Out of Shadows | Jason Wallace| Zimbabwe | Holiday House | 2011| ISBN-10: 9780823424368 |
Synopsis:
The book “Out of Shadows” is a riveting story about a boy who had to move to Zimbabwe right after the post war. His father was offered a new job; therefore, he has to attend a new boarding school. Robert Mugabe has just been proclaimed the new Prime Minister and the country is in turmoil. The African people have high hopes; while the Caucasians are having trouble accepting their new lifestyle. Robert Jacklin immediately has trouble adjusting to his new surroundings. He encounters bullying, racism and prejudice behavior throughout high school. Folding to peer pressure Robert Jacklin “Jacko” befriends Ivan Hascott , a native Caucasian Zimbabwean boy. Jacko finds himself during horrific things to the native African people. Jacko begins to see the errors of his way and tries to stop Ivan’s master plan.
Synopsis:
The book “Out of Shadows” is a riveting story about a boy who had to move to Zimbabwe right after the post war. His father was offered a new job; therefore, he has to attend a new boarding school. Robert Mugabe has just been proclaimed the new Prime Minister and the country is in turmoil. The African people have high hopes; while the Caucasians are having trouble accepting their new lifestyle. Robert Jacklin immediately has trouble adjusting to his new surroundings. He encounters bullying, racism and prejudice behavior throughout high school. Folding to peer pressure Robert Jacklin “Jacko” befriends Ivan Hascott , a native Caucasian Zimbabwean boy. Jacko finds himself during horrific things to the native African people. Jacko begins to see the errors of his way and tries to stop Ivan’s master plan.
Awards or Honors:
The idea for teaching this lesson came across as a little difficult. This was due to the age group of scholars I am able to focus my lesson on. However, the book was riveting and captivating. In order for me to make a connection for a group of 5th grade students, I focused the lesson around conflict. The setting helps the reader to see how the characters evolve during the post war.
*Conflict
*Theme- bullying/ Racism/Prejudice/Socio-economic (classes)
A. Before – Reading Activity
In order for students to gain an understanding of the text, I would begin by showing students a world map. The map would highlight the location of Britain and the location of Rhodesia (which is now Zimbabwe). This would be vital for students to see how Robert Jacklin feels about his new home. Next, we would create a timeline to show the transition in power from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe. The timeline would pinpoint when Prime Minister Mugabe took office.
B. During Reading Activity
Students will be reading each chapter in small groups. Each student will be provided a graphic organizer to complete on their own. Students will identify three (3) distinct scenarios when Robert Jacklin incurred conflict or bullying. Student will identify and record three (3) alternate ways Robert Jacklin could have handled the situation on their graphic organizer. Student will come back together as a group and discuss the scenarios they chose.
C. After Reading Activity
Students will discuss the impact of geographic location and government has on a person perception and perspective of life. They will need to respond to the following questions: 1) Can racism be taught or learn? How is racism and bullying the same or different?
Recommended Resources:
Power show
http://www.powershow.com/view4/483e1c-YWZiZ/Bullying_and_Harassment_powerpoint_ppt_presentation
BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14113618
Rhodesias- war-Independence
http://www.historytoday.com/paul-moorcraft/rhodesias-war-independence
Biography
http://www.biography.com/#!/people/robert-mugabe-9417391
Popular Social Science
http://www.popularsocialscience.com/2012/10/19/the-fall-of-rhodesia/
Connections to Other Content Areas/Disciplines:The other discipline that this would definitely be appropriate for world be Social Studies. The book covers historical events from Africa. In particularly, Zimbabwe! African history course could benefit from reading this novel. Also, Out of Shadows would be a great source for a World history class.
- Costa Book Award 2010
- UK Literacy Association 2011
- The Branford Boase Award 2011
The idea for teaching this lesson came across as a little difficult. This was due to the age group of scholars I am able to focus my lesson on. However, the book was riveting and captivating. In order for me to make a connection for a group of 5th grade students, I focused the lesson around conflict. The setting helps the reader to see how the characters evolve during the post war.
*Conflict
*Theme- bullying/ Racism/Prejudice/Socio-economic (classes)
A. Before – Reading Activity
In order for students to gain an understanding of the text, I would begin by showing students a world map. The map would highlight the location of Britain and the location of Rhodesia (which is now Zimbabwe). This would be vital for students to see how Robert Jacklin feels about his new home. Next, we would create a timeline to show the transition in power from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe. The timeline would pinpoint when Prime Minister Mugabe took office.
B. During Reading Activity
Students will be reading each chapter in small groups. Each student will be provided a graphic organizer to complete on their own. Students will identify three (3) distinct scenarios when Robert Jacklin incurred conflict or bullying. Student will identify and record three (3) alternate ways Robert Jacklin could have handled the situation on their graphic organizer. Student will come back together as a group and discuss the scenarios they chose.
C. After Reading Activity
Students will discuss the impact of geographic location and government has on a person perception and perspective of life. They will need to respond to the following questions: 1) Can racism be taught or learn? How is racism and bullying the same or different?
Recommended Resources:
Power show
http://www.powershow.com/view4/483e1c-YWZiZ/Bullying_and_Harassment_powerpoint_ppt_presentation
BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14113618
Rhodesias- war-Independence
http://www.historytoday.com/paul-moorcraft/rhodesias-war-independence
Biography
http://www.biography.com/#!/people/robert-mugabe-9417391
Popular Social Science
http://www.popularsocialscience.com/2012/10/19/the-fall-of-rhodesia/
Connections to Other Content Areas/Disciplines:The other discipline that this would definitely be appropriate for world be Social Studies. The book covers historical events from Africa. In particularly, Zimbabwe! African history course could benefit from reading this novel. Also, Out of Shadows would be a great source for a World history class.
