Grade Eight: English Language Arts
Students will develop an understanding five general outcomes: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences, Comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print and other media texts. Manage ideas and information. Enhance the clarity and artistry of communication. Respect, support and collaborate with others.
G.O 1: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, experiences
All American Boys
In this Coretta Scott King Honor Award–winning novel, two teens—one black, one white—grapple with the repercussions of a single violent act that leaves their school, their community, and, ultimately, the country bitterly divided by racial tension. The story follows Margaret as she moves through feelings of rejection and tries to reconnect with her family, language and culture.
All American Boys
In this Coretta Scott King Honor Award–winning novel, two teens—one black, one white—grapple with the repercussions of a single violent act that leaves their school, their community, and, ultimately, the country bitterly divided by racial tension. The story follows Margaret as she moves through feelings of rejection and tries to reconnect with her family, language and culture.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1 Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Character analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of learning about racism from the past to understand it's impact on society today
- Cross-curricular with Health: explore the connection between trauma and various trauma responses as well as the impact of inter-generational trauma - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Secret Daughter
Somer's life is everything she imagined it would be — she's newly married and has started her career as a physician in San Francisco — until she makes the devastating discovery she never will be able to have children.
Somer's life is everything she imagined it would be — she's newly married and has started her career as a physician in San Francisco — until she makes the devastating discovery she never will be able to have children.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1 Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Character analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Cross-curricular with Health: how to best deal with life changes, students can compare characters as well as discuss strategies for addressing big life changes - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Girl, Woman, Other
Girl, Woman, Other follows the lives and struggles of twelve very different characters. Mostly women, Black and British, they tell the stories of their families, friends and lovers, across the country and through the years.
Girl, Woman, Other follows the lives and struggles of twelve very different characters. Mostly women, Black and British, they tell the stories of their families, friends and lovers, across the country and through the years.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1 Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Genre analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Identify and analyze the author's message and how it connects to their own life - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Conrete Rose
International phenomenon Angie Thomas revisits Garden Heights seventeen years before the events of The Hate U Give in this searing and poignant exploration of Black boyhood and manhood.
International phenomenon Angie Thomas revisits Garden Heights seventeen years before the events of The Hate U Give in this searing and poignant exploration of Black boyhood and manhood.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Genre analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Identify and analyze the author's message and how it connects to their own life
- Character analysis: pair alongside articles, other stories about being a Black male in North America - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Happily Ever Afters
Jane the Virgin meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before in this charming debut romantic comedy filled with Black Girl Magic. Perfect for fans of Mary H. K. Choi and Nicola Yoon, with crossover appeal for readers of Jasmine Guillory and Talia Hibbert romances.
Jane the Virgin meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before in this charming debut romantic comedy filled with Black Girl Magic. Perfect for fans of Mary H. K. Choi and Nicola Yoon, with crossover appeal for readers of Jasmine Guillory and Talia Hibbert romances.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Genre analysis: students can discuss themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Identify and analyze the authors' message and how it connects to their own life
- Character analysis: discuss and record the character's motivations - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Let Me Hear a Rhyme
In this standalone novel, Tiffany D. Jackson tells the story of three Brooklyn teens who plot to turn their murdered friend into a major rap star by pretending he is still alive.
In this standalone novel, Tiffany D. Jackson tells the story of three Brooklyn teens who plot to turn their murdered friend into a major rap star by pretending he is still alive.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.1: Consider ideas of others - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Character analysis: compare to student's own lives, explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Cross-curricular with Music Level 1 1.2 (Black music): explore the connection between culture and rap music through research, writing a report style response to the novel
- Visual Art and Language project: create an art with visual and/or word elements that are inspired by rap music lyrics - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
On the Outside Looking Indian: How My Second Childhood Changed My Life
A memoir of a young woman, the product of a strict upbringing by conservative Indian parents, who decides to go on a Ram-Singha, her Indian version of the rumspringa, and learns how to dance, swim, drive, travel, and play in order to be happy.
A memoir of a young woman, the product of a strict upbringing by conservative Indian parents, who decides to go on a Ram-Singha, her Indian version of the rumspringa, and learns how to dance, swim, drive, travel, and play in order to be happy.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Character analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture - discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Cross-curricular with Health: how to best deal with life changes, students can compare characters as well as discuss strategies for addressing big life changes - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Opposite of Always
Debut author Justin A. Reynolds delivers a hilarious and heartfelt novel about the choices we make, the people we choose, and the moments that make a life worth reliving.
Debut author Justin A. Reynolds delivers a hilarious and heartfelt novel about the choices we make, the people we choose, and the moments that make a life worth reliving.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Genre analysis: students can discuss themes of identity, change and culture
- Character analysis: discuss and record the character's motivations
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Identify and analyze the authors' message and how it connects to their own life
- Character analysis: discuss and record the character's motivations - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Pride
Pride and Prejudice gets remixed in this smart, funny, gorgeous retelling of the classic, starring all characters of color, from Ibi Zoboi, National Book Award finalist and author of American Street.
Zuri Benitez has pride. Brooklyn pride, family pride, and pride in her Afro-Latino roots. But pride might not be enough to save her rapidly gentrifying neighborhood from becoming unrecognizable.
Pride and Prejudice gets remixed in this smart, funny, gorgeous retelling of the classic, starring all characters of color, from Ibi Zoboi, National Book Award finalist and author of American Street.
Zuri Benitez has pride. Brooklyn pride, family pride, and pride in her Afro-Latino roots. But pride might not be enough to save her rapidly gentrifying neighborhood from becoming unrecognizable.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Genre analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves) and the importance of taking a 'classic' novel and re-imagining it
- Identify and analyze the author's message and how it connects to their own life - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Real Men Knit
When their foster-turned-adoptive mother suddenly dies, four brothers struggle to keep open the doors of her beloved Harlem knitting shop.
When their foster-turned-adoptive mother suddenly dies, four brothers struggle to keep open the doors of her beloved Harlem knitting shop.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Character analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Cross-curricular with Health: explore the connection between trauma and various trauma responses, students can write a reflective response - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Black Flamingo
A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen - then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo. A bold story about the power of embracing your uniqueness. Sometimes, we need to take charge, to stand up wearing pink feathers - to show ourselves to the world in bold colour.
A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen - then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo. A bold story about the power of embracing your uniqueness. Sometimes, we need to take charge, to stand up wearing pink feathers - to show ourselves to the world in bold colour.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Character analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Identify and analyze the author's message and how it connects to their own life
- Cross-curricular with Health: students can write a reflective response about the importance of acknowledging and celebrating their own uniqueness - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
A Pho Love Story
When Dimple Met Rishi meets Ugly Delicious in this funny, smart romantic comedy, in which two Vietnamese-American teens fall in love and must navigate their newfound relationship amid their families’ age-old feud about their competing, neighboring restaurants.
When Dimple Met Rishi meets Ugly Delicious in this funny, smart romantic comedy, in which two Vietnamese-American teens fall in love and must navigate their newfound relationship amid their families’ age-old feud about their competing, neighboring restaurants.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Character analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Cross-curricular with Health: how to best deal with life changes, students can compare characters as well as discuss strategies for addressing big life changes - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Between the World and Me
Between the World and Me takes the form of a letter written to a son by his father. It attempts to answer the questions: What is it like to inhabit a black body and find a way to live within it? The novel attempts to describe the life of a black person in America and calls back to America's history of racism and segregation.
Between the World and Me takes the form of a letter written to a son by his father. It attempts to answer the questions: What is it like to inhabit a black body and find a way to live within it? The novel attempts to describe the life of a black person in America and calls back to America's history of racism and segregation.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Letter writing
- Character analysis
- Discussion on segregation in America and impacts on generations today - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Children of Blood
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope. Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope. Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Identify and describe main key of genres
- Novel study
- Character analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the genre and the use of literary elements
- Celebrate a story centred on a Black character - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Chlorine Sky
A novel-in-verse about a young girl coming-of-age and stepping out of the shadow of her former best friend.
A novel-in-verse about a young girl coming-of-age and stepping out of the shadow of her former best friend.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.2: Experiment with language and forms - Suggested use:
- Identify characteristics of different media texts
- Novel study
- Genre analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Identify and analyze the author's message and how it connects to their own life - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
How Dare The Sun Rise
This profoundly moving memoir is the remarkable and inspiring true story of Sandra Uwiringiyimana, a girl from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who tells the tale of how she survived a massacre, immigrated to America, and overcame her trauma through art and activism. Sandra was just ten years old when she found herself with a gun pointed at her head. She had watched as rebels gunned down her mother and six-year-old sister in a refugee camp. Remarkably, the rebel didn’t pull the trigger, and Sandra escaped. Note: Teacher should be prepared to discuss disturbing and potentially triggering content.
This profoundly moving memoir is the remarkable and inspiring true story of Sandra Uwiringiyimana, a girl from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who tells the tale of how she survived a massacre, immigrated to America, and overcame her trauma through art and activism. Sandra was just ten years old when she found herself with a gun pointed at her head. She had watched as rebels gunned down her mother and six-year-old sister in a refugee camp. Remarkably, the rebel didn’t pull the trigger, and Sandra escaped. Note: Teacher should be prepared to discuss disturbing and potentially triggering content.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the emotional/spiritual impact of moving away from one's home
- Personal response to the idea of an "ethnic disconnect"
- Art project (representing their ideas, thoughts, and emotions in a creative way) - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Dear Martin
Justyce McAllister is a good kid, an honor student, and always there to help a friend—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. Despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates.
Justyce McAllister is a good kid, an honor student, and always there to help a friend—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. Despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Reflect on personal observations/experiences to understand and develop various media
- Connect to BLM protests and the message behind the cause
- Discussion on racial profiling - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Every Body Looking
Every Body Looking is a debut novel in verse tells the story of Ada--daughter of an immigrant father and an African American mother--and her struggle to find a place for herself in America and in her own family.
