Document: Invite

Comments:

Selections from WE MADE IT TO SCHOOL ALIVE by Quartez Harris

10 additions to document , most recent over 3 years ago

When	Why
Mar-10-21	Intro to the Collection: James Baldwin
Mar-10-21	"Ocean"
Mar-10-21	"Ocean" (continued)
Mar-10-21	"Testing Doesn't Tell the Whole Story"
Mar-10-21	Poem
Mar-10-21	Poem
Mar-10-21	Poem
Mar-10-21	Poem
Mar-10-21	Poem
Mar-10-21	A Conversation with Quartez Harris

DMU Timestamp: February 27, 2021 01:26

DMU Timestamp: February 27, 2021 01:26

Paragraph 1 (Image 1) 0

No whole image conversations. Start one.

Whole Image 0

Mar 12

Belle G Belle G (Mar 12 2021 9:01AM) : This image on the cover of the book allows the reader to infer a small portion of the contents ahead. The butterfly wings can symbolize innocence, creativity, or the potential for prosperity in the children's futures.

Mar 15

Emma G Emma G (Mar 15 2021 1:41PM) : Cover Page more

I thought that too! Butterflies have been seen as creativity and growth. Adding them to this cover, give the audience a preview to what they will be reading.

Mar 12

Carter S Carter S (Mar 12 2021 11:32AM) : Cover Page more

The image on the cover page with the child and the butterfly wings can symbolize creativity and gives the audience something to make an inference to what they might be reading about.

Mar 15

Zachary Z Zachary Z (Mar 15 2021 1:24PM) : Front page more

The cover is most of the time the selling point of a book. I agree with Carter I think this cover page could symbolize creativity.

Mar 12

Austin D Austin D (Mar 12 2021 1:21PM) : Cover Page more

The butterfly wings does show a form of innocence among the children and does give the audience of this book a sneak peak in what they will be reading.

Mar 15

Zachary H Zachary H (Mar 15 2021 1:45PM) : I agree more

I also thought of the butterfly wings symbolizing innocence, as well as inside of knowledge as what’s to come.

Mar 12

Lauren T Lauren T (Mar 12 2021 1:35PM) : Front Cover more

The image presented on the front cover to me represents change and growth. In order to become a butterfly one must undergo the change from being a caterpillar and into the transformation of becoming a butterfly. As a caterpillar forms a cocoon and later comes out of that cocoon as a new person, this can symbolize the growth of a student. One experiences summer break and from summer break to the next year people change in many ways whether it be in their style, their hair, their attitude.

Mar 12

Colleen O Colleen O (Mar 12 2021 2:21PM) : wings more

A butterfly starts out as a caterpillar, and cocoons into a butterfly. This could represent the children growing in their creativity and blossoming into beautiful butterflies

Mar 15

Katie L. B Katie L. B (Mar 15 2021 1:35PM) : Relating back to the Audience more

Colleen, I like how you described how a butterfly could represent children growing. We all started as babies, but we grew into who we are now. Just like how caterpillars grow up to be butterflies. We all grow up to being something beautiful and unique.

Mar 15

Emma G Emma G (Mar 15 2021 1:43PM) : Agreeing more

I think Colleen explained the cover page really well. A butterfly can have many different meanings and one of those meanings is growth. This could relate to the child because they are growing in up and their minds are growing.

Mar 12

Lauren T Lauren T (Mar 12 2021 3:13PM) : Title Page more

After I have read through the entirety of what was published to this site of “We Made It To School” to me the title represents a parent helping their child to grow wings so they can one day fly on their own, meaning they will one day take their knowledge and experience the world for themselves, leaving the parent as an empty nester.

Mar 12

mia p mia p (Mar 12 2021 8:34PM) : cover page more

This whole cover really draws you into the title. It looks as if the kids are running for school or maybe at each other. It really gives off a sense of freedom and playfulness as kids.

Mar 15

Yahir V Yahir V (Mar 15 2021 1:24PM) : Response more

It seems like the kids could possibly be having some sort of recess. where in one moment of the day they can release all of their pent up energy.

Mar 12

Grant M Grant M (Mar 12 2021 9:20PM) : son more

The parent’s son in the story has a vast imagination and high hopes for the future. I can tell from this text," My son runs his hands across a puddle out our apartment, pretends it’s an ocean he can swim in."

Mar 13

Ross S Ross S (Mar 13 2021 4:23AM) : The Cover of the book has two children on the cover this shows creativity, or may be a way to show the charter going out on their own.

Mar 13

Kali M Kali M (Mar 13 2021 12:29PM) : Butterfly more

The butterflies on the children can symbolize what is to come within the book. The children could grow into themselves and have the same effect as a butterfly, to grow and fly away with life.

Mar 15

Emma G Emma G (Mar 15 2021 1:51PM) : Reply to Kali more

I agree with this! Butterflies can be seen as growth and as you said, the children are growing into themselves like butterflies grow and fly away. The butterflies symbolize the growth that the child will go through.

Mar 15

Ross S Ross S (Mar 15 2021 7:49AM) : In this part it is interesting how it shows it took him a while to figure out he was oppressed.

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:07PM) : Reply more

I agree it took him quite a while to figure out he was oppressed

Mar 15

Ross S Ross S (Mar 15 2021 7:53AM) : In this section I think it is saying that school did not teach him anything and she hopes he can learn.

Mar 15

Ross S Ross S (Mar 15 2021 7:55AM) : I think in this section, is saying that the saying you can do anything you put your mind to is not true.

