Posted

Posted

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade contemporary
• Originally Published: 2017
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 750L; grades 5-7
• Structure/Length: 20 chapters; approximately 384 pages; approximately 9 hours, 14 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Posted follows the lives of a group of middle school students as they navigate the challenges of growing up, friendships, and the impact of technology. Central characters Eric, Deedee, Wolf, and others challenge a new school rule banning cell phones by publicly posting sticky note messages. As the sticky note posting increases and becomes problematic, the characters deal with issues such as bullying, misunderstandings, and the evolving dynamics of their friendships. The story explores empathy, communication, and the role of technology in young people's lives.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Identity-based bullying; the challenges of adolescence; crude and inappropriate language; insults, slurs, and derogatory language toward gay people; occasional mature allusions

John David Anderson, Author

• Bio: Born 1975; American author known for his works of middle grade and young adult fiction; celebrated for ability to address relevant and relatable issues facing young readers, such as the impact of technology on friendships and communication; often emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy
• Other Works: Ms. Bixby's Last Day (2016); Granted (2018); One Last Shot (2020)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Sticky Notes
• Anonymity Gives People Power
• Similarities and Differences Are Illusions

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Gain an increased understanding of the social and psychological contexts around bullying that incite the events at Branton Middle School.
• Discuss paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of Sticky Notes, Anonymity Gives People Power, and Similarities and Differences Are Illusions.
• Plan, develop, and present a proposal to revise school rules regarding bullying, based on text details.
• Analyze plot and character details to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding the cause of the “war” at BMS, Bench’s treatment of his friends, and other topics.