As a school librarian, I try to make literature relevant to my students. I’ve found that incorporating exciting world events into the library curriculum is one way to catch students’ attention. Like many people, I was glued to my TV during the April 10th Artemis II return to Earth. As I watched the capsule splash into the Pacific Ocean, I was brought to tears. There was a sacredness to the moment. 

For centuries, poets have attempted to put words to profound experiences. Using the monumental event of the Space Launch System mission, I decided to challenge my high school students to give it a try. For this year’s April poetry competition, I asked them to write a poem focusing on the theme of time and space. An added requirement was to include a personal photo of the moon. Sometimes, when I post a contest, I check my portal daily to find only a handful of submissions. This time, though, the poems came flooding in. It helped that I asked a few of the English teachers to promote it but still, the students impressed me with their creativity and depth.

A familiar refrain that high school educators hear from students is “How will this have anything to do with life?” When we pair real events, especially intriguing ones, with literature and writing skills, we’re more likely to engage learners. As educational consultant Dr. Allen Mendler suggests, “triggering curiosity and interest can motivate even the most unmotivated students” (n.d). Teenagers are notorious for losing interest quickly. It’s becoming more difficult each year, with the rise in social media and other digital tools, to keep adolescents engaged for more than short bursts of time. As librarians, we have the gift of offering creative outlets without the pressure of grades. 

The eleventh grade student who submitted the winning entry wrote a poem reflecting on the astronauts’ perspectives as they floated through space, wondering if they saw her grandfather up there away from Earth. Her wistful words were a testament to how nonacademic writing can bring students closer to their innermost feelings and allow them to express pain and grief in healthy ways. 

As the end of the year approaches, I’m thinking of ways to draw upon other worldly happenings for library activities. I’m hoping I can squeeze the last bit of motivation out of students with upcoming events like The FIFA World Cup and the 250th Birthday of America. With a little bit of conditioning, maybe teenagers can eventually learn to independently observe the world around them through the unique lens of innovation and literature.

 

References

Mendler, Dr. Allen N. n.d. “How to Motivate Students Who Act Like They Don’t Care.” Equity & Access. Accessed May 8, 2026. https://ace-ed.org/how-to-motivate-students-who-act-like-they-dont-care/.