Parent Guide > Stanley Williams

by CommonLit Staff 2015

Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.

This week in class, we’re reading "Stanley Williams" by CommonLit Staff.

Stanley Tookie Williams III (1953-2005) was a leader of the Crips, an infamous gang that began in Los Angeles in 1969. He spent much of his life in prison. Today, he is well known for the writing that he did while in jail, which included anti-gang activist literature and children's books. When he was executed in 2005, his death sparked controversy surrounding the death penalty.

As we read, we will be discussing the theme of Identity as it relates to the text. We are trying to answer this big question :

"Can you change your identity?"

Ways to support your child:

  • Ask your child about this informational text at home:
    • What was "Stanley Williams" about?
    • What did you learn about Identity?