Author Feature-Kay Honeyman 2018

Book Trailer

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Book Discussion Questions 

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In some ways Kate handles life the way her dad handles politics.  What are some examples?

When Kate and her father plan on changing an image, his response is, “High school politics can be the trickiest.”  What do you think he means?

What did you initially think about how the other students treated Ana? Do you think reputation is important? Have you ever been misjudged or judged someone based upon their reputation? Was it accurate?

In Chapter 7, India’s character is introduced. Jeff Hamilton starts to dismiss India based upon her age and lack of working experience. What did you think about India’s reaction? Have you ever had a similar situation? How did you respond?

The focus on athletics, funding for equipment and facilities, and athletes getting perks or special treatment that other students don’t receive are all common narratives in the news. Have you witnessed examples of athletes getting treated differently than other students? What are the dangers of putting athletes on a pedestal the way that the townspeople do in Interference?

Interference is a modernized retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. In Emma, the Kyle character, Mr. Elton, is written as an unsympathetic social climber. In Interference, Kate helps Kyle redeem himself after his fall from grace. Why do you think the author made this change from the inspirational source?

Although she died in 1817, Jane Austen’s books are still read and loved by many, and are often adapted and modernized. What do you think current audiences can gain from examining the works of the past through retellings like Interference? Why do you think books like Emma are still popular, even hundreds of years later?

In Chapter 17, India tells Kate that she and her dad “like to win” while Kyle and his father “will do anything to avoid losing.” When do you think healthy ambition turns into bad behavior?

What did you think when Kyle revealed his feelings towards Ana and Kate at the party? Did you sympathize with Kyle regarding his broken hand? What did you think when Hunter was first seen wearing a football jersey?

Kate discovers that Kyle’s dad, Bo Stone, pulled some strings so that Kyle could stay on the team despite his poor academic performance. When Kate tells her dad, he decides not to expose the Stones. Do you think her father was really thinking about what was right and fair, or was he still too wrapped up in how telling the truth would affect his campaign? What would you have done in that situation?

At the beginning of the book, Kate says that she doesn’t like taking pictures of people because people are unpredictable. But as the book goes on, Kate begins taking pictures of her father, Hunter, and others. What do you think this says about Kate’s character?

If you had the opportunity to modernize any classic piece of literature, what novel would you choose?  In what time and setting would your place the retelling?

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Academic Programs 

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Activity 1 Title

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words...and Sometimes a Campaign

Activity 1 Introduction 

Oftentimes, influential photographers determine how the rest of us see the world.  In Interference, a photograph sent Kate’s family packing back to Red Dirt, Texas. In this activity, students will examine the specific point of view delivered by the photographer by looking at real world examples.

Activity 1 TEKS

 Photojournalism- 1, 3C

ELA/Reading 1,2,3,4- 8A, 21C

Visual Media Analysis and Production- b1A

Contemporary Media- a1

Activity 1 Books to Display

 *Presidential Biographies

Abraham Lincoln's Presidency by Catherine M. Andronik and Karen Latchana Kenney

Ronald Reagan: A Life in Photographs by David Elliot Cohen and Peter Robinson

John Fitzgerald Kennedy: A Life In Pictures by Yann-Brice Dherbier and Pierre-Henri Verlhac

The Presidents Fact Book: The Achievements, Campaigns, Events, Triumphs, and Legacies of Every President by Roger Matuz and Bill Harris
Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza and Barack Obama

Ultimate Insiders: White House Photographers and How They Shape History

by Kenneth T. Walsh

Fictional books about the positive and negative results of social media-

The Future of Us by Jay Asher
Can’t Look Away Donna D. Cooner
My Invisible Boyfriend by Susie Day
serafina67 *urgently requires life* by Susie Day
Life By Committee by Corey Ann Haydu

Activity 1 Supply List 

Access to internet

Access to a digital presentation tool such as PowerPoint or Keynote

Activity 1 Detailed Description of Activity

 There is no doubt that bias exists in all forms of media.  No matter what your political beliefs, you’ve probably seen flattering and embarrassing pictures of your favorite and least favorite candidates.  Ask students to find pictures of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump that are both flattering and embarrassing. (Feel free to add additional public figures based on the depth and time available for the assignment.)  The teacher should determine how many photos are required.  3-5 photos per candidate and per category (flattering and embarrassing) should be sufficient. For each photo, explain what details make the photo positive or negative. Make note of the source that published the photo and describe what their purpose might be.

 Express these ideas in a well-written paragraph. Carefully cite the source where each photo is found on your Work Cited page/slide. Put the gathered photos and analysis into a digital presentation tool such as PowerPoint, Keynote, etc. 

