Looking for a Genesis Begins Again novel study, lesson plans, and activities for your upper elementary or middle school ELA classroom? Alicia D. Williams’s Genesis Begins Again is a powerful middle grade novel that gives students opportunities to explore identity, self-acceptance, family relationships, friendship, bullying, colorism, and resilience while strengthening reading comprehension and critical-thinking skills.
Genesis Begins Again is an especially meaningful choice for a 5th–8th grade novel study because it gives students much more than an engaging story. It opens the door to important conversations about how we see ourselves, how others influence our self-image, and what it means to learn to accept and value yourself.
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About Genesis Begins Again
Written by Alicia D. Williams, Genesis Begins Again was published in 2019 and received both a 2020 Newbery Honor and the 2020 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent.
The novel follows Genesis, a middle school girl who struggles with her skin color and the way she sees herself. She is dealing with difficult circumstances at home, challenging friendships, bullying, and the painful effects of colorism.
As Genesis navigates these challenges, she begins to discover that the way she sees herself does not have to be determined by other people’s opinions or by society’s expectations of beauty.
That makes Genesis Begins Again an excellent novel for helping students explore identity, self-esteem, resilience, empathy, and self-acceptance.
Why Teach Genesis Begins Again?
There are many reasons to include Genesis Begins Again in your classroom library or middle school ELA curriculum.
1. Explore Identity and Self-Acceptance
One of the central themes of Genesis Begins Again is identity.
Genesis struggles with her appearance and desperately wants to change the things she dislikes about herself. Her journey allows students to think about their own identities and consider how family, friends, media, and society can influence the way people see themselves.
This makes the novel a natural starting point for discussions about self-esteem, identity, beauty standards, and self-acceptance.
2. Discuss Colorism and Representation
Genesis Begins Again provides an age-appropriate opportunity to introduce students to the concept of colorism and discuss how prejudice based on skin tone can affect individuals and communities.
Genesis experiences colorism from people around her, including peers and family members, but perhaps the most painful effects are the ones she begins to internalize herself.
Students can examine how Genesis’s experiences affect her choices, relationships, and perception of herself throughout the novel.
3. Build Empathy Through Diverse Literature
One of the most valuable things we can give students through literature is the opportunity to experience a perspective different from their own.
Genesis Begins Again features a Black female protagonist and a Black author, giving students the opportunity to see a different experience represented in the literature they read.
But diverse literature isn’t only important for students who identify with the characters.
Reading about experiences that differ from our own can help students develop empathy, understanding, and greater awareness of the experiences of others.
4. Examine Family Relationships
Genesis’s home life is complicated, and her family relationships have a significant impact on her experiences.
The novel gives students opportunities to analyze how family members influence Genesis’s thoughts, emotions, decisions, and development as a character.
These relationships also provide excellent opportunities for students to practice character analysis and citing text evidence.
5. Explore Resilience and Personal Growth
Despite everything Genesis is dealing with, she continues to move forward.
Her journey is ultimately one of growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
Students can track Genesis’s character development throughout the novel and examine how her experiences change her perspective and help her begin to see herself differently.
Themes in Genesis Begins Again
Many themes and discussion topics can be explored while reading the novel, including:
Identity and self-acceptance
Colorism
Racism and prejudice
Beauty standards
Bullying
Friendship
Family relationships
Resilience
Self-esteem
Poverty
Moving and instability
Alcoholism and its effects on families
Personal growth
Empathy
Finding your voice
These themes make Genesis Begins Again an excellent choice for whole-class novel studies, small-group reading, literature circles, or independent reading.
Genesis Begins Again Novel Study Activities
Because Genesis Begins Again addresses so many meaningful themes, it provides plenty of opportunities to incorporate reading skills and deeper thinking into your ELA instruction.
Students can work on:
Reading comprehension
Character analysis
Theme
Vocabulary
Grammar
Text-based evidence
Critical thinking
Written responses
Literary analysis
Discussion and reflection
Rather than overwhelming students with worksheets, I recommend using thoughtful questions that encourage them to slow down, think about what they have read, and support their ideas with evidence from the text.
Make Teaching Genesis Begins Again Easier
If you’re looking for ready-to-use Genesis Begins Again lesson plans and activities, I’ve created a complete novel study to make teaching this book easier.
