Look Both Ways

This text tells the stories of students walking home from their middle school. Ten very different stories, including parent separation, childhood illness, cancer, mental health, sexual identity, and gender stereotypes, are described on ten different city blocks surrounding the school. There are subtle connections between the stories, including a curious mystery of a school bus falling from the sky. Suitable as a whole class or small group read-aloud and literature circle to launch discussions of personal empowerment, poverty, bullying, family, and friendship.