Tools to Engage Students
In addition to amplifying underheard stories, our books are valuable tools for discussing diversity, forging community and understanding, and exploring themes that are relevant for all youth. Educators and librarians across the country use our books to enrich their lesson plans and expand empathy for marginalized communities. We believe this is critical work to creating learning environments that are equitable and inclusive of all students.
On this page, you can find curriculum for some of our Young Adults titles, including writing prompts, discussion questions, and activity ideas. We encourage you to let us know how you use our books with your students so that our youth authors can know the tremendous impact their stories make on young people across the country. If you use SMP writing prompts or books as mentor texts, we can also publish your student writing on our blog! Please reach out to Barrett to share stories and impact.
Books with Educational Resources
Voces Sin Fronteras
“For my students, writing is the hardest thing. It’s like they never have a story to tell--they don’t know what to write about. But [Voces Sin Fronteras] opens up a whole level of motivation and engagement where they see the value of dedicating time to writing and trying and redrafting.”
— Ms. Pierre, 5th grade teacher, Bruce Monroe Elementary School
Memoir prompts developed by Kathy Crutcher, Shout Mouse Founder.
Humans of Ballou
“After reading books by the Ballou student authors, it sparks conversation on how Black youth are portrayed in the media and treated in the community, both in D.C. and nationwide.”
—Jennifer, AmeriCorps Fellow
Discussion questions and writing prompts developed by Sheila McMullin, Shout Mouse Story Coach.
The Day Tajon Got Shot
“The fact that most of the children had read [The Day Tajon Got Shot ] in its entirety is certainly not the norm. All of the children really liked the book and they have clearly been talking about it...”
—Crystal, Librarian, H.D. Woodson High School
Discussion questions and writing prompts developed by Sheila McMullin, Shout Mouse Story Coach.
Jasmín Pictures Home
“I have not seen a story like this before. This story is different because we want people to identify with the culture. We wanted the story to represent Latino culture. A lot of times Latino people aren’t represented in literature. But it doesn’t matter who reads the book, it will still touch your heart.”
—Mario, Author of the Beyond Borders series
Vocabulary slideshow developed by Brad Manker, Teaching for Change Fellow
I Am the Night Sky
“It’s important for Muslims to read about and see themselves in books. And it’s equally, if not, more important for the wider community to know their stories, and to be able to understand struggles.”
— Little Readers
Writing prompts developed by Kathy Crutcher, Shout Mouse Founder.
The Untold Story of the Real Me
“When students see that books [like The Untold Story of the Real Me] are written by their neighbors and peers, it makes the personal reasons for writing all the more real.”
— Emma Snyder, PEN/Faulkner Foundation
Lesson developed by Free Minds Book Club.
How To Grow Up Like Me
“Literally one hour after I had cataloged and displayed the book How to Grow up Like Me by The Ballou Story Project in our middle school library, it was seized upon by an 8th grade boy who is a reluctant reader…He made an instant connection with the honest and powerful stories written inside.”
—Donna, Librarian, Hardy MS
Lesson and activities developed by Renae Ramble, DC educator.
Our Lives Matter
“I had [my students] read these essays so they could look back on their own lives just to see how far they’ve come as young adults in this world, but also addressing the people, the naysayers, the public who has no idea who they are.”
—Professor, University of Maryland, College Park
Writing prompts developed by Sheila McMullin, Shout Mouse Story Coach.