What Would You Do?

Present scenarios where students must choose between staying silent or speaking out. Use journaling and class discussion to explore their values.

Confronting Censorship

Students brainstorm what “freedom of speech” means. Compare current-day examples of banned books or censored speech, then predict how words might be used in resistance.

Letter to Lovie

Students write (or dictate) a letter to Lovie encouraging him or sharing what they admire about his story.

Kindness Chain

Create a classroom chain of compliments or acts of kindness inspired by how Lovie handled being teased.

Find the Clue

Ask students to find clues in the pictures or text that tell how Lovie feels even if it’s not stated directly. For example: When the kids laugh and yank his dreadlocks at school, ask students: What do you think Lovie is feeling here?  Why do you think he pulled his...