The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd BaylorMy rating: 0 of 5 stars
When reading books, the number that I normally seek out first is the copyright date. For an adult with some understanding of history, this number is a always valid and unbiased reference point.
Many numbers assigned to books, however, are evaluative and biased. My hackles are up just now because I found that on scholastic.com, the publisher of Byrd Baylor's The Table Where Rich People Sit assigned “Interest Level” Grades 3 – 5.
How can any of Byrd Baylor’s provocative texts accompanied by Peter Parnall’s evocative illustrations be limited to grades 3-5?
Doesn’t everyone appreciate a message well-told in straightforward language?
It’s fine to use numbers for generalized shorthand evaluation, but please never rely on them solely.
One person’s number opinion is another’s outrage.
Today, in culmination of a speech class I taught, two middle school boys in a joint presentation delivered Baylor’s "The Table Where Rich People Sit" with great interest and understanding.
Read this book yourself and share it with people of any age who may may enjoy it.
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