“Breaking our silence is powerful. Whether it comes as a whisper or a squeak at first, allow that sense of spaciousness, of opening; allow yourself to trust the bottomlessness, and lean into the dark roar which will light up every cell.” – Lucy H. Pearce
We all have a voice that speaks our truth. Sometimes that voice is buried down deep and barely squeaks as life goes on around us. For many of us, our voice becomes bolder as we grow in confidence and experience.
The stories in this collection are full of wonderful characters whose trials and successes cause their voices to emerge. We cheer as we watch them become fully themselves. Best of all, we gain empathy and understanding for the real people in our lives who are finding their voices, too. Enjoy!
Below you’ll find books, conversation launchers and activities that are appropriate for High Schoolers around the concept of “Find Your Voice”.
GREAT BOOKS & CONVOS
Sparrow
By Mary Cecilia Jackson
Why We LOVE This Book
Sparrow/Birdy / Swan Queen/Bird-girl / Bird-face / Savannah Darcey Rose is a talented ballerina working on her most beloved show with her best dancing partner and one of her closest friends. After a near-tragic encounter with the high school heart-throb, the two fall in a love that Sparrow’s friends don’t understand or trust. The strength this ballerina ends up having ends up going much deeper than just the dance floor. In the long-run this strength suffocates her and brings her into a silent prison. Will she be able to break free?
Conversation Launchers
Kneel
By Candace Buford
Why We LOVE This Book
Rus and Marion love football and it is their only way out of town. When Marion is unfairly arrested and kicked off of the team, Rus has to decide if he can find his voice to speak up or live in fear. Rus chooses to kneel during one of the football games and receives some backlash from others in the town. Thanks to his family and friends, Rus realizes he is not alone and fights for his dreams and justice.
Conversation Launchers
The Grace Year
By Kim Liggett
Why We LOVE This Book
Tierney is raised to doubt and have reservations about other women in Garner County, but always feels like an outsider. She does not understand the underlying need for competition or fabrication nor does she want to. She quickly realizes the fear and distrust all of the girls are experiencing during their grace year and has to decide if she can find her voice to speak up. As the grace year becomes more brutal because of the natural elements and poachers; Tierney and the others are put to the test, in regards to fighting for what is right.
Conversation Launchers
Keep the Conversation Going!
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
MORE GREAT READS
The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas
If I Ever Get Out of Here
Eric Gansworth
Well, That Escalated Quickly: Memoirs and Mistakes of an Accidental Activist
Franchesca Ramsey
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Resources for OTHER AGE GROUPS
Below you’ll find books and activities that are appropriate for various ages around the concept of “Find Your Voice.”
SEARCH BY GRADE LEVEL…
BIRTH – AGE 3
PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN
1ST – 2ND GRADE
3RD – 5TH GRADE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
FOR FULL ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL READINGS, RESOURCES & ACTIVITIES, CHECK OUT OUR FAMILY BOOK CLUB subscription BOXES…
– Mandy G, NEW BOOK JOY Founder
