A Good Kind of Trouble

In this book it follows the story of Shayla Willows who is a seventh grader at Emerson Junior High. Shayla has always tried to be good and stay out of trouble. She is just trying to make it through school like any normal student. However, Shayla soon becomes aware of the social injustice that surrounds her and learns how to stand up for what you believe. She takes a stand and begins to wear an armband to school to support Black Lives Matter movement. She realizes that sometimes their is a good kind of trouble and you'll have to break the rules to fight for what's right.

"Full of heart and truth."

-Angie Thomas , #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give

"A timely, funny, and unforgettable debut."

-Kirkus Reviews

Key Words:

• Friendship

• Race

• Change

• Fitting In

• Advocate/Ally

Overview of the book

More texts like this: The Hate U Give

Inspiration for the book

Key Vocabulary:

• Black Lives Matter- a political and social movement that highlights racism, discrimination, and inequality experienced by black people

• Abolitionist- a reformer who favors putting an end to slavery

• Radical- markedly new or introducing extreme change

• Arthropod- invertebrate having jointed limbs and a segmented body

• Intolerance- unwillingness to respect differences in opinions or beliefs

• Fraternize- be on friendly terms with someone, as if with a brother

• Activist- a reformer who works to achieve social or political change

Teaching:

• Before: Introduce the book to the students. Ask the students what they think this text will be about. Provide the summary of the book and then ask them what they can infer will happen in the book. Ask what they know about the Black Lives Matter movement.

• During: Create an "eyeball journal" like Shayla and her classmates did (pg.22). Have students take notice in the world around them. What do they notice about their school? Community? News? In small groups have students discuss how their community or those around them impact how they view the world. It is also important to discuss how we can have different opinions on something and we must respect others.

• After: Have students look into other social justice events or people involving social justice. Have students devleop a presentation, using canva, on this event or person and why it is important to focus on.

Writing Activity:

Write a book review of the text. What did you like about it? What didn't you like? What was the importance of the text? Would you recommend this text to anyone? (See template below)