Born a Crime is the autobiography of comedian Trevor Noah. The title comes from a 1927 law that forbade White South Africans to have sexual intercourse with Black South Africans. Breaking this law could result in up to five years in prison. As a biracial child, Noah’s very existence was therefore considered a crime. The book is the story of Noah growing up in post-apartheid South Africa. It is as much about the challenges of being bi-racial as it is about growing up with a single parent. Noah has said that his greatest hero is his mom and all single mothers. We hope you will read and enjoy this book. While all ELA classes will discuss this book in the fall, AP Language and Composition students will be analyzing this book in depth during the first month of classes.
All 11th and 12th graders are expected to read the book and then complete ONE of the assignments below. Submit your assignment via Google Classroom no later than the Friday after we return to school.
There is a copy of the book available for every student.
Choice 1: That's so fake!--Write about something you have experienced that is misrepresented in the movies.
Choice 2: Tots, Tens, Teens--Write an autobiography and share an image from three key time periods in your life.
Choice 3: A Time in my life--Mini-autobiography. Unlike choice 2, this is a single story or an event from your life and does not require pictures.
Choice 4: Historian--Research an aspect of South African History.
There are also three double credit options... that means the work will count in TWO courses OR for extra credit in AP.
Students can do any of these assignments.
Choice 5: (AP Language and Literature extra credit)--Watch Noah's stand up routine about finding his mother has been admitted to the hospital with a gunshot wound. Compare it his written description. Then in an essay discuss the appropriateness of joking about such a serious experience.
Choice 6: (Theater) Monologue Project--Write a monologue about a significant time in your life. Unlike the autobiography, this is first person and could potentially be delivered orally.
Choice 7: (Critical Issues--Senior class)--Write an editorial on a societal issue of your choice.
Juniors - Upload here (Can't access? Join Class of 2023 Google Classroom here)
Seniors - Upload here (Can't access? Join Class of 2022 Google Classroom here)