by James Bird 2020

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 "Stories Saved My Life, and That's Why I Write for Young People" by James Bird.

In "Stories Saved My Life, and That's Why I Write for Young People," James Bird, a screenwriter, director, and author describes his journey growing up and feeling "different."

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Identity, Loneliness & Isolation, and Resilience & Success as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"What does it mean to feel alone?", "How does a person overcome adversity?", and "What makes you who you are?"

Ways to support your child:

  • Ask your child about this informational text at home:
    • What was "Stories Saved My Life, and That's Why I Write for Young People" about?
    • What did you learn about Identity?
    • What did you learn about Loneliness & Isolation?
    • What did you learn about Resilience & Success?
  • Watch the following clips with your child at home: