The Number Two Pencil Solution

Harry Ernest Fitch
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595499335
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (5/09)


“The Number Two Pencil Solution” centers around the public education system and the passionate views of its proponents and opponents.  Dan Wilder is a literature teacher at Henry David Thoreau High School who is becoming increasingly disgruntled with his job because the bureaucracy is inundating the faculty with memos and policies about what they must specifically teach their students.  Hollings Tipton is a barbecue restaurant owner who has great political influence.  He thinks public education is equivalent to socialism and that the tax dollars of those who do not use the system should not be used to fund it.  As Wilder and Tipton square off publicly, Wilder becomes more frustrated with the policies being implemented.  The final straw comes when the public school system decides to teach students only what they will need to pass standardized tests in order to fulfill the “No Child Left Behind” initiative.

The main characters in this book are dynamic.  Initially, Wilder is enthusiastic about his job and uses his energy to inspire and motivate his students.  However, as time progresses he begins to use his fervor in destructive ways.  Eventually he recognizes that the world around him has changed but his life and viewpoints have become stagnant, leading him to try to make one last attempt to have his voice be heard.  On the other hand, Tipton does not have to go through extraordinary effort to get his way.  He uses his political connections to get his policies passed unchallenged.  It seems pretty ironic that a restaurant owner should have more influence over a child’s education than a dedicated and experienced teacher.

Symbolism is used throughout this book.  The author incorporates some strange and detailed dream sequences Dan has which involve number two pencils in unique and interesting ways.  By doing this, he adds some levity to a generally serious topic.  He also likens Dan's brother’s service in the Vietnam War to Dan’s current situation.  Both found themselves fighting in a war that they seemingly would be unable to win.

“The Number Two Pencil Solution” by Harry Ernest Fitch will appeal to all adults, especially those who are in the educational field.  Many valid points about public education are addressed and can be used as a basis for formulating future policies to improve the system.

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