Every Body Looking is a debut novel in verse tells the story of Ada--daughter of an immigrant father and an African American mother--and her struggle to find a place for herself in America and in her own family.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study - students can write an autobiography modelled/inspired on the formatting
- Character analysis: compare to student's own lives, explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Visual Art and Language project: create a profile of self with visual and/or word elements - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Internment
Set in a horrifying near-future United States, seventeen-year-old Layla Amin and her parents are forced into an internment camp for Muslim American citizens. With the help of newly made friends also trapped within the internment camp, her boyfriend on the outside, and an unexpected alliance, Layla begins a journey to fight for freedom, leading a revolution against the camp's Director and his guards. Heart-racing and emotional, Internment challenges readers to fight complicit silence that exists in our society today.
Set in a horrifying near-future United States, seventeen-year-old Layla Amin and her parents are forced into an internment camp for Muslim American citizens. With the help of newly made friends also trapped within the internment camp, her boyfriend on the outside, and an unexpected alliance, Layla begins a journey to fight for freedom, leading a revolution against the camp's Director and his guards. Heart-racing and emotional, Internment challenges readers to fight complicit silence that exists in our society today.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.3: Extend understanding - Suggested use:
- Research on internment camps that have been used in the past/present today (ICE camps in USA)
- Discussion on xenophobia and the implications
- Novel study - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Kindred
Kindred is a story about a young African American women name Dana, who lives in the state of California during the year 1976. She is suddenly wrenched through time into a pre-Civil War Maryland plantation. Kindred explores the dynamic and dilemmas of slavery from the perspective of a late 20th-century black women, who knows its outcome on American society.
Kindred is a story about a young African American women name Dana, who lives in the state of California during the year 1976. She is suddenly wrenched through time into a pre-Civil War Maryland plantation. Kindred explores the dynamic and dilemmas of slavery from the perspective of a late 20th-century black women, who knows its outcome on American society.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal response: what would you do if you could go back in time? What would you see? What would you do? - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
It Ain't So Awful, Falafel
In times of the anti-Iran sentiments of the 1970s, fitting in has become even more difficult for brainy loner Zomorod Yousefzadeh. Her family has just moved again, this time to Newport Beach, California, and she is determined to fit in, even changing her name to all-American Cindy.
In times of the anti-Iran sentiments of the 1970s, fitting in has become even more difficult for brainy loner Zomorod Yousefzadeh. Her family has just moved again, this time to Newport Beach, California, and she is determined to fit in, even changing her name to all-American Cindy.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt of the immigrant experience, fitting in, racism and discrimination, middle-school life
- Personal response to the book
- Character analysis of Zomorod - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Listen Slowly
Instead of spending her holidays at the beach, Californian girl Mai has to accompany her grandmother to Vietnam. Her parents are hoping that the trip will connect their out-of-touch daughter with her roots, but Mai struggles with the foreign country and its culture. Bestselling Listen, Slowly is an irresistible and poignant story about the true meaning of home, culture, family and friends. The paperback edition includes a letter from the author, a Vietnamese glossary and a pronunciation guide.
Instead of spending her holidays at the beach, Californian girl Mai has to accompany her grandmother to Vietnam. Her parents are hoping that the trip will connect their out-of-touch daughter with her roots, but Mai struggles with the foreign country and its culture. Bestselling Listen, Slowly is an irresistible and poignant story about the true meaning of home, culture, family and friends. The paperback edition includes a letter from the author, a Vietnamese glossary and a pronunciation guide.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Create a Vietnamese dictionary from the words used in this book
- Journal prompt on balancing multiple identities
- Writing prompt on getting in touch with one's roots
- Novel study
- Character development of Mai - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Love Is a Revolution
In Love Is a Revolution, plus size girls are beautiful and get the attention of the hot guys, the popular girl clique is not shallow but has strong convictions and substance, and the ultimate love story is not only about romance but about how to show radical love to the people in your life, including to yourself.
In Love Is a Revolution, plus size girls are beautiful and get the attention of the hot guys, the popular girl clique is not shallow but has strong convictions and substance, and the ultimate love story is not only about romance but about how to show radical love to the people in your life, including to yourself.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Explain differing perspectives and unique reactions
- Novel study
- Genre analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Identify and analyze the author's message and how it connects to their own life
- Character analysis: pair alongside articles, other stories about being a Black female, discuss the society pressures that are relevant for Young Adults today and have students write a personal response - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Mornings in Jenin
The story of a Palestinian family who was forced to leave their homes after the formation of the state of Israel. The book describes the struggle of a Palestinian family who faces the harsh realities of their new life in a refugee camp. On a broader scale this book explores the 'abused becomes the abuser' psychology, specifically how Israeli jews who were once the oppressed are now oppressors.
The story of a Palestinian family who was forced to leave their homes after the formation of the state of Israel. The book describes the struggle of a Palestinian family who faces the harsh realities of their new life in a refugee camp. On a broader scale this book explores the 'abused becomes the abuser' psychology, specifically how Israeli jews who were once the oppressed are now oppressors.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.3: Extend understanding - Suggested use:
- Identify and discuss recurring themes in various media from varying cultures/communities
- Could conduct more research on Israel/Palestine history to understand the effects and what is happening today
- Letter writing from the perspective of any of the characters
- Discussion on the generational impacts of war as a refugee
- Interviewing refugees in Calgary/research on how refugees are supported in Calgary - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
How It Went Down
When sixteen-year-old Tariq Johnson is shot to death, his community is thrown into an uproar because Tariq was black and the shooter, Jack Franklin, is white, and in the aftermath everyone has something to say, but no two accounts of the events agree.
When sixteen-year-old Tariq Johnson is shot to death, his community is thrown into an uproar because Tariq was black and the shooter, Jack Franklin, is white, and in the aftermath everyone has something to say, but no two accounts of the events agree.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.3: Extend understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on perspective and how it affects our worldview - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Orange for the Sunsets
This novel is inspired by Tina Athaide’s own childhood experiences as an Ugandan-born British-Indian whose family was affected by the 1972 expulsion of the country’s “foreign Indians” by the president of Uganda, Idi Amin. It tells the story of best friends Asha, who is Indian, and Yesofu, who is African, as they navigate this crisis. Told in alternating perspectives, the Novel compassionately illustrates both Asha and Yesofu’s confusion and misgivings. The book is beautiful and important, but also deeply sad. The main characters face unavoidable brutality, and Athaide does not shy away from portraying it as such.
This novel is inspired by Tina Athaide’s own childhood experiences as an Ugandan-born British-Indian whose family was affected by the 1972 expulsion of the country’s “foreign Indians” by the president of Uganda, Idi Amin. It tells the story of best friends Asha, who is Indian, and Yesofu, who is African, as they navigate this crisis. Told in alternating perspectives, the Novel compassionately illustrates both Asha and Yesofu’s confusion and misgivings. The book is beautiful and important, but also deeply sad. The main characters face unavoidable brutality, and Athaide does not shy away from portraying it as such.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.3: Extend understanding - Suggested use:
- How are ideas/people/experiences and cultural traditions portrayed in various media?
- Discussion on nationalism and how it impacts the worldview of its citizens
- Perspective writing from Asha and Yesofu
- Character analysis of Asha or Yesofu
- Mock interviewing characters to explore their perspectives
- Research on Ugandan history and real-life examples of how this impacted its citizens
- Novel study - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Save Me a Seat
Save Me A Seat is told from the points of view of Ravi, who recently arrived in the US from India, and Joe, whose best friend has just moved away. Both boys attend Fifth Grade at the same school and – each in their own way – struggle to acclimatize to the new situation. Over the course of a single crazy week, they find out that they have more in common than they thought: Dillon Samreen, the school’s biggest bully
Save Me A Seat is told from the points of view of Ravi, who recently arrived in the US from India, and Joe, whose best friend has just moved away. Both boys attend Fifth Grade at the same school and – each in their own way – struggle to acclimatize to the new situation. Over the course of a single crazy week, they find out that they have more in common than they thought: Dillon Samreen, the school’s biggest bully
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discuss the different points of view in this book
- Write a short story modelling the style of this book; write from different points of view
- Analysis of the two main characters
- Discussion on immigration, fitting in, making friends - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Shuri: A Black Panther Novel
From New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone comes an all-new upper middle grade series based on one of the Marvel Universe's break-out characters— Shuri, from Black Panther! An original, upper-middle-grade series starring the break-out character from the Black Panther comics and films: T'Challa's younger sister, Shuri!
From New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone comes an all-new upper middle grade series based on one of the Marvel Universe's break-out characters— Shuri, from Black Panther! An original, upper-middle-grade series starring the break-out character from the Black Panther comics and films: T'Challa's younger sister, Shuri!
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Genre analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Identify and analyze the symbolism
- Visual Art and Language project: create a representation of the setting, part of the plot or a character that showcases the symbolism and connection and importance of culture - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Junior, an aspiring cartoonist, leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school. Based on the author’s own experiences, The Absolute True Diary of a Part-time Indian is a touching and funny middle grade novel about the contemporary adolescence of a Native American boy. Illustrated with poignant cartoon-style drawings.
Junior, an aspiring cartoonist, leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school. Based on the author’s own experiences, The Absolute True Diary of a Part-time Indian is a touching and funny middle grade novel about the contemporary adolescence of a Native American boy. Illustrated with poignant cartoon-style drawings.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Character analysis of Junior
- Cartoon response
- Discussion of fitting in, prejudice and discrimination, bullying - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Bridge Home
Life is harsh in Chennai's teeming streets, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their prospects look grim. Very quickly, eleven-year-old Viji discovers how vulnerable they are in this uncaring, dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter--and friendship--on an abandoned bridge. With two homeless boys, Muthi and Arul, the group forms a family of sorts. And while making a living scavenging the city's trash heaps is the pits, the kids find plenty to laugh about and take pride in too.
