Note: This class is open to middle school students only.
In this middle school English class, we will read The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan. From the author’s website:
Leigh Chen Sanders is absolutely certain about one thing: When her mother died by suicide, she turned into a bird. Leigh, who is half Asian and half white, travels to Taiwan to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time. There, she is determined to find her mother, the bird. In her search, she winds up chasing after ghosts, uncovering family secrets, and forging a new relationship with her grandparents.
Alternating between reality and magic, past and present, hope and despair, this is a novel about finding oneself through family history, art, bravery, and love.
This twice-a-week class will include weekly close reading; in-class writing and discussion about literary elements, major themes, and Taiwanese culture; and bigger writing assignments and projects throughout the term. To earn credit, students must read the book, participate in discussion, and complete all written work assigned.