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This novel, while read by students as young as 12 and 13, was spot on for my English IV class since they do have lower reading levels than other students their age, but still want to read relatable literature with real-life scenarios that hold relevance and inspire conversation and thinking outside the box. Students enjoyed learning about life from a new and very different perspective from their own and were able to hone in on specific characters that impacted them most such as Buck, or Will while still demonstrating a greater understanding of wider literary concepts and analysis such as theme and characterization using S.T.E.A.L. and short answer responses as shared in their final exam projects. I can honestly say that students were looking forward to reading this novel each day, and some even read ahead. I had far less friction than usual with students completing writing prompts and essays related to a chosen character in this novel, than in any prior text in 13 years. This alone tells me choosing this novel was a win, since it improved students' ability to follow through with academic tasks normally viewed as difficult for students with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia and improved engagement tenfold. My students wanted to know what happened to Will, so much so that many chose to write an \"alternate ending\" to Reynold's story.\r\n\r\nLastly, my English III class, a very mixed ability group of mostly 11th and some 12th grade students, loved taking a deep dive into There, There by Tommy Orange. I chose this novel specifically to promote inclusive reading in the classroom, where there is a constant battle between the short attention spans given to technology post-pandemic and little knowledge of, or heed paid, to cultures outside each student's very personal world. I began by exposing students gradually to Native American culture and history in our country, followed by a PBS author interview with Tommy Orange to help set the backdrop and build understanding for the novel. My students loved the characters and the realism, Orange brought to the everyday lives and traumatic histories of each of his characters. Many students truly seemed to relate to and even admire Dean Oxedene, Edwin Black, Opal Viola Victoria Bearshield, and Jacquie Red Feather for their vulnerability and relatability with issues such as depression and the constant fight for resilience with few resources. This is reflected in their final reading reflections, which I will mail to Donors Choose. As an educator, I was excited to expose my students to a culture they knew little about and have them thoughtfully contemplate what they had read in short answer responses, classroom discussions, and aha moments. It was fun to watch them realize who Blue really was and how Harvey and Opal connected later in life. I even had a graduating senior beg me to take her copy of the novel home, so her sister could read it. As much as I hated to break up a class set, I acquiesced. My students and I would not have been given this opportunity without the generous donors and the Donors Choose website. I am still stunned by the generosity and forever grateful. 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James Bowie High School

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About this school

James Bowie High School is an urban public school in Austin, Texas that is part of Austin Independent School District. It serves 2,899 students in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.0:1. Its teachers have had 141 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades 9 - 12

2,899 Students

171 Teachers

4103 W Slaughter Ln

Austin, TX 78749 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

James Bowie High School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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James Bowie High School Demographics

54%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

35%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

James Bowie High School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

James Bowie High School

$84,739

raised using DonorsChoose

141

projects funded

teachers funded

622

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

James Bowie High School has received support from 481 individuals from Texas and 141 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

James Bowie High School

About this school

Equity Focus School

James Bowie High School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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James Bowie High School Demographics

James Bowie High School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

James Bowie High School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.