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“A moving story about finding one’s center in the midst of overwhelming external pressure.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Sixth-grader Lu Olivera just wants to keep her head down and get along with everyone in her class. The trouble is, Lu’s old friends have been changing lately — acting boy crazy and making snide remarks about Lu’s newfound talent for running track. Lu’s secret hope for a new friend is fellow runner Belinda Gresham. But in 1970 in Red Grove, Alabama, blacks and whites don’t mix. As segregationist ex-governor George Wallace ramps up his campaign against the current governor, Albert Brewer, growing tensions in the state — and in the classroom — mean that Lu can’t stay neutral about the racial divide at school. Will she find the gumption to stand up for what’s right and to choose friends who do the same? BL 4.6/7 |
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE:
In Chapter 25, Miss Garrett wants to give extra credit to the students to make up for their poor quiz grades. She suggests that anyone who attended George Wallace's Presidential rally could write a report about it for their project. Charles says, "That's discrimination." Why do you think Charles felt that way? Do you know much about George Wallace? You might get a good idea from the book - but you'll need to do more research for this project. Google George Wallace and see what you can find out. You can present your information as a poster, writing project, or picture. There aren't a lot of Americans today who are proud of the fact that George Wallace was running for president in 1972, or that he was Governor of Alabama before that. Share your opinion and what you learn.
In Chapter 25, Miss Garrett wants to give extra credit to the students to make up for their poor quiz grades. She suggests that anyone who attended George Wallace's Presidential rally could write a report about it for their project. Charles says, "That's discrimination." Why do you think Charles felt that way? Do you know much about George Wallace? You might get a good idea from the book - but you'll need to do more research for this project. Google George Wallace and see what you can find out. You can present your information as a poster, writing project, or picture. There aren't a lot of Americans today who are proud of the fact that George Wallace was running for president in 1972, or that he was Governor of Alabama before that. Share your opinion and what you learn.
CHANCE:
Lu listens to a lot of music and it gives her things to think about in her community and world. One of those songs is STAND by Sly and the Family Stone. Watch the YouTube video with the lyrics by clicking on STAND and write about your opinion on why the song was so important to her. What do the words mean? Do you think there were a lot of songs similar to this one during the 1970's for African Americans by African Americans to help them deal with the prejudice that was going on during that time? You may also choose to create a poster describing the music as well as supporting their community.
Lu listens to a lot of music and it gives her things to think about in her community and world. One of those songs is STAND by Sly and the Family Stone. Watch the YouTube video with the lyrics by clicking on STAND and write about your opinion on why the song was so important to her. What do the words mean? Do you think there were a lot of songs similar to this one during the 1970's for African Americans by African Americans to help them deal with the prejudice that was going on during that time? You may also choose to create a poster describing the music as well as supporting their community.
Activity 3:
The author of My Year in the Middle is also an artist. Take a close look at the small illustrations that lead off each chapter. Which is your favorite? Why? How does the art enhance and extend the novel?
The author of My Year in the Middle is also an artist. Take a close look at the small illustrations that lead off each chapter. Which is your favorite? Why? How does the art enhance and extend the novel?