Starr’s Journey Teacher’s Notes B1 B1+

This B1/B1+ level article can be used to trigger class discussion and debates around two major themes: a cultural one pertaining to racial violence and racial status today in the U.S.A and a literary one about book adaptations into movies.

Vocabulary: at the cinema. Or perhaps have they done n teenage life the opposite, where a movie was so good it n shootings, racial violence, opposite worlds got them to read the book. Ask them why, if n adaptations that is the case for some students? Or why n used to some of them prefer just watching a movie/ n adverbs that qualify adjectives reading a book and not experiencing the other version? Grammar: n Step 3: Have the students watch Part 2 of Angie Thomas’s interview, and react to n expressions of obligation her opinion on the movie adaptation. To n past/present of narration enhance their vocabulary, they could watch n present perfect it again taking notes with the objective of highlighting the words pertaining to Cultural element “adaptation”: fraternal twins, not the same, n police brutality in the U.S.A and protests it share similarities, heart of (the book) brought about remained in (the movie), as true to (the book/the source material) as possible, spot Warming Up — Interaction and on. Listening We have deliberately avoided suggesting n Step 1: We suggest first video-projecting showing the movie trailer until after the the cover of the book and have the students final task is over, in order to avoid tainting brainstorm ideas and words around what the students’ perception with artistic trailer it could be about. The vocabulary of choices. hypothesis and making assumptions can be revised (hints on the board if necessary: Reading I believe it is about… I think… In my n Step 4: We suggest reviewing methods opinion, … My feeling is… My guess is… of understanding a text or an article. One Maybe…. Perhaps…) of these methods is using a mind map n Step 2: Both the cover of the book and the around a recurring theme/character/person movie poster are video-projected side by mentioned in the text. We’ve provided side and the students can comment on the a mind map for Starr’s character in the links between the two. The use of modals worksheet. Activity A. expressing possibility can be reviewed. It Students can work in groups of four to read may be the movie adaptation of the book. the article and brainstorm on their group You could then ask the students if they have mind map before a class pooling. Then the ever read a book and then gone to see it class reads the article again and speculates

B1 B1+ Starr’s Journey Teacher’s Notes |1| on the themes of the book and the movie. Creative writing Depending on the level and dynamics of the n Step 8: Pupils are now asked to give life class, numerous themes can be suggested to the characters based on what they have from which they would choose and explain learned. Have them choose between Starr’s their choice. father and Starr’s mother. Have them write a short monologue of the character they chose based on the sentence that characterizes ● ● love passion drugs them in the article. ● ● low class/poor/rich/upper class Some students can read their monologue ● ● how to survive black/white out loud. Then they watch Part 5 of the ● ● ● gun violence bullying freedom video interview to compare the monologues ● ● police violence being star-crossed written by the students with the character ● ● courage/bravery communities fame as described by Angie Thomas. ● friendship ● family values ● having a voice ● war/peace ● trust ● school ● anger management weak/strong ● Final task n Before giving the assignment, we suggest hope● gangs ● loyalty ● hate/hatred students watch again Part 1 of the interview with Angie Thomas who gives details Afterwards, they can confront their choice(s) about the origins of her book. Have the to parts 3 and 7 of Thomas’s interview and students rephrase her explanation in their eventually rectify their initial choice(s). own words. Angie Thomas went to a school similar to Starr Carter’s in Mississippi. At n Step 5: Students can check their that time, she was very touched by the story understanding of the article with Activity B of a young man Oscar Grant lost his life in (multiple choice). California, shot by a police officer. It led to many conversations in her school and Listening in her neighborhood. There were different n Step 6: Have pupils listen to Parts 1, 3, points of view from “he is one of us” (in her 4 and 6 of the video interview of Angie neighborhood) to “maybe he deserved it” (at Thomas, and complete Activity C, finding her school). She got angry and frustrated, so similarities between her life and Starr’s. she decided to write a story about a journey in dealing with this type of situation. Grammar n Step 7: The two Watch Your Language To prepare for the final task, some research activities review when to use the present is recommended. This part could be done perfect or the simple past. in the computer lab, the library or as If you wanted to go further with this activity, homework. Groups of students are assigned you could ask pupils to rewrite a passage looking up a specific element like: from the text which is in the narrative present, putting it into the past tense.

