african american authors for middle school
African American literature has long played a vital role in the literary landscape of the United States. It is a powerful and important genre that has given voice to the experiences and struggles of African Americans throughout history. From the works of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs to the modern-day writings of Ta-Nehisi Coates and Toni Morrison, African American authors have made significant contributions to literature.
For middle school students, reading books by African American authors can be a transformative experience. It can expose them to new perspectives, help them understand different cultures, and encourage critical thinking about important issues such as race, identity, and social justice. In this article, we will explore some of the most impactful and engaging African American authors for middle school students.
1. Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson is a New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award winner. Her books, which include “Brown Girl Dreaming” and “After Tupac and D Foster,” explore themes of family, identity, and belonging. Woodson’s writing style is poetic and lyrical, making her books accessible and engaging for middle school students. In addition to her award-winning novels, Woodson has also written picture books and poetry collections that are perfect for younger readers.
2. Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times bestselling author. His books, such as “The Crossover” and “Rebound,” combine poetry and prose to tell powerful and relatable stories about family, friendship, and self-discovery. Alexander’s books are perfect for middle school students who may be reluctant readers, as they are fast-paced and written in a unique and engaging format.
3. Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds is an award-winning author and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. His books, including “Ghost” and “Long Way Down,” tackle tough subjects such as gun violence, police brutality, and systemic racism. Reynolds’ writing style is raw and honest, making his books both thought-provoking and accessible for middle school students. He is also the author of the popular “Track” series, which follows a diverse group of young athletes as they navigate their personal and athletic challenges.
4. Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, “The Hate U Give,” which has been adapted into a critically acclaimed film. The book tells the story of Starr, a young black girl who witnesses the police shooting of her childhood friend. Thomas’ writing is powerful and unflinching, and the book has become a must-read for middle school students. Her second novel, “On the Come Up,” also explores important issues such as race, identity, and the power of voice.
5. Jerry Craft
Jerry Craft is an award-winning author and illustrator who is best known for his graphic novel “New Kid.” The book follows seventh-grader Jordan Banks as he navigates his new, predominantly white private school. Craft’s illustrations are vibrant and engaging, and his writing is both humorous and heartfelt. “New Kid” is a great choice for middle school students who enjoy graphic novels and are looking for a relatable and entertaining read.
6. Christopher Paul Curtis
Christopher Paul Curtis is a Newbery Medal-winning author whose books, including “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” and “Bud, Not Buddy,” explore important moments in African American history. Curtis’ books are both humorous and moving, and they provide middle school students with a unique perspective on significant events. His writing is accessible and engaging, making his books perfect for middle school students who are interested in historical fiction.
7. Sharon M. Draper
Sharon M. Draper is a prolific author who has written over 30 books for young readers. Her works, which include “Out of My Mind” and “Tears of a Tiger,” tackle tough topics such as disabilities, mental health, and racial discrimination. Draper’s books are powerful and thought-provoking, and they encourage empathy and understanding in middle school students. She is also a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award, which recognizes outstanding African American authors.
8. Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers is a highly acclaimed author who has written over 100 books for children and young adults. His works, such as “Monster” and “Harlem,” often explore issues of race, identity, and social justice. Myers’ writing is both powerful and accessible, making his books ideal for middle school students. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Coretta Scott King Award and the Michael L. Printz Award.
9. Mildred D. Taylor
Mildred D. Taylor is a Newbery Medal-winning author best known for her book “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.” The novel, which is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression, tells the story of a black family living in the South and their struggles with racism and poverty. Taylor’s writing is both powerful and poignant, and her books provide middle school students with a deeper understanding of America’s history of racial discrimination.
10. Rita Williams-Garcia
Rita Williams-Garcia is a critically acclaimed author whose books, including “One Crazy Summer” and “Gone Crazy in Alabama,” explore the experiences of young African American girls. Her books are set in different time periods and provide an insightful look into the lives of black girls growing up in America. Williams-Garcia’s writing is both relatable and thought-provoking, making her books a great choice for middle school students.
