Unit Overview/Summary - FOCUS:

This unit focuses on how authors use fiction to illustrate the struggle to belong in America and the challenges different groups and individuals have faced in their journey to become part of the American Experience. The unit is broken into two parts.  

Part 1 helps students define the evolving idea of “The American Dream” and how it can differ based on personal and cultural perspectives. Through nonfiction literary texts, students will grapple with various perspectives and points of view related to the American Dream.  

Part 2 explores how authors of historical fiction use factual events and people, as well as fictional events and characters to illustrate the struggle to belong to the American Experience and achieve The American Dream.  

Unit Duration:

20 days (15 instructional days and 5 reteach/enrichment days); Five periods per week based on a traditional bell schedule