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● Black Lives Matter part of a quote from late American rapper ● Trayvon Martin Tupac Shakur. You’ll need to judge if you ● Michael Brown (in the town of want to deal with it in class or not, as the Ferguson) quote is “The Hate U Give Little Infants ● Eric Garner (in New York City) F***s Everybody (THUG LIFE)”, though they ● Oscar Grant (in Oakland) bleep the F-word. Otherwise, it could be an ● Blue Lives Matter opportunity to get into a discussion about ● Police use of deadly force what it means and how Tupac Shakur has ● Gun violence in the U.S.A. often been demonized.

The groups can present their findings in the Tupac Shakur (1971-1996) is defined on his format of a PowerPoint while others take own posthumous website as: “Rapper. Actor. notes. The class can discuss the findings and Activist. Thug. Poet. Rebel. Visionary.” He is get a feel of the situation. a controversial figure, whose work was often inspiring, but who got into trouble with the The backdrop being planted, the students police. He was killed in a drive-by shooting can then be asked to write a monologue or at just 25. His mother was a leading light of a letter from Starr’s father to his children the Black Panthers movement, which is also giving them “The Talk”. What explanation influential on Maverick in the novel. He has could her father give that leads to him his children learn and recite the Panther’s saying, “You do whatever they tell you to 10-Point Program. https://www.pbs.org/ do. Keep your hands visible. Don’t make any hueypnewton/actions/actions_platform.html sudden moves. Only speak when they speak to you”? What choice of words could he use Transcripts to explain the situation? It might be useful to (Characters: Maverick is Starr’s father, Lisa her get a little more insight on what “The Talk” mother. Carlos is Lisa’s brother, and a police is by having them watch Parts 4 and 5 of the officer. King is the local gang leader. April interview again. Their text must be of 200 Ofrah is a local civil-rights activist. Seven words or more. is Starr’s older half-brother, who lives with them. Sekani is her little brother.) Going Further Watching the trailer after the final task is strongly suggested, as it might even make Angie Thomas Interview students want to read the book and/or Part 1 watch the movie. We’ve provided the file to On the Origin of the Story download. I attended a mostly white, upper-class private school in Jackson, Mississippi, and There is also an extended story video with I was a lot like Starr. I was the only black clips and comments from the cast and crew. girl in most of my classes, and I lived in the ‘hood, so I had to often be two different Language warning: The first part of the people in two different worlds. And it was extended story mentions the origin of while I was in school that a young man the title of the book and film, which is named Oscar Grant lost his life in Oakland,

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California. And although that was hundreds private school that she attends. And the of miles away, it led to conversations at my struggle of being two different people in school and in my neighborhood. And in my two different worlds becomes even harder neighborhood, Oscar was one of us, but at when she witnesses her childhood best my school, well, maybe he deserved it. He friend Khalil killed by a cop. Khalil was was an ex-con, why are people so upset? unarmed and what Starr does or does not And I was angry and I was frustrated, and in say could not only change her community my anger and frustration I decided to write but it could end her life. And while it’s about a story about a boy named Khalil and a girl police brutality and it’s about those things, named Starr and their journey in dealing it’s also about love and it’s about family and with the situation much like Oscar’s. having a strong foundation and what that means. Part 2 On turning her book into a movie Part 4 I’ve always said, and I try to remind my On What “The Talk” Is readers of this, that books and movies He has “The Talk”, as we call it in the black are fraternal twins. They’re not gonna be community, with Starr and Seven, about identical, they’re not gonna look exactly about how to behave if they are ever pulled the same but they’re going to share a lot of over by a police officer. If they’re ever similarities. And what got me though from confronted by a police officer. I got “The the very beginning was that everyone was Talk” myself around that same age, and it dedicated to making sure that the heart of was actually by a family member who was the book remained in the movie and they’ve a cop. So, this is a conversation that a lot of done that. George has been incredible in black parents have. How to behave in front that sense he wants to keep it as true to the of a cop. Where to put your hands, what to book as possible. You know, it’s a 400-and- say, what to do. And the unfortunate thing something-page book. That’s hard to get is, it feels as if sometimes “The Talk” is no into a movie. But it’s so spot-on. I couldn’t longer even relevant, or applied, can be be happier with it. And it’s knowing, though, applied. Because, so many of these cases, that they are so dedicated to it. Not just we see it happen over and over again, even George, but like Amandala carries a people sometimes do what they’re exactly copy of the book around, you know? And supposed to do and they still end up dead. the cast and the crew, everyone has read it, But it’s a talk still, that’s still being held, and you get that sense that, “Yeah we want because I think for a lot of us we feel like we this to be as true to the source material as have to do it either way, and we know that possible.” outcome could be bad, but we still have to prepare our children. And that’s exactly what Part 3 Maverick wants to do. He wants to prepare On the Story Starr, Seven and later Sekani, for what could The Hate U Give is about 16-year-old Starr, happen, and what they could see, and what who lives in these two different worlds: they need to do so that they can hopefully the mostly black, poor neighborhood where get home safe. she lives, and the mostly white, upper-class

