Phone Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
1-800-933-ASCD (2723)
Address 1703 North Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
Complete Customer Service Details
November 2017 | Volume 75 | Number 3 Citizens in the Making Pages 74-78
Laura Tavares
Teaching novels can develop empathy, humility, and tolerance—all the makings of a good citizen.
In a 2015 conversation with novelist Marilynne Robinson, President Barack Obama asked if she was worried about people not reading novels anymore. He then went on to say, "When I think about how I understand my role as citizen—setting aside being president—and the most important set of understandings that I bring to that position of 'citizen,' the most important stuff I've learned I think I've learned from novels" ("President Obama …").
It may seem surprising that a constitutional lawyer and elected leader who exercised political power at the highest levels would credit his understanding of citizenship to works of fiction, but Obama's words invite us to broaden our understanding of what makes a good citizen.1
Join the education organization for all educators.
Get full access, plus expert resources and solutions to support whole child education.
Subscribe to Educational Leadership magazine and save up to 51% OFF the cover price.