The selection of books on South’s reading list is composed with purpose and frequently reviewed by the English Department to ensure it remains relevant to students. English Department Chair, Kevin Cox, says that the department can add or change South’s book selections at any time with a process outside of their scheduled curriculum reviews.
“Our department can meet and consider books we want to change or new choices to add,” Cox said. “Once we have narrowed our choices these books are reviewed by student volunteers, parents, and then go to the board for formal approval.”
One of the oldest books on the list, published in 1845, is “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.” This autobiography details Douglass’ life as an enslaved youth, where he demonstrates bravery, determination, and defiance, eventually going on to escape slavery and become a prominent leader in the anti-slavery movement. Cox says that while only excerpts of the book used to be taught, the curriculum now uses the full autobiography due to its thoughtfulness.
“The book is compelling especially considering the direct experience of the writer,” Cox said. “It asks us to consider where we are now and how we treat our fellow man?”
More than a century later another book in the curriculum, “To Kill a Mockingbird” was published. The book narrates the childhood of Scout Finch in Alabama as her father Atticus defends a black man falsely accused of rape. Interim Assistant Principal and former English teacher, Katie Parent, says that “To Kill a Mockingbird” is part of the curriculum because it’s a beloved American classic that, when she began teaching, was taught at 75% of public schools in America.
“When teaching the book I try to hit on those universal concepts of what it means to be an outsider, as well as when it’s appropriate to be an upstander versus bystander,” Parent said. “And of course you can’t teach the book without talking about things like systemic racism and the justice system.”
The themes of racism, poverty, and violence are ones frequently seen in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and the effects of them can still be felt in our society today. Eliona Nazarko ’25, says that it is crucial that we read books with themes like these in our curriculum.
“My favorite book in the curriculum is To Kill a Mockingbird because it moved me the most emotionally,” Nazarko said. “It’s important because it teaches people the harms of prejudice and inequality.”
With books such as “To Kill a Mockingbird” dealing with sensitive issues such as these, it has begun to be banned in classrooms across the country. Parent says that if the book is to remain on reading lists it needs to be paired with modern resources.
“To Kill a Mockingbird is no longer the pillar of anti racism we once thought it was,” Parent said. “I’m not saying it’s not good to teach in schools, but it needs to be taught through a modern lens.”
This is not the only book being banned in schools across the country, so are many others that deal with issues of racism, prejudice, and flawed systems. Cox says
It’s important that schools keep these books in the curriculum.
“We need educated citizens who are thoughtful, logical, and empathetic,” Cox said. “People who are willing to defend their beliefs and their perspectives, but also willing to listen and learn from others.”
