All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely is a fictional novel that tells the story of an all too common occurrence: police brutality. The beauty of the book is that it is told from multiple perspectives to gain a greater understanding of the violence and racism that exists in our country and what is at the root of it.
Can't find a specific book in our pre-made lesson plans? This novel study guide has easy to use activities that can be tailored to any book, novel, or short story.
Have students identify allusions in All American Boys with this activity!
Storyboard Text
ROTC
AARON DOUGLAS
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Rashad takes part in Jr. ROTC, the high school equivalent of the Reserved Officers' Training Corp program, because his father insists upon it. Rashad's father had a positive experience in the military and believes the discipline and leadership skills taught in ROTC will help Rashad in the future.
Aaron Douglas was an acclaimed and influential African-American painter and graphic artist during the Harlem Renaissance. He painted murals that addressed the African American experience and racism. Rashad is drawn to Douglas' signature style of figures in the form of silhouettes.
#BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 after the death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teen murdered by a white man who was acquitted. It aims to eradicate white supremacy and end violence inflicted on Black communities. Spooney and Berry lead a protest after Rashad is unjustly brutalized by a white police officer.
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