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Mascot
By Sun Cooper,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Compelling novel in verse about controversial school mascot.
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What's the Story?
When new student Callie Crossland, who's Cherokee and Black, attends her school pep rally set in the fictional town of Rye just outside of Washington, D.C., she is angered by its offensive mascot and chants. In response, she shares a personal poem in her honors English class, which prompts her teacher to assign the class to a persuasive writing project discussing the pros and cons of using Indigenous people as mascots. Told from six diverse student perspectives and unfolding in conversational poems, each student examines their own identity, beliefs, biases, and passions, as well as the different perspectives of their peers, their family, and their community in response to the local mascot controversy.
Is It Any Good?
Mascot is a deeply compelling social justice narrative of a challenging topic with real-world relevance and diverse perspectives. Clear in its mission from its book title to its back pages, this novel confronts a challenging topic with accessible tween-friendly dialogue and complex characters with their own mix of personal biases, passions, and influences. This novel in verse is an easy read about a heavy topic with a direct call to activism. The authors don't shy away from including highly politicized content such as cancel culture and white supremacy, nor nuances to topics such as homeschooling and immigration. Admirable effort is made to include and represent the complexities of characters with compassion. Readers will relate to the challenges of honest, respectful communication between peers and adults of different identities, backgrounds, and beliefs; and ultimately be inspired by how students, families, and communities of different perspectives can come together learn, listen, find positivity and create change. This book provides ample opportunity for classroom and family discussions around racism and civil conversations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to honestly and respectfully communicate thoughts and feelings. How can we communicate how we really feel without disrespecting another person?
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Learn about mascots and the role they play in entertainment and excitement. What kind of mascots exist in your school or community?
Talk about activism. What topics are important to you, and what would you like to help change?
Book Details
- Authors: Charles Waters , Traci Sorell
- Genre: Poetry
- Topics: Activism , Sports and Martial Arts , Middle School
- Character Strengths: Communication
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
- Publication date: September 5, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 13
- Number of pages: 256
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: December 7, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
Books with Native American Characters
Books About Racism and Social Justice
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