We planned and drafted our first Reader’s Response this week and will take it to a final draft stage, assessed in both literature and in writing.

• The challenges Doug faces deepen as readers begin to understand illiteracy, the quick judgment of others, his brothers’ circumstances, and his own self-doubts.  At the same time, Doug recognizes the strength others see in him, especially his courage to try at things when he has previously failed.  He also develops further as a character when he looks beyond himself to others.
• We’ll also connect to historical circumstances of the time, especially the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as the treatment of US veterans and their physical and emotional conditions when returning from Vietnam.  
• Expect nearly daily reading reflections as well as thematic reader responses, both of which will be found on Google Classroom.