I almost wish this book weren’t about my work because it wouldn’t seem quite so self-serving to tout it for its amazing information about teaching good books in general. This is good stuff. 

—Chris Crutcher

Why is Chris Crutcher a favorite of adolescents across the country as well as with critics and award panels? Because he talks honestly about issues that matter. Why should you teach him? Because those are the issues that matter most to students. Teaching the Selected Works of Chris Crutcher will get you started.

In Teaching the Selected Works of Chris Crutcher you’ll see how four of Crutcher’s novels draw students to literature and help them respond authentically. Teachers from rural, city, suburban, and technical schools share their approaches. They describe the materials and strategies they used to engage adolescents reading:

• Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes
• Stotan!
• King of the Mild Frontier
• Whale Talk.

You’ll find ways to help students discuss religious beliefs, ethics, abuse, relationships, and other issues Crutcher’s characters face. And you’ll see how his novels can help increase readers’ motivation. Better yet, additional resources at www.heinemann.com/hauschildt/ help you better understand Crutcher’s work and ways to incorporate it into your planning.

Use the edginess and honesty that adolescents love about Chris Crutcher to inspire your readers. Read Teaching the Selected Works of Chris Crutcher. You’ll spark more meaningful discussions among students and show them that literature can change their lives.