Learning in Many Words: Momolu’s Journey from Liberia to New York City
By Celia Reddick
Audience: Ages 14-18
“Learning in Many Worlds: Momolu’s Journey from Liberia to New York City” is a non-fiction story based on the experiences of the main character, Momolu. The first in a series that explores the challenges that children face around the world, this account provides a compelling and informative picture of one fictionalized experience against a particular historical and geographical backdrop.
EU humanitarian aid for Sahrawi refugees in Algeria. Photo: European Unio/Louiza Ammi. (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.) No changes made. bit.ly/2QgS65D
While the piece focuses primarily on Momolu’s life, it is meant to be a starting place to draw on further conversations with refugee students, ongoing research, and imagination. It includes key vocabulary and a glossary of terms, as well as historical background and context. It also incorporates student reflection and thought-pieces, and offers additional reading material, suggested activities, and tips for lesson-planning.
This work is intended for high school students who may not have had the chance to develop on-grade reading skills, but who have age-appropriate emotional and psychosocial maturity. It presents mature subject matter through language intended for students with a 2nd-4th grade reading level, and is noted as a Level Q reader on the Voices Leveled Library system.
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this publication belong solely to the authors and do not necessarily represent those of REACH or the Harvard Graduate School of Education.