The Secret Battle of Evan Pao
#1 of 7 in Scholastic Gold Series
on Goodreads (846)
What’s inside...
Middle school can be a battlefield... From award-winning author Wendy Wan-Long Shang comes a poignant and timely take on prejudice, bullying, and claiming our own histories, perfect for fans of Front Desk. A fresh start. That's all Evan Pao wants as he, along with his mother and sister, flee from California to Haddington, Virginia, hoping to keep his father's notoriety a secret. But Haddington is a southern town steeped in tradition, and moving to a town immersed in the past has its own price. Although Evan quickly makes friends, one boy, Brady Griggs, seems determined to make sure that as a Chinese American, Evan feels that he does not belong. When Evan finds a unique way to make himself part of the school's annual Civil War celebration, the reaction is swift and violent. As all of his choices at home and at school collide, Evan must decide whether he will react with the same cruelty shown to him, or choose a different path. Wendy Wan-Long Shang, the critically acclaimed author of Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association Award for Children's Literature winner The Great Wall of Lucy Wu, weaves a timely and deeply moving portrait of all the secret battles Evan Pao must fight as he struggles to figure out how he fits into this country's past and how he will shape its future.
Discussion points
How do you think Evan Pao felt when he moved to a new town? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some ways Evan tried to fit in? Do you think these were effective?
Evan faced some challenges in the story. How do you think he handled them? What would you have done differently?
Can you think of a time when you had to stand up for what was right, like Evan did?
How did Evan’s friendships change over the course of the book? Why do you think friendships are important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their responses to encourage open communication.
Relate the discussion to personal experiences or family stories to make the conversation more relatable.
Ask follow-up questions based on their answers to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings.
Praise their insights and encourage them to think critically about the themes of the book.
Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing that their opinions are valued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of diversity
Explanation: Evan Pao navigates a new environment and learns to appreciate the differences in people from various backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate diversity in their schools and communities, fostering inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Facing bullying and cultural misunderstandings, Evan shows perseverance and resilience throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain steadfast during difficult times, developing coping strategies and inner strength.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Evan builds friendships that help him adjust to his new life, demonstrating how vital support networks are.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of forming and nurturing relationships, which can provide emotional support and enrich their lives.
Example Lesson: Self-identity and confidence
Explanation: Evan's journey includes self-discovery and developing confidence in his cultural identity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and take pride in their own heritage, boosting self-esteem and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through his experiences, Evan learns to empathize with others, understanding their feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to practice empathy in real-life interactions, leading to more compassionate and considerate behavior.