Interview with a Teacher: Chad Wolfe

May 5

Here at Dog-Eared Books, there is nothing we love more than public school educators. We thought it would be fun from time to time to highlight one of our teacher-customers and their relationship with reading and books in their classrooms and personal lives.

This month, we chatted with Chad Wolfe of Newell-Fonda High School.

Britt: So, what are you reading right now?

Chad Wolfe: Ahhh, people used to say that your reading habits really take a hit when you teach public school, and they are not wrong. I am so lucky that I get to teach great books all day, and that is really fun, but when I come home from school, it is sometimes hard to crack open a book.

However, I do love memoirs and I am reading one right now by legendary guitarist, Kid Congo Powers, called Some New Kind of Kick. It is a great story about coming-of-age in the 1970’s and 80’s as a musician and Mexican American and discovering his identity. Memoirs are great.

Britt: I used to love teaching memoirs with my seniors. It can be a daunting time and sometimes it helps to see that you don’t have to have everything figured out right now.

CW: So true. So true.

Britt: You are a high school English teacher. Let’s chat about your favorite books that you have taught this year!

CW: There have been some surprises. I have worked to mix some things up, as choosing books that young people are interested in is a big part of creating that classroom discussion. Right now, we are reading Othello. I am really having a good time with it. Sometimes teaching Shakespeare can be a bit nerve-wracking, but the students are into the conflicts. It is a fun and engaging text and we are digging into the small moments[…]that draw your attention.

We also read Flowers for Algernon this year and had some good talks during this novel. Some parts of it get pretty heavy, but young people really enjoy it, and it is rewarding to get to be a part of that discussion.

In my novels class, we really enjoyed Sold by Patricia McCormick. This was my first time teaching a verse novel and it was really powerful. The students got pretty into it (as into it as they’ll admit as teenagers at school).

Perks of Being a Wallflower was another one we read in novels class. It really holds up. It is a short novel, which kids like, but the issues stand the test of time and it was a great book.

We might be adding some new things next year to keep up the interest. I am really learning that connecting with a text is important for kids.

Britt: So, as the School Sales employee and a former English teacher myself, I love YA books. Is there a YA favorite you’d like to give a shout-out to?

The best YA book I have ever read is The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming. I can see why it has won so many awards. It is historical fiction, yes, but also hits some important lessons about image and truth that students need to hear, and they are tackled in such an exciting and thoughtful way. It is a great book.

I really enjoy Ruta Septeys and Jason Reynolds, too.