Mar 15

Ross S Ross S (Mar 15 2021 8:23AM) : I think the title is very interesting, maybe showing that the kids were making it in a system that could use work.

Mar 15

Ava S Ava S (Mar 15 2021 9:58AM) : cover more

the image with the butterflies shows symbolism because caterpillars can turn into butterflies

Mar 15

Zachary H Zachary H (Mar 15 2021 1:51PM) : I agree more

I also think that the butterfly wings symbolized maturity because caterpillars can turn into butterflies.

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:08PM) : Reply more

Yea I think it showed a sign of maturity kind of like growing up into his own person

Mar 15

Ava S Ava S (Mar 15 2021 11:00AM) : title more

The title implies the idea of facing but then overcoming struggles or difficulties.

Mar 15

Lacey T Lacey T (Mar 15 2021 1:30PM) : title page more

The title page is what can either get people to read the book or not want to.

Mar 15

Sydney S Sydney S (Mar 15 2021 1:35PM) : The cover intrigues the readers and encourages them to open the book and see exactly what the butterfly wings on the boys symbolize.

Mar 15

Madison A Madison A (Mar 15 2021 1:50PM) : Cover page more

The wings could mean that they feel more free since they have made it to school. They don’t feel grounded down anymore, their parents might not have to watch them 24/7 everyday now.

Mar 15

Madison A Madison A (Mar 15 2021 1:52PM) : Cover page more

I wonder if making it to school was a struggle when first reading the cover page. Was it more of a huge step to make for them?

Mar 15

Eli H Eli H (Mar 15 2021 1:56PM) : Color more

Everything but “ALIVE” and the butterfly wings are in black-and-white. Perhaps there is a link between the butterfly wings and living. Butterfly wings could be there in contrast to angel wings. Whereas angel wings are associated with purity, an ending, butterfly wings imply room to grow and childhood innocence/curiosity.

Mar 15

Katie B Katie B (Mar 15 2021 2:15PM) : Title Page more

This title page is inviting and sets the tone of the story with few words. The artwork intrigues the audience and causes curiosity about the reading for the book.

Jun 19

M E C M E C (Jun 19 2021 12:48AM) : educacion more

Hoy en día los recursos tecnológicos sin duda están revolucionando la función docente, desde paginas web como https://www.materialeducativo.mx/ así como blogs educativos y foros en general están facilitando la educacion a distancia, medios eficaces donde nos podemos poner en contacto con nuestros alumnos y padres de familia y de esta manera enriquecer el proceso educativo.

Imagery 0

Mar 12

Paul H Paul H (Mar 12 2021 7:59AM) : This butterfly imagery comes back in a later poem within the collection called, "Butterfly in the Flesh." more

somewhere

a butterfly settle
near a herd of boys
flowering

they draw closer
the butterfly
doesn’t flutter

they raise their hands
to prove they are unarmed

hundreds of mahogany-
colored butterflies
burst out of them like lightning
joining hands with fireworks

only god seems to notice the glitz
because in the beginning

he said let there be light
& a butterfly boy, as black as beginning
appeared in the flesh

Harris, Quartez. “Butterfly in the Flesh.” We Made It To School Alive. Twelve Literary Arts, 2020.

Mar 12

Belle G Belle G (Mar 12 2021 10:32AM) : These wings on the children's backs can symbolize innocence and creativity, but they can also symbolize a child's ability to "take flight" and find their individuality in their lives.

Mar 12

Katherine H Katherine H (Mar 12 2021 12:18PM) : Seeing a Story Through the Cover more

You can see this picture as a visual representation of students learning and evolving within their time in the classroom. The wings may represent a student blossoming from a caterpillar into a butterfly ready to take flight.

Mar 15

Yahir V Yahir V (Mar 15 2021 1:26PM) : Children must grow up more

The butterflies seem to not be fully grown, so in order to be able to take flight they must grow some more. They can grow through learning.

Mar 15

Daisy P Daisy P (Mar 15 2021 1:26PM) : A butterfly is a beautiful creature but is delicate and can be harmed easily. I feel as if the wings were used to symbolize the beauty of being a child, but also the dangers.

Mar 15

Katie B Katie B (Mar 15 2021 2:13PM) : I noticed this too more

At first, I thought it was associated with childhood innocence but after seeing your comment I notice the dangers of that innocence. This includes: child death, kidnapping, hospital visits, and other scary situations that can takeaway that innocence.

Mar 15

Ryan S Ryan S (Mar 15 2021 1:40PM) : Since the butterfly wings come back in a later poem within the book I wonder if other imagery seen on the cover will as well.

Butterfly Wings 0

Mar 12

Lindsay B Lindsay B (Mar 12 2021 7:57AM) : The appearance of butterfly wings attached to the child's back allows the viewer to sense innocence embedded in these children.

Mar 15

Katie B Katie B (Mar 15 2021 1:24PM) : Butterfly Wings more

I noticed this too, Lindsay. I think including this idea of innocent children allows for the readers to engage with the book before they even read it. This creates a relationship with the author and the audience before dialogue even begins.

Mar 12

Grace C Grace C (Mar 12 2021 10:56AM) : wings more

I think the children wearing butterfly wings symbolizes how rare and beautiful their innocence is.

First Rhetorical Choice 0

Mar 12

Lucas D Lucas D (Mar 12 2021 8:06AM) : The emphasis is put on "Alive" in the title by making it bigger than the other text, as well as giving it a red hue. This is the first rhetorical choice made by the author, and it should be interesting seeing how it aids the purpose going forward.

