Does your learner love curling up with a good book on their bed or in a hammock in their spare time?  Or are they a little more reluctant to choose reading voluntarily, and you want a way to spark that love of reading in them?  Students in this class will independently read a contemporary young adult book each week, focusing on biographies and memoirs, and then come together to discuss it during class time.  This is an excellent opportunity to keep your learner reading for fun, in a way that is truly engaging and enjoyable. 

This summer we'll focus on biographies and memoirs, reading about ordinary people who have overcome extraordinary circumstances. They are inspirational for a variety of reasons, and in a variety of circumstances that are easily relatable. Through reading and discussing, students will make connections between themselves and the writing, other students, their circumstances, and the broader world. 

The weekly breakdown and book selections are below, and the books will need to be read in their entirety before the class where they are to be discussed.  Students are welcome to read their own copy of the book, or a library copy.  Listening to the audiobook is also a great way to read these selections. 

Week 1: "I am Offering This Poem" by Jimmy Santiago Baca (poetry discussion and course overview)

Week 2: "Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team" by Steve Sheinkin 

Week 3: "Reaching for the Moon" Autobiography of NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson
 
Week 4: "Proud: Living My American Dream" by Olympic Medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad (Young Reader's Edition)

Week 5: "Piece by Piece: How I built My Life, No Instructions Required" by David and Ferran Aguilar

What will each week look like?  The vast majority of each week will be spent discussing student questions about the book. Students will write and submit questions to me before the beginning of each class (Blooms Taxonomy question starters will be provided).  Questions might range from, "What was the main idea of the book?" to "What inspired x character?" "Why did a character make a certain decision?" "What impact did the historical setting have on the character's actions and thoughts?" "Would you have made the same decision?" "Have you ever been in a similar situation?"and more.  

Who would do well in this class?  This class is a great choice for students who love to read, and who are able to complete a novel a week.  Students who are slow readers, but are willing to listen to the audio book version, will also do well in this class.  Because this summer's focus is biographies, many students who don't typically love novels might find this genre more engaging. Students who like to talk and discuss, as well as those who prefer to sit and listen, are all welcome. 

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REFUND POLICY: I understand that booking in advance is appealing to guarantee a spot in the class, but I also realize that plans can change. Please know that if you need to withdraw your learner for any reason up to ten days before the start date of this class, I will be happy to issue a full refund. Please contact me if this is the case.