Life is harsh in Chennai's teeming streets, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their prospects look grim. Very quickly, eleven-year-old Viji discovers how vulnerable they are in this uncaring, dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter--and friendship--on an abandoned bridge. With two homeless boys, Muthi and Arul, the group forms a family of sorts. And while making a living scavenging the city's trash heaps is the pits, the kids find plenty to laugh about and take pride in too.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Reflect on personal observations/experiences to understand and develop various media
- Connection to real life events/people
- Connection to science/social studies and the impact of pollution/human activity on the environment
- Personal response on how to find joy in situations that seem hopeless
- Novel study - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Good Earth
This tells the poignant tale of a Chinese farmer and his family in old agrarian China. The humble Wang Lung glories in the soil he works, nurturing the land as it nurtures him and his family. Nearby, the nobles of the House of Hwang consider themselves above the land and its workers; but they will soon meet their own downfall.
This tells the poignant tale of a Chinese farmer and his family in old agrarian China. The humble Wang Lung glories in the soil he works, nurturing the land as it nurtures him and his family. Nearby, the nobles of the House of Hwang consider themselves above the land and its workers; but they will soon meet their own downfall.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Could prompt a discussion on who writes history and how it might lead to biases
- Discussion on discrepancies between rich/poor and how that has led to uprisings in the past
- Novel study - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The House that Lou Built
Lou Bulosan-Nelson plans to build a tiny house on land she inherited from her dad. She longs for a place where she can escape her lovable but crazy extended Filipino family. But then she finds out that the land may not be hers for much longer. With Lou’s determination and the help of friends and relatives, her dream eventually begins to take shape.
Lou Bulosan-Nelson plans to build a tiny house on land she inherited from her dad. She longs for a place where she can escape her lovable but crazy extended Filipino family. But then she finds out that the land may not be hers for much longer. With Lou’s determination and the help of friends and relatives, her dream eventually begins to take shape.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Character analysis: compare to student's own lives
- Art project: Creating a house (drawing, actual model) and have different rooms explain different parts of the novel (characters, plot, themes, etc.)
- Journal prompt on uprooting from home - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Shannen and the Dream for a School
13-year-old Shannen Koostachin and her classmates, who lived in the Cree community of Attawapiskat, in northern Ontario, were being taught in smelly and cold portables because of the condition of their school. They felt they deserved better, and thought that the federal government needed to stop discriminating against them by underfunding their education. So the group, led by Shannen, fought back. This award-winning book, which is part of Second Story’s Kids’ Power series, documents Shannen’s story, and is a way to introduce the idea that many Indigenous people in Canada continue to be discriminated against on a systemic level. Sadly, Shannen died in a car accident in 2010 at age 15, but her dream lived on, and a new school was built in 2014.
13-year-old Shannen Koostachin and her classmates, who lived in the Cree community of Attawapiskat, in northern Ontario, were being taught in smelly and cold portables because of the condition of their school. They felt they deserved better, and thought that the federal government needed to stop discriminating against them by underfunding their education. So the group, led by Shannen, fought back. This award-winning book, which is part of Second Story’s Kids’ Power series, documents Shannen’s story, and is a way to introduce the idea that many Indigenous people in Canada continue to be discriminated against on a systemic level. Sadly, Shannen died in a car accident in 2010 at age 15, but her dream lived on, and a new school was built in 2014.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.3: Extend understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on how citizens can make a change in their community
- Journal prompt on changes they would like to see in their own school
- Research on the impact of oil pipelines throughout the country on Indigenous land
- Debate on the building of oil pipelines in Alberta - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Lety Out Loud
Recently immigrated to the U.S, Lety Muñoz loves volunteering at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter because the dogs and cats there don’t care how fast she can find the right word in English. When another volunteer sets up a secret competition to determine who will be the official shelter scribe, Lety is worried that if the shelter finds out, they’ll kick her out of the program. And then she’ll never be able to adopt her favourite shelter dog! Lety Out Loud is a touching story about compassion, empathy and living between two cultures.
Recently immigrated to the U.S, Lety Muñoz loves volunteering at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter because the dogs and cats there don’t care how fast she can find the right word in English. When another volunteer sets up a secret competition to determine who will be the official shelter scribe, Lety is worried that if the shelter finds out, they’ll kick her out of the program. And then she’ll never be able to adopt her favourite shelter dog! Lety Out Loud is a touching story about compassion, empathy and living between two cultures.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on working together, passion, volunteering
- Discussion on the immigrant experience and racism against the Latinx community
- Create a Spanish dictionary of the words used in the book
- Novel study
- Journal prompt on finding one's voice
- Character analysis on Lety - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
They Call Me Güero: A Border Kid's Poems
Twelve-year-old Güero is a Mexican American border kid with red hair, light skin and freckles. He is a book, game and music nerd and has just started 7th grade with a woke English teacher who knows how to make poetry cool. They Call Me Güero is a vibrant novel-in-poems about growing up between two cultures.
Twelve-year-old Güero is a Mexican American border kid with red hair, light skin and freckles. He is a book, game and music nerd and has just started 7th grade with a woke English teacher who knows how to make poetry cool. They Call Me Güero is a vibrant novel-in-poems about growing up between two cultures.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal response to the book
- Discussion of the immigrant experience, dual identities
- Create a Spanish dictionary of the words used in the book - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations req'd for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
This Side of Home
Twins Nikki and Maya Younger always agreed on most things, but as they head into their senior year they react differently to the gentrification of their Portland, Oregon, neighborhood and the new--white--family that moves in after their best friend and her mother are evicted.
Twins Nikki and Maya Younger always agreed on most things, but as they head into their senior year they react differently to the gentrification of their Portland, Oregon, neighborhood and the new--white--family that moves in after their best friend and her mother are evicted.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Reflect on personal observations/experiences to understand and develop various media
- Discussion and research on gentrification and how it impacts communities
- Studying the history of the communities they live in
- Reflection on privilege and how it is dependent on culture/race/class, etc - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Wings of Ebony
“Make a way out of no way” is just the way of life for Rue. But when her mother is shot dead on her doorstep, life for her and her younger sister changes forever. Rue's taken from her neighborhood by the father she never knew, forced to leave her little sister behind, and whisked away to Ghizon—a hidden island of magic wielders.
“Make a way out of no way” is just the way of life for Rue. But when her mother is shot dead on her doorstep, life for her and her younger sister changes forever. Rue's taken from her neighborhood by the father she never knew, forced to leave her little sister behind, and whisked away to Ghizon—a hidden island of magic wielders.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Analyze plot development: connect plot and subplot along with setting and characters
- Novel study
- Character analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Identify and analyze the symbolism of the elements of the magic island
- Cross-curricular with Health: explore the connection between trauma and various trauma responses, students can write a reflective response
- Visual Art and Language project: create an island that showcases the symbolism and connection the Rue - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
American Born Chinese
American Born Chinese tells the story of three apparently unrelated characters: Jin Wang, who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he's the only Chinese-American student at his new school.
American Born Chinese tells the story of three apparently unrelated characters: Jin Wang, who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he's the only Chinese-American student at his new school.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- How are ideas/people/experiences and cultural traditions portrayed in various media?
- Study on Chinese fables and significance to Chinese culture
- Comparison of Chinese fables to tales/stories from their own culture or ones they are familiar with
- Discussion on identity and how some parts of our identity may be sacrificed to 'fit in'
- Journal entry on the feeling of belonging
- Comic strip similar to style of book
- Novel study - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
You Should See Me in a Crown
Liz Lighty has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it's okay -- Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor.
Liz Lighty has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it's okay -- Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Genre analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Identify and analyze the author's message and how it connects to their own life - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Ask Me No Questions
A moving story about two teenage sisters, originally from Bangladesh, whose family lives illegally in New York City. After 9/11, immigration regulations change, forcing the family to seek asylum.
A moving story about two teenage sisters, originally from Bangladesh, whose family lives illegally in New York City. After 9/11, immigration regulations change, forcing the family to seek asylum.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Character analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Cross-curricular with Health: how to best deal with life changes, students can compare characters as well as discuss strategies for addressing big life changes - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Born Confused
This is a story about finding yourself, finding your friends, finding love, and finding your culture -- sometimes where you least expect it.
This is a story about finding yourself, finding your friends, finding love, and finding your culture -- sometimes where you least expect it.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Character analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Cross-curricular with Health: how to best deal with life changes, students can compare characters as well as discuss strategies - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
This Time Will Be Different
The author of the Asian Pacific American Award-winning It’s Not Like It’s a Secret is back with another smartly drawn coming-of-age novel that weaves riveting family drama, surprising humor, and delightful romance into a story that will draw you in from the very first moment.
The author of the Asian Pacific American Award-winning It’s Not Like It’s a Secret is back with another smartly drawn coming-of-age novel that weaves riveting family drama, surprising humor, and delightful romance into a story that will draw you in from the very first moment.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Character analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Cross-curricular with Health: how to best deal with life changes, students can compare characters as well as discuss strategies for addressing big life changes - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
G.O 2 Comprehend and respond critically and personally to a variety of texts
Black Futures
Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham have brought together this collection of work--images, photos, essays, memes, dialogues, recipes, tweets, poetry, and more--to tell the story of the radical, imaginative, provocative, and gorgeous world that Black creators are bringing forth today. The book presents a succession of startling and beautiful pieces that generate an entrancing rhythm: Readers will go from conversations with activists and academics to memes and Instagram posts, from powerful essays to dazzling paintings and insightful infographics.