Mar 12

Emme R Emme R (Mar 12 2021 1:10PM) : In regards to this primary rhetorical choice, I wonder why the author chose this title. Why should a child have to question if they will make it to school "alive?" Some food for thought when entering the text.

Mar 15

Lacey T Lacey T (Mar 15 2021 1:37PM) : response more

This is a great thought that many people probably haven’t even thought about.

The Title Suggests a Doubt 0

Mar 12

Paul H Paul H (Mar 12 2021 8:06AM) : This idea that this is a communication to the world that a student has made it to the place where they will learn today. . ."safely?"

Mar 15

Ava S Ava S (Mar 15 2021 11:02AM) : title more

alive needs to be big and bold to show emphasis

Alive 0

Mar 12

Gavin L Gavin L (Mar 12 2021 8:09AM) : The addition of the word "alive" really makes you think about the conditions these children had to face going to school. A strong literary device the author uses is that he bolds the word to give emphasis to it.

Mar 12

Braxton S Braxton S (Mar 12 2021 8:22PM) : The emphasis on the word "alive" is first rhetorical choice that I've noticed so far.

Mar 15

Ava S Ava S (Mar 15 2021 9:59AM) : alive more

rhetorical choice used by the author.

No Shoes 0

Mar 12

Gavin L Gavin L (Mar 12 2021 8:57AM) : In this image you can see that the child has no shoes on. This could be to show how poor his family is.

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:15PM) : the child having no shoes I think really does symbolize how poor her is and how poor his family is , and how this might have a degrading effect on his life

Butterfly Friends 0

Mar 12

Heather P Heather P (Mar 12 2021 10:55AM) : It looks like the butterflies are holding on to the kids. I think it is symbolizing innocence and childlike imaginations.

Mar 15

Ava S Ava S (Mar 15 2021 10:00AM) : butterflies more

the butterfly friends holding on to the kids shows the love and appreciation for the kids.

Mar 15

Danika J Danika J (Mar 15 2021 1:40PM) : Butterflies more

It looks like the butterflies represent the kids. This could show love and imaginations that children may have.

Author 0

Mar 12

Connor W Connor W (Mar 12 2021 11:07AM) : Quartez Harris more

Quartez Harris is an educator and an author. He also lives in Cleveland Ohio with his son.

Mar 15

Katie B Katie B (Mar 15 2021 1:21PM) : Quartez Harris more

Quartez Harris is the author of this poetry collection called “We Made it To School Alive.” This book was published by Twelve Arts Press.

Mar 15

Madison A Madison A (Mar 15 2021 1:54PM) : Quartez Harris more

Quartez Harris wrote a book called “We Made it to School Alive” which focused on self-worth.

Wings 0

Mar 12

Ella M Ella M (Mar 12 2021 11:06AM) : Another possible interpretation. more

The wings could symbolize the metamorphosis of leaving childhood to go into adulthood. It could also symbolize the fragility of childhood and innocence.

Title 0

Mar 12

Emily M Emily M (Mar 12 2021 11:08AM) : The title implies the idea of facing but then overcoming struggles or difficulties. Difficult situations are inevitable in life but it all depends on how the situation is perceived and then can be conquered.

Mar 15

Sydney S Sydney S (Mar 15 2021 1:45PM) : The title informs the reader that it is a struggle for these kids to do the little things in life.

"we made it to school alive 0

Mar 12

Josiah F Josiah F (Mar 12 2021 11:13AM) : The title draws interest to the book by adding a interesting title.

Mar 15

Sydney S Sydney S (Mar 15 2021 1:47PM) : It makes the readers wonder what the author means by the title and want to know more about the children's difficulties.

Mar 14

Katherine H Katherine H (Mar 14 2021 3:31PM) : The Significance of Words more

These words mean something more than they ever would a year ago. It is as simple as that, we made it back to school. We did not know that we would be able to come back to school so soon last year, so these words are very symbolic.

Mar 15

Danika J Danika J (Mar 15 2021 1:50PM) : This title could also show what happened last year and what is happening this year. We did not know when we could come back to school or if we would be able to at all. We had to learn to do a lot of things online and how to do meets and other things. [Edited]

Alive. 0

Mar 12

Tavian S Tavian S (Mar 12 2021 11:23AM) : The word alive in the picture of the book stands out more than the rest of the title, maybe this emphasizes the action being brought about.

Wing Imagery 0

Mar 12

Paul H Paul H (Mar 12 2021 11:23AM) : What might the wing imagery say to us about "fragility" and "durability" of this element which should afford "flight?" more

One thing we know, too, about butterflies is the desire of some to collect these. . .what must happen to the butterfly in order to be “collected” and added to a “specimen?”

Butterflies and Hope 0

Mar 12

Ethan N Ethan N (Mar 12 2021 11:28AM) : Throughout world cultures, butterflies are often seen as symbols of hope. The choice to include them is fitting, as the title makes me think that the two children have hope that they will get an education.

"We made it to School alive" 0

Mar 12

Hanna B Hanna B (Mar 12 2021 11:29AM) : The title of the book brings out several of my own life. School has been rough throughout the years between students, teachers, and the work. School can be degrading, which is depressing, but it's the honest truth.

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:13PM) : Reply more

I agree school is degrading. we put so much effort in and we dont even know what we are going to get out of it in the end. It so stressful sometimes

Mar 15

Ava S Ava S (Mar 15 2021 11:01AM) : personification more

the title cannot be truly alive

Mar 15

Ryan S Ryan S (Mar 15 2021 1:33PM) : The cover of this book allows us to infer what the contents of the book may be

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:12PM) : the cover of the book may allow us to infer the contents of the book.

