Book Discussion #3

This discussion of Handbook for Boys by Walter Dean Myers really focused on the idea of opportunities, privileges, and chances. We started off with Duke's quote from page 100 about America saying that "just being alive in America is like having a box of tools that I can use to build any kind of life I want". We talked a lot about how there are so many opportunities in America that are available to everyone but not every child sees that because of where or how they grow up. Where you come from truly makes a difference if you let it. This book really focuses on the fact that when you are young you really don't know how to get your life together but its the people around you that makes all the differences. Children end up on so many different paths in life because of the way that they are raised and brought up. Growing up with values, structure, guidelines, and consequences are key to growing up to be a successful adult. Duke help Jimmy in trying to gain this perspective on life by letting him know that making bad choices can in face ruin your life. On page 116 Jimmy even says that he is not interested in being around "bad people" whether they are old or young and that a lot of young people who get in trouble aren't actually bad, they just don't realize that there are things in their life that need to be taken care of. This discussion really hit home because as a teacher it will be part of my job to guide kids and help them to realize that they all can be successful, not matter where they come from. I will always encourage them to utilize opportunities and try and be the best person that they can be.