Through the voices of these six characters--Haley, Holly, Esteban, Amari, Tiago, and Ashton--HARBOR ME immerses young readers in peer discussions of issues that, sadly, far too many of our children face on a daily basis. What did you learn from Tiagos story about Perrito? GradeSaver, 1 February 2022 Web. It helps me forget for a little while, he said. (This conversation is excerpted from a longer interview if you want to hear the whole thing, check out the audiobook version of Harbor Me!). Shows the reality behind the headlines as it delves into the lives of students affected by police brutality, immigration enforcement, parent incarceration, and a family going through a job loss. The characters ring true as they discuss issues both personal and global. . Haley's father has been released from prison and came home to live with her. New York: Nancy Paulsen - Penguin Random House, 2018. Do you think Esteban and his Papi see the world like this, too? Each friend has fears and frustrations that they share with each other over the year, and by opening up, they discover a collective strength. Haley records their first talk, and slowly each one of them -- Haley, Estaban, Amari, Ashton, Tiago, and Holly -- tells the story of their life into Haley's recorder. Tiago speaks Spanish and struggles to speak in English, and he faces the threat of deportation despite being an American citizen. We are experiencing technical difficulties. His family is migrated from Puerto Rico. Haley tells the story of her five classmates who are all part of a special class for students with learning differences. He misses his Papi, who is being detained in Florida for possible deportation to the Dominican Republic. GradeSaver, 15 February 2022 Web. Were a poster made for Harbor Me, it would be notably more colorful. As the school year nears its end, Haley finally musters the courage to tell her own story about her father's incarceration and her mother's death. In the book Harbor Me, what does McGrath mean? Poetry: Poetry is a big part of Estebans narrative. Told in the voices of children, this book has the power to kindle awareness and understanding with a hope that we will take time to walk in each other's shoes and discover our own power to care for another person and make that one small difference in the world. They can share their personal life experiences for the last one hour of the school day each Friday in the room without any supervision and interference. Ameri, Esteban, Tiago, Ashton, Holly, and Haley Shondell McGrath are students of Brooklyn school. About Harbor Me. Common Sense Media reviewers include writers, editors, and child development experts. Harbor Me Character Analysis (Open-Ended Response Questions) Directions: Use the information from your graphic organizer (p.117) to respond to the follow-up questions about Esteban. Point of View: first person, Haley Setting - Character: Haley, 11 years old Esteban Tiago Holly, 1/2 white and 1/2 black Amari Ashton Ms. Laverne Setting - Date: current day I was outraged reading this book. Woodson tells stories torn from headlines but personalizes them with poetry and memories, blunting their trauma with understanding and love. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Holly knows the truth about Haleys father and asks why Haley hasn't shared her own story with the ARTT group. Amari shares how life sometimes seems to change too quickly. And she is fortified. suggesting a diversity update. He is angry that because he is black he can no longer play with his toy guns in the park, but his white friend, Ashton, is still able to do so. Don't judge a book by its cover. They vow to return to the ARTT room in 20 years to celebrate their bond of friendship. Welcome to the latest installment of Brightlys Book Club for Kids, where we provide you with engaging books and book-inspired activities that young readers can enjoy together. What does Ms. Laverne mean when she says that she wants each person to say, I will harbor you? The audiobook version of Harbor Me sets a new standard. It all starts when six kids have to meet for a weekly chatby themselves, with no adults to listen in. Harbor Me is a middle-grade novel written by the American author Jacqueline Woodson and published in 2018. He mentions that Amari asked him if he was albino when they first met because of Ashtons pale skin. Did you know you can flag iffy content? It is the collection of stories of fears, experiences of previous life, and the lessons learned by five friends of Brooklyn school. | Middle Grade (10 and up) The characters ring true as they discuss issues both personal and global. