Encouraging Activism in Secondary English makes a compelling case for the value of critical inquiry instruction. It provides specific activities for responding to texts such as The Outsiders (issues of social class), Night (social injustice), and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (racial justice) along with extensive resources for teachers for engaging students in critical inquiry activities with a focus that is particularly relevant for teaching in today's cultural and political contexts.

Richard Beach, professor emeritus of English education, University of Minnesota

Encouraging Activism in Secondary English: Reading and Writing for Social Justice provides rich, flexible, and adaptable teaching strategies to help today's students make personal connections to issues that matter. Drawing on critical inquiry, multiple perspectives, and diverse texts, Beth Spinner shows us how to use the canon, contemporary young adult literature, and a wide range of documents and cultural materials in dynamic and empowering ways. Her students engage in discussion, media analysis, public writing, and participatory action research as they take action in their communities.

Allen Webb, professor of English education, Western Michigan University