A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
*****
Francie Nolan is an eleven year old girl growing up in the early 1900's. Although this novel is not a modern read, teens will be drawn to the honest voice and gentle beauty of the prose. This classic will introduce teens to a more traditional literary text that is still accessible and pleasurable to read. Despite the context, there are a number of universal and timeless themes in this piece. Poignant quotes such as, “Look at everything always as though you were seeing it for the first time or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory," will stick with the reader and lead to deep reflection.
Questions to consider:
*****
Francie Nolan is an eleven year old girl growing up in the early 1900's. Although this novel is not a modern read, teens will be drawn to the honest voice and gentle beauty of the prose. This classic will introduce teens to a more traditional literary text that is still accessible and pleasurable to read. Despite the context, there are a number of universal and timeless themes in this piece. Poignant quotes such as, “Look at everything always as though you were seeing it for the first time or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory," will stick with the reader and lead to deep reflection.
Questions to consider:
- Describe the narrative voice. What effect did it have that we seemed to be hearing the story mostly through Francie's voice? What did you think of the moments that moved into other perspectives?
- Why do you think the women in this novel were the strong characters? What did you think of the male characters that were shown as weak (Johnny Nolan)?
- This novel has many honest and heartbreaking moments, like Francie and Neely's trip to the doctor. Describe on of these moments, how the characters reacted to it, and why it resonated with you.
- What drives this story in which it can be argued that, "not much happens." What aspects of the story make it compelling since it doesn't have an overly complicated plot?
- Choose one historical reference in the novel (song, event, etc) to research and create a presentation to share with the class.
- Chose one quote in the novel which represents a universal theme that you agree with (the importance of education or imagination, overcoming hardships, etc). Find another modern piece of literature (short story, children's book, poem) that discusses the same theme.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
*****
Jocks, preps, nerds, goths. Labels are timeless. Though this novel takes place in the 1960's, reader will forever relate to the character's need to belong and the importance of being part of a group. Ponyboy has always been proud to be a "Greaser." They are "tuff" and don't let the "Socs" push them around just because they have money and fancy cars. But after one fateful night, Ponyboy beings to question the world he once readily accepted. This novel allows for deep reflection on the harms of "othering," the meaning of brotherly love, honor, loss of innocence, and more. Students may also be inspired by the fact that the novel was written by Hinton when she was sixteen years old, potentially validating their own creative writing projects.
Questions to Consider:
*****
Jocks, preps, nerds, goths. Labels are timeless. Though this novel takes place in the 1960's, reader will forever relate to the character's need to belong and the importance of being part of a group. Ponyboy has always been proud to be a "Greaser." They are "tuff" and don't let the "Socs" push them around just because they have money and fancy cars. But after one fateful night, Ponyboy beings to question the world he once readily accepted. This novel allows for deep reflection on the harms of "othering," the meaning of brotherly love, honor, loss of innocence, and more. Students may also be inspired by the fact that the novel was written by Hinton when she was sixteen years old, potentially validating their own creative writing projects.
Questions to Consider:
- In one word, describe the relationship between the three brothers. Why did you chose this word? Do you think Ponyboy would agree? Do you think Dally or Sodapop would agree?
- What was the effect of the lack of female and adult characters in the novel? What did you think of the one female character we did see (Cherry)? Why did she want to help the Greasers? Was she genuine?
- Who do you think were the "outsiders" in this novel? Why? Choose one of the major characters and explain who you think they would consider the outsiders to be.
- Characterization is a driving element in this novel. Choose one character and create some form of a visual model. This can be a painting, sculpture, facebook page, cartoon, etc. Be sure to show what this character would wear, how they would stand, how they would talk, what they would be thinking.
- Write one of the newspapers articles about one of the major events (Ponyboy and Johnny's heroism or Dally's death) as it probably would have appeared. What attitudes about the characters would the press have?