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Blog #6: Contemporary Fiction

My chapter book of choice for contemporary realistic fiction was The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas. I chose this book because I wanted to see how closely the book matched the movie. A young girl names Starr struggles with her identify and sense of belonging. She attends a mostly white school while staying in a predominantly poor black neighborhood. This is sometimes the harsh reality Black people face often- being torn between who they think they are and who they think they should be in order to fit in. When Starr witnessed her longtime friend killed at the hands of police, she battles with finding her voice to stand up for what is right. Her friend being murdered at the hands of police is another tough reality Black people face. It shines light on racism in the world, police brutality against minorities, and activism. 

My picture book of choice for contemporary fiction was Each Kindness written by Jacqueline Woodson & illustrated by E.B. White. This book has won both the Coretta Scott King Honor and the Jane Addams Peace Award. This book shines light on a common obstacle many students often face at school, bullying. Maya was new to Chloe's elementary school and was bullied because of how she dressed. Maya tried to fit in, Chloe was not having it. It was until Maya left school for good that Chloe realized how being kind can make a world of difference. Although Chloe's realization came too late, she vowed to continue being kind to help make a difference. This book was accompanied by beautiful watercolor images drawn by E.B White. It overall addressed the importance of being kind, self-awareness, and long-term effects of bullying.

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