Book can help students image themselves doing things they never thought they could do. In the titles below, your students can see themselves as writers, capable of sharing their gifts with the world.
Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant is about writer, Tessa Johnson. Tessa only shares her stories with her BFF Caroline. After her mother sends in a sample of her work, Tessa is accepted into a special arts school as a writer. Acceptance into this program brings on anxiety instead of excitement, and a serious case of writers’ block. Caroline suggested that she try to live her own romance in order to spark writing ideas, and in the process Tessa learns more about herself and what’s important to her.
Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango tells the story of seventh grader Iveliz who is struggling with mental health issues. Iveliz finds it easiest to express herself in her journal. Through her poetry she is able to articulate her thoughts, feelings, and frustration about being misunderstood. This novel in verse uses Iveliz’s poetry not only to help her cope with the challenges she faces, but also allows the people in her life to truly hear what she has to say, and ultimately enables Iveliz to know that she is loved no matter what.
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney introduces us to Quinn who keeps lists of everything as a method to navigate life. She adds all these lists to a journal. But one day her journal goes missing and her lists get posted to Instagram, which makes Quinn desperate to get her journal back. However, the blackmailer will only return the journal if she completes things on her lists. This results in Quinn teaming up with Carter to find out who is blackmailing her, which forces her to face the fears and learn how to be strong all on her own.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel in verse that tells the story of Xiomara. Fifteen year old Xiomara is trying to figure out where she fits, in school and with her family. Her mother is a devout Catholic, but Xiomara grapples with the expectations of the church and who Mami thinks she should be. Encouraged by her English teacher, Xiomara uses her poetry share her feelings, understand her family, and figure out how she fits in the world. Through her poetry we learn about the struggles Xiomara faces trying to fit in with her family, and how her own voice can set her free.
Teaching with Equity 