Black Futures
Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham have brought together this collection of work--images, photos, essays, memes, dialogues, recipes, tweets, poetry, and more--to tell the story of the radical, imaginative, provocative, and gorgeous world that Black creators are bringing forth today. The book presents a succession of startling and beautiful pieces that generate an entrancing rhythm: Readers will go from conversations with activists and academics to memes and Instagram posts, from powerful essays to dazzling paintings and insightful infographics.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.3: Understand forms and elements and techniques
- 2.3.2: Understand techniques and elements - Suggested use:
- Discuss techniques (colour/shape/composition) used to communicate and enhance meaning
- Novel study and study of the stories within the anthology
- Genre analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Identify and analyze the authors' message and how it connects to their own life
- Students can discuss and respond to how creators of all types are influencing our world today - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Girl Rising
Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls' education, created a film that chronicled the stories of nine girls in the developing world, allowing viewers the opportunity to witness how education can break the cycle of poverty. Now, award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone deftly uses new research to illuminate the dramatic facts behind the film, focusing both on the girls captured on camera and many others.
Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls' education, created a film that chronicled the stories of nine girls in the developing world, allowing viewers the opportunity to witness how education can break the cycle of poverty. Now, award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone deftly uses new research to illuminate the dramatic facts behind the film, focusing both on the girls captured on camera and many others.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Reflect on personal observations/experiences to understand and develop various media
- Comparison between film and book
- Personal response to inequalities that students face due to discrimination
- Personal response on what it means to be empowered and when they are feeling empowered
- Extension project on creating an action plan to help empower those who need it the most in their community - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
How to Be Black
Baratunde Thurston shares his 30-plus years of expertise in being black, with helpful essays like “How to Be the Black Friend,” “How to Speak for All Black People,” “How To Celebrate Black History Month,” and more, in this satirical guide to race issues—written for black people and those who love them. Audacious, cunning, and razor-sharp, How to Be Black exposes the mass-media’s insidiously racist, monochromatic portrayal of black culture’s richness and variety.
Baratunde Thurston shares his 30-plus years of expertise in being black, with helpful essays like “How to Be the Black Friend,” “How to Speak for All Black People,” “How To Celebrate Black History Month,” and more, in this satirical guide to race issues—written for black people and those who love them. Audacious, cunning, and razor-sharp, How to Be Black exposes the mass-media’s insidiously racist, monochromatic portrayal of black culture’s richness and variety.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.2: Construct meaning from texts - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Genre analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Explore the genre of satire, compare to other texts
- Identify and analyze the author's message and how it connects to their own life - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Stella by Starlight
One night 11-year-old Stella and her brother witness a Ku Klux Klan meeting in the North Carolina woods. For the African American siblings, living in the South is a dangerous, scary and often humiliating experience. Stella by Starlight is a gripping and realistic portrayal of life in the segregated South during the Great Depression.
One night 11-year-old Stella and her brother witness a Ku Klux Klan meeting in the North Carolina woods. For the African American siblings, living in the South is a dangerous, scary and often humiliating experience. Stella by Starlight is a gripping and realistic portrayal of life in the segregated South during the Great Depression.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.2: Construct meaning from texts - Suggested use:
- Journal prompt on what it would have been like for the students to live in North Carolina in 1932
- Novel study
- Write a story set in today's times based on this novel: How would things play out? How are the situations different? How are the causes and discussions regarding race similar? - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Piecing Me Together
Tired of being singled out at her mostly-white private school as someone who needs support, high school junior Jade would rather participate in the school's amazing Study Abroad program than join Women to Women, a mentorship program for at-risk girls.
Tired of being singled out at her mostly-white private school as someone who needs support, high school junior Jade would rather participate in the school's amazing Study Abroad program than join Women to Women, a mentorship program for at-risk girls.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Express personal understanding of ideas/information based on prior knowledge/experience
- Journal entry about a time they felt like an outsider and how it has shaped them
- Art activity on how the different parts of who are and what we do make up our identity (ex: collage)
- Discussion on the importance of making your voice heard
- Novel study - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The House on Mango Street
Told in a series of vignettes – sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous–it is the story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing for herself who and what she will become.
Told in a series of vignettes – sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous–it is the story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing for herself who and what she will become.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.3: Understand forms and elements and techniques
- 2.3.2: understand techniques and elements - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Genre analysis: explore the themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Cross-curricular with Health: how to best deal with life changes, students can compare characters as well as discuss strategies for addressing big life changes - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Moon Within
11-year old Celi Rivera has lots to grapple with, from her changing body to her first crush and her best friend’s exploration of gender fluidity. But most of all, she is dreading the looming arrival of her first period, because her mother insists on having a traditional Mexican moon ceremony. Told in verse, The Moon Within is a sensitive and humorous coming-of-age story that will appeal not only to young Latinas but girls everywhere.
11-year old Celi Rivera has lots to grapple with, from her changing body to her first crush and her best friend’s exploration of gender fluidity. But most of all, she is dreading the looming arrival of her first period, because her mother insists on having a traditional Mexican moon ceremony. Told in verse, The Moon Within is a sensitive and humorous coming-of-age story that will appeal not only to young Latinas but girls everywhere.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.3: Appreciate the artistry of texts - Suggested use:
- Discuss puberty and typical teenager issues tied in with race and gender, intersectionality
- Personal response to the moon ceremony - what cultural traditions are practiced in the students' family?
- Journal prompt on self-discovery
- Create a Spanish dictionary of the words used in the book
- Novel study - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Night Diary
After India has been divided into two countries (India and Pakistan), 12-year-old half-Muslim/half-Hindu Nisha doesn’t know where she belongs anymore. Her family embarks on a dangerous journey to find a new home. Told through Nisha’s letters to her late mother, The Night Diary is a poignant story of loss, identity and hope.
After India has been divided into two countries (India and Pakistan), 12-year-old half-Muslim/half-Hindu Nisha doesn’t know where she belongs anymore. Her family embarks on a dangerous journey to find a new home. Told through Nisha’s letters to her late mother, The Night Diary is a poignant story of loss, identity and hope.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Experience various media from a variety of cultural traditions and genres
- Journal prompt talking about identity
- Novel study
- Letter writing
- Create art project in response to the entirety of the book - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Hate U Give
Starr Carter, an African-American teenager, faces pressure from various communities and tries to stand up for what is right after she witnesses the shooting of her best friend by the police.
Starr Carter, an African-American teenager, faces pressure from various communities and tries to stand up for what is right after she witnesses the shooting of her best friend by the police.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Novel study
- Discussion on rights and freedoms in Canada, and how certain groups were/are not able to practice them due to systems of oppression
- Discussion on how the events that transpired in the novel sparked change - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
When My Name Was Keoko
Sun-hee and her older brother Tae-yul are proud of their Korean heritage. Yet they live their lives under Japanese occupation.
Sun-hee and her older brother Tae-yul are proud of their Korean heritage. Yet they live their lives under Japanese occupation.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- How are ideas/people/experiences and cultural traditions portrayed in various media?
- Research to understand context of Korea/Japan occupation
- Connection to residential schools in Canada and the loss of culture/assimilation
- Journal entry on how our language/culture ties into our identity
- Study on the Korean alphabet and language
- Novel study - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Lion Island: Cuba's Warrior of Words
Written in verse, Lion Island tells the story of Antonio Chuffat, a young man of African, Chinese, and Cuban descent who became a champion of civil rights in the 19th century. Cuba is fighting for freedom from Spain, and Africans and Chinese are forced to work long, backbreaking hours in the fields. Together with his Chinese friends Wing and Fan, Antonio fights for liberty and justice in this haunting yet hopeful middle grade novel.
Written in verse, Lion Island tells the story of Antonio Chuffat, a young man of African, Chinese, and Cuban descent who became a champion of civil rights in the 19th century. Cuba is fighting for freedom from Spain, and Africans and Chinese are forced to work long, backbreaking hours in the fields. Together with his Chinese friends Wing and Fan, Antonio fights for liberty and justice in this haunting yet hopeful middle grade novel.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Write a verse in response to the book
- Discussion on the blending of cultures and cultural identity through colonization and globalization
- Character analysis of Antonio
- Discussion on progression through violent measures, vs. what Antonio does in the book
- Journal prompt on being an activist in today's society: What are the students interested in changing? How can they learn from history (and this book) how to effect change in the world? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold
In her debut collection, internationally acclaimed writer Bolu Babalola retells the most beautiful love stories from history and mythology with incredible new detail and vivacity. Focusing on the magical folktales of West Africa, Babalola also reimagines Greek myths, ancient legends from the Middle East, and stories from long-erased places.
In her debut collection, internationally acclaimed writer Bolu Babalola retells the most beautiful love stories from history and mythology with incredible new detail and vivacity. Focusing on the magical folktales of West Africa, Babalola also reimagines Greek myths, ancient legends from the Middle East, and stories from long-erased places.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.3: Appreciate the artistry of texts - Suggested use:
- Novel study and study of the stories within the anthology
- Genre analysis: explore the connection between West African Folktales and other stories and tales studied
- Discuss themes of identity, change and culture
- Discuss the importance of identity texts for all students (need to see themselves)
- Identify and analyze the authors' message and how it connects to their own life - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Miscellaneous/Cross-curricular connection to social studies
Turtle Island: The Story of North America's First People
The stories commonly told of Indigenous people rarely include what life was like pre-European contact this book helps fill that gap. Based on archeological finds and scientific research, we now have a clearer picture of how the Indigenous people lived. Using that knowledge, the authors take the reader back as far as 14,000 years ago to imagine moments in time. A wide variety of topics are featured, from the animals that came and disappeared over time, to what people ate, how they expressed themselves through art, and how they adapted to their surroundings. The importance of story-telling among the Native peoples is always present to shed light on how they explained their world.