My Genesis Begins Again Novel Study is designed for grades 5–8 and includes both printable and Google Drive™ versions, making it flexible enough for traditional classrooms, paperless classrooms, small groups, or homeschool instruction.
The complete unit includes:
Detailed daily lesson plans
Pacing and standards guide
Chapter/section guide
Vocabulary and grammar activities
Comprehension questions for every chapter
Vocabulary word wall cards
Writing activities
Critical-thinking questions
Assessments
Answer keys
Story Elements Interactive Notebook activities
End-of-the-book activities
Common Core standards alignment
The unit is designed to be no-prep or minimal-prep, so you can spend your time teaching and discussing the novel instead of creating dozens of activities from scratch.
Try a FREE Sample
Want to see exactly what is included?
Try a FREE sample of the Genesis Begins Again Novel Study before purchasing. It’s a great way to preview the format, activities, and level of rigor.
Get the Complete Genesis Begins Again Novel Study
If you’re ready to teach Genesis Begins Again without spending hours creating comprehension questions, vocabulary activities, writing assignments, and assessments, check out the complete novel study.
It includes both printable and Google Drive™ formats, so you can choose the format that works best for your classroom.
Genesis Begins Again is more than a book about a middle school girl struggling with her identity. It is a story about learning to see your own worth, confronting the messages that make you feel “less than,” and finding the courage to become comfortable with who you are.
For teachers, it provides a meaningful way to combine reading comprehension and literary analysis with conversations about identity, empathy, resilience, and self-acceptance.
If you’re looking for a middle school novel that will give your students plenty to think about—and plenty to discuss—Genesis Begins Again is an excellent choice.
And with a ready-to-use novel study, you don’t have to create all of those lessons and activities yourself!
Connect with Fellow Educators!
Are you teaching Genesis Begins Again this school year?
Join our free community, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank, to share ideas, grab freebies, and connect with 3rd–8th grade teachers using novels in the classroom!
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The reality of educational research is this: if you look hard enough, you can find support for almost any teaching strategy. Rarely is there a clear-cut answer about what works best. In most cases, effective teaching comes down to a teacher’s professional judgment, their students’ needs, and the flexibility they are given in the classroom.
Unfortunately, in today’s test-driven educational climate, teachers are often given less freedom than ever before. Rigid curriculum guidelines and scripted programs can make it difficult to adapt instruction, leaving little room for meaningful engagement or enrichment.
My Experience Using Novel Studies in the Classroom
I experienced this challenge firsthand while teaching 4th grade in a high-poverty, low-performing school. Many of my students entered my classroom reading at a 1st–2nd grade level, and very few were on grade level.
The biggest obstacle wasn’t just skill; it was motivation.
Our district relied heavily on a basal reading program that felt unrelatable and uninspiring to students. The stories lacked emotional connection, and students saw reading as a chore rather than something enjoyable or rewarding.
I knew something had to change.
How Read-Alouds Spark a Love of Reading
I started small by implementing a daily read-aloud time. My goal wasn’t rigorous analysis; I simply wanted students to enjoy a story.
This shift made a huge difference.
Upper elementary students are often overlooked when it comes to being read to, yet they benefit tremendously from it. By choosing high-interest, often humorous books, I was able to create a positive reading experience. Soon, read-aloud became one of the most anticipated parts of our day.
Why Novel Studies Work Better Than Basal Readers
Once I saw the impact of read-alouds, I began incorporating novel studies alongside our required curriculum.
Instead of limiting students to short excerpts, I introduced full novels connected to the themes in our basal program. The results were immediate and powerful:
Students reading below grade level began attempting more challenging texts
Engagement and participation increased dramatically
Discussions became deeper and more meaningful
Students started choosing to read independently
It became clear that reading an entire book provides a richer, more rewarding experience than isolated passages.
Improved Critical Thinking Through Deeper Reading
One of the biggest advantages of novel studies is the ability to promote higher-order thinking.
With a full-length text, students can:
Analyze character development
Explore complex themes
Make predictions and connections
Engage in meaningful discussions
Using Bloom’s Taxonomy becomes far more natural when students are immersed in a complete story rather than a short excerpt.
