Voices from the Classroom

Published: Oct. 14, 2022

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Voices Magazine

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Voices - Vol 5

Bless Me, Ultima

We read this book in high school and it made an impact on me. It was the first novel I was ever assigned in school by a Latinx author. The story reminded me so much of my family and cultural experiences. This book validated me, and it led me to want to read more books by Latinx authors. As an undergraduate, I majored in Mexican American studies and Spanish, which I have no doubt was influenced by the learning this book sparked. As this and other impactful books are often at the center of book ban debates, I want educators to know the power of culturally responsive education.”

—Ruth M. López (PhDEdu’15)

Bless Me Ultima made me feel we had arrived. Our historíes and querencia of a place, culture, and traditions were on stage. It was like an embrace from my ancestors.”

—Linda Arroyo-Holmstrom (Edu’79, MEdu’92)

In the mid-1970s, Nancy Drew was my escape from a limited, small town in northern Appalachia. Nancy Drew had it all: a loving family; a nice house, stylish clothes, and a car; and independence. While traveling and having adventures, she skirted the rules to solve mysteries and help others. She didn't let anyone define or confine her. This smart young woman used her intelligence, logic, and fortitude to prevail. I wanted to be Nancy Drew—to travel, have adventure, and achieve success. She was my window to the world.”

—Ann Constien (MEdu’05)

The Nancy Drew books filled me with intrigue and inquisitiveness about a world of women in what seemed like real-life situations to a young farm girl.”

—Patricia A. Bowles (MEdu’88)

The Hate U Give

Even though I read this book as an adult, it had a profound effect on how I see race, racism and society as a whole. It is a book that I always recommend to teens and adults alike.”

—David Smith (MEdu’99)

The Wump World

I read this book in kindergarten. A peaceful planet invaded by aliens that ruined the air, water, flora and fauna. Even after they left and the planet started to recover, it never returned to what it was. It broke my 5-year-old heart.”

—Jennifer Archuleta (MEdu’02

Everything Sad Is Untrue

I'd never experienced such genuine insight into the life of an immigrant and his family before reading this book. Nayeri layers the difficult truths of adolescence and family responsibility onto the rifts in identity caused by leaving one home for another. It's a beautiful example of the power we hold over our own lives if we are brave enough to tell our own story.”

—Katie Miles (MEdu’14)

Where the Red Fern Grows

I learned about an entirely different culture based in the Ozark mountains and how life is framed by our environment. Also, it was the first book I read, by myself, where I had to push through tears to continue to the end of the story.”

—David W. Rutledge (PhDEdu’02)

A Wrinkle in Time

I had never heard of other dimensions before I read this book in sixth grade. I was hooked! I went on to get a physics degree.”

—Julie Cassady (MEdu’04)

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