Objective

By the end of this lesson, Zakariah will have a deeper understanding of the themes, characters, and messages in the book "Ghost Boys." He will be able to discuss the impact of racism and injustice in society and express his thoughts through creative writing and discussions.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook or paper for writing
• Pens or pencils
• Access to the book "Ghost Boys" (or a summary if the book is not available)
• A quiet space for reading and discussion

Before the lesson, ensure that Zakariah has read a portion of "Ghost Boys" or has access to a summary of the book's main themes and characters. Familiarize yourself with key quotes and ideas from the book to facilitate discussion.

Activities

• Character Mapping:

  Have Zakariah create a character map for the main characters in "Ghost Boys." He can draw connections between the characters, their motivations, and how they relate to the themes of the book.

• Thematic Discussion:

  Engage Zakariah in a discussion about the major themes of the book, such as racism, justice, and the impact of violence. Ask open-ended questions to encourage his thoughts and opinions.

• Creative Writing Exercise:

  Ask Zakariah to write a short story or a letter from the perspective of one of the characters in "Ghost Boys." This will help him empathize with the character's experiences and feelings.

• Artistic Expression:

  Encourage Zakariah to create a piece of art (drawing, painting, or collage) that represents a theme or scene from "Ghost Boys." This can help him express his understanding of the book visually.

Talking Points

• "What do you think the title 'Ghost Boys' represents? Why do you think the author chose this title?"
• "How does the main character, Jerome, experience the world differently after his death? What does this tell us about life and death?"
• "Can you relate to any of the characters in the book? How do their experiences reflect real-life issues today?"
• "Why is it important to talk about racism and injustice? How can stories like 'Ghost Boys' help us understand these issues?"
• "What emotions did you feel while reading about Jerome's story? Why do you think the author wanted you to feel that way?"
• "How do the other 'ghost boys' in the story contribute to Jerome's understanding of his own experience?"
• "What can we learn from the ending of 'Ghost Boys'? How does it make you think about hope and change?"
• "If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be? Why?"