Background on Quartez Harris 0

Mar 12

Ethan N Ethan N (Mar 12 2021 11:34AM) : Quartez Harris is a second grade teacher in Cleveland, Ohio. All of the works in this poetry collection are based off of Harris´s current and former students.

A-L-I-V-E 0

Mar 12

Carter S Carter S (Mar 12 2021 11:38AM) : Emphasis more

The author changes the color and makes the word alive bigger to emphasize the word and could be foreshadowing for the reader

Life. 0

Mar 12

Hanna B Hanna B (Mar 12 2021 11:57AM) : On the cover page, one child is not wearing shoes, one child has a large rip down their shirt, but they both have butterfly wings. To me, the wings seem to symbolize joy. The wings are bright and colorful, and the children are playing, which makes the > more

<the clothing situation not matter.

The boy 0

Mar 12

Avery E Avery E (Mar 12 2021 1:13PM) : Butterfly Wings more

The wings on the boys may symbolize the innocence in the children who may or may not be aware of mistreatment they are receiving.

Free wings 0

Mar 12

K B K B (Mar 12 2021 1:13PM) : Freedom seen in wings more

The children having butterfly wings in this cover here can tell the reader about a sense of freedom and the childlike wonder adults usually lose when they get older.

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Alive Style 0

Mar 12

Matteo D Matteo D (Mar 12 2021 1:19PM) : The word alive is larger than the other words and colored orange rather than black like the rest. This makes the word itself feel alive compared to the others.

We 0

Mar 12

K B K B (Mar 12 2021 1:18PM) : "We" ambiguity more

Who is “we”? Harris’s fellow classmates? Siblings? Us?

Wings Meaning 0

Mar 12

Matteo D Matteo D (Mar 12 2021 1:23PM) : I think the wings of a butterfly symbolize and visualize life and also help to show to purity of the children.

The Title 0

Mar 12

Reese G Reese G (Mar 12 2021 1:25PM) : I think the title is unique because the fact that it says "We Made it to School" draws the reader in already. But, when it says "...Alive" after that, it draws the reader in even more.

Mar 15

Ryan S Ryan S (Mar 15 2021 1:36PM) : The fact that the word alive is bold and red draws emphasis to the word

Children's Attire 0

Mar 12

Matteo D Matteo D (Mar 12 2021 1:26PM) : The clothes that the two are wearing are very loose and one of the boys isn't even wearing shoes. This could reflect their wealth or show that they are from the inner cities.

A symbol of innocence 0

Mar 12

Isabel O Isabel O (Mar 12 2021 1:28PM) : Butterfly Wings more

The wings on the children on the cover of the book can represent many things. Inferring from the wings and the title of the book, these kids do not have it easy, but they are innocent.

Title's Meaning 0

Mar 12

Matteo D Matteo D (Mar 12 2021 1:29PM) : This title most likely refers to a poem within titled, Alive, which details a teacher recognizing the life and humanity of their black students.

An interesting pov 0

Mar 12

Isabel O Isabel O (Mar 12 2021 1:30PM) : No shoes more

In the cover photo, we also notice the children are not wearing shoes. Again, this could be a sign that these kids do not have it easy. The title and image play into this thinking.

Poems Inclusion 0

Mar 12

Matteo D Matteo D (Mar 12 2021 1:32PM) : This shows that the book is a collection of poems instead of being mistaken for a novel.

Butterfly wings relation to later poems 0

Mar 12

Jackie S Jackie S (Mar 12 2021 1:33PM) : I like that the wings connect to a poem in this set called Windows. He compares students to birds "lifting off the ground" and the butterfly wings on the cover add to the imagery and symbolism of the text.

Quartez Harris 0

Mar 12

Addyson D Addyson D (Mar 12 2021 1:58PM) : Quartez Harris more

Quartez Harris is the author of the debut full-length poetry collection We Made It To School Alive, published by Twelve Arts Press.

New area 0

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front page 0

Mar 12

Riley W Riley W (Mar 12 2021 4:28PM) : the kids with butterfly wings seems to infer innocence and freedom

Mar 15

Ryan S Ryan S (Mar 15 2021 1:38PM) : The clothes the boys are wearing could symbolize their social status or living situation

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:10PM) : the kids could be wearing what they might be portrayed as by other people, showing injustice

the author 0

Mar 12

Riley W Riley W (Mar 12 2021 4:32PM) : Quartez Harris is a teacher and author who lives in Cleveland

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:11PM) : Harris is an author out of Cleveland, Ohio

front page title 0

Mar 12

Riley W Riley W (Mar 12 2021 4:34PM) : the title sparks interests in the reader

Mar 16

Connor W Connor W (Mar 16 2021 11:52AM) : I personally do not think that this title is much of a hook.

impression of title 0

Mar 12

Destiny B Destiny B (Mar 12 2021 5:00PM) : The title of this book gives me the impression that the author is going to provide the experiences some have to go through just to receive an education, such as in 3rd world countries

symbolism of butterfly wings 0

Mar 12

Destiny B Destiny B (Mar 12 2021 5:03PM) : The butterfly wings on the children's backs alludes to the youthfulness of the kids and their eagerness to grow.

3rd world countries 0

Mar 12

Destiny B Destiny B (Mar 12 2021 5:07PM) : I believe the fact of the children not wearing shoes complements my initial idea of the author exhibiting the struggles children within 3rd world countries are faced with, such as receiving basic amenities like clothing and education

Cover page 0

Mar 12

Braxton S Braxton S (Mar 12 2021 6:43PM) : I believe that the wings represent the innocence, adventure, and creativity of childhood.

