Life Issues Book Club: Still Life With Tornado

This class is part of a series featuring novels focused on social and life issues for teens.

Due to the student-led discussion format of this class, the smallest size that will work well is 3 students. This is a great class to take with a friend; the more the merrier! I will run the course with fewer than 3 students with modifications.

COURSE OUTLINE
Session 1: Introductory Session (Meet the teacher, Class structure and expectations, book preview)
Sessions 2 & 3: Discussions over assigned reading and questions, extension activities. In session 3, guidance for the final project will be given. 
Session 4: Final discussion, closing activity, and presentation of project

Reading assignments consist of approximately one-third of the novel (breakdown provided in the first session) and 3-5 open-ended questions to prepare for the in-class discussion the following session.

<<What Are Literature Circles?>>
In a literature circle, students have the opportunity to think deeply about critical elements of a book. Depending on what is uncovered through the discussion, you'll hear discussion of the author's craft, the structure of the text, and the universal themes of the story. For each class, students will read and prepare some sort of discussion tool. The teacher will share journal prompts, graphic organizers, and open-ended questions at the introductory session. When participating in a literature circle, learners get out what they put in. Critical thinking and listening is encouraged, and we practice agreeing, disagreeing, and expanding on each other's ideas respectfully.

<<What is "Still Life with Tornado" about?>>
(Taken from Penguin Random House website)
A heartbreaking and mind-bending story of a talented teenage artist’s awakening to the brokenness of her family from acclaimed Printz award-winner A.S. King.

Sixteen-year-old Sarah can’t draw. This is a problem, because as long as she can remember, she has “done the art.” She thinks she’s having an existential crisis. And she might be right; she does keep running into past and future versions of herself as she wanders the urban ruins of Philadelphia. Or maybe she’s finally waking up to the tornado that is her family, the tornado that six years ago sent her once-beloved older brother flying across the country for a reason she can’t quite recall. After decades of staying together “for the kids” and building a family on a foundation of lies and domestic violence, Sarah’s parents have reached the end. Now Sarah must come to grips with years spent sleepwalking in the ruins of their toxic marriage. As Sarah herself often observes, nothing about her pain is remotely original—and yet it still hurts.
 
Insightful, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful, this is a vivid portrait of abuse, survival, resurgence that will linger with readers long after the last page.

“Read this book, whatever your age. You may find it’s the exact shape and size of the hole in your heart.”—The New York Times 

“Surreal and thought-provoking.”—People Magazine

★ ”A deeply moving, frank, and compassionate exploration of trauma and resilience, filled to the brim with incisive, grounded wisdom.” —Booklist, starred review
 
★ ”King writes with the confidence of a tightrope walker working without a net.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★”[King] blurs reality, truth, violence, emotion, creativity, and art in a show of respect for YA readers.”—Horn Book Magazine, starred review

★ “King’s brilliance, artistry, and originality as an author shine through in this thought-provoking work. […] An unforgettable experience.” SLJ, starred review

CLASS POLICIES
1) I have an enrollment minimum of 3 students for ongoing and multi-day classes. 
For MULTI-DAY, if this enrollment minimum is not met, I will contact you 24-48 hours in advance with options. Options will include transfer to another section if possible, delaying the course start to allow for more enrollments, or a cancellation of your enrollment (with full refund). 
For ONGOING, if this enrollment minimum is not met 48 hours before the FIRST class meeting, I will postpone the first meeting by one week (and refund that week's fee if needed). I will let you know this is occurring via classroom message. Ongoing sections that do not achieve minimum enrollment  after a week delay will be cancelled and transfer (if possible) or refund will be given.

2) I follow the refund policies designated for each class listing. Any requests for transfers that come less than 24 hours before class meets may not be honored. Requests for transfers or full or partial refunds after class meets will not be honored. If you have questions, please refer to Outschool's policies or contact support@outschool.com

3) I cannot assist with technology problems related to logging onto class, and I do not issue refunds if a technical issue related to Zoom prevents you from attending a scheduled class. If you are new to Outschool, please make sure you review Outschool's guidance for preparing to log on for class.

4) My book clubs require all participants to provide their own copy of the novel. I cannot provide digital copies due to copyright concerns. All texts I use should be easy to locate in local libraries, bookshops, and Amazon.com