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating Esteban is of Dominican origin and is trying to cope with his father's detention, who does not possess American citizenship. At one point Amari remarks on Haleys tape-recordings: Its like youre trying to remember us. It sounds simple, but Amaris observation is profoundly true. She asks her uncle to buy her a voice recorder, and she begins recording her own thoughts and taking the device to the ARTT meetings. Print Word PDF This section contains 2,597 words (approx. Showing how Americas political and social issues affect children on a daily basis, this novel will leave an indelible mark on readers minds.Publishers Weekly, starred review* Woodson delivers a powerful tale of community and mutual growth. Haley narrates her experiences at home with her uncle and school with her five friends in ARTT. Just for joining youll get personalized recommendations on your dashboard daily and features only for members. Overall it had a very Breakfast Club feel to it for me (a child of the 80s) with a millennial weight. When the six are together, they can express the feelings and fears they have to hide from the rest of the world. The Question and Answer section for Harbor Me is a great Kids get safe space to tell their stories in moving tale. More books than SparkNotes. Jacqueline Woodson is the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature . Learning about and empathizing with other students, other lives, helps her put her own travails in perspective. A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! Anonymous "Harbor Me Characters". The Question and Answer section for Harbor Me is a great And frequently heartbreaking. Continue learning about this tribe. By submitting my email, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. | Middle Grade (10 and up) Holly's mother has taken Haley in, providing the Black female role model Haley desperately needs. Amari is also frustrated that as a White boy, Ashton seems to be permitted to play with toy guns without any fear of retaliation. And now were packing up everything, Esteban said. It's refreshing to see kids who actually talk rather than tweet, text, and Snapchat their feelings. You can help us help kids by Haley is the protagonist and narrator of the novel Harbor Me. Haley is the memory keeper in the group. This sensitive book leads us . Instead, she wants to hold onto the words and stories because they provide balm and insight. Each week the kids share and record their stories. She made the first recording herself and recounted a history lesson from Ms. Laverne. She feels sad that her time with her ARTT friends has come to an end, but she is excited about what looks to be a new chapter in her life. on a Friday afternoon and tell them to talk to each other, what will happen? An adult uncle teases his niece about wanting to date and make cousins for her to play with. None of the kids gossip about each other; they keep one another's stories safe. Hardcover. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Talk about what you notice about Neruda. will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. A bullied kid is a victim of "necking" -- when kids slap another kid on the back of the neck. Our first initial impression of someone doesnt usually take into account inner personal turmoil and getting to know someone despite our outward differences is what is important. Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide. Ms. Laverne asked the children a question. This story, told with exquisite language and clarity of narrative, is both heartbreaking and hopeful. As you read, consider the importance of maintaining your own safe book club environment. An extraordinary and timely piece of writing. They named the place ARTT (A Room To Talk). Tiago is a boy from Puerto Rico and frustrated by some of the ways he and his family have been treated American, but not American enough. Get personalized recommendations. Jacqueline Woodson's 2018 middle grade novel, Harbor Me, tracks the bonds of friendship that develop across six fifth-graders when they are given a unique opportunity to get to know each other. (pg 38) Red These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. Ms. Laverne establishes a routine for the class: On Friday afternoons, the students conclude the school week by moving to an art room without the teacher to talk among themselves. Amari, Esteban, Tiago, Ashton, Holly, and Haley Shondell McGrath (the narrator) are students with special learning needs in a Brooklyn school. This is where youll see your current point status and your earned rewards. As they build friendship and trust, these kids model for us the meaning of being a safe harbor for each other. Esteban shares his worry over his father who was taken by immigration officials and placed in a detention center. Esteban is worried for his father and about what will happen to the rest of his family. Youll Like It If You Like: Realistic stories that address timely issues with honesty and hope. . This Study Guide consists of approximately 76pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - | Middle Grade (10 and up) Tiago identifies as American but struggles with switching between English and Spanish, preferring to speak Spanish with his family. | ISBN 9780525515135 This story, told with exquisite language and clarity of narrative, is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Haley eventually decides she can forgive but not forget. Why not try your hand at knitting, too? The novel is a frame narrative that features narrator Haley Anderson, a sixth-grade student in a Brooklyn school. Ashton, who is white, shares his new awareness of race as well as how hes being bullied. He is worried about the safety of his father and his family. And then when his big sister tried to run to him, they didn't even let her go to him.' Here, six Brooklyn middle school students are afforded one