| In addition to readings and signings,
Alan offers a unique and effective way of reaching people, and young
people in particular, concerning hate, racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia.
As a journalist, novelist and facilitator of public forums, he employs
fiction and journalism together in an interactive format.
Alan reported on hate crimes, including interviewing
(in prison) a neo-Nazi skinhead who beat a black man to death with
a baseball bat. He knows the horrible face of these crimes. He can
engage students with readings, and follow the readings with questions,
answers and discussion based on first hand experience. Alan has
facilitated public forums and panels for the community, and with
students at the University of Oregon, Portland State, Oregon State,
Lane Community College, and numerous high school classes. He moderated
the Oregon Gubernatorial debate in 1994.
Here’s what some of the teachers who used Fire’s
Edge in the classroom are saying:
“I’ve never taught a book that has engaged
so many students so deeply. They came to know not only the characters
but also themselves in a new way.”
— Amy Sampson, English teacher, North Eugene
High School, Eugene, Oregon.
“My English teacher heart did cartwheels of joy over Fire’s
Edge. After listening to my students share their dismay that skinheads
and hate crimes exist, I recognize how important this novel is in
offering a forum to initiate discussion of hate crimes and intolerance
“
— Vange Bigham, English department chair,
Springfield High, Springfield, Oregon.
“The number of ‘non-readers’ who
enthusiastically finished reading Fire’s Edge delights me.
Quite a few students told me it’s the fist complete novel they
ever read. Fire’s Edge appeals to reluctant readers and advanced
readers alike. They found the characters true to life, the language
realistic, and the suspense compelling. Discussion of the novel
gave my classes a forum for addressing the issue of racism in our
community. Fire’s Edge contributed to an increasing tolerance
for cultural diversity in our school.”
— Kathy Harrington, Language Arts teacher,
Springfield High, Springfield, Oregon.
“Alan Siporin is inspirational. He has a marvelous presence
and gives the students a vivid picture that helps them see things
they normally would find hard to see. My students were spellbound.”
— Douglas Card, Adjunct Sociology Professor
at the University of Oregon.
If you are interested please contact us at the
email link below. |