I for Isobel Lesson Plan

Interpreting Race in Books

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Students will consider the assumptions they make about race when they read and interpret novels.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.6

Structure:

As in many books, there is no mention of the race of the characters in I for Isobel. While this allows readers to imagine characters however they please, it is common for readers (especially white readers) to assume that characters are white unless otherwise stated. This activity will be slightly affected by what copy of I for Isobel your class reads, because some editions have a representation of Isobel on the cover, which will likely...