Identity & Speaking Up
Stories of kids navigating who they are and finding the courage to raise their voices — in school, in their community, and in the world.
Targeted Learning Goal
Students will examine how identity shapes perspective, and articulate how finding your voice can create justice and belonging.
Standards Connections
- ELA: RL.K-7.1 — Ask and answer questions about key details
- ELA: RL.K-7.3 — Describe characters and how they develop identity
- ELA: RL.K-7.6 — Acknowledge differences in characters' points of view
- ELA: SL.K-7.1 — Participate in collaborative conversations about identity
- ELA: W.K-7.3 — Write narratives exploring personal identity
- SEL: Self-Awareness — Recognize personal identity and cultural background
- SEL: Social Awareness — Respect diverse identities and perspectives
Books in This Unit
13 titles — each with a full lesson plan.
Humor & Identity
Pizzasaurus
by Tammi Sauer
4 learning goals · 45 minutes
Identity & Belonging
Smile
by Raina Telgemeier
4 learning goals · 45-60 minutes
Identity & Belonging
Measuring Up
by Lily LaMotte
4 learning goals · 45 minutes
Identity & Storytelling
New Kid
by Jerry Craft
2 learning goals · 45 minutes
Identity & Belonging
Guts
by Raina Telgemeier
4 learning goals · 45 minutes
Identity & Belonging
One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel
by Rita Williams-Garcia
4 learning goals · 60 minutes
Identity & Belonging
The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel
by Meg Cabot
4 learning goals · 45 minutes
Family & Identity
Mango, Abuela, and Me
by Meg Medina, illustrated by Angela Dominguez
4 learning goals · 45 minutes
Identity & Belonging
You Are a Story
by Bob Raczka, pictures by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell
4 learning goals · 40 minutes
Identity & Self-Acceptance
Fox the Tiger
by Corey R. Tabor
3 learning goals · 30 minutes
Self-Expression & Identity
Like a Rainbow: The Colorful Story of Cyndi Lauper
by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville
3 learning goals · 30 minutes
Revolution & Identity
Rebellion 1776
by Laurie Halse Anderson
3 learning goals · 45 minutes
History & Social Justice
Front Desk
by Kelly Yang
4 learning goals · 60 minutes, following reading of the novel or selected excerpts