When I Was the Greatest
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Teaching Invitations
Character Analysis
English SOL 9.4 The student will read, comprehend, and analyze a variety of literary texts including narratives, narrative nonfiction, poetry, and drama. (k) Analyze how an author’s specific word choices and syntax achieve special effects and support the author’s purpose (VDOE, 2010, p.10).
The three main characters in When I Was the Greatest, Ali, Needles, and Noodles, have unique personalities and perspectives. Have students select one of these characters to examine how the author layers the reader’s experience through literary devices: “indirect and direct methods of characterization, character’s actions, interactions with other characters, dialogue, physical appearance, and thoughts” (VDOE, 2010, p.12). Analysis will be shared digitally with classmates.
Personal Knitting
Visual Arts SOL AI.6 The student will use a variety of traditional and contemporary media (e.g., two-dimensional, three-dimensional, multidimensional) to create works of art (VDOE, 2013, p.18).
Needles got his nickname because he carries his knitting needles and yarn with him wherever he goes. While his work often comes unraveled, he spends much of his day working on stiches. In collaboration with the art teacher, have students create a personal knitting project inspired by a contemporary song that is personally meaningful. Final projects can be collected and displayed together with personal reflections from students.
Safe Scenarios
Health SOL 9.3 The student will demonstrate skills to advocate for personal and community health. (g) Demonstrate healthy decision-making strategies related to weapons. (m) Utilize appropriate resolution skills to prevent, prepare for, and manage conflict in a variety of situations (VDOE, 2015, p.23).
While Ali attempts to stay out of trouble in his neighborhood, he still encounters individuals with ill intent and weapons. Have students explore Ali’s tactics for avoiding violence and weapons, as well as what happens when he fights back. Have students develop and work through scenarios where they might also encounter conflict. Student created scenarios can be shared with classmates, and digitally shared school-wide.
Person of Influence
English SOL 9.6 The student will develop narrative, expository, and persuasive writings for a variety of audiences and purposes (VDOE, 2010, p.20).
Ali has a close knit caring relationship with his younger sister, and he is continuously aware of his influence on her. She also is a positive influence on him in return. Have students write a letter to a family member or special person that has been a positive influence on their life, including life stories and examples.
Versions of the Truth
English 10.6 The student will develop a variety of writing to persuade, interpret, analyze, and evaluate with an emphasis on exposition and analysis. (c) Elaborate ideas clearly through word choice and vivid description (VDOE, 2010, p.14).
A pivotal event in When I Was the Greatest is the party at MoMo’s house, shared from the perspective of Ali. Needles and Noodles both had experiences that go without thorough understanding. Have students write a different account of the night from the perspective of either Needles or Noodles, including rich sensory details.
English SOL 9.4 The student will read, comprehend, and analyze a variety of literary texts including narratives, narrative nonfiction, poetry, and drama. (k) Analyze how an author’s specific word choices and syntax achieve special effects and support the author’s purpose (VDOE, 2010, p.10).
The three main characters in When I Was the Greatest, Ali, Needles, and Noodles, have unique personalities and perspectives. Have students select one of these characters to examine how the author layers the reader’s experience through literary devices: “indirect and direct methods of characterization, character’s actions, interactions with other characters, dialogue, physical appearance, and thoughts” (VDOE, 2010, p.12). Analysis will be shared digitally with classmates.
Personal Knitting
Visual Arts SOL AI.6 The student will use a variety of traditional and contemporary media (e.g., two-dimensional, three-dimensional, multidimensional) to create works of art (VDOE, 2013, p.18).
Needles got his nickname because he carries his knitting needles and yarn with him wherever he goes. While his work often comes unraveled, he spends much of his day working on stiches. In collaboration with the art teacher, have students create a personal knitting project inspired by a contemporary song that is personally meaningful. Final projects can be collected and displayed together with personal reflections from students.
Safe Scenarios
Health SOL 9.3 The student will demonstrate skills to advocate for personal and community health. (g) Demonstrate healthy decision-making strategies related to weapons. (m) Utilize appropriate resolution skills to prevent, prepare for, and manage conflict in a variety of situations (VDOE, 2015, p.23).
While Ali attempts to stay out of trouble in his neighborhood, he still encounters individuals with ill intent and weapons. Have students explore Ali’s tactics for avoiding violence and weapons, as well as what happens when he fights back. Have students develop and work through scenarios where they might also encounter conflict. Student created scenarios can be shared with classmates, and digitally shared school-wide.
