Incantation

In this quotation, Martin Niemöller, a German anti-Nazi activist and Lutheran pastor, reflects on the consequences of staying silent and not protesting arrests made during World War II.

Introduce this text after students have completed Chapter 1, in order to generate a discussion on the dangers of indifference. Have students reflect on Catalina’s indifference to the sight of the soldiers burning the books and her amusement at the Old Jewish man’s suffering. Have students evaluate the reactions of Estrella and Catalina to the book burning with the experience of the speaker in the poem. How do the reactions support the theme of the danger of indifference?

In "The Scottsboro Boys," Jessica McBirney discusses the historic event in which nine black boys were wrongfully accused and convicted of assault.

Introduce this text after students have completed Chapter 8, when Estrella’s mother is on trial and Estrella says “you cannot disprove the ridiculous.” Use this text as a real-world example of the court failing to enact justice and charging someone for a false crime. Analyze the two trials in relation to the above quote. Why was Estrella’s mother unable to defend herself? What made the trial unfair? How does the trial of the Scottsboro boys display similar injustice/bias?

Genesis 37 is an Old-Testament passage that contains the story of Joseph and his dreams. Joseph is an important figure in the Hebrew tradition. In this passage he is the favorite of his father Jacob, and dreams that he was chosen by God to rule over many people, including his brothers. His brothers sell him into slavery and he ends up in Egypt. 

Introduce this text after students have read Chapter 9, when Estrella confronts Catalina about her betrayal. Use this text to explore the theme of jealousy and betrayal through cross-textual analysis. Compare Catalina’s betrayal and explanation to that of Joseph’s brothers. What might have motivated their actions?

Claude McKay (1889-1948) was a Jamaican-American writer and poet who was a seminal figure during the Harlem Renaissance. In this poem, McKay discusses facing death and other obstacles with courage and dignity, and reflects upon his perspective on the black experience during early 20th century America.

Introduce this text after students have read Chapter 9, when Estrella’s family is executed. Use this text to discuss the resilience Abra displays and the brave face she puts on while facing her and her son’s death. Ask students to consider why might it have been important to her to die with dignity when facing such an inhumane death. Why did she give the pill to her son? How do you believe the speaker in McKay’s poem would have acted in the same situation?

In the informational text "5 Surprising Facts about the Refugee Crisis," Jason Beaubien discusses refugee crises around the world and how countries are responding to them.

Introduce this text after students have finished the book. Have students read “5 Surprising Facts About the Refugee Crisis” as a real-world example of people who fled persecution. Have students evaluate how Beaubien describes the Syrian refugee crisis and compare it to Estrella's experiences. Ask students to consider what Estrella’s life might be like after the end of the novel.

Vietnamese American refugees who fled communist rule in their home country in the late 20th century reunite at a former processing center.

Introduce this text after students have finished the book to explore the theme of remembering through a cross-text analysis. Why did Vietnam refugees return to the refugee camp after 40 years? Why is memory so important to them and to Estrella? How did Estrella’s upbringing and experience of persecution create this value? What do memories have to do with your heritage and identity?