In Disliking Books by Gerald Graff, PhD the author illustrated his aversion to books as a student and how finally he learned to love literature through his fascination with critics ' debates and controversy. Graff felt that his initial delay in reading and understanding books helped him, as a Professor of English, to create common ground with non-readers. Born to middle class Jewish parents, Graff grew up in a Chicago neighborhood. His parents expected him to attend college and encouraged him to enjoy …show more content…
Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Education as sources that encourage parents to be supportive and involved in their child’s education. Children whose parents set high standards for them, read to them and with them, and are interested and involved in homework are better adjusted at school and get better grades than children whose parents set low or no standards. Parents who monitor their children’s television viewing habits and designate a quiet space to do homework are actively contributing to their children’s success in …show more content…
Both Disliking Books and Scholarship Boy, have main characters with parents who may not be college educated, but who support and encourage their sons to do well in school. Even if the child does not appreciate the parent’s encouragement and attempts to become involved, the supportive attitude encourages the child to do well. In Disliking Books, Graff’s father persisted in finding a way to make his son read. This persistence is reflected in his son’s attitude as he finally finds that his interest is piqued by opinions of the critics. Scholarship Boy, who feels isolated from his family even when in the same room, still has the benefit of proud and involved parents encouraging him to do well. Although his family doesn’t understand him, they are proud and attempt to be involved with his schoolwork. Finally, Susan Diranian’s article gives solid resources to back up the claim that parents who are interested and involved in their children’s education have children who are better adjusted with better