 It is important to keep the assignment politically neutral.  Remind students that they are examining how photographers and the media portray candidates; it should not be a discussion about the best/worst candidate.  Encourage students to present their results with as little bias as possible.

 As an optional activity and to create understanding, look at numerous presidential painted portraits available on the internet.  What are some of the common elements of the paintings?   (Common elements may include flags, desks, books, documents, quill pens, reading glasses, Washington landmarks, etc.)  What do these elements suggest about the various presidents?

 Use the discussion questions below to build interest and understanding of the task as students prepare for and engage in the assignment.

 At what point in history did photographers’ points of view become a serious issue for candidates?

In the photos that students are finding, are the candidates consciously posing?

What elements go into political photographs that are positive and flattering?

Activity 1 Resources for Teens, Teachers and Librarians

Library of Congress-photos of presidents, vice-presidents and first ladies

http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/057_chron.html 

White House History-portraits vs photographs

https://www.whitehousehistory.org/galleries/presidential-portraits 

Activity 2 Title

 Vote For Me Because…

Activity 2 Introduction

 Candidates are in the business of selling themselves.  Kate has picked up this skill from her candidate father and uses it in her everyday life.  Have your students thought about what they have to offer their community if they were to try their hand as an elected official? 

Activity 2 TEKS

 ELA/Reading 1, 2, 3, 4- 13 A,B,C,D

Public Speaking 1, 2, 3- 2D, 3A,4A, 4B, 4C

Activity 2 Books to Display

 The Secret Side of Empty by Maria E. Andreu

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer
When Audrey Met Alice by Rebecca Behrens
The Tyrant’s Daughter by J.C. Carleson

Immaculate by Katelyn Detweiler

The Wrong Side of Right by Kate Quinn
A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller

Activity 2 Detailed Description of Activity

Review common propaganda techniques.  Share examples of each with your students.  Ask students to write a 3 minute speech in which they ‘sell’ themselves as the best candidate for class president (or any office that would be suitable for your students.) They must incorporate at least one common propaganda technique. The student will identify their chosen propaganda technique on the written copy of their speech. Also, in preparation for the writing activity, discuss elements of a good persuasive speech. Give students time to practice their speech and review the basics of speech presentation including how to dress, body language, and general etiquette.  After the speech is presented to the class, ask classmates to see if they can identify the propaganda technique(s) used.  After all of the speeches, poll the class.  Based on the speeches, who would they elect? Why? Speech writing tips and propaganda resources are available in the Resources for Teens, Teachers and Librarians section below.

Activity 2 Resources for Teens, Teachers and Librarians

Linkedin explains various forms of propaganda. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140815205902-57567806-7-propaganda-techniques-all-students-should-learn/  

PBS provides propaganda classroom resources

https://www-tc.pbs.org/weta/reportingamericaatwar/teachers/pdf/propaganda.pdf 

Scholastic shares tips on writing campaign speeches https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/tips-insiders-how-write-political-speech/  

Teen Vogue gives tips on public speaking to teens, including things like body language awareness.

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/public-speaking-tips-class-presentations

Activity 3 Title

See The World Through My Lens

Activity 3 Introduction

In Interference, Kate pins her college hopes to a photography portfolio that is diverse and ‘has soul.’ For this activity, students will take a series of original photos that fit the provided categories/captions. 

Activity 3 TEKS 

Photojournalism- a1

ELA/Reading 1,2,3,4- 12A, 12B

Activity 3 Books to Display

Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord
Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan
Exposed by Kimberly Marcus
All You Get Is Me by Yvonne Prinz
Snap by Carol Snow
Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick
Famous by Todd Strasser

Activity 3 Supply List
Blue ribbons or certificates for the best photo in each category (optional)
Devices for taking photos such as cell phones, tablets or cameras
Access to presentation program such as PowerPoint, Keynote, etc.

Activity 3 Detailed Description of Activity

We all see the world a little differently.  One of the jobs of the photographer is to capture moments in time.  With every choice that a photographer makes they share their point of view.   They select lighting and angles. They decide which pictures make the cut and which do not.  In this assignment, students will share their photographic point of view using their cell phones, tablets, or  cameras.  Students will take original photos that show their interpretation of the provided captions.  Students will then put the photos and matching captions into a digital presentation using a resource such as PowerPoint, KeyNote, etc. Have students share their presentation with the class.  Discuss the different approaches that students took for the same caption.

Throughout the lesson, show students examples of great photography.  Make photo collections available that feature clever and inspirational photography.  Books such as Photos that Changed the World by Peter Stepan or websites such as those listed under Activity Resources are excellent choices.

The teacher may require the student to take a photo for every caption or select a number that works best for the time available.

