8th Grade Superzero in the Classroom: by Olugbemisola Rhuday Perkovich

My first hope is that readers of Superzero come to know and love (or hate!) the characters, are engaged in the story, and have ample opportunities to read in a comfy, quiet place with lots of access to snacks.

There are many ways that it can be used as a mentor text in the upper elementary or early middle school classroom, and fiction can continue to play an important role in ELA and Social Studies classrooms, along with the reading and writing of nonfiction.  Here's one example of a series of writing and reflection exercises for a Unit on 8th Grade Superzero. I've had loads of fun working with students and classes via Skype visits and extended workshops on assignments like these -- happy writing, and let me know how it goes!



A school election plays a big part in the story, and the main character, Reggie, makes a big campaign speech. In Social Studies and/or ELA, students can write opinion pieces, speeches, prepare for debates, or even a real-life class election with the novel, and be guided with questions such as:

• Why is Reggie running for President? Do his reasons change over time? How/why?
• Does he make a good argument for his election? Why/not? How might you rewrite his speech based on what you know about him and his community? 
•Compare the three main candidates: What are their strengths? Weaknesses? Who would you vote for, and why?
• Write the speeches of the other candidates in the Clarke election.
• What structures and/or personalities govern the election process at his school? How do they compare with the electoral process (particularly the campaign process) in the U.S.?




for Specific Common Core References:
5th Grade ELA-Literacy Standards
Grades 6-8 ELA-Literacy Standards