A Reading Ladder

This reading ladder is inspired by Teri S. Lesesne’s article Reading Ladders. It demonstrates the progression from a YA verse novel about youth identity to a complex, extended lyric about racial issues in America. The ladder is meant to expose 11th grade students to an unconventional form of narrative. In transitioning from the YA novel The Poet X to the lyric Citizen, the students will observe the progression of style as well as the progression of thought regarding youth identities and experiences in America.