top of page

Why Use Novels on Racism in High School Classrooms?

What better time in a person’s life to examine how to treat those who are different from us than when a group of young, still impressionable, people are gathered in a safe place, guided by an instructor who can facilitate an open-minded discussion? High school students are on the precipice of entering a world where they may encounter people of other races and ethnicities (if they aren’t already) and learn to work with them side by side. Now is the time to explain how to accept one’s self for who they are as well as others.

What Classes are Suited for The Color of Water?

Discuss novel on racism for high school classes in your:

  • Social Studies Class

  • English Literature Class

  • Sociology Class 

  • Ethics Class

  • Civics Class

  • World Cultures Class

And MORE!

Classroom Lecture
Teenage Students Raising Hands

Why This Novel?

​​

  • Evoke Empathy

    • By using the unreliable narrator of a blind person, the reader can’t see the races of those around her. Therefore, readers will not bring in any of their own biases and can see treatment of people for what it is. By reading this way, their minds will be open to understanding and empathizing with those who are mistreated.

  • Teach About Sensitive Topics in Your Safe Place

    • In today’s world, one never knows where to go to talk about important topics without being cancelled or shut down. But your students have questions! It is perfectly reasonable to be able to talk out their questions in school, where many others can contribute to the answers.

  • Engage Your Readers

    • As a YA novel, this is one of the most impactful books about racism for young adults—it’s written on a level that even younger teens can understand. The story contains high action in the present-day scenes involving domestic terrorism which keeps the reader on their edge of their seat. Students can voice their own concerns through questions they ask about the characters in the story.

What Do You Need to Have to Teach The Color of Water?

  • A class

  • The book (preferably one for each student)

  • The Discussion Guide

  • A Place for Open Discussion

Get your students involved by discussing one of the most powerful books on racial discrimination available for high school classrooms.

In Class
bottom of page