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Named to the Gold House Book List, Asian Americans Who Inspire Us introduces readers of all ages to 16 Asian Americans who changed the world.

This beautifully illustrated book brings to life the stories of Vietnam Memorial architect Maya Lin, Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, musician Yo-Yo Ma, astronaut Ellison Onizuka, anchorwoman Lisa Ling, activists Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, and more!

Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, discover role models, and meet ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Whether they were breaking Olympic records, bringing education to millions of people around the world, or speaking up for the rights of others, these Asian Americans broke stereotypes and took a stand to make the world a better place. Highlighting the talent and contributions of Asian American leaders and changemakers from around the United States, readers of all backgrounds will be empowered to discover what they too can achieve. These strong, courageous, talented, and diverse men and women have built a legacy of extraordinary achievements that will inspire generations to pursue their dreams.

Others featured: Duke Kahanamoku, Patsy Takumoto Mink, Tammy Duckworth, Salman Khan, Andrew Youn, David Ho, Margaret Chung, Grace Lin, and Haing Ngor.

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Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us [Wolf, Analiza Quiroz] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us

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Character Restorative Circle: Repairing Harm

Spin to randomly choose from these options: Dr. Packard, Pastor Patton, A neighbor of the Spencer's, Mrs Odom, Mr Jamison , Mr Bobbs, White church ladies from Bumblebee Baptist, Mr Spencer, Mrs Spencer, Stella!
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white church ladies from bumblebee baptist

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Character Restorative Circle: Repairing Harm

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Spin to randomly choose from these options: Dr. Packard, Pastor Patton, A neighbor of the Spencer's, Mrs Odom, Mr Jamison , Mr Bobbs, White church ladies from Bumblebee Baptist, Mr Spencer, Mrs Spencer, Stella! Open full page Explore more wheels Home page

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How does this video help you understand Stella’s thoughts about flying?

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How does this video help you understand Stella’s thoughts about flying?

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Toni Morrison on Myth and Flying Africans

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We could pretend to be characters from the book and participate in a Restorative Conference.

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Assignment Idea for the next Book Club Meeting

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Assignment Idea for the next Book Club Meeting

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Choose two or more scenes from anywhere in Stella by Starlight. Write down your opinion  and strong feelings about these scenes.  Optionally, you can include an illustration.
Some ideas to include:
- Was there some injustice done in this scene?
- If there was a problem, how did the characters solve it?

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The page is slow to load and there may have been an error. To fix it, please refresh the page.

1. Windows, Linux or Chromebook: press Ctrl F5.

2. Mac computer:

Safari: press Option Command E and then Command R.

Other browsers: press Command Shift R.

3. Phone or tablet: swipe down from the top of the page.

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The page is slow to load and there may have been an error. To fix it, please refresh the page. Windows, Linux or Chromebook: press Ctrl F5. Mac computer: Safari: press Option Command E and then Command R. Other browsers: press Command Shift R. Phone or tablet: swipe down from the top of the page.

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Sell it!

Create a commercial or advertisement persuading teachers to read Stella by Starlight in their class.

Watch it!

Reenact an important scene from the second half of the book, Stella by Starlight.

Sing it!

Write a song for an important character based on events in the second half of the book, Stella by Starlight.

Draw it!

Draw two pictures: one that shows an important conflict in the second half of the book AND one that shows the resolution (if there is one).

Give it!

Find two or more items in your home that would be very useful gifts for a character(s) in our book (based on events that happened in the second half of the book).

Find it!

Find two or more “artifacts” in your home that could pass for character artifacts (based on events in the second half of the book).

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20th Century African American History for Kids: The Major Events that Shaped the Past and Present (History by Century)

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From fighting against discrimination to changing the landscape of art and music, discover the incredible ways that Black Americans influenced the world we live in today. Spanning the 1900s through the 2000s, this journey through history introduces kids to the struggles and triumphs of Black people in the United States through 30 defining moments of the 20th century.

Over the course of five easily digestible "eras," kids will learn about the founding of the NAACP, the Harlem Renaissance, the Tulsa Race Massacre, the March on Washington, the rise of the Black Power Movement, Jesse Jackson's voter registration drive, and more.

Go beyond other American history books for kids with:

An event-driven approach ―A focus on putting things into context, not just memorizing names and numbers, allows kids to engage with history.

Key callouts ―Handy sidebars call special attention to important information and inspiring, influential Black history makers.

Clear explanations ―Each event is explored in a straightforward manner that makes it easy for kids to understand what occurred and why.

Help kids discover the many ways that Black Americans have shaped the world they live in today.

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20th Century African American History for Kids: The Major Events that Shaped the Past and Present (History by Century)

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20th Century African American History for Kids: The Major Events that Shaped the Past and Present (History by Century) [Weston, Margeaux] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. 20th Century African American History for Kids: The Major Events that Shaped the Past and Present (History by Century)

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Finding Langston (The Finding Langston Trilogy)

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© 1996-2014, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

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Finding Langston (The Finding Langston Trilogy)

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Finding Langston (The Finding Langston Trilogy) [Cline-Ransome, Lesa] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Finding Langston (The Finding Langston Trilogy)

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As Brave As You [Reynolds, Jason] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. As Brave As You

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Listen, Slowly [Lai, Thanhhà] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Listen, Slowly

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From School Library Journal

Gr 3-7-Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is excited to be the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors. At the institute in the sky, aspiring Marvellers from all over the world study and hone their skills with the hope of being sorted into one of five paragons: touch, vision, spirit, sound, and taste. Unfortunately, Ella has to contend with her classmates' preconceived notions of Conjurors being unnatural, bad, and untrustworthy. Despite a few missteps, Ella makes new friends, excels in her class, and learns from her favorite teacher and mentor. Things take a turn for the worse when the Ace of Anarchy, an infamous criminal, escapes from prison. People assume the escape was with a Conjuror's help, making them even more suspicious of Ella and her fellow Conjurors. As if things weren't bad enough, Ella's beloved mentor also disappears. It's up to Ella and her friends to get to the bottom of things and prove once and for all that she belongs. Ella is an inspirational heroine who has the formidable task of being the first Conjuror at the institute. Though her classmates' snide comments upset her, she doesn't back down from them, stares right back when they glare at her, and speaks up for herself and her friends. Thanks to the unique magic system and the descriptive worldbuilding, readers will find themselves transported. As with many description-heavy fantasy texts, readers should expect a steady yet entertaining read. This novel is an exemplary example of diversity with a Black girl protagonist, and characters representing a variety of cultures, skin tones, gender identities, sexual orientations, and religious affiliations. VERDICT This fun, immersive tale is a must-purchase for all collections.-Myiesha Speightα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

"The Marvellers deserves the highest compliment I can give a book: I want to live in this world. You can stop looking at admissions brochures for all those other schools of magic. The Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors is definitely where you want to apply." ―#1 New York Times bestselling–author Rick Riordan
"An enthralling fantasy adventure full of bravery, love, and humor." ―
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"[A] myriad [of] global cultural traditions with an intersectionally inclusive, fantastical adventure." ―Publisher's Weekly, starred review

