Teaching genres of fiction, non-fiction, and media need not intimidate new to middle school teachers who may be recent college graduates or veterans transitioning from elementary or high school. Here are strategies for designing culturally relevant lessons that include firm and fair grading guidelines, plans to teach literary terms specific to various genres, and suggestions for selecting appropriate texts that appeal to and expand horizons of diverse students in classrooms across the nation.

Fatama lives with her family in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She is fascinated by stories about Mami Wata, a water goddess from African legend. When the family go on a trip to the beach, will Fatama get to meet this famous water spirit? Fatama and Mami Wata's Secret is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 6-7 years