Kid_eLit +

AUTHOR:    Richard Wright
AGES:    14-18 years old
REVIEW:    “The Man Who Was Almost a Man” comes from Richard Wright’s book of short stories entitled Eight Men. This story is about the extremes that a young man goes through to prove that he is a man. This is a really good book for high school students in grades 9-12. This book is great for high school students, because during this time period many children are going through a transition phase in their life. Often times, children have questionable judgment when it comes to what makes a person a man or woman. Reading this story helps correct some of their thinking because they begin to admit that certain behaviors does not make you a man.

 The young man in the story wanted to feel like a man and prove his manhood, so he went out and purchased a gun. My students were really interested in this story and could relate with him as well. Even though my students get pleasure out of watching violence, they considered the young man foolish for buying the gun. Every chance my students get they are sneaking onto a fight website or talking about a fight that happened in their neighborhood, however, this story really got them to thinking about their actions.

Guest Blogger:  Gregory M. is a graduate student and a first year teacher at a local high school in Memphis, TN. Gregory teaches African American literature, English 10 and English 11. Gregory received his bachelors in English from the University of Memphis in December of 2007. He did not realize that he would find a teaching job as quickly as he did, but he is more than ready to face the challenge.  Gregory is a student in Dr. Grant's IDT 7061, Spring08 course.

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