Patina

Patina

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade contemporary realistic
• Originally Published: 2017
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 710L; grades 5-8
• Structure/Length: 16 chapters; approximately 256 pages; approximately 5 hours, 46 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Patina “Patty” Jones, a talented runner, navigates the challenges of competitive track while dealing with difficult situations that cause her heavy responsibilities. Patty’s father is deceased, and her mother’s diabetes is life-threatening; Patty and her younger sister, Maddy, must live with their uncle and his wife, now their guardians; Patty is attending a new school away from her established friend group. The central conflict involves the complexities of growing up and Patty’s struggle to balance her athletic ambitions, the needs of her family, and her own needs.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Family illness and disability; guardianship; socioeconomic challenges; racial identity and belonging; verbal altercation; mild insults; death of parent (backstory); fear of loss

Jason Reynolds, Author

• Bio: Born in 1983; American author who writes novels and books in verse for young adult and middle grade audiences; known for his authentic depictions of urban life; often addresses themes of race, identity, and the challenges faced by young people
• Other Works: Ghost (2016); Long Way Down (2017); Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks (2019); Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (co-authored with Ibram X. Kendi, 2020)
• Awards: ALA Notable Children’s Books (2018); Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year Selection Title

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Lasting Effects of Childhood Trauma
• Passing the Baton: The Importance of Depending on Others
• The Struggle To Fit In

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

• Gain an increased understanding of the social and historical contexts regarding the athletic events that comprise school-age track and field that drive much of the plot.
• Discuss paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of The Lasting Effects of Childhood Trauma, Passing the Baton: The Importance of Depending on Others, and The Struggle To Fit In.
• Design, create, and present a symbolic relay baton, based on text details.
• Analyze and evaluate the plot and character details to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding the novel’s cliffhanger ending, the significance of running as a motif, and other topics.