iGen by Jean Twenge

iGEN by Jean M. Twenge

“Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” is the rather provocative title of a very thoughtful and fascinating piece (see especially the charts) which is appearing in September's The Atlantic.  Author Jean Twenge is a Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University and she discusses the “abrupt shifts in teen behaviors and emotional states” which she began to notice around 2012 (the time when American smartphone ownership surpassed 50%).  Specifically, she comments on screen time, driving habits, alcohol use and the rise in rates for depression and other mental health issues. 

Recently interviewed on pbs’ NewsHour (video embedded above), Twenge develops her arguments further in a recently released  book, iGen, which we will have available at the New Trier Library when school resumes in September. Twenge's subtitle is "Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy - and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood - and What That Means for the Rest of Us." Twenge uses data from the YRBSS (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System which our students complete) and other longitudinal national surveys in order to explore and document ten important trends such as internet use, individualism, and income inequality that impact iGen'ers.  She provides multiple charts to illustrate her observations about differences between generations and augments the survey data with quotes and anecdotes from personal interviews. This carefully researched text is full of information to digest and debate.  I have been recommending it widely and look forward to more discussion. 

I am also curious to look at a response to Twenge's article and another forthcoming book titled SCREEN SCHOOLED by Joe Clement and Matt Miles.

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

I honestly believe that some of the best books are written for middle school students and if you know someone that age, be sure that he or she knows about Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead.  In that brand new title, the Newbery Medal winning author explores themes of friendship and loyalty, sexting, and “fitting in” as each of her characters develops a sense of identity.

Emily is a talented soccer player beginning to discover boys and the manipulation of a popular crowd; Tab has a passion for social justice; and Bridge has survived a serious accident and wonders about her purpose in life. These girls have been friends since 4^th grade, promising no fights, but are finding difficulties in understanding each other as seventh grade approaches and some inevitable shifts in interest occur.  Patrick, David, and Sherm are their male classmates who also deal with making tough choices, resulting suspensions, and divorce.   Plus there are several high school students, especially older siblings Celeste and Jamie, who try to offer support while coping with their own friendship issues.  Goodbye Stranger is a great choice to share with middle school students as summer winds down and school (with all of its accompanying drama) is about to start.  

Goodbye Stranger received numerous starred reviews and I think that even some of our freshmen would enjoy reading and reflecting upon its messages. Other titles by Rebecca Stead include: When You Reach Me; Liar & Spy; and First Light. Stead’s Goodbye Stranger is both gentle and suspenseful in places, yet very honest and realistic with multiple points of view. Similar authors that students may have already discovered include Lynne Rae Perkins (Criss Cross) and or Jordan Sonnenblick (Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie) or Wendy Mass (A Mango-Shaped Space).

And, if you have not already seen it, be sure to look for the article “The Great Gift of Reading Aloud” by Meghan Cox Gurdon who stresses the value of reading with older children. Newbery Medal titles (rough target 3rd through 8^th grade) are perfect choices to share as gifts or as read alouds – adults will enjoy them, too!