hour each Friday to talk amongst themselves no adults present. Recent months have featured alarming news about childrens books, reading, and literacy. In HARBOR ME, six fifth-graders who are already considered an experiment because they are "special needs learners" are put together to talk among themselves for the last hour of class. These kids brave interactions model healthy communication skills and show the growth possibilities within trusted friendships. It's refreshing to see kids who actually talk rather than tweet, text, and Snapchat their feelings. . ISBN: 978--399-25252-5. Holly Holly is an African-American kid, and his parents are from Puerto Rico. Amazing Childrens Books by Arab and Arab American Authors, The Books Alexis Patterson Is Loving Right Now, Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews. . 2201 West Broad Street, Suite 206 Richmond, VA 23220. Art: At the end of the book, Amari shares a drawing that represents the group: Thats us, he said. These six tweens have been fortuitously blessed with a wise and innovative teacher, Ms. Laverne. This is a timely and beautifully written story that should be on library shelves everywhere.School Library Journal, starred review* In her first middle-grade novel since her 2014 National Book Award winner, Brown Girl Dreaming, National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature Jacqueline Woodson deftly alchemizes a sixth-grade classroom into an affecting metaphor for racial, political and socioeconomic challengesenhanced by the transformative power of storytelling: what matter[ed] most is that we were heard. . By Terreece Clarke, Harbor Me By Jacqueline Woodson Chapters 1-4 Before you read the chapters: The protagonistin most novels features the main character or "good guy". | Middle Grade (10 and up) Haley's father is finally released from prison and comes home to live with her and her uncle. Book Scavenger. At the last ARTT meeting of the year, Amari, Tiago, Holly, Haley, and Ashton reminisce about the year and marvel about how close they have become. In HARBOR ME, through the eyes of Haley, a motherless and father-imprisoned young biracial woman, we come to know the lives and thoughts of six young students who have been assigned to a 5th/6th grade special needs classroom. She decides that she wants to record the conversations that they are having each Friday afternoon so that she will have a way to remember everyone. After Easter break, the group learns that Esteban and his family have been deported to the Dominican Republic. Have an experienced knitter teach your group how to get started or find step-by-step directions with a kid-friendly rhyme here. It is the collection of stories of fears, experiences of previous life, and the lessons learned by five friends of Brooklyn school. Harbor Me is familiar, heartwarming, and heartbreaking, as Woodson shows what happens to the real families behind the headlines. Jacqueline Woodson's first middle-grade novel since National Book Award winner Brown Girl Dreaming celebrates the healing that can occur when a group of students share their stories. Esteban had been absent for days, and when he finally returned, Ms. Laverne asked him if he was up to doing some work and he nodded. Woodsons easygoing lyrical voice is the highlight. Website Design & Development by StyleSite. Three tall eighth-graders who glared at Ashton but walked backward, away from the six of us. Jacqueline Woodson is the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young Peoples LiteratureJacqueline Woodsons first middle-grade novel since National Book Award winner Brown Girl Dreaming celebrates the healing that can occur when a group of students share their stories.It all starts when six kids have to meet for a weekly chatby themselves, with no adults to listen in. What unfolds over the next days and weeks is a steady stream of surprising honesty and authenticity. By collecting the stories of her friends Esteban, Amari, Tiago, Ashton, and Holly, Haley begins to deepen her awareness of the complexities, fears, flaws, and strengths that mark each person's story. His fathers letters provide a platform for the students to evaluate their own feelings, stories, and secrets. Through much of the book we dont know the whereabouts of Estebans father nor whether Estaban, who was born in the US, will suddenly disappear from school. Main character and narrator, Haley Anderson, and friends, Tiago, Amari, Ashton, Holly, and Esteban are all complex characters that present the challenge to readers of understanding that characters' external personas often mask deep pain and insecurity within. We won't share this comment without your permission. Ashton is a white boy who is bullied in school and decides to share his experiences with his friends at ARTT. They were uncomfortable with each other and unsure of how to spend the time. And the impeccable writing of Jacqueline Woodson will live on in their hearts long after they close the book. He was warned to play with a toy gun by his father. Hoodoo - outside. . A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. When her friend Holly encourages Haley to share, Haley discovers for herself how they have her back. Did you know you can flag iffy content? (Fiction. Haley is the reliable and highly reflective narrator of Harbor Me. Print Word PDF This section contains 1,172 words (approx. He shares how his family is from Puerto Rico and thus US citizens, but they are still sometimes discriminated against and told to "go back" to their "own country." Given todays headlines, and the shocking utterances of candidate-and-then-President Trump, it seems appropriate that the first and foremost issue probed in HARBOR ME is immigration. In the book Harbor me, where do all of the characters live? Current Events: Find current news stories about any of the themes in the book, such as immigration, police brutality, or bullying. