Sold

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What does the phrase “less is more” mean to you? How could a writer use the “less is more” suggestion to apply to their writing?

Teaching Suggestion: “Less is more” applies to the writing style of this novel. The author chooses to write this novel in the form of short poetic vignettes, paring away unnecessary details and action to access the characters’ full depth of emotion. Consider reading the first chapter of the book, “A Tin Roof,” as a class and investigating which details the author chooses to leave in and which she leaves out.

• This 4-minute video explains how skilled writers include the most powerful details to appeal to the reader’s emotions and senses.
• “Can You Tell Your Life Story In Exactly Six Words?” from NPR gives several examples of very brief memoirs from notable figures.

2. List all of the facts you already know about human trafficking. Consider both locally and worldwide.

Teaching Suggestion: This novel centers around a girl who is sold into sex slavery. The topic may be triggering or uncomfortable for a lot of students. Consider frontloading the unit with facts regarding this practice for students to ground themselves in.

• This 2-minute video from UNICEF tells the story of how desperation almost drove one Tibetan girl into being trafficked.
• PACT is an organization that works to end child trafficking and sex slavery.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Lakshmi’s mother gives her the guiding advice “Simply to endure is to triumph.” Consider this phrase before you begin reading. What does it mean to you? Do you agree with it? Why or why not?

Teaching Suggestion: This question is designed to help students begin considering the theme of The Importance of Hope, Faith, And Friendship in Overcoming Hardship. Consider having students start by writing their own responses before sharing. For some, the discussion of faith and their personal challenges may change how they respond to the quote in sensitive ways.

Differentiation Suggestion: English language learners may require help with the definitions of “endure” and “triumph” for them to fully understand the quote. For those in need of extension or challenge, consider having them create their own mantra using the “to ____ is to ______” frame.