In conclusion, African American literature is a rich and diverse genre that offers middle school students a unique and important perspective on the world. The authors mentioned in this article are just a small sample of the many talented writers who have contributed to this genre. By reading books by African American authors, middle school students can gain a deeper understanding of important issues and develop empathy and compassion for others. So next time you’re looking for a good book to read, consider picking up one by an African American author – you won’t be disappointed.
how to disable youtube shorts on pc
YouTube Shorts is a relatively new feature on the popular video-sharing platform, YouTube . It allows users to create short, vertical videos that are 60 seconds or less in length. Similar to the popular app TikTok, YouTube Shorts has gained immense popularity among the younger generation. However, many users find the constant flow of short videos on their feed to be overwhelming and distracting. If you are one of those users who prefer to disable YouTube Shorts on your PC, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss how to disable YouTube Shorts on PC and explore the reasons why some users may want to do so.
Before we dive into the steps on how to disable YouTube Shorts, let’s understand what exactly are YouTube Shorts. As mentioned earlier, they are short, vertical videos that are 60 seconds or less in length. These videos are created by users and are displayed on the YouTube Shorts shelf, which is located just below the search bar on the homepage. The popularity of this feature can be attributed to the fact that users can easily create and share short videos without the need for any additional editing software. However, some users may find the constant stream of these short videos to be distracting and may want to disable them on their PC.
Now, let’s take a look at the reasons why some users may want to disable YouTube Shorts on their PC. First and foremost, the constant stream of short videos can be overwhelming and distracting for some users. With the rise in popularity of TikTok and similar apps, many users have already been exposed to short videos. Therefore, having a separate section for Shorts on YouTube may not be something that appeals to everyone. Moreover, some users may feel that the short videos do not add any value to their YouTube experience and may prefer to browse through longer videos instead. Another reason could be the content of the Shorts which may not align with the user’s interests or preferences.
Now that we have established the reasons why some users may want to disable YouTube Shorts on their PC, let’s discuss the steps on how to do so. The process is relatively simple and can be done easily by following the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Open your web browser and go to the YouTube website.
Step 2: Click on the three horizontal lines on the top left corner of the screen to open the menu.
Step 3: Scroll down and click on “Shorts” option from the list of options.
Step 4: Once you click on the “Shorts” option, you will be directed to the YouTube Shorts page.
Step 5: On the top right corner of the page, click on the “X” icon next to the “Shorts” title.
Step 6: A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to remove the Shorts shelf. Click on “Remove” to confirm.
Step 7: The Shorts shelf will now be removed from your homepage.
Congratulations! You have successfully disabled YouTube Shorts on your PC. However, it is essential to note that this process will only remove the Shorts shelf from your homepage. You will still be able to access Shorts through the search bar or by going to the Shorts page.
If you change your mind and want to re-enable YouTube Shorts on your PC, you can do so by following the same steps mentioned above. Instead of clicking on the “Remove” button in the pop-up window, click on “Undo” to bring back the Shorts shelf on your homepage.
Apart from disabling the Shorts shelf, there are a few other things that you can do to limit your exposure to YouTube Shorts. One option is to simply scroll past the Shorts shelf and ignore it. Another option is to use the “Not Interested” feature. To do so, click on the three dots on the top right corner of a Shorts video and select “Not Interested” from the drop-down menu. This will help YouTube’s algorithm to understand your preferences better and show you more relevant content. You can also click on “Don’t recommend channel” to stop receiving Shorts from that particular channel.
In addition to these options, you can also customize your YouTube homepage by selecting your preferred content categories. To do so, click on the three horizontal lines on the top left corner of the screen, select “More” from the menu, and then click on “Settings”. Under the “General” tab, click on “Update” next to “Content Preferences”. Here, you can select your preferred content categories and update your homepage accordingly. This will help you avoid irrelevant content, including YouTube Shorts.