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Part 5 where people become hashtags. But it’s On the part Maverick plays in Starr’s life another thing when you see it happen right Maverick to me represents redemption. With in front of you. So for her this is the defining Maverick we see a guy who was once a drug moment of her life. dealer. Who was, has been in prison. Who was once a gang member and he’s turned Part 7 his life around. And you see the scars of On What Audiences Can Expect his past, you see his tattoos and all of this, It’s about love in a lot of ways. So while the but he’s this soft, gentle guy now, whose, title says The Hate U Give, I still think there’s his main priority is providing for his family a lot of love involved. Yeah, the love you and providing them safety. And the fact give. We call it, “thug love”. that he gives Starr and Seven that talk at such an early age, that’s part of him being Trailer that protective father. He’s seen things, he’s Starr: Now you comin’ at me for my music experienced things. He knows that the world but you listen to this old stuff? is not always going to be safe for them, or Khalil: Old stuff? Man, get out of here! Tupac that is not always going to be welcoming to was the truth. them, or that it won’t always accept them, Starr: Khalil, I got a boyfriend. and he wants to prepare them early. And Khalil: I heard, it’s all good. it’s a talk that a lot of parents have to have, Starr: Really? unfortunately, black parents have to have, Khalil: We been together a whole lotta stuff. at young ages now with their children. So he We got time. gives it to them early because he’s always Starr: My name is Starr. Two “R’s”. Daddy the kind of dad that says I want to give it named me that. Garden Heights. Mama to you straight. Maverick doesn’t want to lie and Daddy says our life is here because to his kids. He wants them to be prepared our people are here. We got Mr Reuben’s for the real world. Because he’s had to be BBQ, Mr Lewis’s barbershop, and Daddy’s prepared for the real world. store. The high school is where you go to get jumped, high or pregnant. We don’t Part 6 go there. Williamson is another world, so On how Starr finds her voice when I’m here, I’m Starr Version 2. Basically, She and Khalil are pulled over, and Khalil Williamson Starr doesn’t give anyone a and the cop kind of get into a little back- reason to call her “ghetto”. And I hate myself and-forth conversation, and unfortunately it for doing it. Until the weekend comes ends with Khalil being killed by the cop. And around. he was unarmed, but the officer assumed Khalil: Hey Starr, where you been at? I know that he had a weapon. And Starr’s the only you hanging with all the white kids. witness. And it’s the most traumatic thing Starr: Shut up! that’s happened to her. She sees it happen, Police Officer: Out of the car. and she has to, from that point on and, Khalil: Hey, Starr, you okay? figure out, “What do I say? How do I speak Starr: Khalil, go back where he told you. I’m up about this?” She often says she’s seen not playing. Go back! What did you do? cases like this. We’ve all seen cases like this, News presenter: Today, Garden Heights is