"An exemplary example of diversity with a Black girl protagonist, and characters representing a variety of cultures, skin tones, gender identities, sexual orientations, and religious affiliations. This fun, immersive tale is a must-purchase." ―School Library Journal, starred review
"This middle-grade debut will have readers buzzing as much for its best-selling author as for the desperately needed fresh take on magic schools." ―
Booklist"The Marvellers is only the start of Ella’s journey, but Clayton has carefully given Ella everything she needs to one day join the likes of Percy Jackson, Morrigan Crow and Aru Shah in the middle grade fantasy hall of fame." ―BookPage
"[An] inclusive fantasy worlds filled with magic, lore, and beauty. A marvelous middle-grade adventure, indeed." ―
Horn Book
"Immersive, inclusive, and downright fantastical, this magical boarding school tale is going to shake up the fantasy landscape. Get ready!" ―
Nerdist
“A gorgeous world filled with enchanting characters,
The Marvellers will dazzle readers from beginning to end!” ―Kwame Mbalia, New York Times-bestselling author of Tristan Strong series
"A marvelous gift of a novel! With fantastical twists at every turn, Clayton has created a world that readers won't want to leave.
The Marvellers is magical!” ―Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Hate U Give and Concrete Rose
“
The Marvellers is a rich, enchanted melting pot of magic, thrills, and color . . . filled with heart, wit, and humor. Reinventing the magic school trope is a tall order, but author Dhonielle Clayton is well up to the task . . . A tantalizing introduction to an exhilarating fantasy universe.” ―Soman Chainani, New York Times-bestselling author of The School for Good and Evil series
"Never in all my years of reading have I encountered a book that so seamlessly weaves together mind-bending marvels, cultural relevance and powerful historical themes . . . all in richly imagined world I would give anything to live in.
The Marvellers fully reignited my belief in magic." ―Nic Stone, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Dear Martin
"A 'Marvellerous' middle-grade debut! Delightful, charming, exceptionally clever, and filled with suspense and humor. Fantasy fans will be entranced by Ella’s magical journey." ―Lisa McMann,
New York Times–bestselling author of the Forgotten Five Series
"A fresh, intricately imagined world paired with a clever, endearing cast of characters. I can't wait for every reader to find themselves in this story and dream of becoming a Marveller." ―Shannon Messenger,
New York Times-bestselling author of Keeper of the Lost Cities
"An exquisite and star-filled world of wonder. Dhonielle Clayton’s beautiful prose showcases how honoring differences and sharing gifts can build the strongest friendships. Most of all,
The Marvellers illuminates stellar storytelling through the lens of a Black girl learning to embrace the full potential of her magic." ―Karen Strong, author of Just South of Home and Eden’s Everdark"This is the fantasy adventure the world needs. The Marvellers is a cultural reset, the kind of thorny, exciting, and magical story that I’ve needed my whole life. Clayton’s detailed and heartfelt world―all seen through the eyes of the brilliant Ella Durand―is going to capture the imagination of readers in an instant. Where’s book two? I already need it!" ―Mark Oshiro, author of The Insiders

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The Marvellers (Marvellerverse, 1) [Clayton, Dhonielle, Khatib, Khadijah] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Marvellers (Marvellerverse, 1)

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Inside Out and Back Again is a #1 New York Times bestseller, a Newbery Honor Book, and a winner of the National Book Award!

Inspired by the author's childhood experience as a refugee—fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama—this coming-of-age debut novel told in verse has been celebrated for its touching child's-eye view of family and immigration.

Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America.

This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it "enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny."

An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This paperback edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.

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Inside Out and Back Again [Lai, Thanhhà] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Inside Out and Back Again

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Top reviews from the United States

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Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2022

I finished this book yesterday and I highly recommend it. Growing up, there were never any books with characters that were as mixed as me and as conflicted as me. Sonia struggles with not only her identity but switching schools and her father’s depression as well. This is a story everyone should read. I love the message that being half of anything doesn’t make you less of it. My favorite part was when Sonia is asked what she is and she responds that she is Indian and Jewish but that she has family from Russia as well and another country I am not recalling right now. I was ecstatic when I saw that. It wasn’t until high school that I truly embraced all I was: Guyanese-Indian from dad, Italian, Polish, Irish, and German from mom. We can trace our roots and know who immigrated from India to Guyana (my dad’s generation is first in America). We can trace roots back to Italy, Poland, Ireland and Germany as far back as great-great-greats!

Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2012

Sonia Nadhamuni's life is going well until her father loses his job and she's pulled out of the private school she adores. Now in a public school, she feels out of place. Her classmates make her uncomfortable with their questions geared towards her name and looks. With an Indian father and Jewish mother, the kids focus is on who she is, what she is, and what religion she practices. Sonia tries to fit in with new friends and cheerleading tryouts, but this doesn't mean she's being true to herself. Meanwhile, at home, things are getting worse with her parents. Her mother, who works longer hours because of the father's job loss, doesn't like all the changes in Sonia's social life and her unemployed father is going through emotional changes that will rock the family. I enjoyed all the elements of family, friendship, and diversity in this middle grade novel.

Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2021

This book was a little slow at the beginning but had a lot of drama and played with my emotions which I really like and books

Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2012

Since I am friends with the author (she's an extraordinary person, in addition to her mad writing skills), I decided to buy copies for three 9 and 10 year old girls I know so I could write an unbiased review. First of all, all three girls said "FIVE STARS!" Second, and I think this tells you all you need to know, I will report one quote from each: "I looooooooooved it!" "It was one of those books you read with the flashlight under the blankets because you can't stop reading to go to sleep" and "what are her other books--can I get them, please?"

Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2020

Great price and condition.

Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2014

My daughter was just starting to read middle grades books when I discovered The Whole Story of Half a Girl. Hiranandani approaches complex topics that pre-teens are just starting to become aware of with such insight and such a wise yet approachable perspective that it felt like the perfect way to enter my daughter into a more sophisticated reading experience. The characters were fun, but they were also real and relatable. She couldn’t put it down and it made for great conversations and nights of reading together.

Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2017

My 10 yr old daughter really enjoyed reading this book, so much so that I read it too. It address some Middle School topics like fitting in while also remaining true to oneself but in a new and refreshing light. The main character, Sonia, deals with her own identity as well as confronting some more mature topics such as a parent's depression following job loss. It was great to see a realistic main character that had a multi ethnic and cultural background and it prompted some thoughtful conversations with my daughter. Overall a refreshing and thoughtful read.

Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2016

My 13yo daughter loved it, started reading it right away.

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The Whole Story of Half a Girl [Hiranandani, Veera] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Whole Story of Half a Girl

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Enjoy this powerful book, The Undefeated, read aloud by author Kwame Alexander.

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Enjoy this powerful book, The Undefeated, read aloud by author Kwame Alexander.