If the teacher needs to build more background experience before approaching the photography challenge, consider the following activity: The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg is a children’s picture book featuring captions and photos, but no stories.  Read the book to the class. Talk about or write about what the missing stories might be.  We are accustomed to knowing the story first and then seeing the picture that goes with it.  This activity forces you to think about things in reverse. 

Captions (Take one photograph to match each of these captions)

Love is…

Pet Peeve

School Spirit

Friendship

The Greatest Show on Earth

Genius at work

Courage

Yummy

I'll never try to fit in because I was born to stand out.

What do you think of the view?

You're doing it wrong.

Dreaming

Warning

The ultimate bliss

Greatest treasure

If they only knew.

Biggest fear

Unstoppable

Totally unacceptable

Sweet!

Activity 3 Incentives

Allow students to vote for their peers and select the best photo for each caption.  Create blue ribbons or certificates to award the best in each category.

Activity 3 Resources for Teens, Teachers and Librarians

Time Magazine’s most amazing photos http://100photos.time.com/     

The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg

Photos that Changed the World by Peter Stepan

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Active Programs

Printable Copy

Flyer Example

Sock Toy Example

Activity 1: Pet Supply Drive 

In this activity, teens will get involved in their community by having a pet supply drive for their local animal shelter as Kate did in Interference.

Books to Display

The Animals’ Agenda by Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce

I’m a good dog by Ken Foster

Beg by Rory Freedman

Do Scientists Care About Animal Welfare? By Eve Hartman and Wendy Meshbesher

What’s a Dog For? By John Homans

Dewey by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter

Supply List

Enough boxes or plastic storage bins to collect the donations for the pet supply drive.

Detailed Description of Activity

Aunt Celia’s animal shelter is an important part of Kate’s new life. She realizes quickly that her idea of just accumulating volunteer hours becomes more about truly serving her community. Teens who participate in this pet supply drive will have a direct impact upon their local community as well. Make sure to put up flyers to promote the drive!  You can see the example below as a template.

Incentives

Some incentives could be offered to get more donations for the drive. One incentive could be donations replacing library fines. Make sure this is allowable per your library’s policies.

Activity Resource

Flyer Example

Resources for Teens, Teachers & Librarians

 Find Your Local Animal Shelter: http://www.humanesociety.org/animal_community/resources/tips/find_local_animal_shelter.html

Activity 2: Get Crafty!

This activity is for all those crafty teens who want to make something that will be truly enjoyed.  Teens will create a chew toy for dogs to help keep those puppies entertained for hours. 

Books to Display

Green Crafts by Megan Friday

What a Difference a Dog Makes by Dana Jennings

Pound for Pound by Shannon Kopp

Make & Share Random Acts of Kindness by Mique Provost

Craft Activism by Joan Tapper

Eco-craft by Susan Wasinger

Supply List

Old jeans

Empty water bottles with no lids

Tennis balls

Old towels

Old socks

Scissors

Detailed Description of Activity

Teens can choose between the jeans, towels or socks to use as their primary material. Next have the teen either pick a water bottle or a tennis ball. All you have to do is wrap the chosen material around the water bottle or tennis ball. If jeans are being used, you will need to cut the material to the appropriate size. Also, if you don’t have enough water bottles or tennis ball, you can tie a big knot after cutting the jeans to the correct size. Once the water bottle or tennis ball is covered, tie the material into a knot right against the object. If you would like, you can make an additional knot to ensure that it will not come undone.   

Activity Resource

Example of Water Bottle Sock Toy

Resources for Teens, Teachers & Librarians

 44 Really Cool Homemade DIY Dog Toys Your Dog Will Love: http://blog.spartadog.com/44-really-cool-homemade-diy-dog-toys-your-dog-will-love/

 Creating Pet Crafts for Animal Shelters: ttp://blog.tuesdaymorning.com/helping-animal-shelters/

 Do-It-Yourself Donations and Crafts:  http://anticruelty.org/services-local-resources/society-programs-services/do-it-yourself-donations/

Activity 3: Beginner’s Guide to Photography

In this activity teens can get a basic understanding of the art of photography. This is designed as a beginner’s photography workshop. The most basic question is, “What camera do I need to buy and what should I look for in a beginner’s camera?” This program should give teens an idea of what to look for in a first camera.

