What is it like in the last years of innocence before a child comes of age in a climate saturated by gang violence and teen pregnancy? Two elementary school girls - both with older brothers deeply involved in gang activity, and older sisters emerging into the middle school where most local Latino youth have to pick a side - share the sounds and experiences of Bellevue Elementary. Read the full description.
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Piece Description
What is it like in the last years of innocence before a child comes of age in a climate saturated by gang violence and teen pregnancy? This story is by 7-year-old Carolina Mendez and 8-year-old Crystal Chavez - both having older teen brothers deeply involved in gang activity, and preteen sisters emerging into the middle school where most local Latino youth have to pick a side. From the ring of a bell to a hello from the janitor, Carolina and Crystal share the sounds and experiences of Bellevue Elementary. They journey around their campus and tell a story that evokes the playground excitements of years past, summertime's languid rhythms, and the anticipations of the year to come. Enjoy.

Geoff Odell
Posted on January 10, 2010 at 02:39 AM | Permalink
well done!
I'm an elementary teacher and I would really love to chat about your process for creating this with the students. Nicely done.