Separate is Never Equal
Separate is Never Equal
Book Title: Separate is Never Equal
Book Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
Book Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh
This book addresses: Desegregation of schools
Potentially Tricky Vocabulary:
Trenza: braid
Stormed: to rush about or move with strong emotions
Satisfactory: fulfilling or giving contentment
Clapboard: a narrow board used for siding
Petition: a formal written request to change something written to the people in power
Lawsuit: a case in a court
Segregated: separated from others
Impetigo: a skin disease
Questions to ask the student before reading:
Have you learned about school segregation?
Why do you think it was important to desegregate schools?
Historical context to give before reading:
Before segregation of schools and other public spaces was illegal, not every student could attend the same school. Schools would be separated by race and often the schools with white students would get more money, nicer buildings, and better books. This wasn’t fair to anyone. Luckily, people fought against these decisions and changed the laws so that segregation was illegal.
(The questions to ask the student and historical content above are interconnected. The historical context is typically going to be a supplement to what your student might not know. Some students may already be knowledgeable about a subject, others may not know much yet. Pay attention to what your student already knows and share the historical context accordingly.)
While reading:
Check in with your student three or four times throughout the story on their comprehension of the story.
After reading:
How did different communities come together to support the Mendez family?
How do you think the Mendez’s victory impacted other families that hadn’t been allowed to send their children to nicer public schools?
Read the captions under the pictures at the end of the book. If your student is older and seems engaged with the material, they may also enjoy the author’s note.
Follow up activity (time permitting):
Draw a picture of you and your friends from school. Your student should include a caption about why they’re grateful for their friends.
All definitions were adapted by Karina Connolly from the Merriam Webster online dictionary.