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:27PM) : i believe the wings represent a sign of hope

Mar 16

Connor W Connor W (Mar 16 2021 11:54AM) : You should capitalize you I's, also Happy Birthday.

New area 0

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New area 0

Mar 12

Braxton S Braxton S (Mar 12 2021 6:50PM) : Cover more

Neither children appear to be wearing shoes, perhaps they are too poor to afford shoes. The title “We made it to school alive” may be referencing to the struggles and possible dangers of being poor.

New area 0

Mar 12

Braxton S Braxton S (Mar 12 2021 6:54PM) : Cover. more

Quartez Harris is an educator and author, his only poem/story so far is “We Made It To School Alive,” He currently lives in Cleveland Ohio with his son.

Cover 0

Mar 12

Grant M Grant M (Mar 12 2021 7:33PM) : Cover page more

The imagery along with the title makes the book look interesting and makes want to read it.

New area 0

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New area 0

Mar 12

Grant M Grant M (Mar 12 2021 7:40PM) : cover page more

It is interesting that the illustrator put butterflies on the children’s back and I am interested in finding out the meaning behind this

unique 0

Mar 12

mia p mia p (Mar 12 2021 8:15PM) : imagery more

The butterfly wings gives the boy a sense of creativity and innocence.

flying 0

Mar 12

mia p mia p (Mar 12 2021 8:18PM) : flying more

The wings and the title can be tied in as if it was a long fly or trip to get through and to school.

Mar 13

Kennedy F Kennedy F (Mar 13 2021 7:33PM) : Flying more

I think that makes a tremendous amount of sense. Some students might not get their wings until later, and then they come in beautifully. Other students might get their wings torn or clipped along the way. The flight is different for everyone, but it’s a flight nonetheless.

Book of poems 0

Mar 12

Braxton S Braxton S (Mar 12 2021 8:18PM) : The book is entirely made up of poems.

Mar 13

Kennedy F Kennedy F (Mar 13 2021 7:53PM) : Book made of poems more

The term for a book made up of poems is Anthology. An anthology can also be made up of songs, plays, and short stories.

Title. 0

Mar 12

Braxton S Braxton S (Mar 12 2021 8:24PM) : The title "We made it to school alive" is rather dark, it's a good title if you want to grab the readers attention quickly.

Mar 15

Ryan S Ryan S (Mar 15 2021 1:44PM) : The fact the title draws your attention to the word alive could mean it tells the story of someone who's life is in danger.

freedom 0

Mar 12

mia p mia p (Mar 12 2021 8:31PM) : run more

This image can tie into the title as well. He looks like he is running to towards “school.”

"...ALIVE" 0

Mar 12

Brianna B Brianna B (Mar 12 2021 8:33PM) : Alive is presented in all red and caps, presenting the idea of the importance of the word. It showing through the title the struggles of making it to school alive.

Cover 0

Mar 12

Daniel M Daniel M (Mar 12 2021 9:15PM) : The cover holds both the title and a cover illustration. The title infers to the reader that some children are not making it to school with their lives. The wings on each child's back could symbolize the freedom they have by making it to school alive.

Mar 15

Yahir V Yahir V (Mar 15 2021 1:30PM) : The butterflies' significance more

In some cultures butterflies signify death. Could it be that this is used as a sort of false assurance to make the viewer think the children are alive?

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:18PM) : I think butterflies are a sign of hope. How they mature from a Catipillar to a Butterfly and how they spread they wings and fly away.

symbolism 0

Mar 12

Emma P Emma P (Mar 12 2021 9:16PM) : butterflies more

The butterfly normal symbolizes personal growth or just growth in general. Since the butterflies look like wings on the children they could possibly symbolize a sort way to keep the young children safe to school; like a guardian angel.

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:21PM) : I think the butterfly shows personal growth in general since the butterflies look like wings on the children.

New area 0

Mar 12

Emma P Emma P (Mar 12 2021 9:47PM) : Quartez Harris more

Quartez Harris is a renowned poet and especially popular for his poetry book called We Made it to School Alive.

New area 0

Mar 12

Emma P Emma P (Mar 12 2021 9:48PM) : cover image more

The cover image can show the reader what the book is going to be about young African American kids living life and having fun.

Mar 13

Kennedy F Kennedy F (Mar 13 2021 9:09PM) : Cover Image more

At one point, Black American children were not allowed to go to school, and were not given the freedom to play and have fun and do whatever. So to see a cover of these black children living freely is huge.

New area 0

Mar 13

Kali M Kali M (Mar 13 2021 1:19PM) : Title more

The title “We Made it to School Alive” symbolizes many things. This title can create curiosity of the hardships they may have went through to get to school.

New area 0

Mar 13

Kali M Kali M (Mar 13 2021 1:21PM) : Color to butterfly more

The color orange found on the word “Alive” resembles the orange found on the butterflies. The butterflies can represent the aliveness which the children may have found while at school.

An Image of Innocence 0

Mar 13

Kennedy F Kennedy F (Mar 13 2021 7:23PM) : I think there is beauty in this image of children being children, playing as butterflies, and just living. They made it to school alive, but will they make it out alive?