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Kwame Alexander reads from The Undefeated | Authors Live | BBC Scotland

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This hilarious and poignant tween debut—which SLJ heralded as “destined to become a classic” in a starred review—tackles evergreen topics like dealing with bullies, making friends, and the power of good books. A great next read for fans of Merci Suárez Changes Gears and John David Anderson.

Ahmed Aziz is having an epic year—epically bad.

After his dad gets sick, the family moves from Hawaii to Minnesota for his dad’s treatment. Even though his dad grew up there, Ahmed can’t imagine a worse place to live. He’s one of the only brown kids in his school. And as a proud slacker, Ahmed doesn’t want to deal with expectations from his new teachers.

Ahmed surprises himself by actually reading the assigned books for his English class: Holes, Bridge to Terabithia, and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Shockingly, he doesn’t hate them. Ahmed also starts learning about his uncle, who died before Ahmed was born.

Getting bits and pieces of his family’s history might be the one upside of the move, even as his dad’s health hangs in the balance and the school bully refuses to leave him alone. Will Ahmed ever warm to Minnesota?

* A Chicago Public Library Kids Best Book of the Year * A BookPage Best Book of the Year * A Bank Street Best Book of the Year * Finalist for the Minnesota Book Award *

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Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year [Hamza, Nina] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year

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Review

"Engaging writing with a great story of family, history, social commentary, and pure fun. An adventure filled mystery."   (Kathy, Sea and Land KidLit Reviews)
"I don't usually get to the point in a children's book where I just can't put it down. I was totally into this one, though. It was fast-paced, I loved the characters, and it had emotional depth. Great read."
(Ronald Liam Bishop, The RLB Journal)
This book uses a distinct, creative storytelling style to tell the tale of two cousins attending camp who go in search of lost treasure. Along the way, they have to use their critical thinking skills to decipher a list of clues, engage in problem-solving and wayfinding, and learn about the wilderness, geography, and history. A recommended read with some serious themes and emotions that older children who like mystery and adventure can enjoy.
(Kitt, Review Rearder)
"Thoroughly modern take on a kid mystery book. Reminds me of the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, or Encyclopedia Brown books, but for modern kids of today. A summer camp, a mystery map, a treasure to find, but kids must use their wits to solve! Awesome.... Positive values: friendship, determination, intelligence, hard work, working together. Highly recommend." (
Elizabeth Gardner)
"Newsom delivers a fabulous blend of joy, humor, friendship, and surprises. Unique, breezy, witty. A winner!"
(Noble Readers)
"
Amazing! A perfect companion to Holes....- My 5th grade class picked Holes as their favorite book. The Last Map was a great"next read". Captured the same sense of story that combines history, hardship, family, and journey."  (Mrs. Elaine,  Elementary Teacher,  Plano ISD)
"A lot of thoughtful wit, unexpected plot and adventurous heart.Happy to have had the chance to travel along in discovery with the author. There's a richness of talent in the way words and meaning are blended together into sophisticated magic"
(Recidiva)
"T.J. is a beautiful young girl, and the heart of the story.  I have never rooted for a character more.  Michael is wonderful as the older cousin that keeps her somewhat "on the proper path" (pun intended).  A funny, touching story.
(Barrington Club Readers)
"Fun adventure and good characters!  Well-developed characters and age appropriate humor. These cousins set out for an unexpected adventure and surprising outcome. Young readers will feel the emotions felt by the characters throughout the story. I recommend this one for middle grade or young teens."
(Mimi for School Age Readers)

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The Last Map [Newsom, John] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Last Map

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If you only watch one Building Background video, let it be this one…

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If you only watch one Building Background video, let it be this one…

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Crash Course Black American History Preview

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When our country’s economy suffered after the Stock Market Crash in 1929, many Americans lost their jobs, had no way to make money, lost their homes, and struggled to meet the basic needs of their families. It was a major crisis for everyone. The government decided to get involved and created programs to help people recover- to get jobs, buy homes, save money for retirement, etc. These programs were extremely helpful…BUT GUESS WHAT… These programs were most often NOT offered to BLACK Americans (just another example of systemic racism…)!

Sometimes I hear white people talk about how their grandparents were poor but because of how hard they were willing to work, they recovered from poverty. These kinds of stories leave out a lot of details. While I’m sure their grandparents did indeed work really hard, there needs to be an acknowledgement that their white grandparents were lucky that the government helped them get those jobs, take out loans, and receive federal assistance like Social Security. White men in particular were lucky to live in a community that welcomed them anywhere they wanted to work and had banks eager to lend them money. Many white families simply would not have recovered without the unearned privilege of being white in a country founded on white supremacy. This is not my opinion; this is true. This is what really happened.

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The Great Depression: Crash Course Black American History #28

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The setting of our book is 1932 in rural, segregated North Carolina, capturing an important time in our country’s history. It is important to consider other experiences happening in the US during this same period we call The Great Depression. Watch this 10 minute video to learn more about a beautiful, empowering and very important era in our history: The Harlem Renaissance.

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Arts and Letters of the Harlem Renaissance: Crash Course Black American History #26

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I decided to make a photo collage out of my Book Challenge creation. ☺️

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I decided to make a photo collage out of my Book Challenge creation. ☺️

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I don't know where to put this, but a new suggestion for a game in class is Gimkit. It kind of like Kahoot, except it has all kinds of different gamemodes.  I'm Gelan by the way, my name says anonymous.

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Segregation - Important piece of History

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Segregation - Important piece of History

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I would like to share that I grew up in Maryland (spent most of my life there); as you all may know Maryland was a slave-state as well as a segregated state. I remember my elementary and high school teachers who had lived through segregation and de-segregation talking to us about their experiences. It was so impactful and powerful! We also read a lot of books about this topic. This is such an important part of American history and I'm very glad this book was chosen for the book club!

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Building Background: African American Spirituals 

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Building Background: African American Spirituals 

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In Chapter 11, Stella’s church sings “Go Down Moses,” which is an example of the spirituals sung during a time when Black people were forced into slavery by wealthy whites. Singing these songs was an important part of Black courage, strength, and served as a means to communicate plans for active resistance against slavery. The singing of these spirituals continues today, as both an act of resistance to injustice, a celebration of heritage, and as a way to honor the ancestors who fought (and the living who continue to fight) for freedom and equality. Watch this two-minute video to learn how these songs were “coded.”

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Underground Railroad: The William Still Story
Many of the well-known Negro Spirituals popular in the United States during the mid-1800s are much more complex than they first appear. Historians of the Underground Railroad refer to them as "Coded Spirituals". What that means is that the words actually have two meanings; one that is immediately apparent and one that's hidden just below the surface.

Aired: 02/05/12

Rating: TV-PG

Problems Playing Video? Report a Problem |

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Underground Railroad: The William Still Story | Coded Spirituals | PBS

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Underground Railroad: The William Still Story Many of the well-known Negro Spirituals popular in the United States during the mid-1800s are much more complex than they first appear. Historians of the Underground Railroad refer to them as "Coded Spirituals".

