Fight for the Right to Read

by Jeff Gottesfeld & Michelle Y. Green

This book tells the story of a librarian in the Jim Crow South who fought against censorship and fought for the right for all children to access books. It is a powerful reminder of how libraries serve as the backbone of a free and informed society.

Big Idea

The right to read and access knowledge is a fundamental freedom that requires bravery to protect.

Discussion Questions

1.Why was it so dangerous for the librarian to advocate for these books?
2.How do books change the way we see the world?
3.What does 'censorship' mean and why do some people fear ideas in books?
4.Why is it important for libraries to have a diverse collection?
5.How can we act as champions for our own classroom library?

Lesson Plan

⏱ 75 minutes📦 Art supplies, poster boards, history factsheets.

Learning Goals

Define censorship and understand its historical context.
Analyze the importance of diverse library collections.
Develop persuasive visual communication skills.
Connect historical advocacy to current community values.

Activity Steps

1.Review the history of book banning presented in the text.
2.Facilitate a class discussion on the role of libraries.
3.Draft a persuasive slogan about why reading matters.
4.Create an artistic poster featuring the slogan.
5.Present posters to the class and explain the 'why' behind their design.

Standards Connections

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.4

Pace-Write-Read Study with Pace-Write It!

Writing historical accounts requires a careful balance of factual reporting and narrative tension. This text teaches students how to pace a non-fiction story by focusing on the 'beats' of resistance and the quiet moments of bravery that build toward historical change.

Element	How to notice or teach it in the novel
Pacing	Build tension by increasing the frequency of descriptive sensory details during moments of conflict.
Plot	Ensure the plot highlights the stakes involved for the characters at every decision point.
Prosody	Use an authoritative, steady rhythm to convey the seriousness of historical facts.
Word	Incorporate vocabulary that accurately describes historical themes like justice and equity.
Voice & Worldview	Maintain a respectful and objective tone while honoring the emotional weight of the subjects.

Pace-Write It!

Students write a 20-minute journal entry from the perspective of the librarian contemplating the impact of one banned book.

Classroom Activities

Champions of the Library

Students create 'Book Guardian' posters that highlight the importance of intellectual freedom and the right to read.

Champions of the Library

Students create 'Book Guardian' posters that highlight the importance of intellectual freedom and the right to read.

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Discussion questions PWR workshop PDF download