Modern Chinese Literature

[Kimberly de Berzunza]

I'm not a fan of Science Fiction, and I chose to read the short stories, but I now want to read "Folding Beijing," which sounds more dystopian than SciFi to me. (I love Dystopian YA.)  I did really appreciate the discussion of themes and their connection to contemporary issues and events. I think my middle school students could definitely connect to this literature- it almost makes me wish I taught a Humanities block, but not quite.

I read the You Jin short stories from Singapore. They are written by a teacher or former teacher, and I found them poignant because each (well, I read 2 of the 3) deals with kids who are seen as troublemakers, but the teacher/author/narrator sees deeper and learns what is making them break the rules of school.  Although on the one hand it might be a little trite or savior-esque, on the other it is a good reminder to get to know our students better and remember that there are ways to help students be their better selves once we understand what their struggles are and why they are acting out.  I am a big believer in giving kids chances while being firm on consequences, but trying to help them break barriers in their own lives so they can excel.

Something I found interesting in these stories was the school rules not being seen as the problem, which they might be if these were written in the U.S.  If I were the teacher, I would've taken issue with the rule against students dyeing their hair, but she didn't.  At my site, I am the one who refuses to enforce dress code because our dress code is unreasonable, sexist, unenforceable, and in violation of Title IX.  But in these stories the teacher seems on board with the rules, but is helping the students to follow them and change their ways, partly through building up their self-esteem, and partly through finding financial assistance for them- two ways a U.S. teacher might also try to help a student.