Turtle Island: The Story of North America's First People
The stories commonly told of Indigenous people rarely include what life was like pre-European contact this book helps fill that gap. Based on archeological finds and scientific research, we now have a clearer picture of how the Indigenous people lived. Using that knowledge, the authors take the reader back as far as 14,000 years ago to imagine moments in time. A wide variety of topics are featured, from the animals that came and disappeared over time, to what people ate, how they expressed themselves through art, and how they adapted to their surroundings. The importance of story-telling among the Native peoples is always present to shed light on how they explained their world.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Discussion about colonization and the wars that led to where we are today
- Discussion about story-telling and how it frames the way we view the world (relate to how people in power used story-telling in our history to feed us a narrative that doesn't include the voices of many groups) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Racial Profiling
In the United States, racial profiling affects thousands of Americans every day. Both individuals and institutions such as law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and schools routinely use race or ethnicity as grounds for suspecting someone of an offense. The high-profile deaths of unarmed people of color at the hands of police officers have brought renewed national attention to racial profiling and have inspired grassroots activism from groups such as Black Lives Matter. Combining rigorous research with powerful personal stories, Racial Profiling explores the history, the many manifestations, and the consequences of this form of social injustice.
In the United States, racial profiling affects thousands of Americans every day. Both individuals and institutions such as law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and schools routinely use race or ethnicity as grounds for suspecting someone of an offense. The high-profile deaths of unarmed people of color at the hands of police officers have brought renewed national attention to racial profiling and have inspired grassroots activism from groups such as Black Lives Matter. Combining rigorous research with powerful personal stories, Racial Profiling explores the history, the many manifestations, and the consequences of this form of social injustice.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Connections to how systems in Canada have similarities to the States - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Righting Canada's Wrongs: The Komagata Maru and Canada's Anti-Indian Immigration Policies in the Twentieth Century
In 1914, Canada was a very British society with anti-Asian attitudes. Although Great Britain had declared that all people from India were officially British citizens and could live anywhere in the British Commonwealth, Canada refused to accept them. This racist policy was challenged by Gurdit Singh, a Sikh businessman, who chartered a ship, the Komagata Maru, and sailed to Vancouver with over 300 fellow Indians wishing to immigrate to Canada. They were turned back, tragically. Over the years, the Canadian government gradually changed its immigration policies, first allowing entry to wives and children of Indian immigrants and later to many more immigrants from India. The Indo-Canadian community has grown throughout Canada, especially in British Columbia
In 1914, Canada was a very British society with anti-Asian attitudes. Although Great Britain had declared that all people from India were officially British citizens and could live anywhere in the British Commonwealth, Canada refused to accept them. This racist policy was challenged by Gurdit Singh, a Sikh businessman, who chartered a ship, the Komagata Maru, and sailed to Vancouver with over 300 fellow Indians wishing to immigrate to Canada. They were turned back, tragically. Over the years, the Canadian government gradually changed its immigration policies, first allowing entry to wives and children of Indian immigrants and later to many more immigrants from India. The Indo-Canadian community has grown throughout Canada, especially in British Columbia
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Discussion about Canada's value of multiculturalism and diversity and the opposing actions that Canada has done in the past
- Discussion about immigration - do we see similar attitudes towards immigrants today?
- Can use in conjunction with policy studies of post Confederation in Canada - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Say Her Name
Inspired by the #SayHerName campaign launched by the African American Policy Forum, these poems pay tribute to victims of police brutality as well as the activists insisting that Black Lives Matter. Elliott engages poets from the past two centuries to create a chorus of voices celebrating the creativity, resilience, and courage of Black women and girls.
Inspired by the #SayHerName campaign launched by the African American Policy Forum, these poems pay tribute to victims of police brutality as well as the activists insisting that Black Lives Matter. Elliott engages poets from the past two centuries to create a chorus of voices celebrating the creativity, resilience, and courage of Black women and girls.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Can tie in with English (poetry unit)
- Relate this book to Canadian's police system and police brutality against Indigenous Peoples in Canada - have students use this book to do research on it and maybe create their own classroom version of this book
- Can use this to talk about #MMIW or #nomorestolensisters - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Enemy that Never Was: A History of the Japanese Canadians
During the attack on Pearl Harbour, Japanese people were painted as threats. Due to this, they were placed in internment camps. This Novel speaks towards the history and stories of the Japanese who were placed in these camps, after World War II.
During the attack on Pearl Harbour, Japanese people were painted as threats. Due to this, they were placed in internment camps. This Novel speaks towards the history and stories of the Japanese who were placed in these camps, after World War II.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Discussion about how this chapter in our history has shaped our attitudes, beliefs, and actions today
- Discussion about Canadian identity and perspective - how it looks to different people and groups - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
They Called Me Number One Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School
Xat'sull Chief Bev Sellars spent her childhood in a church-run residential school whose aim it was to civilize” Native children through Christian teachings, forced separation from family and culture, and discipline. In addition, beginning at the age of five, Sellars was isolated for two years at Coqualeetza Indian Turberculosis Hospital in Sardis, British Columbia, nearly six hours' drive from home. The trauma of these experiences has reverberated throughout her life.
Xat'sull Chief Bev Sellars spent her childhood in a church-run residential school whose aim it was to civilize” Native children through Christian teachings, forced separation from family and culture, and discipline. In addition, beginning at the age of five, Sellars was isolated for two years at Coqualeetza Indian Turberculosis Hospital in Sardis, British Columbia, nearly six hours' drive from home. The trauma of these experiences has reverberated throughout her life.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Discussion about colonization, assimilation, and its impact on the Indigenous Peoples in Canada. How does colonization and assimilation affect us in our everyday lives? (Loss of culture, misinformation about groups of people, rationalizing harmful behaviour, etc.) - Accessibility:
- Audiobook available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
G.O 1: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, experiences
I am Somebody: Story Poems for Pride and Power!
African American storyteller Linda Gorham tells this upbeat and moving celebration of Linda’s family tree and heritage. The lesson plan guides teachers to invite “pride poems” from their students.
I am Somebody: Story Poems for Pride and Power!
African American storyteller Linda Gorham tells this upbeat and moving celebration of Linda’s family tree and heritage. The lesson plan guides teachers to invite “pride poems” from their students.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
Listen Up! PSA for Change
Students produce digital media to raise awareness and encourage change related to an anti-bias theme.
Students produce digital media to raise awareness and encourage change related to an anti-bias theme.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.1.2: Experiment with language and forms - Suggested use:
- Students produce digital media to raise awareness and encourage change related to an anti-bias theme - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
Helping Students Counter Anti-Muslim Bias
This lesson plan has material for two classroom sessions or circles. In part one, students share their own experiences of bias or harassment, learn a few facts about Muslims, then hear and reflect on statements from young Muslims about the impact of the 2016 election on their lives. In part two, students watch a video about efforts to combat the targeting of Muslim students at one school, consider what actions they might take to counter anti-Muslim bias and harassment, and prepare to take those actions.
This lesson plan has material for two classroom sessions or circles. In part one, students share their own experiences of bias or harassment, learn a few facts about Muslims, then hear and reflect on statements from young Muslims about the impact of the 2016 election on their lives. In part two, students watch a video about efforts to combat the targeting of Muslim students at one school, consider what actions they might take to counter anti-Muslim bias and harassment, and prepare to take those actions.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Reflect on personal observations/experiences to understand and develop various media
- Teachers could have students do a KWL of anti-Muslim bias and what they know about the Muslim religion. Students could share their ideas with a partner before sharing with the class as a whole. Students could write a short reflection on what they learned after the activity or after watching the video.
- Provides useful discussion questions, quotes, and activities to guide anti-Muslim biases
- Provides quotes from young American Muslims for students to explore and reflect on
- Connection to health (managing feelings, bullying) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding talking circle)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
G.O 2 Comprehend and respond critically and personally to a variety of texts
The Danger of a Single Story
Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice -- and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.
The Danger of a Single Story
Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice -- and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.1.1: Use prior knowledge - Suggested use:
- Watch the TedTalk and engage in a class discussion around the following questions: What is the harm in reducing a person, group, or even continent to a single story? Why do you think that we often only have a single story about people from foreign lands? What historical and political reasons does Adichie offer? Think about your life. Can you recall a time when you felt someone reduced you to a single story? How did it make you feel? How can we reject the single story? - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available and transcript available on website
G.O 3: Manage ideas and information
Journalism for Justice
Students plan, write, edit and distribute a piece of print or digital journalism about a relevant social problem or issue.
Journalism for Justice
Students plan, write, edit and distribute a piece of print or digital journalism about a relevant social problem or issue.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.1: Plan and focus
- 3.2.1: Use a variety of sources - Suggested use:
- Students plan, write, edit and distribute a piece of print or digital journalism about a relevant social problem or issue - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
View other relevant short films in Grade 8 Social Studies section that can be used for English as well.
G.O 1: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, experiences
Liyana
This award-winning documentary is like two stories in one. It centers on a group of Swazi orphans who create a story of a girl names Liyana as a form of therapy, and from there, the film goes back and forth between real footage and the animated story of Liyana. Parents should know that topics such as abusive parents, child kidnappers and AIDS are present, but the movie is an excellent opportunity to show kids other perspectives and how to build empathy for others. Note: This film is available to buy or rent on YouTube.
Liyana
This award-winning documentary is like two stories in one. It centers on a group of Swazi orphans who create a story of a girl names Liyana as a form of therapy, and from there, the film goes back and forth between real footage and the animated story of Liyana. Parents should know that topics such as abusive parents, child kidnappers and AIDS are present, but the movie is an excellent opportunity to show kids other perspectives and how to build empathy for others. Note: This film is available to buy or rent on YouTube.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Reflect on personal observations/experiences to understand and develop various media
- Students could discuss the importance of storytelling in various cultures, and think about how story telling can be therapeutic
- Story can also be studied using the graphic novel
- Personal reflection on how we can show perseverance and hope in our everyday lives
- Comic strip to demonstrate a time in our life of how we cope with uncomfortable/scary situations - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Vistas: Boxed In
In this short film, a young woman of mixed ancestry struggles with an Equal Opportunity Form that requires her to respond to the dilemma: Ethnicity - Choose One.
