Help me give my students contemporary novels and innovative materials to gain a new perspective.
$1,275 goal
This project expired on September 22, 2025.
This project expired on September 22, 2025.
My Project
A new perspective on things allows us to grow and be more accepting of others. I plan to give these things to my students through this innovative 7th grade literacy and writing ELA project.
First, I want to initiate "First Chapter Fridays" into my ELA classroom.
While I can't take credit for the idea, I believe it will be well received by students and open them to other possibilities. Students will be introduced to a new novel each week and given the chance to write and reflect on it. I have requested a few novels to start with this year and add to our classroom library. This activity will greatly help with middle schoolers not knowing what to choose to read independently, as well as expanding on their critical writing skills.
Second, one of the novels I will introduce is Jerry Spinelli's "Maniac Magee." Maniac Magee is a Newbery Medal winning-story about a young homeless boy running through town and the different people he meets along the way. Magee learns of the hatred and racism that separates the two sides of town. Along the way, he meets a wide range of interesting characters, and even develops a legend for himself, earning him the nickname "Maniac". A story like this will not only maintain student interest, but allow them to form a different perspective on difficult issues, and even improve their empathy. I have requested a classroom set to focus on this novel during the second semester.
The other items I am requesting will assist in designing the cafe feel with new physical classroom items, including the books, pillows, and novel storage. It also incorporates the resources to purchase materials for the novel studies, as well as create them on the classroom iPad, such as worksheets, one pagers, and student reviews.
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
100 students impacted
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Apple - 11-inch iPad A16 chip with Wi-Fi - 256GB - Blue
• Best Buy Education
$449.00
1
$449.00
Maniac Magee (Newbery Medal Winner) - Paperback Book
• AKJ Education
$6.56
30
$196.80
Aheaplus Rotating Bookshelf, Small Corner Bookshelf for Small Space, 360 Display 4 Tier Floor Standing Bookcase Storage Rack, Wood Narrow Book Shelf Organizer for Bedroom, Living Room, White
• Amazon Business
$129.99
1
$129.99
$100 Gift Card for Educational Resources on TPT
• TPT
$100.00
1
$100.00
Fumete 12 Pcs Floor Pillows Cushions Seating 15 x 15 Inches Color Round Seat Reading Floor Chair Cushions for Kids Adults Classroom Home School Playing Supplies(Multicolor)
• Amazon Business
$62.99
1
$62.99
EOOUT 26 Pack A5 Kraft Notebooks, Composition Notebooks, Lined Journals Bulk with Rainbow Spines, 10 Colors, 60 Pages Lined Paper for Kids, Women Girls, School Office Supplies
• Amazon Business
$19.99
3
$59.97
Maniac Magee: An Instructional Guide for Literature - Novel Study Guide for 4th-8th Grade Literature with Close Reading and Writing Activities (Great Works Classroom Resource
• Amazon Business
$9.50
1
$9.50
The Hunger Games (Book 1)
• Amazon Business
$8.78
1
$8.78
The Book Thief
• Amazon Business
$7.36
1
$7.36
The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner (Giver Quartet, 1)
• Amazon Business
$6.90
1
$6.90
Front Desk (Front Desk #1) (Scholastic Gold)
• Amazon Business
$6.83
1
$6.83
Materials cost
$1,038.12
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$15.57
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$1,083.69
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$191.24
Total project goal
$1,274.93
Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.
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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. Zebrowski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
