The Official Website of Alan Lawrence Sitomer - Latest Comments

Re: Why I wrote my book HOMEBOYZ

Alan Sitomer — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 13:02:34 -0000

Thanks for the note. I am glad the book resonates. Truth is, so many of these kids are facing so many genuinely insane challenges in the real world that the explicit nature of the content is simply a reflection of what is all too real for so many young people today in America. And by providing a cautionary tale about the perils of gang life, young people get a window into seeing how their choices have consequences. Happily, many, many kids who have never once read a complete book have enjoyed HOMEBOYZ. Thanks again for your support.

Re: Why I wrote my book HOMEBOYZ

Jenny — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 17:16:20 -0000

I appreciate the frankness of your book and love that you spark of love of books in reluctant readers, so thank you for this! I am curious if you have ever addressed parents that are concerned about the language and some of the explicit content of the book, what is your message to them?

Re: Responding to “Bad” Teachers

Alan Sitomer — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 00:50:42 -0000

All I can say is WOW! And don't forget that an actively involved parent who is concerned and involved is something irreplaceable. I can't say I know exactly what you're answers are... but I do believe that if you continue to stay involved and do your best to keep you child forging ahead, things will ultimately work out. It's how people catch breaks.

Of course, keep up the reading, too! Reading every day opens a world of possible.

Re: Responding to “Bad” Teachers

Victor Mfstudio — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 23:19:29 -0000

From one point I do agree with you, but there is another side of the coin. We recently (7 years ago) moved to US. I had no English at all - and I got the described above approach: going to school to learn like going shopping at the Home Depot. When we moved my little daughter was just 1.5 years. We as parents were working with here home so she can read and write in our native language (Russian) in this way she is able to talk with grandparents, and also she will have an advantage overall knowing an extra language. Now she is 8.5 years she reads on average 300 (pages) per week in russian - that is pure voluntary done by her. In the meantime she was going to 100% English school (a very well rated) - - for 3 years - more than 8 hours per day - and I found that she struggles with EN. Now knowing her abilities, and her drive I am sure that she can do it very easy - I am surprised that the teachers did not find the key to ignite her. a few weeks ago we got the report, - we set down and talk with here to find out what is going one? to find out that they are watching cartoons during the class, playing games, e.t.c. It makes me question the educational system; stilling my kid from home for 8 out of 13 hours which the kid is awake - playing games, watching cartoons, and after that having the kid independently working on the materials at home? Sure the kid wants to go to school - and when will grow will not want to stay home (that is not our case yet... but it is in perspective) because at school is fun - and at home is boring because he has to work in order to get the material. In my opinion the teacher is not a babysitter, it is the person who has to know how to ignite the desire to learn in the kid's brain, and be there to guide him in the right direction. Unfortunately not too many of those places which you can really call "school". We set down with her and developed a learning plan and we are on it for a few weeks and she progresses very fast. Now I am wondering do we need her to go to school or just switch her to home school? the only concern I have is that she needs to speak english with no accent and the school is a good place for here to practice it. what we noticed is that she did progressed a lot during the 2nd grade - she had a very nice teacher the worked a lot in class and also he had effective homework. At this point we are kind of lost - don't know what to do. Any thoughts, or advices?

Re: Homeboyz

Alexandro Solis — Fri, 29 May 2015 10:35:57 -0000

love your comment

Re: Homeboyz