It Doesn't Have to be This Way - Teacher's Guide

Here is a compelling tale of a young boy's encounter with gangs—a world that author Luis J. Rodríguez knows firsthand. Through his true-to-life story and the dynamic illustrations of artist Daniel Galvez, we see how Monchi is both attracted to gang life and repelled by its violence. The educator's guide from Lee & Low Books includes a book summary, background, pre-reading focus questions, during-reading questions and vocabulary, and post-reading discussion questions, literature circle roles, reader-response and other writing prompts, ELL support, and interdisciplinary activities.