Former English major and library worker here, I’m so sorry your experience was so negative. It sounds like the educators you worked with were overly prescriptive and used punishment in areas where it probably wasn’t appropriate. I do think a lot of the reason people become reluctant readers is shame both around what they read and how they read, as well as a lot of people only reading things specifically assigned to them in school.

So, how to start towards remedying this . I agree with others saying that starting reading to and later with kids as early as possible is crucial. Encouraging kids to explore and find stories that they enjoy in combination with books that are culturally important and that work to build their reading level is also important, but a lot of people only focus on one. From what you said about liking picture books, it probably would have been more appropriate for your teacher to have encouraged you to slowly transition by mixing in middle grade graphic novels and chapter books rather than scorning you. Books are, after all, a form of instruction and entertainment just like movies or art. You can’t only consume junk food books that aren’t challenging you or promoting growth, but at the time if you never read anything you actually enjoy there is a high probability you will lose interest in reading. There also needs to be more awareness and sensitivity towards kids with diverse learning styles or disabilities who may struggle with reading.

I think there has historically been a lot of elitism and judgement surrounding reading that needs to be set aside. I think some of the mentality you mention has also fueled anti-intellectualism among people who struggle with reading. It seems to have gotten better in recent years, but overall adult literacy rates are stunningly low, and that is only damaging to society as a whole.

I agree with the people saying it’s meant to be intentionally vague. The most logical options to me are that she either did get hit by Coriolanus’ bullet and later died, or she got away and either went to 13 or somewhere else outside the districts.

The point is that Snow doesn’t know. Because of that I think she takes on a sort of mythical quality to him (like the girl in the song) and represents the very specific wildness and spirit of rebellion that he later sees in Katniss.