Blended

Investigate the history and the psychological implications of lynching and the African American civil rights movement. What does the noose signify? Use the different reactions of characters, Black and white, to construct an analysis of the noose as symbol.

As a first-person narrator, Izzy defines her character through the vehicle of her voice. Voice is important in civil rights history. Compare the first and last chapters of the book. How has Izzy’s voice changed?

Research both Muzio Clementi’s Sonata in C Major, the recital piece that Izzy masters, and the “Bumble Boogie,” the piece that encourages Izzy to explore Black music. How does the novel use each to suggest the importance of blending?

Anastasia Covington-McAdoo and John Mark Metzker are important secondary characters. Trace how Izzy comes to understand that both people are far more complex than she first assumes and how that education figures into her coming of age.

Research the poetry of Langston Hughes and Joyce Kilmer. The novel uses both to excite Izzy into creating her own poetry. How are these two poets alike? How are they different? What does each bring to Izzy’s emotional growth?

Compare and contrast Izzy’s father and mother. They appear to be radically different types. Trace how Izzy evolves from seeing them as different and herself as sliced in half to her closing epiphany, when she sees them at last as a single family unit.

Research the psychological and emotional impact of biracial identity in contemporary America. Investigate how pop culture has begun to embrace and even celebrate mixed-race relationships and the children such relationships produce.

Explore the role of teachers and education in making American culture and society more tolerant. The novel focuses on the importance of the classroom and how that interactive environment shapes young people. How does the punishment of Logan reveal the mission of education? How does Mr. Kazilly define the role of a teacher?