Luke Rodesiler

Recommended and award-winning works of young adult literature featuring youth athletes--protagonists who are entangled not only in athletic competition but in the complications of life beyond the arena--offer secure footholds that students can use to explore contemporary sociopolitical issues. With chapters addressing timely topics--including combating sexism and misogyny, protesting systemic racism, challenging homophobia, upending ableist perspectives, questioning narrow views of masculinity, reckoning with the dramatic toll of drug abuse, and more--this book supports practicing and prospective teachers in using sports and young adult literature to advance critical literacy and to help students reimagine the world as they know it. Other volume highlights include: A foreword by sports journalist Kavitha A. Davidson "Voices from the Field" contributions by educators Options for book clubs Options for film study Recommended young adult literature titles The omnipresence of sports around the globe, the long history of sports and politics colliding, and the recent publication of award-winning works of sports-related young adult literature combine to make this practical book a valuable resource for English language arts teachers, curriculum coordinators, and teacher educators alike.

Learn how to use literature and informational texts related to sports as an alternative or a supplement to a canon-centric English classroom. This practical book promotes an instructional approach that honors students' knowledge of, interests in, and experiences with sports culture to advance literacy learning. Informed by his own experiences in high school classrooms, the author documents the distinct methods employed by four secondary English teachers in rural, urban, and suburban schools. Each narrative features the voices of teachers and students and details a range of activities that readers can adapt for their unique contexts. Whether teaching traditional English courses or those focused on the study of sports literature, teachers can use this book to tap into students' sporting interests and foster critical readings of sports culture as a mirror to our greater society. Book Features:Adaptable methods for using sports-related content to foster the six language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and visually representing. Actionable ideas for going beyond sports fandom and, instead, reading sports culture through a critical lens. Implications for incorporating sports culture into the English curriculum, whether teaching traditional courses or a stand-alone sports literature class. Answers to frequently asked questions that can support teachers as they bring sports culture to the English classroom.

Learn how to use literature and informational texts related to sports as an alternative or a supplement to a canon-centric English classroom. This practical book promotes an instructional approach that honors students' knowledge of, interests in, and experiences with sports culture to advance literacy learning. Informed by his own experiences in high school classrooms, the author documents the distinct methods employed by four secondary English teachers in rural, urban, and suburban schools. Each narrative features the voices of teachers and students and details a range of activities that readers can adapt for their unique contexts. Whether teaching traditional English courses or those focused on the study of sports literature, teachers can use this book to tap into students' sporting interests and foster critical readings of sports culture as a mirror to our greater society. Book Features:Adaptable methods for using sports-related content to foster the six language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and visually representing. Actionable ideas for going beyond sports fandom and, instead, reading sports culture through a critical lens. Implications for incorporating sports culture into the English curriculum, whether teaching traditional courses or a stand-alone sports literature class. Answers to frequently asked questions that can support teachers as they bring sports culture to the English classroom.