[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 180 (Tuesday, November 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1173-E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING CLAIRE NADER'S BOOK, YOU ARE YOUR OWN BEST TEACHER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 22, 2022

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to include in 
the Record the following review of Claire Nader's book, ``You Are Your 
Own Best Teacher'', written by Dorothea V. Dicecco for the Republican-
American.

      Claire Nader Celebrates, Encourages Tweens Stepping Forward

                        (By Dorothea V. Dicecco)

       As I began to read Claire Nader's new book, ``You Are Your 
     Own Best Teacher,'' I found it so engaging that I was unable 
     to put it down.
       This surprised me, as the introduction stressed that it was 
     a book aimed at ``tweens''--children between 9 and 12. Indeed 
     she does focus on young people but as I became involved with 
     its subject matter, it became clear that she also meant to 
     appeal to readers of all ages.
       There is no doubt that she succeeded.
       Praise for the book is provided in its opening pages from 
     13 prominent Americans, each of whom expresses the reasons 
     for their enthusiasm. Among them are Jonathan Kozol, author 
     of ``Death at An Early Age'' and ``Savage Inequalities: 
     Children in American Schools''; Amy Goodman, host of the 
     ``Democracy Now!'' TV and radio news program; and Katrina 
     Vanden Heuval, publisher and former editor of The Nation.
       Nader was fortunate to live with parents who knew how to 
     stimulate their children's curiosity, imagination and 
     intellect--the three characteristics she features on the 
     cover of her book. She was aware that her peers had minds of 
     their own, and like her, were influenced by their family as 
     well as their experiences with friends and classmates. Her 
     book acknowledges that differences in income, family 
     situation, safe neighborhoods and health influence young 
     lives; but they do not diminish tweens' innate curiosity, 
     imagination and intellect.
       A graduate of Smith College, Nader holds a Ph.D. from 
     Columbia University in public law and government. As an 
     author and political scientist, she has filled her life with 
     interactions with adults and young people, and she has 
     observed the similarities and differences between the age 
     groups.
       In this book, she points out that in schools, the 
     curriculum has become less connected to the reality of life. 
     As budgets are

[[Page E1174]]

     cut, many offerings such as sports, art, music, literature, 
     health, science, history and politics are reduced or 
     eliminated.
       The growing impact of media has reached tweens who now, 
     like adults, are a focus of the corporate world. Through 
     their cell phones and computers, tweens are treated as a 
     product, bombarded with tempting ads on how to improve their 
     looks. Junk-foods and sugar-laden drinks are promoted as a 
     dominant source of nutrition; at the same time causing 
     childhood obesity, diabetes and heart disease--all while 
     raising corporate profits.
       In this book, Claire Nader raises us above this dark side 
     of reality and concludes that tweens have not succumbed to it 
     as we might have believed. On the contrary, she provides the 
     reader with positive news and optimism derived from her 
     experience as an advocate for numerous causes at the local, 
     national and international level. Tweens are never afraid to 
     ask questions.
       Written simply, and often with humor, the book reveals why 
     she admires tweens. She presents a large range of subjects 
     that inspire them to become active, and through self-
     education, bring about change. Among them are how they 
     pressed their parents to stop smoking, or wear seatbelts, 
     once they learned that such actions saved lives. Others 
     attended town meetings and vigorously expressed their 
     opinions on social topics that negatively affected their 
     lives locally and nationally.
       One group of fifth-graders influenced their town to clean 
     up a dump that was near their school. Others who were 
     attending a run-down school in a poor neighborhood 
     successfully agitated for a new school building. Planting a 
     community garden was a meaningful experience. To add impact 
     to a specific presentation, Nader often colors her point with 
     thoughts like this one, from an ancient Chinese proverb: ``To 
     know and not to act is not to know.''
       Rarely discussed in the media are the effects some tweens 
     suffer as the result of their IQ and other standardized tests 
     given in schools. Many accept the fact that a poor 
     performance suggests less success in future educational 
     opportunities and jobs. Nader writes, ``It has been found 
     that standardized multiple-choice questions do not measure 
     the most important talents for success in life. They cannot 
     test your judgement, experience, wisdom, imagination, 
     idealism, diligence, stamina, and resilience.'' This frank 
     discussion provides tweens and their parents with a new look 
     at themselves.
       She clarifies myths about famous people in history and 
     gives us a surprising and entertaining look at the dictionary 
     as a door to meaning, understanding and enchantment. With the 
     use of facts, she promotes natural foods for healthy bodies 
     and provides an understanding of economic security. She 
     believes that tweens are never too young to be active 
     citizens. Nader's facts back her writings that if given the 
     opportunity, tweens would be more than happy to join in the 
     conversations.
       One parent who read the book wished it were available when 
     his children were young so they could read it and learn 
     together. Others say that this book should be in every 
     library and school, so teachers can use it as a reference and 
     read it to kids. And, of course, kids should read it.
       Using a unique approach, Nader has moved beyond stimulating 
     the curiosity, imagination and intellect of tweens. Her book 
     is a testament to her ability to reach the minds of all 
     readers who will benefit from her insight and understanding.

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