B1 B1+ Starr’s Journey Teacher’s Notes |5| reeling after the shooting of a 17-year-old Starr Version Two. black teenager by a white police officer. Amandla Stenberg: She’s constantly having Carlos: We live in a complicated world. to split herself into two parts in order to fit Starr: No, it doesn’t seem that complicated into both worlds. to me. Starr: I have to hide who I am. When I’m at April Ofrah: Violence. Brutality. It’s the same home, I can’t be too Williamson. When I’m story, just a different name. here, I can’t act too Garden Heights. King: It’s best if she don’t tell. George Tillman, Jr. (Director): This is about Lisa: He’s threatening her. her awakening. This is about her journey, and Starr: It’s about more than just Khalil. really realizing, “I’m gonna be who I want to It’s about the black people, poor people, be.” everybody at the bottom. I need to speak for Amandla Stenberg: That’s all challenged him. when this really tragic event happens. Maverick: When you’re ready to talk, you talk. Starr: Go back where he told you. Come on, Don’t ever let nobody make you be quiet. I I’m not playing. Go back! What did you do? ain’t named you Starr by accident. Regina Hall (Lisa Carter): She’s the one and only witness. Extended Story Trailer Russell Hornsby: And now she is faced with Amandla Stenberg (Starr Carter): The hate the dilemma of: does she speak out? you give Maverick: So when you’re ready to talk, you Russell Hornsby (Maverick Carter): The hate talk. you give Amandla Stenberg: It’s really challenging Common (Carlos): The hate you give for Starr to think about the level of Anthony Mackie (King): Little infants responsibility that she’ll take on in being Russell Hornsby: Little infants. public. Amandla Stenberg: F***s everybody. Starr: I need to speak for you. It’s about the Starr (VO): Mama and Daddy were born in black people, poor people, everybody at the Garden Heights. Mama left the Garden when bottom. she was a little girl and she wants us to get Algee Smith: No matter who you are, find out, too. Daddy says our life is here cos our your purpose. Whatever you’re here for, people are here. speak up and be heard. Issa Rae (April Ofrah) It’s about a young Russell Hornsby: You too can get out here black woman kind of finding her voice. and be about change. Algee Smith (Khalil): It’s about speaking up, Maverick: Don’t ever let nobody make you be being heard. quiet. Common: It’s really about family and Common: Everybody who experiences community. struggle can take that struggle and turn it Khalil: Starr? What’s up, into something golden. Amandla Stenberg: Starr lives in different Carlos: We live in a complicated world. worlds, her lower-income black community Starr: No, it doesn’t seem that complicated and her white private school. to me. Starr: Garden Heights is one world. Anthony Mackie: As a generation it’s Williamson is another. So when I’m here, I’m time that we stand up and start taking

B1 B1+ Starr’s Journey Teacher’s Notes |6| responsibilities for our communities, to take added towards the end of the lesson plan them back. when they are invited to watch part 4 of the Regina Hall: The movie gives a message interview of Angie Thomas); that’s, you know, very real, but also very very being touched by the shooting of a person hopeful. by a police officer; Amandla Stenberg: I love being a part of a dealing with opposite reactions in the film that I think is really culturally, politically neighborhood and at school; critical. speaking (or writing) out. Starr: We will not stop! Watch your language! Solutions A. Simple Past Reading possible answers: A. Cloud 1: her Verbs in the text: wrote, started, grew up, parents -strict, big mouth Dad, ex-gang developed, listened, was, knew, said, needed, member, went to prison, complicated didn’t know, died, deserved, had, served Cloud 2: her life at home - poor, mostly black Usage: Finished actions. A finished action in neighborhood, drugs, alcohol, gangs, guns, someone’s life when the person is dead. A risk of being shot, risk of joining a gang finished action with no result in the present. Cloud 3: her life at school - mainly white Present Perfect Simple private school, biased opinion of the poor Verbs in the text: hasn’t seen, has given neighborhood, better chances and better life Usage: Unfinished actions that started in the Cloud 4: triggering/life-changing event - past and continue to the present. A finished witness of a black friend shot by a policeman action in someone’s life when the person is who thinks he is pulling out a gun still alive, like a life experience. A finished action with a result in the present. Themes: police violence (brutality), love, family/family values (having a strong B.1. discussed 2. Have you ever met 3. have foundation), courage/bravery met 4. has never apologized 5. watched 6. died 7. has reached / has been 8. invented B. 1. she lives in a poor area of town but 9. has she been 10. had goes to school in a rich area 2. enjoys meeting up her close childhood friend Khalil 3. they are stopped by the police 4. he moved a little too quickly 5. a long difficult legal battle, reprisal from the gang leader Khalil was working for, her origins being discovered at her school

C. two different personas (versions 1 and 2): changing their language, changing their accent, having different musical tastes (rap at home and boy bands at school); getting “The Talk” from their father (can be

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