The Right Path

Funded Oct 19, 2023

I specifically asked for help in being able to purchase the book- The Other Wes Moore-because of the impact the book had on me the first time I read it. The book details the lives of 2 boys both named Wes Moore who grew up in the same poor neighborhood of Baltimore, MD. The author of the book describes how his life turned out very well while the other Wes Moore 's life could not have ended worse than it is. The entire premise of the book is why did one Wes Moore choose a proper path in life while the other Wes Moore made very poor choices. This year I have some at risk students in my one class, and I thought this would be the perfect book to try to plant some "seeds" for the future.

Even though the students recently began reading the book, many of them are already asking questions and stating positive things about the book. This is a great sign because the majority of them did not have any positive reviews for the last book they completed- The Outsiders- by S.E. Hinton, and that is a terrific book for 13 year olds.

In class, three days a week for 45 minutes the students sit in their literature circles. These are groups I designed previously depending on their reading levels. Students read and analyze the novel independently and then discuss the content with their group members. Students also answer comprehension questions and complete some minor research based activities to make sure they are fully grasping the literary elements of the book and can decipher the author's meaning. As they are working together, I sit with a different group or two each day and discuss the book with all members to make sure each and every student is able to demonstrate comprehension and to "keep the students on their toes." By the end of the book, each group will have to act out a scene or two from the book as a culminating activity.

I have been utilizing literature circles for many years now and it is a great way to have students not only read but learn how to work with other students. The Other Wes Moore, purchased with your generosity, is a perfect book to teach all my students but specifically those deemed most needy. I appreciate your help in being able to continue my literature circles with this new addition to my library.”

With gratitude,

Mr. Gannon