Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Regarding the story ”Smithfield High students challenged to read ‘woke’ ” (Sept. 8), my thought is that whoever created this chose poorly.

In my opinion they should be trying to get students to read good books and not categorize them. When I was in high school, “Gone with the Wind” was controversial. When my kids were in school the Harry Potter books were getting all the negative attention. I read “Gone with the Wind” and then I read the Harry Potter books so I could see what all the hubbub was about.

When they categorized certain books instead of just “good books,” that is when it became controversial. Take the focus off of the “woke” and focus on “reading good literature” and enjoying it. Then students will make good choices for themselves and won’t need a picture or a T-shirt.

Focusing on a category is getting away from the basics of teaching without bias.

 

Rosie Simmons

Smithfield