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WHILE YOU READ OR LISTEN

The title of this chapter is The Broom Dog. Listen carefully to answer these questions:

  • What is the broom dog?
  • Who made it?
  • Who has it?
  • Why do they need it?
TALK

It was traumatic for Canton to realize his mom could get hurt or maybe even killed in her job as a crossing guard. He felt anxious and worried about her for quite a while after the accident.

What are different ways people react to traumatic events in their lives? How can you be understanding of others who might be dealing with trauma?

We all experience some level of stress and anxiety. Get ideas below about how you can cope with stress during difficult times.

LOOK BOTH WAYS

This is a story about a school bus falling from the sky. Several other stories in this book mention a falling school bus–can you find them? When the school bus finally does fall from the sky, does it happen in the way you expected? How did it make you feel? Why do you think Jason Reynolds used this image throughout the book?

THINK DEEPER

The final chapter begins with a string of metaphors describing a school bus. Choose two or three metaphors that you find especially effective, and explain what you think each metaphor you selected means.

OBSERVE AND WRITE

Canton’s homework is to describe the environment around him. He notices sounds like laughter and his mom’s whistle blowing. He notices people frowning, talking, and hugging. 

Try Canton’s project for yourself! Pick a place to sit and observe. You can sit at a window and watch people going by outside, or you can pick a spot in your house. What do you notice about your environment? How do people move through that environment? 

WRITE. RIGHT. RITE.

Canton’s mom is a hero when she shields Kenzi from being hit by a bus. Do you have a hero? If you wrote them a letter and they wrote back, what do you think they would write? Listen to Jason Reynolds, then get started writing their response.

AND WRITE SOME MORE!

This story tells us that “A school bus is many things… a command center… a pillow fort… a science lab.” A walk home can be many things, too, as we’ve seen in all these different stories. Pick an object and write a story or poem about the many things that object can be. If you want, you can even write about yourself–You are many things, too. Here are some ideas to get your brain thinking:

  • A bathtub is many things…
  • A bicycle is many things…
  • A best friend is many things…
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