These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the book.

Pre-Reading “Icebreaker”

A formal education is the primary force that transforms Mawi’s life and, ultimately, helps him achieve the American Dream. Can you think of any other stories—in news, popular culture, or from your own experience—in which education uplifts a person’s life? Think about scholarship opportunities and special educational programs in your own community. What are the governing philosophies behind these programs that underscore the idea that education can radically change a person’s life for the better?

Teaching Suggestion: Examining the numerous domestic educational/scholarship programs (for example, the Horatio Alger National Scholarship Fund or the NAACP’s Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship) devoted to furthering economically and socially disadvantaged students exposes the underlying idea that education will help to uplift communities. Consider the demographic of your own student body, and research the educational scholarships/opportunities that might be most relevant to them. Students can begin to make connections between the prompt and the book’s theme of Power in Education and Tradition.

• The Association of American University Professors released “Data Snapshot: Is Higher Education a Pipeline to the American Dream?” in 2020 to explain the data that supports the idea that educational opportunities help underprivileged individuals to achieve the American Dream.