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A Kids Book About Systemic Racism | Black History Month Read Alouds | Kids Read Aloud Books |

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Building Background Knowledge: Read-Aloud (This book is best read with your parent/guardian. Go see if your adult can watch with you! ☺️)

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Building Background Knowledge: Read-Aloud (This book is best read with your parent/guardian. Go see if your adult can watch with you! ☺️)

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A Kids Book About Systemic Racism | Black History Month Read Alouds | Kids Read Aloud Books |

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Building Background: The role of Black churches- (not just a place to pray)

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Building Background: The role of Black churches- (not just a place to pray)

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Local News

Three churches were instrumental in Black San Antonians fight for justice

SAN ANTONIO – The city of San Antonio has a rich history, filled with people, places and events that helped shape it.

But, much of San Antonio’s Black history has remained untold for years.

Throughout the history of the fight for Civil Rights in our country, Black churches played a part, serving as meeting spaces when there weren’t many other options.

And San Antonio is no exception.

Several churches have played a role in the fight for equality in our city.

In the years following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, many formerly enslaved Black Americans were left without a place to worship.

This led many Black communities to create their own churches, like St. Paul’s Methodist Church in 1866 and Mount Zion First Baptist Church in 1871.

“Really even from the period of slavery, the African-American church was the one institution that was an organizing space. And so after slavery is over and you look for leaders, it’s the church that becomes that space that can bring people together,” said Carey Latimore, associate professor of history at Trinity University.

“You could gather, you could obtain a measure of respect, you could learn how you could it was a safe space,” said Ken Stewart, archivist and museum collection director for the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum.

St. Paul Methodist was built thanks to the Freedmen’s Bureau, which was established by Congress to offer help to freed slaves.

Mount Zion First Baptist Church became the home church of local Civil Rights Activist Rev. Claude Black.

In 1935, the Antioch Baptist Church opened -- less than three miles away from Mount Zion.

During the Civil Rights Movement, that church became a designated area for NAACP meetings.

Black leaders would organize marches and protests there.

Antioch also created the first free breakfast program in San Antonio.

According to St. Mary’s University, that program was later adopted by the San Antonio Independent School District.

All three churches are still operating today, providing a safe space for Black San Antonians and the entire community.

If you’d like to learn more about San Antonio’s Hidden Black History, you can watch the KSAT Explains episode here.

RELATED: KSAT Explains: San Antonio’s hidden Black history

Copyright 2021 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

About the Authors:

Alexsis Page

Alexsis Page has been a News Producer at KSAT since 2019. A former military brat, she was born in Killeen, raised in El Paso, but calls Lawton, Oklahoma, home. She began her journalism career as an editor and later news producer at KSWO in Lawton and also produced at WICS/WRSP in Springfield, Illinois.

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History behind first Black churches on city’s East Side

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The city of San Antonio has a rich history, filled with people, places and events that helped shape it.

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One of the oldest African-American churches in Greenville, North Carolina didn't always stand on the outskirts of the city. In fact, its current members remember a time when what's now known as uptown Greenville was once downtown Greenville, and served as a thriving pillar for the African-American community.

Sycamore Hill Baptist Church is a name some members are getting used to, including Ann Floyd Huggins, who grew up in the church.

"The nickname for it was First Baptist Church, which meant it was the first Baptist church in Greenville at that time," said Huggins.

This made it a packed house every Sunday.

The early morning hymns and preaching had an impact on Alton Ray Harris's life who grew up in the Shore Drive Community and witnessed the area's impact on black lives.

"People don't know that downtown was very industrial, we, when I say we, I mean the black neighborhoods down there," said Harris. "We didn't really have to go anywhere for doctors and stores, 'cause we had a black dentist, we had a funeral home, we had a family doctor, we had a lawyer, all of those things down there that you go to places now, we had them downtown."

The church was founded in 1867, but it wasn't until 1917 that the church opened its doors at the corner of First and Greene streets.

As the church continued to grow, so did the problem.

"When the urban renewal came, they (city of Greenville) made an offer and we didn't accept it," said Harris. "Then as we didn't accept it, somehow mysteriously it got burned."

While the ashes fell, so did the emotions of church members, including Greenville native and Sycamore member Freddie Outterbridge.

"I know it hurt a lot of people," said Outterbridge. "There were a lot of people in Greenville, both black and white, that liked the architecture of Sycamore Hill Church and the music that came out of that church was such beautiful music."

The church would move to Eighth Street in 1968.

In addition to moving the church, many homes were dsplaced and sold. Many members were displaced following the city's approval of the project.

"When they uprooted the old people, most of them died," said Harris. "We had death, after death and that came because the older people were moved."

The fight to maintain the church's legacy continued over the years.

In 2016, the city created a historical marker in remembrance of the church, which is another piece to the remaining puzzle.

"We had nothing to show in Greenville about the African-American history of this Sycamore Hill Church and the downtown area," said Outterbridge.

Longtime member Fred Outterbridge and his wife Lillian Outerbridge continued to fight for the preservation of the history of the church.

"We continued to fight not only for the blacks but also the whites of this community," said Freddie Outterbridge. "I hope it (Sycamore Hill Gateway Plaza) brings us together and what we have seen it will be beautiful."

Greenville City Council approved the nearly $2 million project to commemorate the church in September.

The Sycamore Hill Gateway Plaza is set to be the missing piece to the town's master plan for the town common.

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church was once thriving pillar for greenville

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Church was once thriving pillar for Greenville, N.C. African-American community

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One of the oldest African-American churches in Greenville, North Carolina didn't always stand on the outskirts of the city. In fact, its current members remember a time when what's now known as uptown Greenville was once downtown Greenville, and served as a thriving pillar for the African-American community.

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P.26 “Never be afraid to be honest and stand up for what is right, Stella,” he said pointedly. “Just remember to balance your courage with wisdom.”

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P.26 “Never be afraid to be honest and stand up for what is right, Stella,” he said pointedly. “Just remember to balance your courage with wisdom.”

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- Stella’s father, Mr. Mills

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Booksource | Jason Reynolds Introduces Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

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Stamped: Racism, AntiRacism, and You by Jason Reynolds 

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Stamped: Racism, AntiRacism, and You by Jason Reynolds 

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https://a.co/d/daDVLm6

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Booksource | Jason Reynolds Introduces Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

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This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell

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This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell

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Tiffany Jewell Reads from This Book is Anti-Racist | San Antonio Book Festival

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(Optional) Nearpod Lesson: Anti-Racist Baby 

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(Optional) Nearpod Lesson: Anti-Racist Baby 

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Enjoy a 5-10 minute, optional lesson, which raises important questions about race and could start an important conversation within our group.

Go straight to the lesson by clicking this link.

(Another option for accessing the lesson is to go to http://www.Nearpod.com and enter the following CODE in the "Join Session" field:  B5EZP

Please complete this lesson at your own pace.

Please note: If you are using a mobile device, you need the Nearpod App. Download it for free here.

Enjoy!

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Is what the Klan does illegal at that time?

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Is what the Klan does illegal at that time?

