Leah Johnson's Website

Youth Pride Association

How Social Media Effects Young Teens

• Consequences: What happen as a result of something you do or a choice you make. 

• Necromancy: A type of magic where people try to communicate with or control the spirits of dead people or animals. 

• Secret: 

• Queer: A word that some people use to describe themselves if they don't feel like they fit into traditional categories of gender or sexuality. It can mean different things to different people, but it's often used to talk about someone who doesn't identify as straight or cisgender. 

• Jealousy: Something that you know but don't tell anyone else. It's like a special piece of information that you keep to yourself or share only with certain people. 

• Origin Story: It's the story that explains how they got their superpowers, what inspired them to become a hero, and often, what challenges they faced along the way. 

• Extraordinary: Something that is very special, unusual, or remarkable. 

•  Discrimination: When someone treats another person unfairly or differently because of things like their race, gender, age, or other characteristics. 

• Resilience: Bouncing back or staying strong even when things get tough. 

Before Reading:

Prior to reading "Ellie Engle Saves Herself," engage students in a whole group discussion with the following questions:

• If you could wake up one morning and have any magic power, what would it be and why?

• What the purpose of an "origin story?" Do any examples of "origin stories" come to mind? 

• Based on the front cover, back cover, title, and a brief skim through the book, what are some predictions you have on what the book is about?

• The novel begins with the following quote by Miles Morales: "A hero isn't the one who always wins. It's the one who always tries." What do you think of when you hear this quote? Why do you think Leah Johnson chose to start the novel off with this quote? 

During Reading: 

Making inferences during a story is a vital skill that supports comprehension by allowing readers to draw conclusions and fill in gaps in the narrative. When readers make inferences, they use clues from the text, combined with their own background knowledge and experiences, to make educated guesses about what is happening in the story. This process helps readers make sense of the characters' actions, understand the author's intended message, and anticipate future plot developments. By actively engaging with the text and making inferences, readers deepen their understanding of the story and become more invested in the characters and their journey. After reading each chapter, students should pause and think about what they read. Click for further instructions. 

After Reading:

Comparing characters within a novel is helpful for comprehension after reading because it encourages students to analyze and contrast the traits, motivations, and actions of different characters. By examining similarities and differences between characters, students gain a deeper understanding of character development and the dynamics within the story. Comparing characters also prompts students to consider how each character contributes to the plot and themes of the novel. It helps them identify patterns and relationships, such as foils or character arcs, which enhance their comprehension and appreciation of the story. Additionally, comparing characters fosters critical thinking skills as students evaluate the significance of each character's role in the narrative and reflect on how they relate to their own experiences and perspectives. Use this Character Comparison worksheet to organize students' thoughts. 

Character Interview

Through imaginative role-play and thoughtful questioning, students will explore the personalities, motivations, and experiences of the characters they admire. By conducting interviews with their chosen characters, students will deepen their understanding of the story and its themes while honing their communication and critical thinking skills.