Building Real-World Connections and Empathy
Perhaps the most powerful benefit of novel studies is their ability to build empathy and awareness.
Through literature, students can explore real-world issues in a meaningful and age-appropriate way. For example:
These stories stay with students far longer than any worksheet ever could.
Do Novel Studies Improve Test Scores?
While I didn’t conduct formal research, I can confidently say this: My students’ test scores did not decline, and their love of reading increased significantly.
And that matters.
Because when students enjoy reading, they read more. And when they read more, their skills naturally improve.
Key Benefits of Using Novel Studies in the Classroom
Incorporating novel studies into your curriculum offers numerous advantages:
Improved Reading Skills: Students build comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency through sustained reading.
Increased Student Engagement: Novels capture interest and create emotional investment in learning.
Stronger Critical Thinking Skills: Students analyze, infer, and evaluate as they explore complex texts.
Enhanced Writing and Communication: Discussions and written responses deepen understanding and expression.
Greater Cultural Awareness: Literature exposes students to diverse perspectives and experiences.
Development of Empathy: Students connect with characters and better understand others’ experiences.
Encouragement of Independent Reading: Engaged students are more likely to read on their own.
Final Thoughts: Why Novel Studies Matter
Using novel studies in the classroom is one of the most effective ways to transform reading instruction.
While standardized programs may check boxes, novels create meaningful learning experiences. They engage students, deepen understanding, and foster a lifelong love of reading.
And ultimately, that’s what great teaching is all about.
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
If there is one novel that consistently transforms how upper-elementary and middle-school students see the world, it’s Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper.
The story introduces readers to Melody, a brilliant fifth-grader with a photographic memory. Melody has cerebral palsy and cannot speak, write, or walk—leading most people to underestimate her intelligence. When technology finally gives Melody a voice, her journey challenges readers to re-examine how they view ability, inclusion, and human connection.
Whether you are teaching this novel to a full class, leading small literature circles, or looking for a safe, high-interest book for homeschool that meets rigorous ELA standards, Out of My Mind is an essential addition to your 4th–6th grade curriculum.
Here is why this novel is a classroom powerhouse—and how you can teach it with zero prep time and total confidence.
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🌟 Why Out of My Mind is a great book to use in a novel study.
1. Builds Deep Social-Emotional Empathy & Inclusion
In upper elementary, students are rapidly developing social awareness. Melody’s perspective gives students a front-row seat to the frustration of being unheard and the power of perseverance. It naturally opens up conversations around kindness, disability awareness, and standing up for others.
2. Rich in Literary Analysis
Draper’s writing style is packed with vivid figurative language, metaphors, similes, and rhythmic repetition. It provides a seamless entry point for teaching literary devices, character development, and point of view without overwhelming reluctant readers.
3. High Engagement Across All Reading Levels
Because the plot is fast-paced and emotionally gripping, even reluctant readers stay hooked from chapter one. The accessible language structure makes it equally effective for general education, inclusion settings, and learning support classrooms.
🛡️ Navigating Today’s Classroom Climate with Confidence
In today’s educational landscape, many teachers feel cautious when selecting whole-class novels. Out of My Mind is a safe, age-appropriate, and deeply enriching text that builds empathy while remaining focused on fundamental literacy skills.
To help you teach with complete peace of mind, The Teaching Bank’s Novel Study Unit includes proactive Parent and Administrator Communication Letters.
These ready-to-send letters outline:
The educational and literacy standards addressed in the unit.
The positive social-emotional goals of the book (empathy, inclusion, resilience).
Clear context on how sensitive classroom discussions are facilitated responsibly.
📦 Inside the Out of My Mind Complete Unit (Print + Google Apps)
Teaching a comprehensive novel study shouldn’t mean spending your weekends grading and formatting worksheets. This 199+ page complete unit is designed for instant plug-and-play instruction—both in print and digitally via Google Slides™ and self-grading Google Forms™.
Ready to save hours of prep time while giving your students an unforgettable reading experience?
👉 Download a FREE Sample of the Out of My Mind Novel Study Unit Here
👉 Purchase the Complete Unit
💬 Join the Discussion!
Are you planning to teach Out of My Mind this school year? How do you approach teaching empathy and disability awareness in your classroom?
