NCTE African American Read-In

Welcome!

2021 Read In: Seen but Not Heard

The NCTE African American Read-In is a nation wide event that encourages communities to create events centered around African American texts. The goal of this Read-In is not only to make literacy an essential part of Black History Month, but to elevate black experiences.

This year, our central theme is Seen but Not Heard. Over the course of a tumultuous 2020, many have experienced a sense of voicelessness, caused by the stress of a global pandemic, political unrest, and social isolation. Now more than ever, it is essential to uplift the voices of Black characters, Black authors, and Black stories. In an era where so many are seen but not heard, it is time to listen.

This year because of the ongoing pandemic, the Read-In is going to be taking a new look. Instead of hosting our Read-In on campus at Illinois State University, we will be dividing the Read-In into two separate days consisting of an asynchronous day and a synchronous day.

The asynchronous day will be an opportunity to explore texts and ideas as individuals (or a class) to focus on what we see around us. Then, we will return as a class for a synchronous day, where the goal is to make ourselves and others heard.

Day 1: Asynchronous

For Day 1, you will be working with four different texts. You and your group members will look at each text and fill out the corresponding google docs.

Day 2: Synchronous

For Day 2, we will be coming together on zoom to have a conversation about what you all discovered in your groups.

The Core Text

Monday's Not Coming

By: Tiffany D. Jackson

Monday Charles is missing, and only Claudia seems to notice. Claudia and Monday have always been inseparable—more sisters than friends. So when Monday doesn’t turn up for the first day of school, Claudia’s worried.

When she doesn’t show for the second day, or second week, Claudia knows that something is wrong. Monday wouldn’t just leave her to endure tests and bullies alone. Not after last year’s rumors and not with her grades on the line. Now Claudia needs her best—and only—friend more than ever. But Monday’s mother refuses to give Claudia a straight answer, and Monday’s sister April is even less help.

As Claudia digs deeper into her friend’s disappearance, she discovers that no one seems to remember the last time they saw Monday. How can a teenage girl just vanish without anyone noticing that she’s gone?

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