Parent Guide > Burning a Book

This week in class, we’re reading "Burning a Book" by William Stafford.

William Stafford's poem "Burning a Book" considers the act of book burning in a new light, emphasizing the greater importance of combating ignorance and sharing ideas.

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Education & Knowledge and Justice, Freedom & Equality as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"What is the goal of education?" and "Which is more important: freedom or security?"

Ways to support your child:

• Ask your child about this poem at home:
  • What was "Burning a Book" about?
  • What did you learn about Education & Knowledge?
  • What did you learn about Justice, Freedom & Equality?
• Watch the following clips with your child at home:
  • 'Stuart Firestein: The pursuit of ignorance'
  • 'A Book Burning Memorial in Berlin'