Person of Influence
English SOL 9.6 The student will develop narrative, expository, and persuasive writings for a variety of audiences and purposes (VDOE, 2010, p.20).
Ali has a close knit caring relationship with his younger sister, and he is continuously aware of his influence on her. She also is a positive influence on him in return. Have students write a letter to a family member or special person that has been a positive influence on their life, including life stories and examples.
Versions of the Truth
English 10.6 The student will develop a variety of writing to persuade, interpret, analyze, and evaluate with an emphasis on exposition and analysis. (c) Elaborate ideas clearly through word choice and vivid description (VDOE, 2010, p.14).
A pivotal event in When I Was the Greatest is the party at MoMo’s house, shared from the perspective of Ali. Needles and Noodles both had experiences that go without thorough understanding. Have students write a different account of the night from the perspective of either Needles or Noodles, including rich sensory details.
Partner Titles
Boys Don't Knit (In Public) by T. S. Easton
Just like in When I Was the Greatest, the main character of Boys Don't Knit is heavily influenced (in both good and bad ways) by his friends and family. When Ben makes some poor choices, the consequences include community service work and the addition of a new rehabilitative hobby - knitting. Needles, one of the characters in When I Was the Greatest, develops a knitting hobby because it calms his Tourette's outbursts. In Boys Don't Knit, Ben finds identity in this forced new experience. Written in diary form, this title centered on relationships "will keep you in stitches" (Cooper, 2015, p.53). |
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Described as "poetry in motion" (Bush, 2014, p.74), The Crossover tells the story of twin brothers and the changes in their relationship and life as teens. The family relationships and support system in The Crossover pair well with the dynamics of Ali and his mom, sister, and eventually his father in When I Was the Greatest. A 2015 Newbery Medal Winner, and Coretta Scott King Honor Award Winner, The Crossover offers a dynamic look into the life of young teen boys. With less text on each page, this quick read is a great match for reluctant readers. |
Girls Like Us by Gail Giles
Told from the perspective of two girls who have just graduated from high school after spending years in special education classes, Girls Like Us shares what it is like as the girls enter the workforce and learn to take care of themselves. This 2015 Schneider Family Book Award Winner title is a great partner text for When I Was the Greatest as it examines disabilities that might make us seem different, and the experiences and relationships that unite us together. "Girls Like Us is filled with genuine relationships that develop over time and feel authentic" (Lassen, 2014, p.120). |
The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds
Another book by author Jason Reynolds, The Boy in the Black Suit introduces readers to Matt, who recently lost his mother to cancer, and is doing all he can to support himself and his struggling father. After getting a job at a local funeral home, Matt develops meaningful relationships with his boss, Mr. Ray, and Lovey, a funeral attendee. As in When I Was the Greatest, the main character is desperate to make the "right" decisions for both himself and his family. A review of the audio version shares that "Corey Allen is the perfect narrator for this wonderful story of grieving and hope" (Clark, 2015, p.67). |
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina
Also set in the boroughs of New York City, Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass provides a vivid look at Piddy Sanchez's life in a new school environment, bullied by fellow classmate, Yaqui. Piddy is a good student, doesn't have an accent, and has light skin - making it hard for her to fit in the Latino community. Paired with When I Was the Greatest, readers will have an additional view of life for teens as they struggle to do the right thing for family, friends, and themselves. This title is the 2014 recipient of the Pura Belpre Author Award, and offers a realistic view of bullying from the victim perspective. This title would offer great discussion opportunities about how teens want to be treated and supported in their unique qualities. |
Further Explorations
- NYC Go - Fictionally set in Bed-Stuy (Bedford-Stuyvesant) in Brooklyn, When I Was the Greatest describes life for a teen in this area of NYC. Explore this link for current information about this area of Brooklyn, and the other boroughs of NYC as well.
- Jason Reynolds - Check out the author's website for information about him and his books, as well as a blog page and a page titled Procrastination.
- John Steptoe New Talent Award - When I Was the Greatest is the 2015 recipient of this award, and this website offers information about the criteria for the award, as well as a list of past winners.
- Twitter and Instagram - Connect socially with author Jason Reynolds on his Twitter and Instagram profiles!
- Dear Teen Me - This website offers authors the chance to write letters to their teen selves. Take a look at Jason Reynolds' personal letter to his teen self, along with high school and college photographs.
- When I Was the Greatest from Audible - Check out the Audible website for a sample of the book, read by J. B. Adkins.
- Men Who Knit - This brief documentary shares the male perspective on knitting, just like Needles enjoys in When I Was the Greatest.