It’s a truth universally acknowledged that when a news item involves “Florida Man," it is going to be bonkers. The latest news from the Sunshine State centers around a questionable book pick for American Pride.
The Florida Department of Education has named Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen--a known British person--for its July book pick for “Freedom Summer.” “Freedom Summer” recommends books for students in grades 9-12 that celebrate American patriotism, liberty, and freedom. Florida's Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. elaborates on the pick: “With this book selection, I encourage students to continue to celebrate American pride month and reflect on the unyielding spirit and heroic patriotism of the many Americans throughout history who fought in the pursuit of liberty and freedom.” Read the full article here.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Pride and Prejudice, but I am confused how a book that is a social commentary on life in ENGLAND in the 1800s can be considered an appropriate book recommendation for “Freedom Summer”. Are we missing the chapter where Mr. Darcy protects the right to vote? Or the chapter where Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters march for equality? Sorry Florida, but Pride and Prejudice is not “American Pride”.
To help our friends in Florida, here are some books for teens celebrating the values and freedoms we cherish, here are American Pride books:
If they wanted a Pride and Prejudice story with American Pride, they should check out Pride by Ibi Zoboi, a retelling set in Brooklyn, New York, and Debating Darcy by Sayantani DasGupta, a retelling with a Bengali American family twist.
Yes, we all ship Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, but learn about the love story and case that legalized interracial marriage in Loving vs. Virginia by Patricia Hruby Powell.
Florida wanted a young adult book that highlighted historical figures and even fictional characters taking a stand and fighting for their rights. Instead of reading a book with a whole company of British soldiers such as George Wickham, read March by Civil Rights hero Congressman John Lewis, The Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets by Gayle E. Pitman, and Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu.
Poor Lydia could have used someone fighting for her rights in Pride and Prejudice. That is why it’s important to let teens know that they have a voice and can change America. Books like Glimmer of Hope: How Tragedy Sparked a Movement, The 21: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government Over Climate Change, This Book Won’t Burn, The Hate U Give, and Running highlight the courage it takes to make a stand.
Finally, it’s important for teens to have the research skills to identify credible sources (or select a book about patriotism) in a world full of misinformation. Dr. Seema Yasmin does just that in What the Fact?: Finding Truth in all the Noise.
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