Torches N 'Pitchforks

I just finished reading Torches n’ Pitchforks, an independent student literary journal sponsored by a friend of mine, Jim Churchill-Dicks, who teaches in Prineville, Oregon. He is a fantastic person as well as a fantastic teacher.

The students contributing to the journal have a lot to say, and as he commented, “If the standardized test scores told the whole story, they would say that Crook County High School has the worst student writers in the state of Oregon. Not that it matters, but maybe this will provide some alternative 'data' for those keeping score. What does matter, is that a handful of powerful kids who have spent their lives being discounted are getting to show a glimpse of who they truly are.”

I urge you to check out Torches n’ Pitchforks by clicking on the title. You will be blown away as I was. The journal is in the students' words, their vernacular, their syntax and punctuation and spelling. But don’t let that get in the way of their messages. We too often overlook substance because we are distracted by form.

I urge you to pay attention (that is, read!) editor’s note, about t n’ p, and the submissions sections, even if you don’t intend to submit. Then subscribe.

Don't bother to comment. Subscribe instead.

And check out Jim's blog, listed to the right, Beyond Telling.