Author Website

Books featured for AES: Not Here to Be Liked

Interview with Michelle Quach

Q&A with Michelle Quach on We Need Diverse Books

Feminism, it's definition, how it impacts the decisions characters make, and how it affects perceptions of characters and their choices is the central theme in the story. At the conclusion of the book the main character has reshaped her definition of feminism. Have students research the feminist movement and write their own definition of feminism. Discuss which, if any, characters in the story meet their definitions.

In the story, the main character brings awareness to the disproportionate representation of males in school leadership roles in comparison to girls. Have students look at the history of leadership in their school (student council leadership, club leaders, etc). Discuss the results and whether or not the same issues in the book exist on their school campus and if they think girls tend to be judged differently than boys for having similar character traits, as pointed out in the story.

At the end of the story, a main character reveals that he violated journalistic ethics by posting the manifesto without permission. Have students discuss his action and why it was wrong.

Author Website

Books featured for AES: The Ghosts We Keep and I Wish You All the Best

Discussion Guide for I Wish You All the Best

The Ghosts We Keep Book Trailer

Activites and Curriculum Connections for The Ghosts We Keep

ELA: RL.11-12.3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama. Mason uses non-linear storytelling in The Ghosts We Keep, a method also used by Toni Morrison in Beloved. Link to a lesson to map the structure of a non-linear text.

SEL Goals: In the book, Liam's grief is portrayed with realistic intensity. Discuss different ways that Liam approaches his grief. Which actions do you think were most successful? Find evidence in the book of other approaches suggested or encouraged by friends and family.

Music production: Vanessa and Liam each work to write, record, edit, and promote their music. See pages 115 - 121 for an example. What techniques are they using to remix and edit the sounds? How would you promote and share the differing styles of music? Related activity: share one of your current music projects and/or your favorite place to find new sounds.