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Text-to-self and Text-to-World: I went to high school with this teacher and knew her very well. 😳

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Text-to-self and Text-to-World: I went to high school with this teacher and knew her very well. 😳

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A South Carolina elementary school teacher has been placed on administrative leave after she asked her fifth grade students to imagine they are members of the Ku Klux Klan and told them to justify their treatment of black people.

The assignment last week sparked outrage from family members and tears from at least one 10-year-old student who couldn’t bring himself to complete his homework, according to the student’s uncle, Tremain Cooper.

“I felt sad. I felt anger,” Cooper told NBC Charlotte. “It was heartbreaking for us.”

Cooper posted a photo of the assignment on Facebook last Thursday. The assignment read: “You are a member of the K.K.K. Why do you think your treatment of African-Americans is justified?”

- Tremain Cooper/Facebook

Tremain Cooper/Facebook

Cooper said his nephew was “home crying right now” over the assignment. Cooper also questioned how a teacher could ask a fifth grader to justify the actions of the KKK.

“I felt bad for my nephew because he was emotional. He had become upset because he thought he may get in trouble because he wasn’t able to complete his assignment,” Cooper told NBC.

The school district said it is standard for fifth graders to learn about the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War, as well as discriminatory group like the KKK. But it acknowledged the teacher’s specific assignment should not have been given to students. “We must teach the standard, but we are taking steps to ensure this particular assignment will never be used again,” Lexington-Richland School District Five spokeswoman Katrina Goggins said in a statement.

Goggins said the school district has begun its “standard personnel investigation procedures” and has placed the teacher on administrative leave. Goggins did not specify whether the leave was paid.

Contact us at letters@time.com.

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Teacher Asks Fifth Graders to Imagine and Justify Being KKK Members

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A South Carolina teacher has been placed on leave after she asked her students to imagine and justify being members of the Ku Klux Klan.

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Last week while on vacation, I made a shocking text-to-world connection to something in Stella by Starlight. My family and I visited a park in rural Pennsylvania and went hiking and swimming, etc. Afterwards, I googled the name of the town to find out more about it. What I did NOT expect to read was that the town is known for problems with white supremacy, including active Ku Klux Klan members. I also read that one particular white supremacist kept harassing a biracial family to the point the family felt so unsafe they decided to move to another state. According to the article, there are over 30 racial hate groups in Pennsylvania.

Quote from the article: Two months before the 2016 presidential election, the KKK established a “24 hour Klan Line” and sent goody bags containing lollipops and fliers to hundreds of homes…A regional newspaper ran Klan advertisements saying, “God bless the KKK.”

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(as in the “Ku Klux Klan”; a secret organization that started in the southern U.S. and whose mission was to suppress the new powers acquired by Black people after the Civil War.)

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Originally posted by Vasudha onto google classroom (6/13/22)    My reaction to the first two chapters of the  book Stella by Starlight: Chapter One: I feel like chapter one was a good introduction to what Stella felt when she saw The Ku Klux Klan (very scared, but also curious, etc.). I think Jojo felt excited, curious, and maybe a little scared, but not as scared as Stella. Chapter One introduced not only Stella and Jojo, but also The Klan. Reading this, I felt curious. The author didn’t completely explain Stella’s life in her community, and also what The Klan was. Chapter Two: I felt like chapter two was mainly explaining Stella’s family talking about The Klan, and Jojo talking about how he knew members of The Klan were there in the first place (he didn’t really know they were there ; he just thought someone was having fun) at the end, Stella, Jojo and their dog go from neighbor to neighbor and tell them about The Klan. Also, chapter two talks about Stella’s life at home, and since she is an African American, how they had to be segregated (Stella lives in the segregated south). Many rules that she and her African American community have to obey are rules White people  are allowed to ignore. In Chapter Two, Stella felt scared and maybe a tinge of excitementJojo probably felt excited, and maybe a little left out, since he doesn’t completely know what’s going on. Reading this, my questions about Stella’s life were answered. I felt like I wanted to read more, because the book was so intriguing, but the author chose to leave me in suspence.

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Choose a scene from anywhere in the first half of Stella by Starlight and create it using only THREE
MATERIALS!

The link below will take you to a spinning wheel. Spin it THREE TIMES to find out which THREE materials you will use!

Post in the comments and let us know which materials you will be using!

Next Friday, June 24, we will be sharing our creations during our Zoom meeting! 🥳

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Create fortune wheels in the app

Grab the FREE app and create your own wheels of fortune for your raffles, random draws, fun decisions and all the other cool stuff you come up with!

Create fortune wheels in the app

Grab the FREE app and create your own wheels of fortune for your raffles, random draws, fun decisions and all the other cool stuff you come up with!

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Take a spin and finish the sentence based on what you’ve read so far in Stella by Starlight!

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Take a spin and finish the sentence based on what you’ve read so far in Stella by Starlight!

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*Unlike the first wheel I posted, this wheel is NOT an app! Please let me know if you had difficulty accessing the first wheel (the one that assigns three materials for building a book scene).

Here is the list of all
the sentence starters from this wheel:

I wonder...

I am confused about...

I want to know more about...

Some unfamiliar words I read so far are______________(include page #s for each word)...

I really hope...

It was unfair when...

An example of a character showing courage was when...

If I were Stella, I would...

I want our Book Club to talk about...

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The page is slow to load and there may have been an error. To fix it, please refresh the page.

1. Windows, Linux or Chromebook: press Ctrl F5.

2. Mac computer:

Safari: press Option Command E and then Command R.

Other browsers: press Command Shift R.

3. Phone or tablet: swipe down from the top of the page.

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The page is slow to load and there may have been an error. To fix it, please refresh the page. Windows, Linux or Chromebook: press Ctrl F5. Mac computer: Safari: press Option Command E and then Command R. Other browsers: press Command Shift R. Phone or tablet: swipe down from the top of the page.

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Virtual Book Club Orientation notes and Form (originally posted on google classroom 6/13)

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Virtual Book Club Orientation notes and Form (originally posted on google classroom 6/13)

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It was wonderful to see familiar faces today during our Virtual Book Club Orientation meeting this morning! Also it has been very exciting to see emails coming in from people who want to join! Welcome Ms. Pakruti, Vasudha, Ms. Nipha, Edison, Myko, Ms. Adey, and Gelan! And Oliver will be joining us for Session Two!

Whether or not you made this morning’s meeting, please complete the attached form in the next 1-3 days. As discussed in today’s meeting, this form is an important way for your voice to be heard and for your ideas to be shared.

Our first official Book Club discussion will be next Friday, June 24 on chapters 1-25 (the first half of the book). Between now and then there will be plenty of opportunities for online discussion on google classroom this Padlet! I will be posting questions and resources to build background knowledge, and everyone else is invited to post their own questions, too! Remember this is EVERYONE’S book club! 🥳❤️

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Session One: Stella by Starlight by Sharon Draper/June 24-July 8,  Fridays 10AM-11AM

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Session One: Stella by Starlight by Sharon Draper/June 24-July 8,  Fridays 10AM-11AM

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Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6046058360

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Discussion Topics for Stella by Starlight.

