Linked Text Sets by

For my companion novel, I chose Plain Yellow by Ruby Yayra Goka. This novel is interesting as the setting will also be foreign to most, if not all the students within my classroom as it is based in Africa. The plot of the story directly aligns with the EQs though as the protagonist has to give up her dreams in order to provide for her siblings and mother who has fallen ill. The struggle for resources such as food and water for her family leads her to a vulnerable situation in which she is sexually assaulted. Although the topic is dark, I believe the students will be able to better understand how being born into a lower social class can affect one's ability to prosper and grow as an individual.

To compliment the novels, I also will use various forms of media to better inform my students of what power actually is in society and where it comes from (the Ted-Ed). I would most likely show them this at the beginning of the unit plan to ensure their understanding of power before we move forward. Also, the stock picture I included will hopefully lead to a great class discussion on what creates the gap between social classes and what this gap inhibits those on the right from achieving. Other questions I would introduce to the class are below the picture.

The song I included by John Lennon is also something I am very excited about, as I am a huge fan and it fits perfectly into the linked text set. Lennon has written the song to show how the rich exploit the poor and take advantage of them. Students will be able to analyze this song almost as if it were a poem, but I feel as though it will be more engaging as they will be able to listen to the music. The can refer back to the novel and make connections across the characters from those novels.

The short story is also a favorite of mine. I took a Russian literature course two years ago and I absolutely loved the class. The Overcoat was one of the stories we read in class and it was a great read. The theme of the story coincides with the EQs as we see the effects of the treatment to working class individuals from those who are in a higher social class. Also, the article in relation to the Coronavirus will allow the students to apply this knowledge to the world around them. This is of the utmost importance as social classes and the need for resources is still a prominent issue today, in the US and all over the world.

I hope the poem that I included will be able to tug on the student's heart strings after reading it. The melancholy poem is a great way to get student's to have a sense of sympathy for those who do not have food on the table.

Overall, I truly enjoyed working on this project. It has been my favorite so far this year. I was able to bring in media sources that I am passionate about that directly correlate with the EQs of the linked text set.