Rural Voices: 15 Authors Challenge Assumptions About Small-Town America
Adobe EPUB eBook Series
What’s inside...
Think you know what rural America is like? Discover a plurality of perspectives in this enlightening anthology of stories that turns preconceptions on their head. Gracie sees a chance of fitting in at her South Carolina private school, until a 'white trash'-themed Halloween party has her steering clear of the rich kids. Samuel's Tejano family has both stood up to oppression and been a source of it, but now he's ready to own his true sexual identity. A Puerto Rican teen in Utah discovers that being a rodeo queen means embracing her heritage, not shedding it. For most of America's history, rural people and culture have been casually mocked, stereotyped, and, in general, deeply misunderstood. Now an array of short stories, poetry, graphic short stories, and personal essays, along with anecdotes from the authors' real lives, dives deep into the complexity and diversity of rural America and the people who call it home. Fifteen extraordinary stories challenge stereotypes and provide a deeper understanding of rural America. An NPR Best Book of 2020.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What differences and similarities did you notice between your own community and the communities described in the book?
How did the stories in the book change your perception of small-town life in America?
Which story resonated with you the most, and why?
How do you think the characters' experiences in the book relate to the concept of community and belonging?
What have you learned about the challenges and rewards of living in a rural area from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their own community and how it compares to the stories in the book. This can help personalize the conversation and make it more relatable.
Discuss the diversity of experiences and viewpoints presented in the book, emphasizing that every community, whether urban or rural, has its unique characteristics and challenges.
Ask your child to pick their favorite story from the book and explore deeper into the reasons it made an impact on them. This can lead to a more reflective and engaging discussion.
Relate the themes of the book to current events or social issues when possible, to help your child see the relevance of the book to the wider world.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts during the discussion. This positive reinforcement can encourage more frequent and deeper conversations in the future.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through its diverse narratives, 'Rural Voices' dives deep into the lives of those in small-town America, presenting their challenges and triumphs in an authentic manner.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy learned from the book to better understand and connect with people who have different life experiences from their own, fostering inclusiveness.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The characters in 'Rural Voices' often face difficult situations but show resilience and the power of perseverance in overcoming their obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to not give up in the face of difficulties, teaching them to strive and thrive regardless of circumstances.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The stories highlight how rural communities band together to support one another, emphasizing the strength found in community ties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of being active participants in their own communities, understanding that collective efforts can lead to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of cultural backgrounds in small towns, helping break down stereotypes and expand cultural understanding.
Real-World Application: By learning about various cultures and backgrounds, children can cultivate a more open and appreciative attitude toward diversity, promoting harmony in diverse settings.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Stereotypes
Explanation: Each story challenges common stereotypes about rural America, offering a broader perspective on what life is truly like in these areas.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to question and challenge over-simplified ideas about different groups of people, promoting critical thinking and reducing biases.