Book Club: Shatter Me—Fantasy Series (One Book a Month)
Cultivate your learner's love for reading as they explore dystopian fiction by immersing themselves in a popular fantasy series. Engaging discussions and activities will help them build critical reading, writing, and communication skills.
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekMastery Evaluation
1-2 hours per week. Learners will independently read one-third of a book each week. Additionally, brief writing assignments will be offered each week, some of which can be completed in class as a part of independent and group activities. Individualized feedback on such written tasks will be provided upon request.Class Experience
Embark on a compelling journey through Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me series in this engaging book club designed specifically for teenagers aged 14 to 18. This course delves deep into the dystopian universe of Juliette Ferrars, exploring themes of power, isolation, identity, and rebellion. Structured into six dynamic cycles, each dedicated to one of the six books, learners will unravel the complexities of a world on the brink of chaos and witness Juliette’s transformation from isolation to empowerment. Course Structure: • Cycles: 6 (Each cycle focuses on one book over four weeks) What Learners Will Experience: • Interactive Lessons: Each session begins with an engaging warm-up to activate prior knowledge, followed by a mini-lesson that delves into key themes, settings, and character developments specific to each book. • Thought-Provoking Discussions: Guided discussions encourage learners to analyze and interpret the text, fostering a collaborative learning environment where diverse perspectives are valued. • Creative and Analytical Writing: Learners will express their understanding and creativity through journal entries, essays, and alternative endings, enhancing their analytical and writing skills. • Collaborative Group Activities: Through breakout sessions, learners will engage in role-plays, plot predictions, and problem-solving activities that promote teamwork and communication. Key Themes Explored: • Power and Control: Understanding the dynamics of power within oppressive regimes and personal relationships. • Isolation and Connection: Exploring the impact of isolation on identity and the importance of forming meaningful connections. • Identity and Self-Discovery: Encouraging learners to reflect on their own identities through Juliette’s journey of self-discovery. • Rebellion and Resistance: Analyzing acts of rebellion and the motivations behind resistance movements. • Survival and Resilience: Examining the traits that enable characters to survive and thrive in hostile environments. • Love and Loyalty: Investigating the complexities of love and loyalty amidst conflict and adversity.
Learning Goals
Enhanced Reading Comprehension: Through structured reading assignments and in-depth discussions, learners will improve their ability to understand and interpret complex texts.
Critical Thinking Skills: Analyzing characters’ motivations, plot developments, and thematic elements fosters strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Dystopian literature can contain violence or mature themes. All content and themes will be discussed in an age-appropriate manner. Parental guidance is encouraged to ensure the readings are appropriate for your learner's maturity level.
For additional information, please visit the author's website: https://taherehmafi.com/book/shatter-me/.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Learners will need access to the following books in Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series:
• Shatter Me
• Unravel Me
• Ignite Me
• Restore Me
• Defy Me
• Imagine Me
Books are available in most libraries and at bookstores and digital platforms such as Amazon Kindle
We'll read the books in order, devoting four weeks per book. The cyles are as follows for 2025:
Cycle 1: Shatter Me
• Book: Shatter Me (Volume 1)
• Week of January 6: Introduction to Shatter Me
• Week of January 13: First Third
• Week of January 20: Second Third
• Week of January 27: Last Third
________________________________________
Cycle 2: Unravel Me
• Book: Unravel Me (Volume 2)
• Week of February 3: Introduction to Unravel Me
• Week of February 10: First Third
• Week of February 17: Second Third
• Week of February 24: Last Third
________________________________________
Cycle 3: Ignite Me
• Book: Ignite Me (Volume 3)
• Week of March 3: Introduction to Ignite Me
• Week of March 10: First Third
• Week of March 17: Second Third
• Week of March 24: Last Third
________________________________________
Cycle 4: Restore Me
• Book: Restore Me (Volume 4)
• Week of March 31: Introduction to Restore Me
• Week of April 7: First Third
• Week of April 14: Second Third
• Week of April 21: Last Third
________________________________________
Cycle 5: Defy Me
• Book: Defy Me (Volume 5)
• Week of April 28: Introduction to Defy Me
• Week of May 5: First Third
• Week of May 12: Second Third
• Week of May 19: Last Third
________________________________________
Cycle 6: Imagine Me
• Book: Imagine Me (Volume 6)
• Week of May 26: Introduction to Imagine Me
• Week of June 2: First Third
• Week of June 9: Second Third
• Week of June 16: Last Third
Students will not need to use any apps or websites outside of the standard Outschool-approved tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Harvard University
Hello! I’m a passionate educator and Ivy League graduate, holding degrees from Harvard (undergraduate) and Columbia Law. With over a decade of experience as an award-winning instructor, I specialize in teaching critical reading, writing, and analytical thinking to curious young minds. I currently manage a prestigious K-12 gifted education program in English Language Arts, where I guide students in unlocking their full potential.
My multidisciplinary background in biology and law gives me a unique perspective on learning and teaching. Whether it’s grammar, literary analysis, creative storytelling, or crafting persuasive arguments, I tailor my approach to inspire curiosity and confidence in every student. I’ve worked in traditional classrooms, online settings, and one-on-one environments, empowering learners to master skills like publishing, legal writing, and creative expression.
My goal is to help students not only build strong communication and critical thinking skills but also develop self-confidence and a sense of ownership over their learning journey. Together, we’ll turn challenges into opportunities and spark a lifelong love for learning!
Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
4-12 learners per class