Nearly all students from low鈥慽ncome households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
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I have selected The Hate U Give and Long Way Down specifically because my students can connect to the issues and struggles of the teens in those books, but also both books offer hope and a way to break cycles of powerlessness, racism, violence, and poverty.
I also selected these two particularly because they will support my belief that instilling empathy is the key to helping my students become confident and compassionate citizens. I teach a diverse population. Some of my students live lives that mirror those in the books while others live in privileged and sheltered communities. While it is my belief that all of my students will be able to relate to some part of the books, some character, some situation, I also know that reading is a great vehicle through which my students can put themselves in new situations and come out of the experience a bit wiser and more likely to listen to a different perspective, a person who lives outside of their own bubble.
I selected the main title because the teenager finds her power in her own voice, but also because it is the first book I have read that would work well in my classes that depicts a complex and strong father figure in an African-American family. While it has been compared to A Raisin in the Sun, in this book the smart young woman and the father figure are both characterized as realistic but also inspirational role models. The second book is for my students who will need an easier read with a similar message. The verse style will help struggling readers confidently move through the book while also realizing that violence begets more violence and being powerful sometimes means choosing a nonviolent route.
About my class
I have selected The Hate U Give and Long Way Down specifically because my students can connect to the issues and struggles of the teens in those books, but also both books offer hope and a way to break cycles of powerlessness, racism, violence, and poverty.
I also selected these two particularly because they will support my belief that instilling empathy is the key to helping my students become confident and compassionate citizens. I teach a diverse population. Some of my students live lives that mirror those in the books while others live in privileged and sheltered communities. While it is my belief that all of my students will be able to relate to some part of the books, some character, some situation, I also know that reading is a great vehicle through which my students can put themselves in new situations and come out of the experience a bit wiser and more likely to listen to a different perspective, a person who lives outside of their own bubble.
I selected the main title because the teenager finds her power in her own voice, but also because it is the first book I have read that would work well in my classes that depicts a complex and strong father figure in an African-American family. While it has been compared to A Raisin in the Sun, in this book the smart young woman and the father figure are both characterized as realistic but also inspirational role models. The second book is for my students who will need an easier read with a similar message. The verse style will help struggling readers confidently move through the book while also realizing that violence begets more violence and being powerful sometimes means choosing a nonviolent route.