1. The novel opens with a powerful description of a fire burning in the woods in the middle of the night. How does this help capture the reader's attention? What predictions can the reader make about Stella? About Jojo? About what might happen in their town?

2. Describe the family's home as described in chapter two. In what year and what town does the story take place?

3. Describe Stella's parents. How would you describe the relationship between the parents and the children?

4. How would you describe Tony? Describe some of the frustrations the two children face. How does Stella feel about sitting outside at night with a boy she's known all her life?

5. Discuss Stella's love of newspapers. How does her father inspire her to be interested in the news? How does the room decoration affect Stella's connection to newspapers?

6. Describe Stella's walk to school and the children who lived nearby that walked with her. What can you learn about their community from this description?

7. Describe Stella's classroom (which was the whole school!) and her teacher. What does this say about the school system in Bumblebee and North Carolina at that time?

8. How does Stella compare herself to the old apple tree outside the classroom window? What problems does Stella have in school?

9. Why does Stella sneak out at night? What does she keep in her hidden cigar box and why?

10. Why is a visit from Spoon Man a reason for excitement in the town? Describe Spoon Man and his wagon and his effect on the community.

11. In your own words, summarize Spoon Man's story about the eagle who thought he was a chicken. What does Stella think of the story?

12. What does Stella learn about her father as they ride to town? What do you think most surprises her?

13. Describe the voting registration. How do you think Stella felt throughout the ordeal? What do you think she learned from that experience?

14. What does Stella think about the writing contest? Make a prediction about how you think she will do in the competition.

15. Why is the Sears Catalog exciting to Stella and Carolyn? Compare the reality of cleaning a chicken coop to her dreams of being able to buy some of the items pictured in the catalog.

16. Describe the fire. Why doesn't the fire department come and put it out? What do you learn about the community as they fight the fire?

17. Do you think Stella is a hero? Explain. How does she feel about what she did? How does the community show their pride?

18. In your own words, tell the teacher's story of the people who could fly. Why is that story significant because of what had happened in their community?

19. How do you think the typewriter changed Stella's attitude about and ability with writing?

20. How does the community come together on Election Day? Do you think the vote from Stella's father made a difference? Explain.

21. Describe both the negatives and the positives that happened as a result of the attack on Tony. Describe Stella's feelings.

22. What does Stella's mother teach her as they hunt for herbs and plants? How does Stella use that information later?

23. How does Mrs. Odom save the day? Why is it surprising? What more do you learn about community because of what she did?

24. What problems does Paulette face at home? What is surprising about Paulette's revelations?

25. Describe the humorous parts of the Christmas play. Why is it a good place for the story to end?

Activities and Research

1. Put yourself in Bumblebee in 1932. Write a paper that tells what it would be like to be Stella for one day. Write about your clothes, your chores, your community, and your friends.

2. Investigate the recent changes in voting rights laws in many states. How similar are some of the new laws to the way people were treated in 1932?

3. Investigate the art of storytelling, both long ago and today. Why is storytelling important for human beings to share?

4. Research current social and community problems in the news. Comment on what can be done to make our communities safer and that everyone is treated fairly.

5. Research old typewriters and how they worked.

6. Research old folk songs and gospel songs like those mentioned in the novel. What part do traditional songs and music play in the role of a community?

7. Write a letter to one of the characters in the book explaining your feelings about the events in the story. What advice would you give Stella, Tony, or Paulette?

8. Imagine it is the last day of fifth grade. Write a letter or create a conversation between one of the following pairs of characters:

9. Trace the story of one of the following characters. Imagine you are a reporter doing a story on one of their lives. Write everything you know, as well as whatever you can infer about the character in order to write your magazine article.

10. You are a reporter at one of the following scenes. Write the story for your newspaper.

WRITING ACTIVITIES

Read the quotes, then write the essay that follows.

1. COMPARISON/CONTRAST PAPER

A.
"Uh, my little brother is sick," Stella said. "He's got a bad cough, an upset stomach, and a fever."

Mr. O'Brian looked genuinely concerned. "I'm sorry to hear that. Sounds like a touch of the flu. Some Sal Hepatica might help the young fella," he said. "It's a good product, but tell your brother to be warned. It fizzes going in, and fizzes coming out!" He laughed at his own joke, but Stella was in no mood for humor.

"Thank you," she said politely.

"And for the cough, try Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. It's got a little camphor and a little menthol, and probably lots of other things they never tell us about. But it works."

"That's exactly what Mama asked for," Stella agreed. "I appreciate this. How much?"

"Let's see. The cough syrup is 18 cents and the medicine is 32 cents. That comes to fifty cents."

Stella fingered the two dimes and a nickel in her palm. "I've got half that," she said awkwardly, flushing with embarrassment. She looked around self-consciously, but thankfully, Paulette was nowhere to be seen.

"Well, what do you know!" Mr. O'Brien said cheerfully. "I forgot to tell you--today is half-price day! And you have exactly enough."

Stella looked up at him. Their eyes met, then she bowed her head with gratitude. "Thank you, sir," she said. "Very much."

"I hope little Jojo feels better," Mr. O'Brien said gently. He reached under the glass counter, pulled out a cinnamon cookie, and handed it to Stella, still warm. "My wife just took these from the oven. It's chilly today, and you've got a long walk home. This'll help keep you warm."

Almost in tears at his kindness, Stella thanked him once more, and walked out of the store, the brown paper bag in her left hand, and the cookie in her right.
B.
"What you doin', gal?" a raspy voice said behind her.

Stella turned uneasily. Sitting on the bench in the front of the store were Max Smitherman and Johnnie Ray Johnson. They had not been there when she went in--she surely would have noticed.

"Girl, he asked you a question," Johnnie Ray said.

"Just . . . just getting medicine for my brother," Stella replied, looking down at her shoes. Even though she could feel anger creeping up in her, she'd been taught since she was very young to say as little as possible to mean white people.

"Your mama know you spent her money on cookies for yourself?" Mr. Smitherman said, his voice taunting. "Or maybe-" he turned to Johnnie Ray, "--her daddy too busy votin' and such to be teachin' manners to his daughter."

"The cookie was a gift," Stella mumbled, the anger turning to fury.

"I'm thinkin' she don't need that there cookie," Smitherman said to Johnson.

"I'm thinkin' she musta stole that there cookie," Johnson said to Smitherman.

"Maybe she went in there and voted for the cookie," Smitherman said with a cruel laugh.

Johnnie Ray, with two huge steps, was beside Stella. He snatched the cookie from her hand.

Stella could take no more. "You give that back!" she exclaimed. Even though she would have never put the cookie in her mouth now that he had touched it, she added, "You can't just steal other people's stuff!"

