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Social Justice Literature Circles- Book Talks Instructions

Each day during this unit of study, we will begin class with a brief book talk given by an
assigned student.

A book talk is an opportunity to share summaries of your reading, ask thought-provoking


questions, read intriguing quotations from the text, and pray with the class. This is a way for you
to shine light on an issue, concern, or moment that is worth thinking and praying about in a
larger class context.

You will receive an individual grade for your book talk, worth 10 participation points, scored as
follows:
2 points for promptly beginning class when the bell rings (unless otherwise instructed)
2 points for summarizing the reading
2 points for asking a thought-provoking question
2 points for sharing a quote or passage from the text
2 points for connecting the excerpt or topic to a relevant prayer

Below is a sample Book Talk, which you may use as a model. (Note: in the event that you are
absent on your scheduled day, you will be expected to email me your book talk.)
Good morning. I would like to begin today by asking the class a
question: What would you do if the water you had grown used to drinking
was suddenly contaminated?
In todays world, over one billion people lack access to clean water. In
Bottled and Sold, Peter Gleick reported that we are abandoning our efforts
to provide safe public tap water for all in favor of privately produced and sold
bottled water (p. xi).
This seems incomprehensible. Water is a basic human right, yet of
the worlds population does not have access to it. This issue is both a global
and local issue, as our neighbors in Flint, Michigan have water contaminated
with lead for several years. Water is an essential nutrient for sustaining life,
and we take it for granted. We consume it readily, abuse it, and even waste
it.
Id like to lead us in A Prayer for Rain written by Bishop Jaime Soto of
the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento.
[In the name of the father, the son, and holy spirit. Are there any
intentions today?]
May God open the heavens and let His mercy rain down upon our fields
and mountains. Let us especially pray for those most impacted by
water shortages and for the wisdom and charity to be good stewards of
this precious gift. May our political leaders seek the common good as
we learn to care and share God's gift of water for the good of all.
Amen.
St. Ignatius, pray for us.

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