Secondary – October 13

“How dare anyone, parent, schoolteacher, or merely literary critic, tell me not to act colored.” -Arna Bontemps, born on this date in 1902. Explain whether it’s appropriate to do something for someone’s own good even if it’s against their will.

Secondary – October 12

On this date in 1945, Army medic Desmond Doss was presented the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military citation, for outstanding bravery even though he refused to fight as a conscientious objector in the war. Explain whether someone who doesn’t fight deserves the same recognition for bravery as someone who does.

Secondary – October 11

Elmore Leonard, born on this date in 1925,  wrote five novels and 30 short stories while working as an advertising copywriter by sitting at his desk and writing on a notebook hidden inside a drawer. Write what you’d prefer to be writing in your least favorite class.

Secondary – October 10

Porgy and Bess premiered as an opera on Broadway on this date in 1935. One of its most famous and covered songs is “It Ain’t Necessarily So.” Choose something you’ve learned this year and explain why you think it ain’t necessarily so.

Secondary – October 9

“Imagine no possessions.” -John Lennon, born on this date in 1940. Describe a world in which no one owns anything.

Secondary – October 8

“Woe to that nation whose literature is cut short by the intrusion of force. This is not merely interference with freedom of the press but the sealing up of a nation’s heart, the excision of its memory.” -Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who earned the Nobel Prize in literature on this date in 1970. Describe what you think it would be like to live in a society in which stories were...

Secondary – October 7

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” -Desmond Tutu, who was born on this date in 1931. Use examples from your life or that you’ve learned about to prove this Nobel Peace Prize winner is correct.

Secondary – October 6

Explain whether you would prefer to be the best player on a losing team or the worst player on a winning team.