Johnnie Ray stared her in the eye and stuffed broken cookie chunks into his mouth. Max Smitherman threw his head back and hooted.
Compare and/or contrast the attitudes and behavior of Mr. O'Brian and Johnnie Ray Smitherman. Discuss their roles in the novel, the effect of their actions on the plot of the story, and their effect on the reader of the story. Use specific examples from the book to support your statements.
2. DESCRIPTIVE PAPER

" The sun grew golden, then rusty as it slipped slowly toward the horizon. Then, out of the blue, a gaggle of silvery geese erupted from the reeds at the pond's edge, honking and swirling in circular disorder. Stella went instantly alert. What had them all riled up? A fox? It wasn't more of those men, was it? Then she heard a crackling of underbrush--or was it just the random movement of the fallen leaves? There was no way to be sure, but she decided not to take any chances. Stella hurried back into her house, pulled the back door shut, and locked it.
Write a descriptive paper that uses sensory imagery. Describe a specific scene and bring it to life with your words. Use vivid verbs and powerful adjectives and adverbs as you write. Use as many of the senses as you can. (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) .
3. NARRATIVE PAPER

"Every once in a while, I bring a notebook out here and write about animals and stuff. Anything to get my mind off things going on at home."

Amazed, Stella asked her, "So why did you take your shoes off? It's freezing out here."

Paulette started crying again. "I was, uh, being stupid . . . I thought maybe. . . ,"

"You didn't go in on purpose?"

"I didn't! I swear. Well, not really. But-I was just so upset! I figured if my daddy. . ." she dropped her head and sniffled. "If I got, well, sick with something really awfully bad like pneumonia or cholera or something. . . "

"You can't get cholera from cold water," Stella scoffed, crossing her arms.

"I know. I know. But I wanted to get sick with something really bad so he'd pay attention to me for a change! He's a doctor-if I had to go to ah hospital or something, maybe he'd remember he had a little girl. Maybe my folks would stop fighting." She started to cry again.

Stella frowned. She wasn't sure how to react to the shivering white girl. How unhappy she had to be!"
Write a narrative paper from the point of view of Paulette, or about Paulette. Describe her daily life. Discuss her strengths and weaknesses and problems.
4. EXPOSITORY PAPER

"The family sat huddled around the only table in the house, with Dusty, their brindle hound, curled underneath. Stella loved the feel of that table--she loved to trace the circular patterns in the warm brown wood. Made of elm and built by her father when he married her mother, the table was large, sturdy, and dependable-and so much more than a place for meals. It was a sewing table for her mother, a place to clean fish for her father, the battle ground for many family games of checkers, and even a pretend track for Jojo to race his two wooden toy cars. Stella, now nervously circling the burl of the wood grain at double speed, thought tonight could be the one when she wore a hole clear through it."

"Scooching her knees up, she gazed at the newspaper-covered wall next to her bed. Most every plank of pine wood inside the house was covered with old newspapers. Newsy decoration, Mama called it. The pages were glued on with wood paste and randomly selected: a wall might sport an ad for medicine next to an article on the price of eggs. As the pages yellowed or peeled, Mama slapped fresh ones up. Stella could not remember when she wasn't surrounded by newsprint. Tonight she reread a piece about what the paper called a crime wave-three robberies-which was next to a story about a college debate team and their success. It seemed like only seconds passed when she woke with a start as her mother tickled her nose with a feather."
Write an expository (explanatory) paper that describes a room at your school, or your house. Tell what is unusual or unexpected about the place. Use as many specifics as possible.
5. PERSUASIVE PAPER

"Outside the classroom window stood an ancient apple tree, its branches gnarled and entwined. They'd all feasted on the fruit since the start of school, but the last of the apples had fallen in the past week. Stella gazed out at the few remaining leaves which stirred in the sharp breeze. When she opened her notebook, her thoughts snarled like those tangled branches. Stella didn't like to write.

When she was in first grade, it had taken her longer than anyone else to figure out the connection between words in her head and the charts on the wall that listed both the printed and cursive versions of the ABCs. Reading had come slowly. Mrs. Grayson had been patient every year, letting Stella work at her own pace, but she'd struggled with putting it all together. For sure, she'd never be the class spelling bee champion like Carolyn.

So instead of beginning her essay, Stella busied herself with getting ready to get ready. She had a system-pencils on the left, notebook on the right, books in the middle. She liked everything neat and lined up so the edges matched.

Not that any of that mattered, she thought glumly. A neat desk couldn't cover up her struggles. The inside of her notebooks were a jumble of half-finished work, scratch-outs, and mess-ups. Arithmetic wasn't so bad-numbers lined up in an order that made sense to her.

But writing, oh Lordy. It wasn't that she didn't have strong opinions on lots of things. She sure did! But putting them on a piece of paper just wasn't her piece of cake. Or pie. Or pancakes with molasses, which she dearly loved. Writing was more like trying to chew chicken bones-hard to do and not worth the effort. She even had a couple of bad grades in that notebook that she'd hidden from her parents, which she knew was dumb. Eventually her mama and Mrs. Grayson would get to talking at church, and her life would be over.

Stella's mind was spinning with ideas, images of flames sealed in her memory. So she really did try to start on her essay in earnest. She scratched out words. Started again. Erased half of it with her almost-used-up gum eraser. Started again. Stopped.

Shoulders slumped, she stared out the window. A slight breeze blew through the arms of the apple tree, causing a few curled and ruddy leaves to dance aimlessly to the ground. Stella figured sticking those leaves back on the branches would be easier than trying to move the stuff in her head to the empty blue lines in her notebook."
Write a persuasive paper that discusses one of the following options: (a) "Stella's struggles reflect most students at one time or another." (b) Stella is unique in her struggles because of the time in which she lives and her education and background." Be sure to use specifics to support your answer.
6. FICTIONAL ANALYSIS PAPER

(a) "Now it came to pass that a young woman was living on one plantation, a woman of strength, a woman with dreams. Her name was Zalika, which, in the Swahili language, means, 'born to royalty.' She constantly looked to the sky. She was able to predict the moment the sun would peep above the horizon, and the instant the land would fade into night. She had named every cloud, even though no two were ever the same. She knew when the sky would pour down rain upon them, and when the sun would burn their backs. She memorized the flight patterns of the birds as they soared above, studying them every single day.

(b) "Once, long, long ago, there was a noble eagle who laid three eggs. She carefully set them in her nest atop the tallest mountain. She watched those eggs, and kept them warm, and loved her little nestlings even before they hatched. "But one day, a great storm raged around that mountaintop. The winds blew something fierce, and heavy rains pelted the eagle and her nest. Thunder crashed and lightning crackled! An earthquake rocked the earth. Why, the whole world shook with the power of that storm!"
Analyze the stories or the storytelling of Spoon Man and Mrs. Grayson. (You can go back and re-read the entire story that each character told.) Discuss their effectiveness at telling the stories, the effect of the stories on the listeners, and the effect of their story on the plot. Use specific examples from the book to support your statements.
7. WRITING ANALYSIS PAPER
Read each of Stella's writings in the novel and describe how she improves and becomes a better writer. Use specific words or phrases or sentences to prove your points.
8. POETRY

Write a poem about one of the following topics: Or a topic of your own choice.

9. CHARACTER SKETCH PAPER

Only one had a car-Mrs. Odom and Claudia. But Mrs. Odom rarely drove it, not even to church. She kept it in her barn, covered with blankets...

