Help me give my students books for reading groups and independent reading.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Essa's classroom raised $904
This project is fully funded
My Project
As a high school English teacher, I have the incredible privilege of working with a group of bright, passionate, and curious young minds every day. They are eager to make sense of the world around them, and I believe that literature is a powerful tool to help them navigate the complexities of life, identity, and society. This project is designed to provide my students with a selection of rich, thought-provoking texts that will challenge their thinking and empower them to engage more deeply with their education and futures.
The books I've chosen are carefully selected to foster a love of literature while also helping students develop critical thinking skills.
The book, The Invisible Man, explores race, identity, and invisibility, sparking discussions on social justice and self-understanding. The Anthropocene Reviewed offers a personal, philosophical look at the human experience, helping students find their place in the world. Moby-Dick delves into symbolism and human struggle, while The Awakening challenges ideas of autonomy and societal expectations. A Midsummer Night’s Dream blends magic, humor, and insight into love and identity, and The Piano Lesson connects students to African American history and family dynamics. Felon: Poems encourage reflection on justice, identity, and the prison system through Reginald Dwayne Betts’s powerful voice.
With these resources, I aim to not only expose my students to timeless works of literature but also give them the tools to think critically about their world and their place within it. I believe these books will inspire creativity, foster empathy, and deepen their understanding of the human condition—preparing them for a future where they can make their own mark and contribute meaningfully to the world.
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
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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 Ms. Essa and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.