In this short film, a young woman of mixed ancestry struggles with an Equal Opportunity Form that requires her to respond to the dilemma: Ethnicity - Choose One.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Express personal understanding of ideas/information based on prior knowledge/experience
- Could use in conjunction with Thomas King's "Borders", which deals with the same topic
- Use as a supplementary text during a unit about identity
- Students can reflect on their own identity and how they prefer to be labelled, and relate their feelings about identity to the film's protagonist
- Discussion on the meaning of 'ethnicity'
- Reflection on our own identity and what we choose to identify as - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Hidden Figures
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson - who were influential to the US space race in the 1960s. Working at NASA, these women were invaluable to ensuring that the team getting the first man on the moon - Neil Armstrong - landed and returned back to Earth safely. This movie demonstrates the invaluable contributions of these three female mathematicians, and displays the hardships they had to endure at NASA to prove their worth.
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson - who were influential to the US space race in the 1960s. Working at NASA, these women were invaluable to ensuring that the team getting the first man on the moon - Neil Armstrong - landed and returned back to Earth safely. This movie demonstrates the invaluable contributions of these three female mathematicians, and displays the hardships they had to endure at NASA to prove their worth.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Explain differing perspectives and unique reactions
- Compare movie to articles that were released in the 1960s about the first man on the moon
- Discussion on the three women were not widely known as the mathematicians behind the first moon landing
- Class newspaper during the moon landing - who would they showcase? What information is important for people to know?
- Research on how the three women are being compensated today - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
42
This biopic about Jackie Robinson focuses on the two years (1946 and 1947) in which he broke the racial barrier in baseball. Parents need to know that offensive language is used, but it’s a good opportunity for kids to see exactly what life was like for Black Americans at that point in history. Chadwick Boseman gives a powerful performance as Robinson. Note: This film is available to buy or rent on YouTube.
This biopic about Jackie Robinson focuses on the two years (1946 and 1947) in which he broke the racial barrier in baseball. Parents need to know that offensive language is used, but it’s a good opportunity for kids to see exactly what life was like for Black Americans at that point in history. Chadwick Boseman gives a powerful performance as Robinson. Note: This film is available to buy or rent on YouTube.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Reflect on personal observations/experiences to understand and develop various media
- Students could use this as a basis to write a story centred on bias, or write personal reflections of where they have seen bias in their own lives
- Research on African American history and why Jackie Robinson was such an icon
- Perspective writing on Jackie and how he felt being able to play baseball
- Character analysis of Jackie Robinson - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Smoke Signals
A rare film starring an almost entirely Native American cast; Smoke Signals follows the story of two boys raised on a reservation together, but are completely different. One wears glasses and won’t stop talking. The other is stoic and a strong defender of his culture and tribe. When tragedy strikes, the boys set out on an epic road trip, where they’ll learn more about themselves, what it means to be a true friend and how important it is to honor their culture. A wonderful peek into modern Native American culture.
A rare film starring an almost entirely Native American cast; Smoke Signals follows the story of two boys raised on a reservation together, but are completely different. One wears glasses and won’t stop talking. The other is stoic and a strong defender of his culture and tribe. When tragedy strikes, the boys set out on an epic road trip, where they’ll learn more about themselves, what it means to be a true friend and how important it is to honor their culture. A wonderful peek into modern Native American culture.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Express personal understanding of ideas/information based on prior knowledge/experience
- Students could consider why we don't have many Native American movie stars, and why it is so rare for movies have a fully Native American cast, and what impact that may have on Native American children. Question: Why does representation matter?
- Use film could be analyzed as a film study or used as a supplement to other class topics
- Could be used alongside a study of Sherman Alexie's Novels
- Personal reflection on perspective and how our experiences shape our worldview
- Discussion on the perception of others and who we choose to idolize
- Discussion on Indigenous representation in the media today - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Ice Breakers
Josh Crooks is a promising teen hockey star in a sport where Black players like him are chronically underrepresented. Ice Breakers reveals the buried history of a pioneering Black hockey league in Atlantic Canada, as Crooks discovers that his unshakable passion is tied to a rich and remarkable heritage.
Josh Crooks is a promising teen hockey star in a sport where Black players like him are chronically underrepresented. Ice Breakers reveals the buried history of a pioneering Black hockey league in Atlantic Canada, as Crooks discovers that his unshakable passion is tied to a rich and remarkable heritage.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Express personal understanding of ideas/information based on prior knowledge/experience
- Students could relate their own passions to that of the protagonist and consider what barriers (if any) stand/stood in their way of achieving these passions
- Might be a great way to introduce the concepts of privilege through a lens that students may find easy to grasp
- Discussion on minority representation in sports
- Perspective writing on the feeling of belonging and representation - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
A Song for Tibet
Filmed in the Indian Himalayas and in Canada, A Song for Tibet tells the dramatic story of the efforts by Tibetans in exile, including the Dalai Lama, to save their homeland and preserve their heritage against overwhelming odds. Since the invasion of their territory by China in the late 1950s, Tibetans have been struggling for cultural and political survival.
Filmed in the Indian Himalayas and in Canada, A Song for Tibet tells the dramatic story of the efforts by Tibetans in exile, including the Dalai Lama, to save their homeland and preserve their heritage against overwhelming odds. Since the invasion of their territory by China in the late 1950s, Tibetans have been struggling for cultural and political survival.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- How are ideas/people/experiences and cultural traditions portrayed in various media?
- Could be used as an introduction into a unit centred on Tibet and injustice; Students could research Tibet and its history, and work in groups to create presentations on their opinions on the topic
- Discussion on the importance of preserving one's heritage against political divide
- Connection to the assimilation of Indigenous groups in Canada
- Research/watch videos/interviews of Dalai Lama - Accessibility:
- No captions available, accommodations needed
Steel Blues
Pablo, Chilean emigrant, ex-professor, seeks work in a Montréal steel mill. Cut off from family, country and profession, he is baffled by a language he doesn't speak and a job he doesn't know. The film reproduces with accuracy and sensitivity his efforts to adjust to a new and bewildering world.
Pablo, Chilean emigrant, ex-professor, seeks work in a Montréal steel mill. Cut off from family, country and profession, he is baffled by a language he doesn't speak and a job he doesn't know. The film reproduces with accuracy and sensitivity his efforts to adjust to a new and bewildering world.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Express personal understanding of ideas/information based on prior knowledge/experience
- Students could reflect on how they may feel if they were in the shoes of the story's protagonist
- Research local organizations that help recent immigrants in their city, town, or province and see how they can support them
- Discussion on the immigrant experience in Canada
- Interviewing immigrants and their experience/culture shock upon arriving to Canada
- Letter writing - Accessibility:
- No captions available, accommodations needed
Pride
This movie portrays the development of an underdog swim team in the 1970s by a former swimmer Jim Ellis, who rehabilitates a dilapidated swimming pool and convinces a group of basketball players to try their hands at swimming. His hopes are to create Philadelphia's first all African-American swim team, to compete against the elite White swim teams of the city. This movie grapples with the tropes of resilience and determination amidst prejudice, racism, and discrimination.
This movie portrays the development of an underdog swim team in the 1970s by a former swimmer Jim Ellis, who rehabilitates a dilapidated swimming pool and convinces a group of basketball players to try their hands at swimming. His hopes are to create Philadelphia's first all African-American swim team, to compete against the elite White swim teams of the city. This movie grapples with the tropes of resilience and determination amidst prejudice, racism, and discrimination.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Reflect on personal observations/experiences to understand and develop various media
- Personal reflection on the word resilient and how students can display it and empower others to practice it
- Character analysis of Jim Ellis and why he wanted to create an all African-American swim team
- Discussion on privilege and how it shapes our lives and choices - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Journey to Justice
This documentary pays tribute to a group of Canadians who took racism to court. They are Canada's unsung heroes in the fight for Black civil rights. Focusing on the 1930s to the 1950s, this film documents the struggle of 6 people who refused to accept inequality. Featured here, among others, are Viola Desmond, a woman who insisted on keeping her seat at the Roseland movie theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia in 1946 rather than moving to the section normally reserved for the city's Black population, and Fred Christie, who took his case to the Supreme Court after being denied service at a Montreal tavern in 1936. These brave pioneers helped secure justice for all Canadians.
This documentary pays tribute to a group of Canadians who took racism to court. They are Canada's unsung heroes in the fight for Black civil rights. Focusing on the 1930s to the 1950s, this film documents the struggle of 6 people who refused to accept inequality. Featured here, among others, are Viola Desmond, a woman who insisted on keeping her seat at the Roseland movie theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia in 1946 rather than moving to the section normally reserved for the city's Black population, and Fred Christie, who took his case to the Supreme Court after being denied service at a Montreal tavern in 1936. These brave pioneers helped secure justice for all Canadians.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Express personal understanding of ideas/information based on prior knowledge/experience
- Students could research the fight for civil rights in Canada; they could choose a major player, either featured in the movie or not, and write a report or create a presentation that explores this person's accomplishments and how they furthered the civil rights cause
- Use as a source to research on Canadian heroes
- Reassign important figures to Canadian bills - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Unwanted Soldiers
This documentary tells the personal story of filmmaker Jari Osborne's father, a Chinese-Canadian veteran. She describes her father's involvement in World War II and uncovers a legacy of discrimination and racism against British Columbia's Chinese-Canadian community. Sworn to secrecy for decades, Osborne's father and his war buddies now vividly recall their top-secret missions behind enemy lines in Southeast Asia. Theirs is a tale of young men proudly fighting for a country that had mistreated them. This film does more than reveal an important period in Canadian history. It pays moving tribute to a father's quiet heroism.