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. Amari, Esteban, Tiago, Ashton, Holly, and Haley Shondell McGrath (the narrator) are students with special learning needs in a Brooklyn school. Find the area where you live right now. She loves (in no Four Developmental Signs Your Child Is Ready for Potty Training, Moo! Want suggestions based on your streaming services? One day their teacher, Ms. Laverne, took them to the former art room and explained that for the remainder of the year this was their special space to just talk every Friday afternoon for the last hour of the school day. She is left with a few physical signs of her personal history, including her distinctive red hair and her diverse racial identity. Ashton Ameri, a black boy, expresses his fear and frustration related to racism in the USA. By clicking Sign Up, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. Start earning points for buying books! Dedication: For Lena and Alana, who harbor so many And for my family, who harbors me First Line: We think they took my papi. NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, By clicking SIGN UP,I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random Houses, certain categories of personal information, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of "Harbor me" by Jacqueline Woodson. Harbor Me Study Guide contains materials for an activity-based study of this novel by Jacqueline Woodson.Study Guide activity titles include: Vocabulary, Themes, Characters, Questioning While Reading, All in the Head, Book Cover, Comic Book Page, Haley vs Esteban, Friendship Skills, Self-Esteem Skills, Ashton vs Group, Teamwork Quotes, Cultural . Holly is Black and Haleys best friend. Haley is deeply introspective, and at the beginning of the novel, many of her insights are shared with readers through her narrative voice but remain unexpressed to other characters. Haley is bi-racial being raised by her white uncle, and serves as the storys narrator. These are kids who take the time to hear about the pain of deportation, prejudice and racism, bullying and a struggle of a father in prison. Sets with similar terms. (pg 32) Son of Grace In the book Harbor Me, who were the original settlers of New York? Jacqueline Woodson's 2018 middle grade novel, Harbor Me, tracks the bonds of friendship that develop across six fifth-graders when they are given a unique opportunity to get to know each other. An editor That nobody know where they took him. The students are largely their own positive role models.They hold themselves accountable and allow for learning from their mistakes. The bond they develop is palpable. Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide. Esteban records the story of his father, who was taken by immigration officials from his job at a factory in Queens and placed in a detention center in Florida. Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. Why We Picked It: This timely book contains themes that are particularly significant in todays world. Just came in the park and shot him right away. 27 terms. Melissa Taylor, MA, is a teacher, mama, and writer from Colorado. Their stories bring them together to are about each other. . She describes her own situation at home with her uncle and father and tells the reader what is happening at school with the other five kids who spend time in the ARTT room. The question is: How will the story end? For an hour each week, six kids with learning differences share their stories together stories that include an incarcerated parent, a parent detained by immigration, bullying, and racial profiling. It is filled with choice moments and insights marked by Woodsons poetic prose. Harbor Me. As the kids open up and find shelter in one another, they find strength, support, love, and hope as well. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. What does Neruda learn from an onion? And together, they can grow braver and more ready for the rest of their lives.Cast of Narrators: NJameh Camara, as Haley Jose Carrera, as Tiago Dean Flanagan, as AshtonAngel Romero, as Esteban Toshi Widoff-Woodson, as Holly Mikelle Wright-Matos, as Amari and also featuring the author, Jacqueline Woodson, as Ms. Laverne, Jacqueline Woodson(www.jacquelinewoodson.com)is the recipient of a 2020 MacArthur Fellowship, the 2020 Hans Christian Andersen Award, the 2018 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, and the 2018 Childrens Literature Legacy Award. They all are. As her father plays music for her, she thinks about how much she wants to share with him and learn from him. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of Harbor me by Jacqueline Woodson. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime. One involves the six children in a school classroom where they are allowed to freely discuss with one another without the keen eyes of their. As you read, consider the importance of maintaining your own safe book club envi-ronment. This kind of emotional trauma could eventually lead to health problems, such as heart disease and substance abuse disorders., -- Washington Post, America is better than this: What a doctor saw in a Texas shelter for migrant children, by Kristine Phillips, June 16, 2018, All has seemed lost before only to give way, after decades of gloom, to light. It all starts when six kids have to meet for a weekly chat--by themselves, with no adults to listen in. Holly and Haley are very close friends. When the worry becomes too much, Estaban starts to open up. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. They build bonds of friendship that cross the racial barriers that otherwise exist in the world beyond the ARTT room. What would you say to the ARTT group about your experience with racial identity? Then, following a visit to her dad who was in prison for the last eight years, Haley got the idea to record whatever the kids talked about so that they would have their stories and thoughts kept as a memory for anyone to hear. Harbor Me Symbols & Objects Jacqueline Woodson This Study Guide consists of approximately 76 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Harbor Me. Because if they took him, maybe theyre going to take us too. She has a compelling story, but she is reluctant to share it even as she encourages her friends to share their own struggles by speaking into her voice recorder. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. | Middle Grade (10 and up) If your child is reading it for school, and you don't have a say, I'd recommend taking the opportunity to discuss the topics in the book to teach your child that not everything they read is true, and that they'll often have to do their own research and form their own opinions. The Best Books to Get Your Finances in Order, Books Based on Your Favorite Taylor Swift Era, Cook a Soul Food Holiday Meal With Rosie Mayes, Apr 21, 2020 Buy, Apr 21, 2020 | ISBN 9780525515142 | Middle Grade (10 and up), Aug 28, 2018 | ISBN 9780399252525 | Middle Grade (10 and up), Aug 28, 2018 | ISBN 9780525515135 | Middle Grade (10 and up), Aug 28, 2018 | ISBN 9780525639107 | Middle Grade (10 and up), Aug 28, 2018 | ISBN 9780525637929 | Middle Grade (10 and up). After school that day, Amari, Esteban, and Tiago escort Ashton to stop the bullies from attacking him. That cops are bad and people are prejudice. Her goal in childhood was to read every book in the children's section of the library. Haley is deeply introspective, and at the beginning of the novel, many of her insights are shared with readers through her narrative voice but remain unexpressed to other characters. Through the voices of these six characters--Haley, Holly, Esteban, Amari, Tiago, and Ashton--HARBOR ME immerses young readers in peer discussions of issues that, sadly, far too many of our children face on a daily basis. Its a sweet discussion and they talk about many of the themes that surface in the book. There, in the room they soon dub the ARTT Room (short for A Room to Talk), they discover its safe to talk about whats bothering themeverything from Estebans fathers deportation and Haleys fathers incarceration to Amaris fears of racial profiling and Ashtons adjustment to his changing family fortunes. The kid doesn't report the bullying, but it does end when friends stand up for him. Estebans story provides the narrative arc of the novel. Amari is upset at the idea that someone could be detained in the USA, which claims to be the land of the free. Im currently on my first visit to southern Italy and Sicily. . Haley and Holly talk about their dream superpowers. Empathy and acceptance are born along with the understanding that we all need to harbor each other. Harbor Me study guide contains a biography of Jacqueline Woodson, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Brooklyn. The boys at school depict bizarre behavior of bullying, and they call that sporting activity. Woodsons skills as poet and master storyteller shine brightly here as she economically uses language to express emotion and delve into the hearts of her characters. Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. Esteban's family is a from the Dominican Republic and his . His father writes his own poetry, but he also mentions other poets such as Pablo Neruda. It is becoming increasingly difficult to even remember what her mother looked like and Haley only has one photograph of her that partially shows her face and a hand with bright red polish on the nails. Topics that arise over the course of the story include racism, police brutality, bullying, and wealth and privilege. Amari is black and Ashton is paler than usual shade of white. Parents should be prepared to discuss the government's enforcement of immigration laws, anti-immigration sentiment, police brutality, and "the talk" often given to black boys about the police, parental loss, isolation, and peer counseling. Ashton, Amari, Esteban and Tiago left the school together walking four across.