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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Leamon from Springfield, IL is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Leamon is requesting

Building Legacy Through Literature: Long Way Down & Last Cuentista

Help me give my students an exploration of the power of legacy and storytelling through two impactful novels: Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds and The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera.

  • $781 goal

This project expired on October 7, 2025.

This project expired on October 7, 2025.

My Project

Legacy is the thread that connects the past to the present, and the present to the future. As a middle school ELA teacher, I want to help my students see themselves as part of a larger story, with the power to shape what they leave behind. To do that, I am requesting a classroom set of two powerful, award-winning novels: Long Way Down and The Last Cuentista.

In Long Way Down, students will grapple with themes of generational trauma, choices, and the invisible rules that govern communities.

In The Last Cuentista, they'll explore the preservation of culture, memory, and storytelling in the face of loss and change. Both novels offer deeply relevant opportunities for students to reflect on the legacies they inherit, and the ones they will create.

These books will be used for whole-class novel studies that include discussion, writing, and creative projects. Each student will have their own copy to annotate and connect with personally, promoting deeper comprehension and engagement.

Your donation will directly place these powerful texts into the hands of students who are ready to think deeply, read critically, and discover the legacy they want to build. Thank you for believing in the power of stories, and the power of young readers.

Mrs. Leamon Springfield Ball Charter School Grades 6-8

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Springfield, IL View local requests

Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

Never Before Funded 75 students impacted

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
The Last Cuentista (YA paperback, Newbery Medal Winner) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $13.00 24 $312.00
Long Way Down (paperback) x Black Books Matter from MahoganyBooks • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $13.00 24 $312.00

Materials cost

$624.00

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$9.36

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$663.36

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$117.06

Total project goal

$780.42

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Leamon and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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