This documentary tells the personal story of filmmaker Jari Osborne's father, a Chinese-Canadian veteran. She describes her father's involvement in World War II and uncovers a legacy of discrimination and racism against British Columbia's Chinese-Canadian community. Sworn to secrecy for decades, Osborne's father and his war buddies now vividly recall their top-secret missions behind enemy lines in Southeast Asia. Theirs is a tale of young men proudly fighting for a country that had mistreated them. This film does more than reveal an important period in Canadian history. It pays moving tribute to a father's quiet heroism.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Students could research the history of racism in the Canadian military, Then, choose a POC solider to research and write a report about their life
- Can be used as a resource for Remembrance Day to investigate varying veteran perspectives
- Connection to Social Studies and the development of Canada due to Asian immigrants (7.2.5.)
- Study of immigration in Canada and the differences in perspective from after the First World War to present day - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Secret Life of Bees
Set in 1964 South Carolina, this drama follows 14-year-old Lily, who runs away from her angry father with her black housekeeper, Rosaleen, to start a new life in Tiburon, where Lily believes her mom came from. There they meet the Boatwright sisters, who help teach Lily all about beekeeping, as well as the many privileges of Lily's skin color. The film contains some violence, but it's still suitable for mature tweens. Note: This film is available to rent or buy on YouTube.
Set in 1964 South Carolina, this drama follows 14-year-old Lily, who runs away from her angry father with her black housekeeper, Rosaleen, to start a new life in Tiburon, where Lily believes her mom came from. There they meet the Boatwright sisters, who help teach Lily all about beekeeping, as well as the many privileges of Lily's skin color. The film contains some violence, but it's still suitable for mature tweens. Note: This film is available to rent or buy on YouTube.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Reflect on personal observations/experiences to understand and develop various media
- Could be used as a film study; students could look for theme, symbols, character traits, or plot as they watch the film
- Students can reflect on privilege and power and how they have seen it play out in their lives
- Could be used alongside novel study
- Character analysis of Rosaleen
- Discussion on historical context of 1960's South Carolina and why it was a radical idea of Lily to live with the Boatwright sisters - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Sleeping Tigers: The Asahi Baseball Story
In pre-World War II Vancouver, the team was unbeatable, winning the Pacific Northwest Championship for five straight years. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, all persons of Japanese descent in Canada were sent to internment camps. The former Asahi members survived by playing ball. Their passion was contagious and soon other players joined in, among them RCMP officials and local townspeople. As a result, the games helped break down racial and cultural barriers. This remarkable story is told with a combination of archival footage, interviews and dramatic re-enactments.
In pre-World War II Vancouver, the team was unbeatable, winning the Pacific Northwest Championship for five straight years. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, all persons of Japanese descent in Canada were sent to internment camps. The former Asahi members survived by playing ball. Their passion was contagious and soon other players joined in, among them RCMP officials and local townspeople. As a result, the games helped break down racial and cultural barriers. This remarkable story is told with a combination of archival footage, interviews and dramatic re-enactments.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Students could dissect parts of a documentary, try to look for facts vs opinions, or research further on the topic presented
- Students could research the history of Japanese Internment Camps to understand the historical context
- Read Joy Kogawa's "What Do I Remember of the Evacuation", a poem about the author's experience being forced out of her home and into a camp
- Letter writing from the perspective of those living in the camps
- Personal reflection on the importance of community to get through hardships - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Unarmed Verses
This feature documentary presents a thoughtful and vivid portrait of a community facing imposed relocation. At the centre of the story is a remarkably astute and luminous 12-year-old black girl whose poignant observations about life, the soul, and the power of art give voice to those rarely heard in society. Unarmed Verses is a cinematic rendering of our universal need for self-expression and belonging.
This feature documentary presents a thoughtful and vivid portrait of a community facing imposed relocation. At the centre of the story is a remarkably astute and luminous 12-year-old black girl whose poignant observations about life, the soul, and the power of art give voice to those rarely heard in society. Unarmed Verses is a cinematic rendering of our universal need for self-expression and belonging.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal reflection on the different ways we show self-expression
- Art project on an issue/topic students are passionate about in their preferred mode of media (song, video, poster, etc.)
- Discussion on importance of community to get through hardships - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
A Raisin in the Sun
Based on the landmark play by Lorraine Hansberry, an African-American family living in Chicago works for a better way of life amid poverty and racism and disagree on how to distance themselves from both. The film does include use of the "N" word and is recommended for ages 12 and older. Note: The film is available to rent or buy on YouTube.
Based on the landmark play by Lorraine Hansberry, an African-American family living in Chicago works for a better way of life amid poverty and racism and disagree on how to distance themselves from both. The film does include use of the "N" word and is recommended for ages 12 and older. Note: The film is available to rent or buy on YouTube.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Experience various media from a variety of cultural traditions and genres
- Film study: make connections between the historical connections between racism of the past and present - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Remember the Titans
Set in 1971 Virginia, this heartwarming film revolves around a recently integrated high school football team and their Black coach's struggle to diffuse racial tensions. The movie is based on the true story of high school football coach Herman Boone, and the way he teaches his players to come together on and off the field. This film is rated PG.
Set in 1971 Virginia, this heartwarming film revolves around a recently integrated high school football team and their Black coach's struggle to diffuse racial tensions. The movie is based on the true story of high school football coach Herman Boone, and the way he teaches his players to come together on and off the field. This film is rated PG.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Demonstrate respect for diverse ideas
- Film study: make connections between the historical connections between racism of the past and present - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
This animated film is the re-telling of a 10th-century Japanese fable about a princess who sprouts from a bamboo stalk. Not only does it give kids a glimpse of traditional Japanese culture, but it also has strong messages about the importance of love and encouragement. Also available on Netflix.
This animated film is the re-telling of a 10th-century Japanese fable about a princess who sprouts from a bamboo stalk. Not only does it give kids a glimpse of traditional Japanese culture, but it also has strong messages about the importance of love and encouragement. Also available on Netflix.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Students could read the original version of this fairytale and then compare and contrast it to this animated version
- Students could use this as inspiration to write their own folk tale/fairy tale
- Art study on the animation used
- Could be used alongside the study of the Japanese fable "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter"
- Analysis on the different themes and symbolism used in the film - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
G.O 2 Comprehend and respond critically and personally to a variety of texts
The Revolutionary Optimists
This documentary is about Indian slum kids who stand up for their rights. Viewers will see abject poverty that’s hard to believe really exists and will be faced with discussions on topics such as hunger, education and child labor. Note: This film is available to buy or rent on YouTube.
The Revolutionary Optimists
This documentary is about Indian slum kids who stand up for their rights. Viewers will see abject poverty that’s hard to believe really exists and will be faced with discussions on topics such as hunger, education and child labor. Note: This film is available to buy or rent on YouTube.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Students could compare their ideas of poverty before/after the movie to see if they have changed any of their pre-conceived notions
- Solutionary thinking: How might we address and tackle the problems of poverty for a better quality of life?
- Connection to Indigenous communities throughout Canada without access to clean drinking water
- Water investigation/discussion: Is water a privilege or a right? How can we show respect for water in our everyday lives? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Hate U Give
Centered around Starr Carter, living in the predominantly Black neighbourhood of Garden Heights, who witnesses a childhood friend get murdered in the hands of the police after returning from a high-school party. Grappling with the trauma of the incident and police brutality at-large, especially attending to a predominantly White private school, Starr takes an active role in dealing with race and racism in her community.
Centered around Starr Carter, living in the predominantly Black neighbourhood of Garden Heights, who witnesses a childhood friend get murdered in the hands of the police after returning from a high-school party. Grappling with the trauma of the incident and police brutality at-large, especially attending to a predominantly White private school, Starr takes an active role in dealing with race and racism in her community.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Can be used to supplement the reading of the novel The Hate U Give
- Students could research real cases of police violence in Canada and connect them to the movie
- Character analysis of Starr - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Birth of a Family
In this deeply moving feature-length documentary, three sisters and a brother meet for the first time. Removed from their young Dene mother during the infamous Sixties Scoop, they were separated as infants and adopted into families across North America. Betty Ann, Esther, Rosalie, and Ben were only four of the 20,000 Indigenous Canadian children taken from their families between 1955 and 1985, to be either adopted into white families or live in foster care. As the four siblings piece together their shared history, their connection deepens, and their family begins to take shape.
In this deeply moving feature-length documentary, three sisters and a brother meet for the first time. Removed from their young Dene mother during the infamous Sixties Scoop, they were separated as infants and adopted into families across North America. Betty Ann, Esther, Rosalie, and Ben were only four of the 20,000 Indigenous Canadian children taken from their families between 1955 and 1985, to be either adopted into white families or live in foster care. As the four siblings piece together their shared history, their connection deepens, and their family begins to take shape.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1: Use strategies and cues
- 2.3.1: Understand forms and genres - Suggested use:
- Invite an Elder from local Indigenous community to come into classroom to speak and share stories
- Research on Sixties Scoop and residential schools and how it has impacted Indigenous generations today
- Personal reflection on family and connection - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger
Alanis Obomsawin's 52nd film tells the story of how the life of Jordan River Anderson initiated a battle for the right of First Nations and Inuit children to receive the same standard of social, health and educational services as the rest of the Canadian population.
Alanis Obomsawin's 52nd film tells the story of how the life of Jordan River Anderson initiated a battle for the right of First Nations and Inuit children to receive the same standard of social, health and educational services as the rest of the Canadian population.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Students could research the Sixties Scoop to gain historical context of the issues presented here, then, research the current policies affecting FNMI children and their parents
- Discussion on equity vs. equality
- Research on how treaties have impacted Indigenous generations today - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Me and the Mosque
This full-length documentary portrays the multiple relationships Canadian Muslim women entertain with Islam’s place of worship, the mosque. Many are drawn to the religion because of its emphasis on social justice and spiritual equality between the sexes. Yet, many mosques force women to pray behind barriers, separate from men, and some do not even permit women to enter the building. Exploring all sides of the issue, the film examines the space – both physical and social – granted to women in mosques across the country.
