CC:I'm not as familiar with it as I could be. From my own point of view, I think adolescent literature should be judged by the same standards as any other. I don't like all the moralizing and attention to whether or not teenagers can "handle" this issue or that, or this language or that. They can. We should know that. I think there are a lot more authors out there taking chances and writing stories that can stand up anywhere, and that makes me feel better. The truth is, YA (god I hate that designation) literature has always been the red headed step child of "real" literature. We treat it the same way we treat the age itself.
12. SR: What is the most important advice you can give to teachers today?
CC: Forget all the assessment nonsense and teach to the imagination. There is no subject area where that can't be done. Get to know your kids. Roll up your sleeves and mix it up. Don't let your beliefs get in the way of your teaching. It's about the kids. Understand that punishment doesn't work. It is the least effective motivator, and is most often used out of frustration. Let yourself know there are kids you will reach and kids you won't, but never stop trying. Understand that kids know themselves better than you do and don't hesitate to ask them how they best learn. Don't be afraid to say you made a mistake or that you don't know something. Those are just off the top of my head.
13. SR: Please finish this statement... "The truth is...."
CC:...the best healer
14. Please finish: "My passions...."
CC:...drive me.
Sources:
"Interview with Chris Crutcher", Teri Lesene. details from "Making the Match: The Right Book for the Right Reader at the Right Time". 2003, Stenhouse Publishers, Inc.
Background from: www.chriscrutcher.com
