Without showing the book cover, read the title aloud to the class. What do students think the book will be about? How do they picture the cover in their imagination?
Now show the cover to the students. What stands out to them? Is the setting on the cover different than they expected?
Were there any words, activities, or pictures on the cover that students did not understand?
Have students read any other books by this author, Shauntay Grant?
Now read the blurb on the jacket. Where is Africville located on a map? What kind of place does the community of Africville sound like? Do students predict this will be a happy story or a sad story? Why?