Author Archives: Dan Ennis

Real Life and Real Artwork

Posted on May 26, 2021 by Dan Ennis

As we read Brandon Taylor’s “Real Life” and explored the complexities and challenges that Wallace endures, we were inspired to create. Below you will find a culmination of the most important moments from the text in a visual format that … Continue reading →

Posted in #BrandonTaylor, #PBL #StudentCentered, 2020 Booker Short List novels, Place-Based Learning | Tagged #reallife, Booker Prize Shortlist Novels, Brandon Taylor, PBL | Leave a comment

Women, Power, and The Shadow King

Posted on March 2, 2021 by Dan Ennis

In our English class, we read the novel, The Shadow King, by Maaza Mengiste. This book focuses on the Second Italo-Ethiopian War and the roles the Ethiopian females played in it. Following the completion of our single paragraph prose’s about … Continue reading →

Posted in #PBL #StudentCentered, 2020 Booker Short List novels, Literature Circles aka #litcircles | Tagged Maaza Mengiste | 10 Comments

The History, Style, and Gender in The Shadow King

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Dan Ennis

The way that war and conflict break down the gender dynamic in Kidane’s army is particularly interesting – after all, they are all driven with the same motives. Aster’s gradual transition into a position of power puts her in direct conflict with Kidane – she … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020 Booker Short List novels, Literature Circles aka #litcircles | Tagged Maaza Mengiste | Leave a comment

Maaza Mengiste and her “lyrical song of war”

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Dan Ennis

Throughout history, certain narratives – especially those pertaining to women and minority groups – have largely remain unseen and unexplored by literature. Synthesizing a compelling narrative through extensive research with impeccable writing, Maaza Mengiste combines gripping story about war – described as a “lyrical song of war” by Namwali Serpell of the New York Times – and a moving account of … Continue reading →