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Cover of All the Ways to Go

F M JANOWITZ

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Middle GradeGrades

All the Ways to Go

by Jessie Janowitz

Pacing Material

This poignant realistic novel follows a young protagonist navigating the various paths and choices life presents during a period of transition. It highlights the importance of exploration and the courage required to forge one's own trail.

Big Idea

There is no single correct way to grow up; success is defined by the paths we choose to walk with intention.

Discussion Questions

  1. 1.What does the title mean to you?
  2. 2.How does the setting influence the protagonist's choices?
  3. 3.Why is it scary to choose a new path?
  4. 4.What are the pros and cons of following others?
  5. 5.How do the supporting characters influence the main character's journey?

Classroom Activities

My Paths of Possibility Map

Students draw a mind-map of potential future paths or interests, reflecting on the obstacles and rewards of each.

My Paths of Possibility Map

Students draw a mind-map of potential future paths or interests, reflecting on the obstacles and rewards of each.

Lesson Plan

⏱ 50 minutes📦 Art supplies, colored paper, journals.

Learning Goals

  • Explore themes of choice and identity
  • Practice personal narrative reflection
  • Analyze the impact of setting on plot
  • Enhance descriptive writing skills

Activity Steps

  1. 1.List three interests or goals
  2. 2.Create a map with multiple pathways
  3. 3.Describe one challenge for each path
  4. 4.Write a reflection on which path feels most authentic
  5. 5.Share with a peer

Standards Connections

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.3
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.2
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.4
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.5

Pace-Write-Read Study with Pace-Write It!

The author of this work utilizes lyrical, meandering prose to mimic the journey of life. The pacing is intentionally steady, allowing the reader to soak in the internal development of the protagonist. Writing for this age group requires finding a balance between action and contemplation. This book demonstrates how quiet, thoughtful chapters can be just as engaging as high-action plot points by focusing on deep character growth.

ElementHow to notice or teach it in the novel
PacingFocus on the 'slow burn' of a character realization rather than immediate external action.
PlotEnsure that every small decision builds towards the final character transformation.
ProsodyPractice reading long, complex sentences to mimic the feeling of deep thought.
WordEmphasize verbs of movement to show how characters change their environment.
Voice & Worldview Encourage students to write from their own perspective to establish authentic voice.

Pace-Write It!

Write a one-paragraph 'road map' of a character's day, using sensory details to show a decision being made.