About This Book
This poignant chapter book, set in 1958 Kansas City, follows twelve-year-old Louis Lamb as he confronts the complexities of the adult world. Louis's favorite teacher, Mr. Forster, a kind and encouraging mentor, is accused of being homosexual by the conservative community and subsequently fired. The story explores Louis's confusion, devastation, and eventual resolve to stand up for his teacher, highlighting themes of prejudice, empathy, and justice. It's recommended for middle-school level discussions, emphasizing that homosexuals are people with feelings and love, just like anyone else. The book provides a historical lens on social attitudes and encourages critical thinking about fairness.
A sixth grader living in Kansas City in the 1950's learns to question the actions of those around him when one of his favorite teachers is accused of being a homosexual.
discrimination
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Louis's understanding of fairness change throughout the story?
2
What does the book teach us about prejudice and how it affects people?
3
How did the community's actions impact Mr. Forster and Louis?
4
What does it mean to 'love each other' in different ways, as Mr. Forster explains?
5
If you were Louis, what would you have done when Mr. Forster was fired?
6
How do you think Louis's decision to write about Mr. Forster at the end shows his growth?
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