Come join us in our free Facebook community, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank, to collaborate, swap lesson ideas, and connect with fellow 3rd–8th grade educators!
*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.
What if you could mail yourself across the country?
That sounds impossible—but in Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown, Stanley Lambchop discovers that being flat comes with some pretty unusual advantages. After an accident leaves Stanley flat as a pancake, he discovers that he can be folded, rolled, and even mailed to California!
While the idea of mailing a child across the country sounds like something straight out of a children’s book, real-life children were actually sent through the U.S. mail more than 100 years ago.
And that’s just one of the reasons Flat Stanley makes such a fun and engaging novel to teach in the elementary classroom.
Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown is a fun book that is wonderful to use in the classroom.
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The Real-Life Flat Stanley Connection
In Flat Stanley, Stanley is mailed to California rather than traveling by train or airplane. The idea saves money—and gives Stanley quite an adventure.
Believe it or not, there is a fascinating connection between Stanley’s fictional adventure and actual U.S. postal history.
In 1913, the United States Post Office introduced Parcel Post, which allowed Americans to send larger packages through the mail. Before Parcel Post, the postal system primarily handled letters and smaller items.
The new service was useful for businesses and families, but some people quickly discovered an unusual loophole: children could technically be sent through the mail as long as they met the weight requirements.
One of the most famous examples occurred in January 1913, when a baby was reportedly sent by Parcel Post to his grandmother about a mile away. The baby weighed just under the 11-pound limit, and the postage was only 15 cents.
Pretty unbelievable, right?
This strange piece of postal history makes an excellent opportunity to take a fictional story and connect it to informational reading, history, math, and writing.
Turn Flat Stanley Into a Cross-Curricular Learning Experience
Flat Stanley isn’t just a fun read-aloud or elementary novel. The story can become the starting point for meaningful ELA and math activities.
Students can explore questions such as:
How much would it cost to travel to another state?
Would it be cheaper to travel by car, train, airplane—or mail?
How has transportation changed over time?
How can we distinguish between information from a fictional story and information from an informational text?
How would you describe Stanley’s personality and adventures?
What would happen if you could become flat for a day?
These kinds of questions encourage students to move beyond basic comprehension and apply what they’re reading to real-world situations.
A Fun Flat Stanley Math & Writing Activity
One of my favorite extensions to the book combines informational reading, math, research, and writing.
Students first learn about the real children who were sent through the postal system during the early 1900s. Then they get to imagine what it would cost to send themselves to a destination today.
Students calculate the cost of traveling to a selected destination by:
📬 Postal mail
🚗 Car
🚆 Train
✈️ Airplane
They compare the costs and then complete a related writing activity.
It’s a wonderfully quirky way to connect Flat Stanley to real-world math and informational text while giving students something memorable to talk and write about.
Bring Flat Stanley to Life With a Novel Study
Another fun way to extend the book is with a traditional Flat Stanley project.
Students can create their own flat characters—often personalized versions of themselves—and send them on adventures with family members or friends.
The results can be fantastic.
A family member might take a Flat Stanley on vacation, to a sporting event, sightseeing, or even just around town. Students can then share photographs and stories about their character’s adventures with the class.
This creates authentic opportunities for students to practice writing, speaking, listening, geography, and presentation skills while connecting their own experiences to the novel.
Flat Stanley Novel Study for Grades 2-4
If you’re looking for a way to make teaching Flat Stanley easier, a complete Flat Stanley novel study can take care of the lesson planning and preparation for you.
My Flat Stanley Novel Study is designed for Grades 2-4 and combines reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, writing, assessment, and engaging extension activities.
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What’s Included?
The complete novel study includes:
Chapter-by-chapter reading comprehension
Vocabulary and spelling activities
Writing activities
Reading assessments
Answer keys
Teacher lesson plans and pacing support
Common Core standards alignment
Printable activities
Google Drive™ versions
A special real-life Flat Stanley math and writing activity
The goal is simple: give you ready-to-use materials so you can spend less time planning and more time teaching.
Want to see if this Flat Stanley novel study is a good fit for your students?
You can download a free sample and take a look at the activities before purchasing the complete unit.
