Gen: Books on Divorce and Blended Families

[edward nizalowski <enizalowski@NVCS.STIER.ORG>]

Hello,
        This is a letter that I submitted to the Press & Sun-Bulletin,
Binghamton, NY, this morning:

Dear Editor,
        This is in regard to the efforts of Lori Savlitch at the MacArthur
Elementary School to help those students who have parents that are divorced
or who are part of a blended family.  The "Banana Splits" concept is a very
commendable one.  I would like to put in a word for another part of the
school's professional staff that could be of assistance in this effort: the
school media specialist.

        There are numerous resources available in book form (both fiction
and nonfiction), audio visual materials and Internet resources.  The writers
of Young Adult Literature have made exceptional efforts to provide stories
and novels on this topic that are of high quality and interest.  These books
can provide both information and a means to heal the rift that has occurred
in the lives of those effected.  A list of such materials can be found at
the following website:
http://www.logan.lib.ut.us/booklist/children/therapy/divorce.htm

        One of the most famous quotes regarding books is the poem by Emily
Dickinson: "There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away".
Providing a means of escape and adventure can often be a worthwhile and
necessary activity for those in the midst of emotional turmoil or trauma.  I
would like to share with you another quote that better represents what can
be gained by using books and other materials as a means to further the
process of healing, understanding and acceptance:

        "Besides, any true reader - and this story is only addressed to him
- will understand me anyway when I look him straight in the eye and try to
communicate my meaning.  A short sharp look or a light clasp of his hand
will stir him into awareness, and he will blink in rapture at the brilliance
of The Book.  For, under the imaginary table that separates me from my
readers, don't we secretly clasp each other's hands?"

From "The Book" Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass by Bruno Schulz
(originally published in Poland in 1937)

Ed Nizalowski
School Media Specialist
Newark Valley High School
Newark Valley, NY
enizalowski@nvcs.stier.org

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