Black Boy
Richard Wright, a black boy living in the Jim Crow South, travels north in hopes of escaping the violence and prejudice that rules his childhood.
Below are some reading passages that we have hand picked to supplement this book. Be sure to read the passage summaries and our suggestions for instructional use.
9th Grade
Poem
Burning a Book
Passage Summary:
William Stafford’s poem “Burning a Book” considers the act of book burning in a new light, emphasizing the greater importance of combating ignorance and sharing ideas.
When and How to Pair: Introduce this poem after students finish Chapter 13, when Richard finally acquires a library card, to generate a discussion about the dangers that some people think knowledge presents. How do people react to seeing Richard read and his desire to learn? In what ways do people try to censure Richard and his ideas? Ask students to discuss the danger of censorship and ignorance, especially when it’s forced on a certain group of people. How is this explored in the poem and through Richard’s experiences?