Flat Stanley is a particularly fun choice for elementary students because it invites them to suspend reality, laugh at Stanley’s unusual adventures, and then use those adventures as a springboard for deeper learning.
From reading comprehension and vocabulary to math, writing, informational text, and real-world connections, this classic children’s book offers plenty of opportunities to turn reading into an engaging cross-curricular experience.
So, would you mail yourself if you could?
Your students might be surprised by what they discover!
Connect with Fellow Educators!
Are you teaching Flat Stanley this school year?
Join our free community, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank, to share ideas, grab freebies, and connect with 3rd–8th grade teachers using novels in the classroom!
*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.
Looking for a Little House in the Big Woods novel study that gives your students meaningful reading practice while saving you hours of preparation?
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a classic children’s novel that offers so many opportunities for reading comprehension, vocabulary development, literary analysis, historical connections, and thoughtful classroom discussion.
Set in the Wisconsin woods in the late 1800s, the story follows young Laura Ingalls and her family as they experience the challenges, routines, celebrations, and hardships of pioneer life. For students, the book provides a fascinating window into a very different time and way of life.
For teachers, it provides plenty of opportunities to teach important ELA and reading skills through an engaging novel.
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Why Teach Little House in the Big Woods?
One of the strengths of Little House in the Big Woods is the way the story naturally lends itself to classroom discussion and cross-curricular learning.
📚 Explore Pioneer Life
Students get a firsthand look at everyday life in the 1800s, including family responsibilities, food preparation, seasonal activities, celebrations, clothing, work, and the challenges of living without many of the conveniences we have today.
These details make the novel an excellent starting point for connecting reading with social studies and American history.
🔎 Build Reading Comprehension Skills
A novel study allows students to practice comprehension throughout an entire book rather than answering isolated reading passages.
As students read Little House in the Big Woods, they can examine:
Character development
Setting
Plot
Point of view
Theme
Important events
Cause and effect
Vocabulary in context
Making inferences
Supporting answers with evidence
These skills help students become stronger, more thoughtful readers.
✏️ Expand Vocabulary
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s descriptions of pioneer life introduce students to words and concepts they may not encounter in everyday reading.
Studying vocabulary in the context of the novel helps students understand unfamiliar words while also deepening their understanding of the story.
💭 Encourage Thoughtful Discussion
Little House in the Big Woods also provides opportunities for students to discuss how historical perspectives can differ from our perspectives today.
Teachers can guide students in thinking critically about the historical context of the novel, including the ways Indigenous people and other groups are represented. Rather than avoiding difficult passages or topics, the book can become an opportunity to help students examine historical perspectives, identify inaccuracies and harmful stereotypes, and distinguish between understanding historical context and agreeing with it.
These conversations can help students practice critical thinking, respectful discussion, and evaluating what they read.
Little House in the Big Woods Novel Study for Grades 3–5
This ready-to-use ELA novel unit is designed to help you teach the book without spending hours creating comprehension questions, vocabulary activities, assessments, and other materials yourself.
The resource includes:
Chapter-by-chapter comprehension activities
Vocabulary activities
Writing activities
Novel study assessments
Teacher answer keys
Lesson planning resources
Printable materials
Digital Google Drive™ resources
The novel study can be used for whole-class instruction, small groups, literature circles, independent reading, or homeschool.
It is especially useful for teachers looking for a 3rd grade, 4th grade, or 5th grade reading unit that is ready to use.
Make Your Little House in the Big Woods Unit Easier
If you are planning to teach Little House in the Big Woods, you don’t have to create your entire novel unit from scratch.
This Little House in the Big Woods reading comprehension and novel study unit gives you ready-to-use activities that allow you to spend less time planning and more time teaching.
Use the printable version for traditional classroom instruction or the digital version for a paperless classroom or Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Little House in the Big Woods
👉 Get the Little House in the Big Woods Novel Study
Are you teaching Little House in the Big Woods this school year?
Join our free community, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank, to share ideas, grab freebies, and connect with 3rd–8th grade teachers using novels in the classroom!
*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.
Connect with Fellow Educators!
The new service was useful for businesses and families, but some people quickly discovered an unusual loophole: children could technically be sent through the mail as long as they met the weight requirements.
