NEA Big Read: Middle Grade Book Discussion of The People Could Fly with Stone Mims

All registrants receive a free copy of The People Could Fly, available for pickup at The Center for Fiction’s second-floor welcome desk during our open hours.

This workshop will consist of a brief reading of one of the twenty four selected short stories in Virginia Hamilton’s The People Could Fly. This will be a guided and facilitated reading where the instructor will pause intermittently to discuss the structure of the story (e.g plot, characters) while also allowing the students to share their general impression of the story.

This conversation will end with a brief detailing of allegories and folklore and the traits which constitute both. Following this reading and facilitated discussion, students will be asked to write a one page opener to an allegory or folktale based on their experiences. At the end of the class, students will be given the opportunity to share their writing with the class.

Recommended for Ages 9-12

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*Proof of vaccination is required to attend this in-person discussion group. Mask wearing is also required throughout the building. Accepted vaccination proofs include:

• CDC vaccination card (or an image of it)
• Excelsior Pass or Excelsior Pass Plus (or a printout of it)
• A record of vaccination from the healthcare provider who administered your vaccine

Anyone 5 and older is required to show proof of two vaccine doses or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Anyone 18 and older must also present a government issued photo ID.

If you remain unvaccinated because of a disability or sincerely held religious belief, please contact us at [email protected] for assistance or to request a reasonable accommodation.