'12 Years a Slave' Book and Film to be Taught in High Schools
Kids used to read books like Roots and Uncle Tom’s Cabin to learn about slavery in high school, but now films are being added to the curriculum: Best Picture nominee 12 Years a Slave, to be exact. Author Solomon Northup’s harrowing book “12 Years A Slave,” and the Oscar-nominated film it inspired, will be added to the high school curriculum later this year, thanks in part to a campaign spearheaded t alk show host Montel Williams who, coordinated this initiative, saying in a press statement, “When Hollywood is at its best, the power of the movies can be harnessed into a powerful educational tool.” The National School Boards Association announced their partnership with Penguin Books, New Regency, and 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen on their website this weekend. In the statement, McQueen says, “Since first reading 12 Years a Slave, it has been my dream that this book be taught in schools.” TV veteran Williams is funding the distribution ...