BOOK CLUB PICKS

Reading Is Resistance provides curated anti-bias discussion questions and extended learning experiences to go with our May Book Club pick! These are designed using the Teaching Tolerance Social Justice Standards. 

READING SCHEDULE

WEEK 1: pp.1-95
WEEK 2: pp. 96-179
WEEK 3: pp. 180-277
WEEK 4: pp. 278-end

WEEK 1

pp.1-95

Watch Us Rise by Ellen Hagan and Renée Watson, is a story of two young women in high school. During the next few weeks we will discuss our conversations on race, intersectionality, feminism body liberation, losing a parent, and friendships. There will be a focus on anti-bias learning through the framework of the Teaching Tolerance Social Justice Standards.

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Teaching Tolerance Standard Identity 5 (Grade 9-12)

I recognize traits of the dominant culture, my home culture and other cultures, and I am conscious of how I express my identity as I move between those spaces.

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Discussion Question

What stands out to you about Jasmine and/or Chelsea and as you are introduced to them and watch them navigate the world?

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WEEK 2 

pp.96-179

In this section, the main characters face great empowerment, barriers, and the princess industrial complex lead to a protest. There are connected moments with families and how that influences the social justice framework. The book explores identity, beauty industry and how to be a feminist in the world with the lens of intersectionality.

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Teaching Tolerance Standard Diversity 8 (Grade 9-12)

I respectfully express curiosity about the history and lived experiences of others and exchange ideas and beliefs in an open-minded way. 

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Discussion Question

What did you notice about historical movements, artists voices, and other activists voices are used in this book? What stands out?
 

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WEEK 3 

pp.180-277

This section of the book talks about the field trip to Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the main characters are inspired to create T-shirts as a form of activism.

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Teaching Tolerance Standard Justice 14 (Grade 9-12)
I am aware os the advantages I have in society because of my membership in different identity groups, and I know how this affected my life.

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Discussion Question

Can Jasmine and Chelsea sustain a real friendship while still grappling with different advantages and disadvantages impact their lives and relationship?

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Extended Learning

Take a trip to the Schomburg Center (virtual: visit their website

Google Art by Emory Douglas who created posters for the black panther party representing the struggles of black people in the 60s and 70s.