WHAT ARE TEXT SETS?

A text can be a work of classic or contemporary literature or include other complementary genres like film, poetry, essays, or other media. A text set refers to a pair or group of texts that offer different perspectives, styles, contexts, or ways of understanding a common topic or theme. This website focuses on text sets that help students connect to literature in identity-affirming ways, intentionally grouping classic canon anchor texts with culturally relevant and relatable young adult literature.

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WHY USE TEXT SETS?

Many schools continue to require and teach classic canon texts. While the strict use of classic texts excludes many students from being able to identify with or relate to the literature (Gallo, 2001), pairing accessible, relatable contemporary texts provides opportunities for students to engage with and analyze historical perspectives (Pike, 2003).

 

Research is clear that language arts teachers can give students opportunities to relate to literature and support healthy identity development by pairing classical texts with complimentary YA literature (Tatum et al., 2009).

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