American History

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1993

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Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

In what ways is the title “American History” meaningful? How might it work on several levels?

Teaching Suggestion: The title “American History” connects to President Kennedy’s assassination as well as the history of racism in the United States. Helping students derive these two ideas may help them understand the deeper subtleties of the story.

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Differentiation Suggestion: Some students may benefit from a graphic organizer that helps them organize their connections between the story's historical events, Elena's experiences, and the title's deeper meanings. Additionally, sentence starters or frames may help students prepare to share their ideas.