In conclusion, YouTube Shorts is a new and exciting feature on the platform that has gained immense popularity. However, some users may find it distracting and may prefer to disable it on their PC. By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily disable the Shorts shelf on your homepage. Additionally, there are a few other options that you can explore to limit your exposure to Shorts. It is essential to note that these steps may vary slightly depending on your device and browser, but the general process remains the same. With these options at your disposal, you can now enjoy a more personalized YouTube experience without the constant stream of short videos.
turn off airdrop iphone 11
Airdrop is a feature on iPhone 11 that allows users to quickly and easily share files with other nearby Apple devices. It uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer network, making it a convenient option for transferring photos, videos, documents, and more. However, there may be times when you want to turn off Airdrop on your iPhone 11 for various reasons. In this article, we will discuss the steps to turn off Airdrop and the reasons why you may want to do so.
How to Turn Off Airdrop on iPhone 11?
There are two ways to turn off Airdrop on your iPhone 11 – through the Control Center or through the Settings app. Let’s take a look at both methods.
Method 1: Using the Control Center
1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone 11 to open the Control Center.
2. Press and hold the network settings card, which includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Airdrop options.
3. Tap on the Airdrop icon to open its menu.
4. Select “Receiving Off” to turn off Airdrop on your iPhone 11.
Method 2: Using the Settings App
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone 11.
2. Scroll down and tap on “General”.
3. Select “Airdrop” from the list.
4. Tap on “Receiving Off” to turn off Airdrop on your iPhone 11.
Why Would You Want to Turn Off Airdrop on iPhone 11?
1. To Save Battery Life
One of the main reasons you may want to turn off Airdrop on your iPhone 11 is to save battery life. Airdrop uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to create a connection between devices, which can drain your battery at a faster rate. If you are not actively using Airdrop, it is recommended to turn it off to conserve your battery.
2. To Avoid Spam Airdrop Requests
Airdrop works by scanning for nearby devices and displaying them in the Airdrop menu. This can make you vulnerable to receiving spam Airdrop requests from strangers or hackers. Turning off Airdrop can prevent these unwanted requests and protect your device from any potential security threats.
3. To Prevent Accidental File Sharing
If you are in a crowded place like a coffee shop or a subway, there is a chance that someone else’s device may appear in your Airdrop menu. This can lead to accidentally sharing files with the wrong person. Turning off Airdrop can prevent any accidental file sharing and keep your personal information safe.
4. To Improve Privacy
Airdrop allows anyone nearby to see your device and send you files. This can be a privacy concern for some users, especially if you are in a public place. Turning off Airdrop can help improve your privacy and prevent others from accessing your device without your consent.
5. To Avoid Distractions
Airdrop notifications can be distracting, especially if you are in the middle of an important task. Turning off Airdrop can help you stay focused and avoid interruptions from incoming file sharing requests.
6. To Free Up Storage Space
Every time you receive a file through Airdrop, it is automatically saved to your device. If you frequently receive large files, it can quickly take up storage space on your iPhone 11. Turning off Airdrop can help free up storage and keep your device running smoothly.
7. To Reduce Data Usage
If you are on a limited data plan, turning off Airdrop can help reduce your data usage. Airdrop uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer files, but if these connections are not available, it will use your cellular data. By turning off Airdrop, you can prevent any unexpected data charges on your phone bill.
8. To Avoid Compatibility Issues
Airdrop only works between Apple devices, so if you are trying to transfer files to an Android or Windows device, it will not be possible. Turning off Airdrop can prevent any compatibility issues and save you the frustration of not being able to share files with non-Apple devices.
9. To Speed Up Your Device
If you are experiencing slow performance on your iPhone 11, it may be due to multiple apps running in the background . Airdrop is constantly scanning for nearby devices, which can put additional strain on your device’s resources. Turning off Airdrop can help speed up your device and improve its overall performance.
10. To Customize Your Control Center
If you rarely use Airdrop, you may want to remove it from your Control Center to make room for other frequently used options. Turning off Airdrop can help declutter your Control Center and make it more personalized to your needs.
Conclusion
Airdrop is a convenient feature on iPhone 11 that allows for quick and easy file sharing between Apple devices. However, there may be times when you want to turn off Airdrop for various reasons such as saving battery life, improving privacy, or avoiding distractions. Thankfully, turning off Airdrop is a simple process that can be done through the Control Center or the Settings app. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can easily turn off Airdrop on your iPhone 11 and enjoy a more personalized and secure experience on your device.