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young kids 0

Mar 15

Trey S Trey S (Mar 15 2021 9:09AM) : the kids in the cover picture give context to what level of schooling they are in maybe middle school or high school

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:22PM) : the kids are really young. they do look like middle school kids. and they might have to take on big responsibilities in their life

Book Cover/Title 0

Mar 15

Jordyn H Jordyn H (Mar 15 2021 9:15AM) : This title and cover page gives us an idea of what the book is going to be about. It may let us infer what the poems are going to tell us and the overall message the author is trying to convey.

title area 0

Mar 15

Brandon M Brandon M (Mar 15 2021 1:25PM) : title more

This title interests me because the big focus on ALIVE makes me wonder if that was something difficult to do. It makes me wonder what these kids would be going through to make to where getting to school is a life threatening challenge.

Mar 15

Zachary H Zachary H (Mar 15 2021 1:48PM) : I agree more

The Title makes it feel like they have to traverse obstacles just to get to school.

Why wings 0

Mar 15

Benjamin B Benjamin B (Mar 15 2021 1:25PM) : Why the wings [Edited] more

Why do they have wings on what is the meaning of the wings?

Mar 15

Madison A Madison A (Mar 15 2021 1:48PM) : Do the wings mean something more

I was thinking the wings may have to show they blossomed from a caterpillar to a butterfly. It shows they have blossomed from a child into a kid that has made it to school.

why alive 0

Mar 15

Benjamin B Benjamin B (Mar 15 2021 1:27PM) : What does Alive mean more

Why is it such a big deal to emphasize that they made it to school alive?

we? 0

Mar 15

Benjamin B Benjamin B (Mar 15 2021 1:29PM) : who is we more

who is we and why are they going to school?

Boys 0

Mar 15

Sydney S Sydney S (Mar 15 2021 1:42PM) : The boys are in loose clothing that doesn't really fit them and have no shoes on. I think this is representing that they don't have a lot.

New area 0

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New area 0

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Butterfly Wings Symbolism 0

Mar 15

Zachary H Zachary H (Mar 15 2021 1:47PM) : Symbolism more

I think that the wings symbolize maturity/growing up since butterflies come after caterpillars.

Monarch Butterfly Euphemism 0

Mar 15

Jesse B Jesse B (Mar 15 2021 1:44PM) : "Those who feel they've had a direct sign and communication from their deceased loved one through a butterfly report the event happens soon after their loved one died. Those who have a visitation from a butterfly immediately feel relief, joy, and comfort. more

Above is a quote from an article describing the significance of the monarch butterfly after death

New area 0

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"ALIVE" represented in the title 0

Mar 15

Katie L. B Katie L. B (Mar 15 2021 1:47PM) : "ALIVE" seems to complete the title more

The word “ALIVE” seems to resemble significance. If the title was, “We made it to school,” wouldn’t it seem off? The word “ALIVE” seems to bring the title together.

Mar 15

Brandon M Brandon M (Mar 15 2021 7:30PM) : i agree [Edited] more

I agree with what you’re saying here Katie. The “ALIVE” part of the title is very significant to the message the author is trying to get across.

"Alive" in the title 0

Mar 15

Sydney S Sydney S (Mar 15 2021 2:02PM) : In the title, the word "alive" is bigger than the rest of the words. It also is orange, like the butterfly wings, while the rest of the cover is in black and white.

Book Title 0

Mar 15

Ava R Ava R (Mar 15 2021 6:22PM) : ALIVE more

I think it is really interesting how the alive in the title is red and bigger than the other words. I wonder if the author has made it like this because there is a meaning behind it, or maybe he just wanted it to stand out more than the other words in the title.

Book Cover 0

Mar 15

Ava R Ava R (Mar 15 2021 6:30PM) : Wings more

When I first looked at the cover I immediately looked at the Butterfly wings that stood out the most because everything else on the cover is black or white. I think that these wings could symbolize that in school you have the choice to take off on a journey of learning or just go through the motions of school and not get a lot out of it.

Kid with wings 0

Mar 16

Joshua H Joshua H (Mar 16 2021 9:25AM) : They have wings, yet they do not fly. more

This kid has monarch butterfly wings. The type of wings may be important here, but I think of metamorphosis when a butterfly is used in symbolism. Maybe the author is referring school as a cocoon to protect the students while they become adults?

Paragraph 2 (Image 1) 0

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Whole Image 0

Mar 12

Austin D Austin D (Mar 12 2021 1:23PM) : Oppression more

This quote seems to infer that we are unaware of our oppression until we are experiencing it first hand.

Mar 15

Jordyn R Jordyn R (Mar 15 2021 1:24PM) : I agree more

Austin, I agree with how you responded to this quote. I think it was hard for him to really understand what has happening until it happened to him directly. People could think it’s normal, but when it happens to them, they will begin to understand.

Mar 15

Zachary Z Zachary Z (Mar 15 2021 1:26PM) : Quote more

We do not know our oppression until we have it is what this quote sounds like to me.

Mar 15

Emma G Emma G (Mar 15 2021 1:47PM) : Reply more

Austin, I think you did a great job of explaining what this quote meant. To be honest, when I first read it I was not completely aware about what it meant. Your explanation of the quote helped me see that it means that we do not know our oppression until it happens.

Mar 15

Trevor M Trevor M (Mar 15 2021 2:26PM) : Reply more

Great job, Austin. We can be truly blind to what is happening to us. I also think the oppressor can be unaware until they get punished for their actions.

Mar 13

Lauren T Lauren T (Mar 13 2021 10:42AM) : shape of his oppression more

I think that this quote is a perfect entry statement for the text that lies beyond this page. It connects to his son wanting to see the world, but him being afraid to show him because of the swamps and whales. I feel like this statement is the father showing that sometimes you have to let your children see the world for themselves no matter how hard it is, and that starts with going to school.

