Dear Reader/Instructor, While compiling this glossary, I found myself amused at the language and spellings and expect you may be, as well. However, I want you to know I am very serious regarding this endeavor. I feel The Magic Pencil will reach even the most recalcitrant of learners. The book is "sneakily didactic" wherein many life lessons will be imparted in an entertaining way. My overall intent is to get youth engaged by providing characters with whom they can identify. The Black Language Glossary is designed to help those who may not understand some of what Malcolm and other characters are saying. At first, I thought it wouldn't be necessary but after imagining a well-meaning "uninitiated" instructor being so vulnerable, I decided to release what I had created before publishing The Magic Pencil novel in 2009. I call this book Black Language Glossary because there is truly a black language that has been in use for centuries. It has its own rules, sounds, and consistencies. One should not view it as the slang of the times. Slang changes with the times - keeping the language fresh - but it does not change its roots. Not much of the "slanguage" has morphed since I wrote the novel - proving my contention that black language's roots are traditional, old, and deep. Keep in mind that many black people choose to use the language and are usually quite capable of speaking otherwise. Just as many choose not to use it but may understand it, regardless. Inflection, movement and body language play a huge part in the visually, aurally, and emotionally charged use of black language. Of course, this glossary barely touches upon the vastness of the language but it will get you through The Magic Pencil and perhaps pique your interest to learn more. It may help to remember Mark Twain's excellent ear for the different ways characters spoke in his stories, or to know that Shakespeare was writing for the 'common folk', and to pay closer attention to the ways other cultures code switch in the United States as well as around the world. Black language is as legitimate as any other as long as it is being used by someone. The slang blended with it sets trends and bends into new words that are gobbled up by the mainstream and 'spit' back to its creators and others, who continue to develop more...and the cycle repeats. It is my intention that you are able to make full use of these books. The Magic Pencil novel, its Curriculum Guide, and Glossary are timely and stimulating for the way our world has been impacted by different cultures. Using these three books will allow you, the educator, to discover depths your learners may have yet to reveal. With mirror books to window books: Help our youth see and soar Karen E. Dabney October 9, 2012 Ain't no half-steppin

Hello The Magic Pencil Curriculum Guide was prepared to accompany the engagingly didactic novel for youth, The Magic Pencil. "TMP" is the only book discussing African American English and code-switching from a young person's view point. The Magic Pencil is both a mirror book as well as a window book. It's purpose is to uplift and inspire youth toward greater literacy by letting them see themselves and their peers in literature. This Guide will help the instructor introduce the book almost immediately once she has it in her hands It summarizes each chapter with teaching suggestions and stimulating questions following. OBJECTIVES To encourage the uninspired, reluctant and discouraged reader to develop the desire to read for pleasure. To develop the desire to read for greater knowledge. To increase self-esteem; especially within African American/black youth. To remove the stigma applied to African American/black people when they use colloquial language. To recognize all people engage in this behavior. To understand that there are special and new words used when one is a part of a particular group (the language among computer technicians, for example) which may or may not become known among the general population. To increase vocabulary by creating a desire to know exactly what a particular word means and how it relates to what is occurring. To demonstrate the opportunities available by learning how to effectively navigate unfamiliar territory not just through "traditional" education. To honor the "first/home/community" language of the speaker and to realize s/he is articulate within that language. To, thereby, foster a willingness in the person to adopt other ways of speaking while retaining his or her present mode of speech -- if desired and needed. To become respectful and tolerant of the differences in others. To focus on the commonalities between self and others. To foster self-respect, self-determination and self-reliance. To learn how to constructively debate over preferences and beliefs. To learn to be empathetic towards another's problems. To work together for the greater good. To feel hopeful about the future. You will understand what the author's intentions are and will be able to mold them into what is best for your learners."

The Magic Pencil, a powerful novel for young adults, is the story of Malcolm Bakersfield and the star of his latest and greatest dream, Nia Stellar. Nia is "the new girl" at Gillespie School. Malcolm quickly notices she's definitely different from all of the other kids he knows. Malcolm becomes as mystified as Nia is mysterious. Many wonderful things continue to happen with Nia on the scene. She challenges Malc to be better than his best and he soon discovers amazing things about himself and the world We join Malcolm in his quest to discover the secret to the power of the pencil And we'll uncover hidden powers within ourselves, along the way. The Magic Pencil is also for the young at heart and is appreciated by all ages. It is the only book explaining from a young African American boy's viewpoint, that everyone speaks differently depending on their present audience and situation. I wrote the book especially to attract "uninspired readers" and guide them toward improving literacy, self-esteem and problem solving. There are many ways to teach and everyone must do their part. I don't believe we should be aiming toward producing "cookie cut" children. But we can all be about tailoring toward their varying needs as a COMMUNITY. The Magic Pencil provides suggestions and effective strategies for positive results in an "edutaining" way