Truth+and+Lies

Truth and Lies by Tamara Williams Behrad Mobedi 210698108   Alyson van Beinum Synopsis

Erin Martin, a 15 year old at Oshawa Secondary is shocked to hear that her friend Marcel, a homosexual student was horrifically assaulted and is now in a coma. As the police investigation seems helpless, Erin takes it upon herself to get to the bottom on it. There are numerous cliques represented that helps us examine the social structures of this schools as a way for readers to understand the assault. As Erin and the readers begin to assume that this was an act against homosexuals, they later come to find out that the reason why Marcel was assaulted was because he owed money for drugs. Erin questions whether she could have prevented the attack by being a better friend however the reality was that the attack had nothing to do with her or Marcel’s sexual identity.

A) Grade Level

I would teach this novel to Gr. 9-12 as problematic issues such as gender, bullying and assault are evident in most high schools. Some might think that students at a lower grade would not comprehend this novel however it is a fast read and fairly straightforward. With that said, it is obvious that seniors could delve deeper into these issues and discuss its larger significance in our society. This type of novel can be used in HSP (The Human Condition/ Anthropology) which deals with sociology.

B) Main Ideas to Teach

Social Knowledge: · The notion of Gender in society as a construct. · The epidemic of bullying that is costing young teens their lives. Cultural Knowledge: · The abuse of drugs and alcohol which can sidetrack one’s life from progressing intellectually and academically. Textual Knowledge: · Examine the author (in this case, the author is a high school teacher) to get a better idea of whose perspective we are reading and whether it is somewhat a reality or bias.

C) Issues and Challenges

The novel has left a lot of questions unanswered which might leave some students confused however others will appreciate it in the sense that readers can individually interpret what happens next. Other challenges will be to encourage students to participate in the safe school policy ensuring that each individual regardless of their race, class, or sexual orientation is able to develop appropriately without discrimination. These issues are present in most high schools and need to be addressed correctly.

D) Possible assignments/activities


 * Jigsaw **

Show a clip of Mean Girls and the cliques that are within every high school. Have a small reflection about the characteristics of cliques and have students examine different subcultures (jock, nerds, etc) and talk about the repercussion in division and isolation that occurs with this process.


 * Small Reflective Note (300 words) **

Write to Marcel as a friend and offer some advice. Consider the fact that students were openly discriminatory against homosexuals. Also, remember that Marcel abuses drugs, which is harmful for his mind, body, and others around him.


 * Newspaper Article (150-300 words) **

Students will write an article discussing the problems in the educational system and different ways to improve the system. They must use proper evidence and can use __Truth and Lies__ as a source to talk about the violence, drugs, or gender that is evidently a problem in our society. Students must also find a relevant article relating to schools or the issues stated above as further evidence.

Curriculum Expectations:

Incorporating these activities will ensure that student’s reading, writing, speech, and overall knowledge will be increased to promote the safe school policy. This will also help them build better communities and help prevent future discrimination. Specific expectations are 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 in the curriculum document.