Teaching Some Places More Than Others

In Some Places More Than Others, Renée Watson tells the story of Amara, a young girl on the verge of adolescence who is determined to discover who she is, where she comes from, and where she belongs. As Amara travels from Oregon to Harlem, where her family has roots, she has to navigate the strained relationship between her father and grandfather and the secrets they keep from her. She uses this journey to explore where she belongs; feeling disconnected from her heritage while living in Oregon, Amara yearns to learn more about her family’s history in New York. By exploring Harlem, which is portrayed as a central character in its own right, and connecting more with her family there, she begins to feel a stronger sense of belonging and self as she situates her identity in the context of personal and cultural histories. 

The themes of this novel align with Facing History’s Borders & Belonging ELA Collection. We’ve created this planning guide to support your school community in small-group, whole-class, or schoolwide reading and discussion. The discussion questions are designed to spark critical thinking and conversations around issues of identity, belonging, culture, heritage, home, coming of age, and self-discovery.  

Learn about using this title in an All Community Read on the theme of Borders & Belonging.