I'm Not Dying With You Tonight
on Goodreads (21,546)
What’s inside...
An NAACP Image Award Nominee, I’m Not Dying with You Tonight follows two teen girls—one black, one white—who have to confront their own assumptions about racial inequality as they rely on each other to get through the violent race riot that has set their city on fire with civil unrest.
Lena has her killer style, her awesome boyfriend, and a plan. She knows she’s going to make it big. Campbell, on the other hand, is just trying to keep her head down and get through the year at her new school.
When both girls attend the Friday-night football game, what neither expects is for everything to descend into sudden mass chaos. Chaos born from violence and hate. Chaos that unexpectedly throws them together.
They aren’t friends. They hardly understand the other’s point of view. But none of that matters when the city is up in flames, and they only have each other to rely on if they’re going to survive the night.
This book is perfect for:
Sparking conversations about prejudice and the racial tension that exists in America Parents and educators looking for multicultural and African American books for teens Fans of Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, and Jason Reynolds
Age
14-17
Length
249 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lena
Campbell Carlson
Discussion points
How do the main characters' perspectives on the events in the book differ, and what can we learn from that?
What role does friendship play in overcoming challenges, as seen in the book?
How do you think communication could have changed the outcome of some situations in the story?
What are some ways the characters show resilience and courage throughout the book?
How can we apply the lessons learned from the book to our daily lives or to broader societal issues?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by exploring your child's initial reactions to the book, which can lead to a deeper discussion about its themes.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider the perspectives of different characters and relate them to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of friendship and mutual support in difficult times, drawing parallels to your child’s real-life experiences.
Highlight the context of the events in the book, helping your child understand the societal and personal impacts.
Use examples from the book to talk about conflict resolution and the importance of open communication.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story follows two protagonists from different backgrounds who are thrust together during a night of chaos, highlighting how they come to understand each other's perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and understand individuals from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their ability to relate to peers who may be different from themselves.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: As the characters navigate a series of dangerous events, their determination and courage demonstrate resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to maintain hope and strength when encountering challenges, fostering a resilient attitude in their own difficulties.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Cooperation
Explanation: The protagonists must collaborate to survive the night, showcasing the power of working together despite differences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to work collaboratively in team settings, whether in school projects or community activities, emphasizing mutual respect and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: The characters face and manage conflicts throughout the story, providing insights into peaceful conflict resolution.
Real-World Application: Children learn to handle disputes with peers or adults in a constructive manner, promoting peaceful interactions in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The protagonists analyze situations and make quick decisions, which enhances their critical thinking skills throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think critically about the choices they make, helping them develop decision-making skills that they can use in various aspects of life.