"when he is in school" 0

Mar 10

Paul H Paul H (Mar 10 2021 10:50AM) : Suggests that the student may not know this for some time until enlightened or awoken to the idea. more

Another suggestion here is that school may be the first place where oppression and exclusion are realized. . .and perhaps internalized.

Interesting Word Choice 0

Mar 10

Paul H Paul H (Mar 10 2021 10:51AM) : A synonym for "shape" might include "figure(s)."

New area 0

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Oppression 0

Mar 12

Meredith V Meredith V (Mar 12 2021 8:02AM) : Oppression is malicious or unjust treatment or exercise of power. But, he discovered this when he got in school. Which leads me to ask how well was he being educated?

Mar 15

Katie B Katie B (Mar 15 2021 1:28PM) : Oppression more

The idea of oppression has been present for thousands of years throughout the world. In todays world it has changed into racial slurs, exclusion, and even a social biased towards those of color. This quote explains that it starts in school, right once the innocence starts to fade.

Mar 15

Jordyn R Jordyn R (Mar 15 2021 1:30PM) : Impressionable Young People more

When kids are young, they are impressionable, easily impressed, and quick to trust. Baldwin’s teachers could have told him 2+2 equaled 5, not 4, and if he was young and naive enough, he could have believed them. What I’m trying to get at is that kids will trust what the adults in their life say to an extent. What his educators thought was normal became oppression as Baldwin gained the knowledge necessary to make that claim.

Mar 15

Zachary Z Zachary Z (Mar 15 2021 1:30PM) : agreeing more

Meredith has a point was he taught enough in school or was he not?

Mar 15

Zachary H Zachary H (Mar 15 2021 1:53PM) : I agree more

I also feel like something might be happing inside the school that makes him feel oppressed.

Mar 12

Emme R Emme R (Mar 12 2021 1:12PM) : Oppression in the educational world can come in many facets. This "exercise of power" could come from teachers and "malicious" treatment could be labeled as bullying.

Mar 15

Zachary Z Zachary Z (Mar 15 2021 1:31PM) : oppression could be seen as bullying but I do not think this was the case in this poem.

Mar 15

Yahir V Yahir V (Mar 15 2021 1:33PM) : learning your oppression more

When you were a kid, you did not notice these small micro-aggressions that can create a much larger problem in the future. It is something that can be controlled by proper training and being self aware.

Mar 15

Daisy P Daisy P (Mar 15 2021 1:33PM) : The part of the quote that stood out to me is when it is brought up that he begins to discover his state of oppression. A child should never have to have that realization.

New area 0

Mar 12

Lindsay B Lindsay B (Mar 12 2021 8:01AM) : Discovers more

The young boy may not realize he is oppressed until an action or specific words are spoken against him. This suggests that he is unknowing of the injustices that seem to rule our schools, or our country for that matter.

Mar 15

Zachary Z Zachary Z (Mar 15 2021 1:38PM) : He will not know what the oppression is until it happens.

Mar 15

Sydney S Sydney S (Mar 15 2021 2:09PM) : Realization more

The boy probably knows growing up he is different from others but in a school setting will discover or realize what that truly means for his life.

"Oppression" 0

Mar 12

Lucas D Lucas D (Mar 12 2021 8:10AM) : The use of the word oppression seems to be quite prevalent in today's society and has various forms. The sage of it in this sentence begs the reader to ask, "What type of oppression is being faced." [Edited]

Mar 15

Zachary H Zachary H (Mar 15 2021 1:57PM) : I agree more

Lucas has made a point since there are many reasons someone might be oppressed many of them not correlating to one another.

"Ambivalence" 0

Mar 12

Paul H Paul H (Mar 12 2021 8:36AM) : Another Poem from the Collection more

school districts
struggle
with the same things:

how to teach a black child.

how to keep him alive
after dismissal

what role to play: teach or build a cemetary?

Harris, Quartez. “Ambivalence.” We Made It To School Alive." Twelve Arts Literary, 2020: 30.

"Discovers the name of his oppression" 0

Mar 12

Belle G Belle G (Mar 12 2021 9:12AM) : This sentence could have many meanings to different people. To me, this highlights yet again the innocence of childhood. This aspect of innocence, to me, is highlighting the inexperience with cruel people. Children do not know about bullies or "bad guys".

quote 0

Mar 12

Josiah F Josiah F (Mar 12 2021 11:16AM) : In this quote James Baldwin makes known that school and brought an oppression over him.

James Baldwin 0

Mar 12

Ethan N Ethan N (Mar 12 2021 11:39AM) : James Baldwin was an African American novelist, playwright, essayist, poet, and activist. Some of his most famous work focuses on class distinctions in western cultures. He was born in 1924 and died in 1987.

Mar 13

Kennedy F Kennedy F (Mar 13 2021 7:19PM) : In addition more

Though at times criticized for his pacifist stance, Baldwin remained an important figure in that struggle throughout the 1960s. James Baldwin had become one of the most important and vocal advocates for equality. He is perhaps best known for his books of essays, in particular Notes of a Native Son (1955), Nobody Knows My Name (1961), and The Fire Next Time (1963).

Mar 15

Zachary Z Zachary Z (Mar 15 2021 1:39PM) : Kennedy added more background knowledge to his name which helps the readers understand his pieces more.

Mar 15

Benjamin B Benjamin B (Mar 15 2021 1:31PM) : James Baldwin more

Ethan comments about who the person is who said this particular quote

Mar 15

Zachary H Zachary H (Mar 15 2021 1:58PM) : Background Knowledge more

Background knowledge is important for this cause It can tell where exactly James Baldwin’s head was or how he thought.

