I teach middle school students in a large urban district where over 85% of my students come from economically disadvantaged households. Many of my students are reluctant readers but jump at the opportunity to read in a group. Over the years I have taught here, I have enjoyed reading with the students because books are a way for them to open up to me and their classmates. I see them grow in empathy and compassion just as they grow in their reading ability.
My Project
We are forming a Project LIT Book Club to encourage students to not only read, but hear from diverse voices such as their own.
My students need to hear their stories.
I want to kick off our book club by reading The Angie Thomas novel, The Hate U Give. The movie version of the book is coming out later in the fall and that is a huge motivation for my students to read the book. We'll be able to read Starr's story and discuss how she navigates her feelings and the pressure from her family, the community and police.
Their stories, like Starr's are complex and often difficult to navigate. Through reading the novel and group discussions, my students will see that their voices are important and that their stories need to be shared.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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