This full-length documentary portrays the multiple relationships Canadian Muslim women entertain with Islam’s place of worship, the mosque. Many are drawn to the religion because of its emphasis on social justice and spiritual equality between the sexes. Yet, many mosques force women to pray behind barriers, separate from men, and some do not even permit women to enter the building. Exploring all sides of the issue, the film examines the space – both physical and social – granted to women in mosques across the country.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Use to introduce the issues facing Muslim women in Canada
- Students can research first person accounts of Muslim women discussing their ideas about going to mosque and the discrimination they may face there
- Discussion on the biases that are present against Muslim people and religion
- Connection to the anti-Muslim bias lessons; film can be used to represent a different perspective - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Gurdeep Singh Bains
Gurdeep is a thirteen-year-old Canadian Sikh whose family runs a dairy farm near Chilliwack, British Columbia. They have retained their language and religion. Attendance at the Sikh temple, playing soccer with his schoolmates, and working on the farm are all part of Gurdeep's well-integrated life, but sometimes he feels a little different from the other children because he wears a turban. This film is part of the Children of Canada series.
Gurdeep is a thirteen-year-old Canadian Sikh whose family runs a dairy farm near Chilliwack, British Columbia. They have retained their language and religion. Attendance at the Sikh temple, playing soccer with his schoolmates, and working on the farm are all part of Gurdeep's well-integrated life, but sometimes he feels a little different from the other children because he wears a turban. This film is part of the Children of Canada series.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- How are ideas/people/experiences and cultural traditions portrayed in various media?
- Students can consider how they react to their friends who may dress differently or express their religion differently then them
- Relate their personal experiences to the movie and consider how they can continue to break down stereotypes and make all children feel included
- Discussion on identity as a child in Canada
- Research on Sikh tradition and the meaning behind the turban
- Character analysis of Gurdeep - Accessibility:
- No captions available, accommodations needed
Black Soul
Martine Chartrand’s animated short dives into the heart of Black culture with an exhilarating trip though history. Watch as a young boy traces his roots through the stories his grandmother shares with him about the events that shaped their cultural heritage.
Martine Chartrand’s animated short dives into the heart of Black culture with an exhilarating trip though history. Watch as a young boy traces his roots through the stories his grandmother shares with him about the events that shaped their cultural heritage.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Students could reflect on lessons they have learned from their grandparents, as well as on the importance of listening to our ancestors and elders
- Create a family timeline and compare to history shown in the film
- Connection to the artist Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson, an African American artist whose work reflects her family history
- Interview parents/grandparents/relatives to know more about family history - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing
- Silent film, no descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Now Is the Time
When internationally renowned Haida carver Robert Davidson was only 22 years old, he carved the first new totem pole on British Columbia’s Haida Gwaii in almost a century. On the 50th anniversary of the pole’s raising, Haida filmmaker Christopher Auchter steps easily through history to revisit that day in August 1969, when the entire village of Old Massett gathered to celebrate the event that would signal the rebirth of the Haida spirit.
When internationally renowned Haida carver Robert Davidson was only 22 years old, he carved the first new totem pole on British Columbia’s Haida Gwaii in almost a century. On the 50th anniversary of the pole’s raising, Haida filmmaker Christopher Auchter steps easily through history to revisit that day in August 1969, when the entire village of Old Massett gathered to celebrate the event that would signal the rebirth of the Haida spirit.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1: Use strategies and cues
- 2.1.1: Use prior knowledge - Suggested use:
- Demonstrate respect for diverse ideas
- Students could research aspects of the Haida culture and discuss how the Haida people have kept their spirituality and culture alive despite racist policies and actions
- Art study/project on Haida art and Totem Poles
- Study on Haida tales and legends
- Retelling the story of the birth of the Haida spirit through a story, comic strip, video, etc. - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
G.O 3: Manage ideas and information
Western Eyes
This documentary presents two Canadian women of Asian descent who are contemplating eyelid surgery. Maria and Sharon, of Philippino and Korean heritage respectively, believe their looks--specifically their eyes--get in the way of how people see them. Layering their stories with pop culture references to beauty icons and supermodels, filmmaker Ann Shin looks at the pain that lies deep behind the desire for plastic surgery.
Western Eyes
This documentary presents two Canadian women of Asian descent who are contemplating eyelid surgery. Maria and Sharon, of Philippino and Korean heritage respectively, believe their looks--specifically their eyes--get in the way of how people see them. Layering their stories with pop culture references to beauty icons and supermodels, filmmaker Ann Shin looks at the pain that lies deep behind the desire for plastic surgery.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.2: Select and Process
- 3.2.1: Use a variety of sources - Suggested use:
- Students could research prevailing attitudes towards plastic surgery in some Asian countries and find testimonials of those who have chosen to get surgery and those that haven't
- Relate their personal stories of disliking their appearance to the protagonists' stories, contrasting the biases that may affect the protagonists' ideas and theirs
- Discussion on how the beauty standard is enforced in media and advertisements
- Critical analysis on what features are desired/admired in society - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Queen of Katwe
This biographical drama is set in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, telling the story of 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi, whose life is changed forever after a visiting missionary teaches her how to play chess. Phiona eventually becomes an international chess prodigy, though she contends with plenty of poverty, violence, and racism along the way.
This biographical drama is set in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, telling the story of 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi, whose life is changed forever after a visiting missionary teaches her how to play chess. Phiona eventually becomes an international chess prodigy, though she contends with plenty of poverty, violence, and racism along the way.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.2: Select and Process
- 3.2.2: Access Information - Suggested use:
- Reflect on personal observations/experiences to understand and develop various media
- Could be used as a film study; students could look for theme, symbols, character traits, or plot as they watch the film. Students could reflect on the way that passions or hobbies help people deal with difficult things
- Discussion on how our hobbies/passions can shape our lives
- Could conduct more research on Phiona Mutesi and how she overcame her adversities
- Personal reflection/journal entry on perseverance - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Highway to Heaven
This short symphonic documentary offers a glimpse into the unique religious co-existence found along No. 5 Road in Richmond, British Columbia. Highway to Heaven takes audiences into many of the temples, mosques, and churches that call No. 5 home, revealing unity despite difference across these diverse cultural spaces. In a world struggling with religious violence and intolerance, filmmaker Sandra Ignagni has crafted a gentle portrait of a rare landscape using attentive imagery and an acoustic tapestry of prayer.
This short symphonic documentary offers a glimpse into the unique religious co-existence found along No. 5 Road in Richmond, British Columbia. Highway to Heaven takes audiences into many of the temples, mosques, and churches that call No. 5 home, revealing unity despite difference across these diverse cultural spaces. In a world struggling with religious violence and intolerance, filmmaker Sandra Ignagni has crafted a gentle portrait of a rare landscape using attentive imagery and an acoustic tapestry of prayer.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.2: Select and Process
- 3.2.2: Access Information - Suggested use:
- How are ideas/people/experiences and cultural traditions portrayed in various media?
- Study on the different religions and cultures present in Canada
- Research on the different cultural spaces in Calgary
- Art project on what they learned about each religion/culture and their traditions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Reconciliation Conversations - Language and Culture
Explore the Google slide as a group. Afterwards, ask students to reflect on the prompts below. They may write down some of their ideas. You may also decide to discuss these questions in small groups or as a large group. Discussion questions: How are your own language and culture linked? How might your language impact how you view the world? Is your language a part of your identity? In what way? When a language disappears, what do we lose? How can we ensure the survival of Indigenous languages? How is learning an Indigenous language an act of reconciliation?
Explore the Google slide as a group. Afterwards, ask students to reflect on the prompts below. They may write down some of their ideas. You may also decide to discuss these questions in small groups or as a large group. Discussion questions: How are your own language and culture linked? How might your language impact how you view the world? Is your language a part of your identity? In what way? When a language disappears, what do we lose? How can we ensure the survival of Indigenous languages? How is learning an Indigenous language an act of reconciliation?
- Suggested use:
- Specific set of lessons on language and culture of Indigenous groups in Canada and how history has affected it today (residential schools, Sixties Scoop, Indian Act)
- Resource can be found on page 22 of PDF
Slavery
In this lesson, students will have a discussion on slavery and read a book related to slavery in Canada. After this, students create a mind map of keywords that jump out at them in bubbles on a blank 11 by 17 sized page. After reading, ask students to draw connecting lines between specific words that naturally fit together for them. Ask students to write their ideas on those lines to retell part of the story in their own words or explain how those two words are related.
In this lesson, students will have a discussion on slavery and read a book related to slavery in Canada. After this, students create a mind map of keywords that jump out at them in bubbles on a blank 11 by 17 sized page. After reading, ask students to draw connecting lines between specific words that naturally fit together for them. Ask students to write their ideas on those lines to retell part of the story in their own words or explain how those two words are related.
- Suggested use:
- Variety of lesson plans and resources to teach racism in Canada
Indigenous Book Recommendations
List of Indigenous books teachers can teach in the classroom to build understanding of various Indigenous customs and traditions.
List of Indigenous books teachers can teach in the classroom to build understanding of various Indigenous customs and traditions.
- Suggested use:
- Books to add to personal classroom library/request for school library for Indigenous book representation
- Posters that can be added to classroom display
Anti-Oppression/Anti-Racism Resources for Educators
Document that encompasses a wide variety of anti-racism resources from books, to videos and articles.
Document that encompasses a wide variety of anti-racism resources from books, to videos and articles.
- Suggested use:
- Variety of anti-racism resources
Guiding Principles: Diversity & Globalism
Google slides presentation with activities and resources to teach anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality. Further lesson plans can be found here.
Google slides presentation with activities and resources to teach anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality. Further lesson plans can be found here.
- Suggested use:
- Variety of anti-racism resources
