"The ALAN REVIEW"

            A few forms of technology are becoming minimally read as e-readers become more and more popular. Both magazines and newspapers are falling off inside the worlds of academics. Even though many of these are accessible from the e-reader. I subscribe to the “ALAN REVIEW”. This is a magazine that literally stands for the assembly on literature for adolescents of the national council of teachers of English. Books, novels, and canonical texts are extremely important. But magazines can influence a changing demographic.

            The “ALAN REVIEW” introduces new YAL to readers. It consists of articles written by both educators and students. Arguments are made within this magazine. Questions are asked. Most importantly, as each page is read a new idea is delivered to the reader.

            Having such text available in the English classroom can demand staying current. This magazine in comprised for the English and Literature classroom. Ideas can’t just be searched for on Google. Ideas need to be thought about and or explored. Having a magazine within the classroom that introduces such topics will only benefit the student. The educators who take advantage of the world of magazines will also benefit.            

            In a recent edition of ALAN one of the articles was entitled “Sports as an Entry Point in Literature”. (Matt De La Pena) For three short pages the author gives tips on how to strike the interest of the sports fan. How can an educator attempt to connect the world of sport and the world of literature? In this very article maybe a student has read this and felt he or she can now relate to texts. They can now find ways to draw connections to other interests they have outside the classroom.

            Educators must not fear using technology that has been around for centuries. There are specific reasons magazines are still being published. This specific magazine enlightens literature for adolescents. What other magazines are being looked over? These magazines need to be of access inside the classroom.