"Mrs. Odom, who usually dressed in demure long dresses and straw hats, had on a pair of men's overalls and an old plaid work shirt. Her hair was unstyled and all over her head. Her daughter Claudia, looking sleepy, wore a nightgown. And Dr. Hawkins-Dr. Hawkins!--in his Sunday-go-to-meeting three-piece suit and fedora filled the room with his authority...

Stella hopped up, patted the place she'd been sleeping, and tucked Claudia in. Claudia was out before Stella even had the blanket fully around her. Then Stella ran over to the adults. Her father was in the midst of giving Mrs. Odom a bear hug. He pulled Stella into it.

"Stella girl! Praise the Lord! Mrs. Odom here heard about the snake bite, got in her car, and drove all the way to Raleigh to get Dr. Hawkins from his medical conference!" Papa told her, mashing them both.

Mrs. Odom extracted herself from the embrace, but her cheeks were flush with pride.

Stella felt she was going to burst. Mrs. Odom? She drove? The woman who wouldn't ever take the car out for fear of getting dust on it? Praise the Lord indeed!"
Write a character sketch of a family member, a friend, or a relative. Use strong verbs and adjectives, lots of specifics, as well as sensory imagery.
10. PERSONAL ESSAY

" My name is Estelle Mills, and I am not nobody. Mrs. Grayson would say that's a double negative. Well, I'm here to say I'm not no negative. I am me, and that's a fact.

I like to be called Stella because it reminds me of stars and I like the night. Mama tells me I was born at midnight during a full moon. Maybe that is why.

I am left-handed-the only student in the whole school who is.

My family reminds me of good things to drink.

Mama is hot chocolate.

Papa is black coffee.

Jojo is sweet tea.

Me, I'm the color of rum. Mama cooks with it sometimes.

I've got thick black hair, and bushy caterpillar-looking eyebrows. When I look in the mirror, I don't see pretty. I just see me."
Write a personal essay that describes YOU as Stella described herself. You can also describe a special memory or event. Explain why it is meaningful to you. Be sure to include sensory imagery--sights, smells, touches, tastes, sounds.

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Discussion Topics for Stella by Starlight. The novel opens with a powerful description of a fire burning in the woods in the middle of the night. How does this help capture the reader's attention? What predictions can the reader make about Stella? About Jojo?

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Your First Book Club Reading Assignment 

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Your First Book Club Reading Assignment 

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Read the first two chapters of Stella by Starlight and
1) While you read, post your reactions on this Padlet under the section called “Our Reactions” For example, you could…
- choose a quote from the book that stands out to you
- share a question you have about something you are wondering about or are confused about
- a prediction you have based on what happened in the first two chapters

2) Respond to someone else’s post. (This might mean you have to keep checking back for new posts.)

3.) Book Club Orientation Meeting: Send me an email letting me know if you are available to meet this coming Monday morning (June 14) at 10:00-10:30. We need to set up some agreements for our work together this summer! 🤗 I also want to give you a chance to share any ideas you have for our Book Club (cool activities, interesting book projects, etc).

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Session Two: A Wolf Called Wander by Roseann Parry (July 15-29, Fridays 10AM-11AM)

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Session Two: A Wolf Called Wander by Roseann Parry (July 15-29, Fridays 10AM-11AM)

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A New York Times bestseller! "Don't miss this dazzling tour de force."-Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal winning author of The One and Only Ivan
This gripping novel about survival and family is based on the real story of one wolf's incredible journey to find a safe place to call home. Illustrated throughout, this irresistible tale by award-winning author Rosanne Parry is for fans of Sara Pennypacker's Pax and Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan.

Swift, a young wolf cub, lives with his pack in the mountains learning to hunt, competing with his brothers and sisters for hierarchy, and watching over a new litter of cubs. Then a rival pack attacks, and Swift and his family scatter.

Alone and scared, Swift must flee and find a new home. His journey takes him a remarkable one thousand miles across the Pacific Northwest. The trip is full of peril, and Swift encounters forest fires, hunters, highways, and hunger before he finds his new home.

Inspired by the extraordinary true story of a wolf named OR-7 (or Journey), this irresistible tale of survival invites readers to experience and imagine what it would be like to be one of the most misunderstood animals on earth. This gripping and appealing novel about family, courage, loyalty, and the natural world is for fans of Fred Gipson's Old Yeller and Katherine Applegate's Endling.
Plus don't miss Rosanne Parry's stand-alone companion novel, A Whale of the Wild.
Includes black-and-white illustrations throughout and a map as well as information about the real wolf who inspired the novel.

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family - general (see also headings under social themes)

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general (see also headings under social issues)

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juvenile fiction / action & adventure / survival stories

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juvenile fiction / animals / wolves & coyotes

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juvenile fiction / family / general (see also headings under social issues)

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juvenile fiction / family / general (see also headings under social themes)

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juvenile fiction/action & adventure - survival stories

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juvenile fiction/family - general (see also headings under social themes)

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middle grade adventure; middle grade animals; illustrated middle grade fiction; middle grade survival story; survival stories; wolves; middle grade novels about wolves; middle grade novels about family; award-winning authors; northeast; middle grade novels set in the northeast; middle grade novels about animals; animal books; animal stories; white fang; nature; rosanne parry; call of the wild; literary middle grade; nature and the natural world; books every kid should read

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middle grade adventure;middle grade animals;illustrated middle grade fiction;middle grade survival story;survival stories;wolves;middle grade novels about wolves;middle grade novels about family;award-winning authors;northeast;middle grade novels set in the northeast;middle grade novels about animals;animal books;animal stories;white fang;nature;rosanne parry;call of the wild;literary middle grade;nature and the natural world;books every kid should read

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juvenile fiction / action & adventure / survival stories

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juvenile fiction / family / general (see also headings under social themes)

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juvenile fiction/action & adventure - survival stories

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juvenile fiction/family - general (see also headings under social themes)

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A Wolf Called Wander [Parry, Rosanne, Armiño, Mónica] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A Wolf Called Wander

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Book Scavenger (The Book Scavenger series, 1)

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Session Three: Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman (August 5-19, Fridays 10AM-11AM)

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Session Three: Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman (August 5-19, Fridays 10AM-11AM)

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Book Scavenger (The Book Scavenger series, 1)

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Amazon.com: Book Scavenger (The Book Scavenger series, 1): 9781250079800: Chambliss Bertman, Jennifer: Books

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Select which sessions you are interested in joining, and email Sarah at: sarahjbuchholz@gmail.com by Friday, June 17 to secure your spot in our Summer Book Club! (You can join as many sessions as you want!) 

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Select which sessions you are interested in joining, and email Sarah at: sarahjbuchholz@gmail.com by Friday, June 17 to secure your spot in our Summer Book Club! (You can join as many sessions as you want!) 

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Requirement: You are responsible for obtaining your own copy of each book; check the library, Amazon, and/or your closest bookstore!

To register, email Sarah no later than Friday, June 17, and tell her which sessions you plan on joining.