Books to Display

 Polaroid: The Complete Guide to Experimental Instant Photography by Rhiannon Adam

Digital Photography: The Complete Photographer by Tom Ang

The Beginner’s Photography Guide by Chris Gatcum

Camera: A History of Photography From Daguerreotype to Digital by Todd Gustavson

National Geographic Kids Guide to Photography by Nancy Honovich

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson

Setting Up the Shot by Jason Skog

Supply List

Area designated for guest speaker

Projector

Screen

Internet connection

Detailed Description of Activity

Get teens interested in photography by hosting a beginner’s workshop. Check out your community to see if a volunteer can donate their time to lead in a discussion on how to get started. Local photography guilds and art studios would be a great place to check. Another method for sharing information is by going onto YouTube. There are various videos showing how to distinguish between cameras and what to look for in purchasing a camera. The videos listed below under Resources for Teens, Teacher & Librarians can be extremely useful. 

Resources for Teens, Teachers & Librarians

 Best First Camera for Photography 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nM8JGq_H0g

 Camera Types:View, TLR, SLR, Rangefinder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9Nynjd9uAY

 Tips for your first film camera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cE9DGF4n5g

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Passive Program

Printable Copy 

Footbal Trivia Quiz

Football Trivia Quiz Key

Signage

Activity 1: Where to Make a Difference        

Volunteerism was an important aspect in Kate’s life. This display will show teens where they can volunteer to make a difference and what the requirements are for different agencies. Make sure to keep it local! 

Books to Display

The 100 best volunteer vacations to enrich your life by Pam Grout

Thrift Store Graces by Jane Knuth

The Idealist.org Handbook to Building a Better World by Stephanie Land

Volunteer by Lonely Planet

One Can Make a Difference by Ingrid E. Newkirk

Rescuing Penny Jane by Amy Sutherland

Supply List

Bulletin Board Paper

Markers

Stapler

Staples

Detailed Description of Activity

Put up your bulletin board paper in your display area. On the top, as a heading, write Where to Make a Difference. Gather information from local organizations on their volunteer requirements and jobs that volunteers can do. Most organizations will have flyers with their information regarding volunteer opportunities available. Put these flyers on the billboard by using a stapler. If your local organizations do not have printed flyers already made, you can simply get their volunteer application forms and use those. Get extra volunteer application forms so the teens have the ability to take them and fill them out. Make sure to include your local public library! 

Incentives

Volunteering can be its own reward, but some teens need to record their volunteer hours for various organizations. Remind teens that this display can assist them in gaining those hours.

Resources for Teens, Teachers & Librarians

5 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-third-age/201403/5-reasons-why-you-should-volunteer

20 Reasons to Volunteer: https://www.volunteermatch.org/volunteers/resources/tipstricks.jsp

Adopt-a-pet.com: https://www.adoptapet.com/

Find Your Local Animal Shelter: http://www.humanesociety.org/animal_community/resources/tips/find_local_animal_shelter.html

Find your local Habitat for Humanity: https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/near-you/find-your-local-habitat

Idealist: https://www.idealist.org/

The Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

Why Volunteer?: https://www.energizeinc.com/art/why-volunteer

Activity 2 Title

High School Football Trivia

Activity 2 Introduction

High school football is a key element in Interference and high school football is king in Texas.  Texas has produced some of the most amazing players in the history of the game.  How well do you know your Texas high school football facts? Challenge your patrons to test their knowledge while drawing their attention to your display.

Activity 2 Books to Display

Big and Bright: Deep in the Heart of Texas High School Football by Gray Levy

The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis

Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team and a Dream by H.G. Bissinger

Pigskin Pulpit: A Social History of Texas High School Football Coaches by Ty Cashion

Texas High School Football by Bill McMurray

Activity 2 Supply List

Newspaper clippings of local football teams

Memorabilia of local football teams

Copies of Football Trivia Quiz

Answer Key for Football Trivia Quiz

Pencils in a basket or tray

Signage inviting patrons to take the quiz (Sample provided)

Activity 2 Detailed Description of Activity

Patrons will be treated to a display of books related to all levels of football (high school, college, professional, etc.).  Mix football newspaper clippings and team memorabilia from local teams  into the display.  Through signage, invite patrons to take a high school football trivia quiz.  Include copies of the quiz in the display.  Provide an answer key and display it under a flap or on cardstock that says, “Flip to see the answer key.”  Patrons can then grade their own quiz to see just how Texas high school football savvy they are.  Feel free to modify the test to include questions specific to your community.

Activity 2 Activity Resources

Football Quiz

Football Quiz Answer Key

Signage

Activity 2 Resources for Teens, Teachers & Librarians

Dave Campbell's facts and statistics related to high school football https://www.texasfootball.com/records/

Texas Monthly puts its own spin on important high school football facts

https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/high-school-football-facts/

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Resources

Academic Program

Active Program

Annotated Bibliography

Book Discussion Questions

Passive Program 

Footbal Trivia Quiz

Football Trivia Quiz Key

Signage

Read-A-Likes

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