Rock Your World

These chapters were so upsetting on a variety of levels. We witness our protagonists experience cruelty, violence and loss. I think one way to process the storyline for these chapters would be to think about symbols. Namely, the symbol of water: rain, ocean, storm. How does the author use the external environment to reflect the internal landscapes of the characters? I would also open a discussion about how Josef, Isabel and Mahmoud are still serving as 'upstanders'/helpers to their families, and the greater good. In order to create an opportunity for connection, I suggest having students journal about a time when they helped a friend of family member. What were the circumstances? How did it make them feel to offer help? Did they have to sacrifice anything for themselves in the process of helping?

I love the idea of focusing on symbols in these chapters, Jess. The water images are so vivid throughout this whole section and I could see this as a powerful lens for students to use. Another thing that I thought much about in these chapters is how trauma can result in shifting family dynamics. Joseph, Isabel, and Mahmoud all have been thrust into roles with far greater -- life and death -- responsibilities. Jess's journaling prompt is a perfect to have students connect this to their own lives.