Each Scar by Baptiste Paul | CommonLit | Paired Texts

For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your web browser.

by Baptiste Paul 2019

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

The Race of Friends

In "The Race of Friends," the poet uses a relay race as a metaphor for friendship.

Pair “The Race of Friends” with “Each Scar” and ask students to discuss the lessons in both poems. What is the lesson of “The Race of Friends”? What is the lesson of “Each Scar”? How do these poems find different creative ways to teach their lessons?

Life Doesn't Frighten Me

Maya Angelou

In "Life Doesn't Frighten Me" a speaker talks about how they bravely face their fears.

Pair “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” with “Each Scar” and ask students to discuss risk taking. How does the speaker in “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” feel about scary things? How does the speaker in “Each Scar” feel about doing hard things? How are the speakers in these two poems alike? How are they different?

Recess! Oh, Recess!

Darren Sardelli

In "Recess! Oh, Recess!," a speaker shares why they love recess.

Pair “Recess! Oh, Recess!” with “Each Scar” and ask students to discuss the value of play. According to “Recess! Oh, Recess!” what makes play special? According to “Each Scar” what makes play important? How do the two lessons share different ideas about why play is important?

Joseph Bruchac

In "Giving Thanks," the speaker shares a lesson about gratitude from Mohawk elder Chief Jake Swamp.

Pair “Each Scar” with “Giving Thanks” and ask students to discuss the theme of thanks. What is the speaker trying to be thankful for in “Each Scar”? What does the speaker give thanks for in “Giving Thanks”? What do these two poems teach readers about the importance of being thankful?

In "Joint Custody," the speaker reflects on their experience growing up in two households.

Pair “Each Scar” with “Joint Custody” and ask students to discuss the related themes of both poems. Why does the speaker try to be thankful for scars in “Each Scar”? Why does the speaker feel thankful for their experience in “Joint Custody”? What messages do the two poems share about difficult experiences?

Baptiste Paul and Miranda Paul

In "Walk One Mile," a speaker explains why it is important to understand and share in the feelings of others.

Pair “Each Scar” with “Walk One Mile” and ask students to compare the Baptiste Paul’s style in both texts. How does the poet teach the reader a lesson in each poem? How are the lessons in “Each Scar” and “Walk One Mile” alike? How are they different? How does the poet find different creative ways to teach a lesson through his poetry?

Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face

Jack Prelutsky

In "Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face," a speaker shares their appreciation for their nose.

Pair “Each Scar” with “Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face” and have students discuss the related themes of both poems. Why does the speaker try to be thankful for scars in “Each Scar”? Why does the speaker feel thankful for the fact that their nose is on their face in “Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face”? What messages do the two poems share about the importance of gratitude?