Consider how Wright’s novel presents the dichotomy of good and evil. What message is the author trying to convey? How does this message compare with your chosen story from the Personal Connection Prompt?

Teaching Suggestion: This Discussion/Analysis Prompt invites students to connect their responses from the Personal Connection Prompt within the context of the story. In Wright’s story, good and evil are not clearly delineated boundaries; in fact, many of the residents of Stung Meanchey engage in actions that put others in harm’s way. Sang Ly learns through her readings and discussions with Soriyan that good and evil are not so easily differentiated in humanity. To strengthen students’ argumentative skills, consider asking them to defend their answers with specific details from the text; students might compare messages and determine whether the reasoning and selected evidence support them.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

RESEARCH PAPER: “The Correlation Between Literacy Rates and Poverty”

In this activity, students will research the correlation between literacy rates and poverty in a country of their choice.

In Wright’s novel, one of the main barriers to education for residents in Stung Meanchey is poverty.