Mar 12

Emme R Emme R (Mar 12 2021 1:13PM) : Ethan recognized the speaker and built credibility upon his name.

James Baldwin 0

Mar 12

Connor W Connor W (Mar 12 2021 11:39AM) : James Baldwin more

James Arthur Baldwin was an American novelist, playwright, essayist, poet, and activist.

Mar 15

Zachary Z Zachary Z (Mar 15 2021 1:44PM) : Connor putting what he does for a living gives him the credit of all of hi hard work.

Mar 15

Madison A Madison A (Mar 15 2021 2:11PM) : James Baldwin more

James Baldwin wrote a lot on racial social issues. He was also well known for writing about how it was being a person of color in America.

New area 0

Mar 12

Ethan N Ethan N (Mar 12 2021 12:03PM) : This line from James Baldwin describes how children can be innocent and not know the true reason behind their situation.

Mar 15

Zachary Z Zachary Z (Mar 15 2021 1:45PM) : Children do not know the wrong or right usually it is what their parents think.

Oppression. 0

Mar 12

Tavian S Tavian S (Mar 12 2021 12:10PM) : This should not be something that is hammered into young children minds. more

I do not understand why this is something that would ever be said to or about any child. “discovering the shape of his oppression” I think that this is nonsense, if this boy is raised and never taught about what the word oppression even means, he will never face it. I do not think any kid should be raised being taught that they are oppressed because they are not born oppressed. Lets assume he is taught this, then he will live his life believing this when it is not necessarily true. If this kid is never taught that he is oppressed he will never think in that point of view, he will never feel the need to feel less than anybody and will accomplish all of his hopes and dreams. If he is raised being told he is oppressed, then he may not, he may just grow up and think about how much less he is, when he is not. This is where culture plays a big role in how kids are raised, if you want your kid to be successful, raise them that way. Or you can feed them ideas like this and TEACH them that they are “looked down upon” and “oppressed” when in reality everyone can have the same opportunities in life if they just work for it.

Mar 15

Yahir V Yahir V (Mar 15 2021 1:39PM) : Children SHOULD be taught this more

While I see your point Tavian, it is not all black and white.

If a child is not taught about oppression then they have no idea how to react to it if it happens. Children should be taught about this so if it is to be brought up children will know how to handle it. If they are not taught the meaning of oppression then they are not living an easier life. They are living a life of ignorance and will be faced with the harsh reality of life once they grow up. You can be oppressed if you do not know what oppression means, it is what you do with your knowledge that can help you over come your oppression.

Mar 15

Zachary H Zachary H (Mar 15 2021 2:01PM) : I agree more

Without proper guidance on what oppression is and how to deal with it, it could really scar the kid. I feel like parents/guardians/teachers should teach kids about this instead of basically leaving them in the dark and letting them deal with something that’s hard to deal with.

Oppression 0

Mar 12

Hanna B Hanna B (Mar 12 2021 12:09PM) : School is where most are first people learn about oppression. You go to school and get picked on by "friends". You go to school and get called out only because of your gender/belief/race. You go to school and are judged based on gender/belief/race. It > more

<starts at school. Yet it still hasn’t changed because people are blinded with their dream of something better.

Learning 0

Mar 12

Emily M Emily M (Mar 12 2021 12:12PM) : Learning [Edited] more

In this quote I think it conveys the idea of learning. While being oppressed is a negative thing, the significance of saying this is learned while a person is in school is that school is intended to be a place for learning. It does begin to question the environment of the school since the negative idea of oppression.

His 0

Mar 12

K B K B (Mar 12 2021 1:15PM) : Masculine pronouns more

Wonder if there’s a reason that the subject has been identified as a “he”

Shape of Oppression 0

Mar 12

K B K B (Mar 12 2021 1:17PM) : Making oppression tangible more

What is “oppression” shaped like? Is it the same for everyone? Is it different?

Mar 15

Zachary Z Zachary Z (Mar 15 2021 1:51PM) : I would say it is different for everyone because everyone is coming from different backgrounds.

"It" 0

Mar 12

Matteo D Matteo D (Mar 12 2021 1:36PM) : It may refer to the moment that someone is first discriminated against, probably with out their knowledge, for their skin color.

Origins 0

Mar 12

Matteo D Matteo D (Mar 12 2021 1:38PM) : This racial discrimination is believed by Baldwin to originate when they are children in school, not adults.

Mar 15

Zachary H Zachary H (Mar 15 2021 2:02PM) : Realization more

now that I think about it it makes sense that many people would experience racial discrimination as well as when they’re older.

Before He Discovers 0

Mar 12

Matteo D Matteo D (Mar 12 2021 1:39PM) : This shows how racial discrimination may take place long before one realizes they are victim of prejudice.

Mar 15

Zachary Z Zachary Z (Mar 15 2021 1:54PM) : I never thought about that but that could very well be the case.

Shape of His Oppression 0

Mar 12

Matteo D Matteo D (Mar 12 2021 1:40PM) : This refers to the large scale and severity of one's discrimination, that it is not recognized at a young age when it begins.

Naive 0

Mar 12

Addyson D Addyson D (Mar 12 2021 1:54PM) : "Before he discovers..." more

The author is speaking of his naiveness on the matter of oppression when he is younger. That comes in many different forms i.e. the “shapes”.

before he discovers 0

Mar 12

Riley W Riley W (Mar 12 2021 4:36PM) : the author is speaking about how blissfully unaware of oppression when they were young

Mar 16

Connor W Connor W (Mar 16 2021 12:00PM) : They did not teach young children about this oppression.

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