. Norm is the Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com.
He has been reviewing books for the past twenty years after retiring from the legal profession.
To read more about Norm Follow Here
Advice to 9th Graders:Stories, Poetry, Art & Other Wisdom is more than a mere book.
The anthology is a lively blend of teenage imagination that showcases
the potency of youthful voices and offers help for those beginning
high school.
The pages of this anthology are brimming with personal essays, poems, drawings, and many other creative expressions.
Every piece has been carefully selected to explore high school’s many joys and challenges.
It is a splendid
outcome of the partnership between The PATHfinder Club and POPS the
Club, both committed to fostering and empowering disadvantaged
teenagers.
As you delve into the depths of this anthology, you’ll find it divided into thirteen distinct sections, each unraveling different mysteries of adolescence.
Each section provides practical
guidance and profound insights, from navigating the labyrinth of
academic life to the bonds of friendship. It acts as a guiding light,
igniting compassion and offering steadfast support during the
difficult times that lie ahead.
One touching contribution to this anthology is the essay “Empathy and Mom” by Jaden Saetern, a tenth-grader. Jaden’s heartfelt words encapsulate the anthology’s central themes.
He shares a poignant moment from his life: “Visited
my mom after about five months, and it was nice to see her, but I
knew she was stressing and having difficulty settling in with new
people and without me and my brother.”
Jaden delves into themes of familial relationships, distance, compassion, and the unique obstacles adolescents encounter when their parents go through trying times in this powerful work.
Despite being able to reunite with his mother after a long five-month separation, he understands her struggles as she adjusts to life without her children.
Jaden’s
genuine and moving evaluation of his mother’s condition prompts
readers to relate to her perspective.
Another insightful piece comes from Akinn Solis, a sophomore at Parkrose High School in Portland, Oregon. Akinn’s contention is that academic success is intricately connected to embodying the energy of your teachers.
He
succinctly states, “Match their energy!”
This concise yet compelling message underscores the critical role of aligning one’s eagerness and dedication to teachers’ enthusiasm.
By reflecting the
energy and passion of their educators, students can cultivate a more
vibrant and fruitful learning environment. Akinn’s advice
exemplifies a proactive approach to education, emphasizing the
symbiotic relationship between educators and students, where both
actively contribute to the learning process.
Jamal’s submission
to the anthology, titled “Get Those Grades Up,” offers heartfelt
and concise advice to incoming 9th graders. He urges them, “Don’t
mess up. You only have one more year, so get your grades up if
needed, and don’t give up. You have people who want to see you
succeed. Don’t mess that up for them.”
Though brief, Jamal’s
message carries significant weight. It provides essential insights
for students transitioning into high school, capturing the essence of
this crucial transition period. It acknowledges students’
challenges, emphasizing personal responsibility and perseverance
while underscoring the importance of a robust support system in their
academic pursuits.
Tyler Stonebraker’s contribution pertains to
a distinct facet of the high school experience. Struggling with
poverty and aspiring to transform his life, Tyler writes in the
section titled “Empathy,” “Don’t give your teachers a hard
time; some of them don’t want to be there as much as you don’t
want to be. And they don’t get paid enough for this!”
Tyler’s writing resonates with an authentic and compassionate tone. His words reveal a deep empathy for his fellow students and teachers, highlighting his intention to convey a message of understanding and perspective to incoming 9th graders.
Tyler shows a heightened sensitivity to students’ and teachers’ challenges through his writing. He encourages students to consider the viewpoints of their educators, recognizing that they, too, encounter difficulties and may not always relish being in the classroom. His language exudes a supportive and bridge-building quality, as if he aims to foster mutual understanding between students and teachers.
Tyler’s message
touches upon the practical aspect of education by shedding light on
the financial struggles of educators.
In the end, “Advice to 9th Graders: Stories, Poetry, Art & Other Wisdom” is not just a book but a guiding light in the tumultuous journey of high school.
The contributions from these talented, youthful voices form a bridge
of wisdom and encouragement, illuminating the intricate facets of
family, academics, empathy, and personal growth.
These messages resonate with the importance of understanding, resilience, and unity in the educational odyssey.
This anthology is an invaluable resource
for anyone navigating the labyrinth of high school and beyond, a
beacon of hope in a world fraught with uncertainty.
Don’t miss
the chance to immerse yourself in this vibrant tapestry of teenage
wisdom; it is a transformative journey waiting to unfold within the
pages of this anthology.
Follow Here To Read Norm's Interview With Amy
Friedman, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and a dedicated
leader in POPS/the Club/The PATHfinder Club
Leticia Longoria-Navarro. Leticia is the Executive Director of The
Pathfinder Network.