9. Exploring Race

"Is that what you see when you look at me? A puzzle to be figured out?." ~ Becca Khalil and Nayo Jones

The Lesson

The next time you are in a classroom, take a moment to examine the representation on the bookshelves. Do the books reflect a diverse population? Or are they largely white? My guess, based upon my time in multiple classrooms, is that unless it's a classroom of a teacher who actively seeks out diverse books, you'll find that the shelves are largely monochromatic. We need to disrupt that. Our students of color deserve to see themselves reflected in the pages of the books they are reading. And our white students need to experience the stories of people different from them. In order to accomplish this goal, we need to read diverse books, too.

So, for this lesson, you are to read one of the following novels, written by diverse authors about diverse characters.

The Challenge

For this challenge, you are to think about how the characters of color exist within the larger system of a white society. Create a three-column chart. Label the first column "Vulnerabilities." In this column, write down moments in the book where the character is particularly vulnerable to a white-privileged system. Include quotes with page numbers, as well as an explanation of how these quotes demonstrate their vulnerability. Label the second column "Strengths." Here, write down the strengths of the character(s). Use adjectives that describe the strengths, and include quotes with page numbers that illustrate these strengths. Label the third column "Needs." Here, jot down things your character(s) needs in order to be successful in society.

You may create your chart in any manner you choose. You can create a table directly on a blog post or you may use some other technology tool to create your chart.

Post your response to your portfolio by 4:00pm on March 27th