leo fowler

We're back on track this weekend at Richmond, let's do a giveaway! I am giving away this signed Bass Pro, Winchester No. 10 hat. Like and retweet to enter. Winner chosen tomorrow.

@StudAlexWelch I agree. I think that it also contributes to the dissolving of the single story. More stories are able to be told authentically as marginalized authors are emboldened to tell their stories and creations. #XUengl20510

It's important for #OwnVoices to tell ordinary stories because they're usually the most relatable, and lots of people like relatability, because it can make them feel connected to the characters. It can make people feel included and a part of a group. #XUengl20510

@JosieLopez0312 I agree. Even though America is this great diversity giant, isolated communities form. This can create pockets of cultures, which can make outsiders feel isolated and outside. #XUengl20510

I really enjoyed Brandy Colbert's story. Embracing cultural identity is difficult especially when growing up in America. I feel like many people have experienced the feeling of not fitting into their cultures. #XUengl20510

@sonnebornm01 I agree. Marginalized readers, who may struggle to find meaningful representation, are able to see themselves. OwnVoices authors are less likely to make characters that contribute to the single story, because they have been adversely affected by it personally. #XUengl20510

Stories that involve marginalized characters simply living life helps to break apart the myth of a single story. This type of casual representation acts as a window, allowing those unfamiliar or possibly hostile to different cultures to be exposed. #XUengl20510

@lnpfeifer16 I agree. I think that moments like these are powerful and serve to prove the humanity of these characters. Diversity in literature and other representation show that marginalized individuals are simply human, just like us. #XUengl20510

This excerpt particularly talks of Marcus as experiencing all normal things that any human no matter the color of their skin experiences good and bad I think this is representative of a whole story. #XUengl20510

@StudAlexWelch I agree. Everyone deserves to be able to see themselves in both the books they read and, within those books, in positive and powerful roles. Those characters act as representation that breaks the single story stereotypes. #XUengl20510

It's important that for marginalized groups to be the heroes because everyone deserves a shot at representation, I suppose. It would make people happy if they read about a character that they could relate to. #XUengl20510

@StudAlexWelch I agree. It is super important to have stories that are 'windows' into other people's lives and ideas. When those stories exist, we are better able to explore differing viewpoints, on topics like love. #XUengl20510

We all gain some sort of insight into different people's lives through diverse portrayals. I couldn't relate to the characters, because my opinion on love is different, but Marcus and Grace asked questions real people would have about their first love. #XUengl20510

Marginalized heroes are important for marginalized readers amid the toxic rhetoric and racism they face everyday. Those heroes can be role models for readers, when otherwise they may not see themselves in other heroes and stories. #XUengl20510

@sonnebornm01 I think it was important that Will breaks that cycle of violence because there were multiple spirits connected to one event (Buck’s death, for example). By stopping himself, Will likely saved his own life. #XUengl20510

@MasonBlank1 @Ashleynking36 I appreciated the different styles that showed up in the book, especially towards the end. He communicates story through his text, but also through the color, focus, and composition of each of the pages. Overall it makes the message more impactful. #XUengl20510

@Ashleynking36 Between the detailed images and elaborate word placement, Reynolds achieved the attention-grabbing aspect in my books. #XUengl20510

The illustrations in this book are so powerful, and I love the way the words are placed to create a mood or emphasis on an idea. #XUengl20510

Reynolds dismantles stereotypes through the pure vulnerability of Shawn and the admittance of the father killing the wrong person. They are not ruthless, killing machines, but instead are flawed people trying to do what they believe is right. #XUengl20510

@lnpfeifer16 I agree. I think her role and character is very interesting because she was just a child when she was killed, and therefore may give childish advice. Her spirit is actually very mature, which may reveal his inner doubts about killing. #XUengl20510

When Dani said ‘you shoot ?’ I thought that was very impactful. Trying to get him to question himself that this isn’t something he usually does and that he’s acting out of character. #XUengl20510

@sonnebornm01 I agree. I think it's interesting how such big and complicated emotions really only happen in such a short period of time. I like how the time is slowed down but in a realistic way. #XUengl20510

I really enjoyed the book so far. I thought it was interesting the order that the ghosts appeared in so far, that his brother was first before his friend. I think that if she was first, his mind would have been made up for sure to do it. #XUengl20510

@MeghanJ2025 I agree. I wonder how effective the emotions will be just because they are happening so quickly. Two minutes is an extremely short timeline, and I wonder how much each emotion will affect him. #XUengl20510

@Ashleynking36 I agree. I think it will be crucial that he makes the decisions on his own because he is experiencing a lot of strong emotions rather quickly. It will be pretty revealing of his true character in his choices. #XUengl20510

I like how there will be space for Will to have to make decisions of his own instead of being told what to do upfront. #XUengl20510

In the NYT article about Jason Reynolds, he talks about making black teenagers feel seen, both through the book and in person. I thought it was nice how he is so committed to making them feel represented through his media. #XUengl20510