18 resources in this collection — customize any of them for your classroom.
Trevor recalls a childhood moment when he and his mother run for their lives, capturing the danger woven into daily existence under apartheid.
English Language Arts, Novels & Books
Grades 6-8
Trevor explains how his very existence was illegal in apartheid South Africa and what that meant for his early life.
Trevor describes his mother’s fierce religious devotion and the complicated weekly ritual of attending multiple churches.
Trevor reflects on his ability to blend into different racial and social groups, adapting like a chameleon to survive.
Trevor reveals how his family’s domestic hierarchy shaped his childhood and his mother’s expectations for him.
Trevor shares how his mother used creative workarounds to navigate oppressive laws and protect their family.
Trevor remembers his beloved dog and what her behavior unexpectedly taught him about loyalty and belonging.
Trevor explores the complicated, distant relationship he had with his father and how he sought connection over time.
Trevor recounts childhood adventures around a mulberry tree that left lasting, literal marks on him and his friends.
Trevor relives a painfully awkward Valentine’s Day that sparked his long education in misunderstanding girls.
Trevor reflects on feeling like an outsider everywhere—never fully belonging to any racial or social group.
Trevor tells the story of a crush derailed by shyness, miscommunication, and teenage confusion.
Trevor describes how apartheid shaped racial categories and how people learned to navigate—or exploit—them.
Trevor recalls a school dance where he learned that confidence matters far more than skill.
Trevor tells a chaotic, hilarious story about a friend whose name—unexpectedly—gets him into trouble.
Trevor explores male friendship, peer pressure, and his desire for acceptance among a group of flashy boys.
Trevor shares the harsh lesson that the world is often unforgiving, especially for young Black men.
Trevor recounts his mother’s life story, her resilience, and the strength that shaped his own identity.
