Project LIT is back this year, with a bunch of great new titles (and more to be announced in October)!
We’re adding Book Clubs that will meet during Activity periods, and we also plan to host some larger conversations with the whole Middle School community. Project LIT is a great way to find books that address some of the big social justice issues facing us today–like racism, inequality, prejudice, LGBTQ+ rights–while also highlighting the joy and strength in characters with a wide range of identities. We hope you will read some of these titles and share your thoughts with us and each other!
A few of the titles we’re most excited about:
Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros
Efren is a 7th grader whose life gets turned upside down when his undocumented immigrant mother is deported to Mexico. While Efren’s father works extra shifts to provide for their family and raise money to bring his mother back, Efren must take care of his younger siblings and try to figure out a way to help his father.
This story really opened my eyes to what life is like for a child of undocumented immigrants. Efren’s story is full of heartbreak and hope, and he is a character who will stay with me. When I finished the book, I immediately wanted a sequel so I could know what happens next in Efren’s life.
-Ms. LaMontagne
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
A surprise letter on her birthday from her biological father, who is in prison for a murder committed before she was born, sets Zoe off on a journey to discover who her father is and whether or not he is innocent of the crime.
This story has friendship, mystery, baking (Fruit Loop cupcakes!), and an amazing main character who uses her heart and wits to navigate her way through a confusing and challenging situation.
Look for more highlights soon!