Trace themes involving injustice, systemic racism, and poverty as they develop over the course of the text.

Identify and analyze important symbols and motifs, including rap lyrics, pop culture references, and horticulture.

Compare the identities between which Starr feels torn, noting important figures in her life who pull her away from or toward one side.

Discuss real-world implications of gun violence and police brutality, with the sensitive nature of these issues in mind.

Consider how Starr’s beloved franchises—Harry Potter and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air—mirror her experiences.

Prepare their own playlist that reflects their interpretation of the novel and characters.

Creation of a Theme Collage that examines and articulates the student's understanding of the keys themes.

As a National Board Certified Teacher, I have taught several novels with themes of intolerance for several years.  My experience as a Holocaust trained educator lends itself to the approach I take to be honest, historically accurate, but sensitive to the controversial topics in the novel.  A conversation will be held about the "N-word", how and why is was used and why it is denigrating and derogatory.  Students will be directed that the only time it is appropriate to actually say the N-word or the F-word is when they are reading a quote from the novel, otherwise it should be referred to as the N-word and F-word. 

First and foremost is the analysis of literature and utilizing higher thinking skills to examine the text, then the social implications of the text in a historical timeline and societal constraints.  Emphasis is placed on the literature, the sensitive topics are a vehicle students find interesting and compelling enough to read and discuss.

Homework Offered
Students will be assigned reading each week to be completed before the next class.  Assigned reading will be 40 to 100 pages per week, and the amount of time it takes depends upon the individual reader.  Students may also use audiobooks and follow along in a print book. 

Students will also be encouraged to complete a Theme Collage to present during our final class session. 

Students will be asked to create a Playlist to share during our 5th and 8th class sessions.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Informal assessment via discussion and student interaction, and presentation of the Theme Collage.  Students who need a formal grade for home school may submit the Theme Collage and Playlist for a grade to be considered with their participation in each class discussion and activity.
Grades Offered

The novel The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas is required, and the movie is something students may want to watch on their own.  
The novel is available in paperback, hard cover, kindle and audiobook: https://amzn.to/2RVkueG

The music, books, artists and poetry from the novel will be used in the classroom, including songs by Tupac, the Harry Potter novel series and the show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.