TEACHING THE HERO’S JOURNEY: Dos and Don’ts of Unit Design [Ep 256]

This episode lit us up in the best way. Amanda sat down with Aaron H. Aceves, author of This Is Why They Hate Us, for a heartfelt conversation about identity and the power of honest storytelling. Aaron’s openness about his own journey challenged us to reflect on how we, as educators, can lead with vulnerability and create space for students to do the same. His protagonist, Enrique, is messy, hilarious, and deeply real—and that kind of representation matters more than ever in our classrooms.Aaron reminded us that books like his are more than stories—they're lifelines for students who need to see themselves in the pages they read. This conversation is a love letter to teachers everywhere, doing the work to bring authentic, diverse voices into their classrooms. We hope it leaves you feeling as inspired as it left us.Resources:Join Camp BNT: Summer 2025This is Why They Hate Us, by Aaron H. AcevesConnect with Aaron:WebsiteInstagram: @aaronacevesTikTokFacebookMore Camp BNT 2025 Episodes:Episode 260, Samira Ahmed: A Conversation About Internment Part 1Episode 261, Samira Ahmed: A Conversation About Internment Part 2Episode 262, Aimee Phan: A Conversation About The Lost Queen Part 1Episode 263, Aimee Phan: A Conversation About The Lost Queen Part 2SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode264"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

We’re so excited to share part two of our conversation with Aimee Phan, author of The Lost Queen! If you caught part one, you already know how rich and thoughtful this discussion is. In this episode, we dive deeper into how retellings like The Lost Queen can help students see that stories aren’t set in stone—and that they have the freedom to make stories their own. Aimee shares how the creative process can empower young writers to take risks, explore identity, and find their voice.We also talk about the evolution of Vietnamese American literature, how to pair The Lost Queen with other powerful texts, and the deep impact that simple words of encouragement can have on a student’s life. If you’re looking for book recs, classroom inspiration, or just a reminder of the power of storytelling, this episode is for you.Resources:Camp BNTThe Lost Queen, by Aimee PhanAimee's WebsiteFollow Aimee on Instagram @aimeephanwritesSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode263"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

What if the legendary queens of Vietnamese history were reborn as modern-day teens in California? In this episode, we chat with author and educator Aimee Phan about her brand new YA fantasy novel, The Lost Queen. Aimee shares how her experience growing up as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees—and the absence of Vietnamese stories in the books she read—inspired her to create stories that center Vietnamese culture, history, and identity. From dragons and time travel to reimagined mythology, Aimee takes us behind the scenes of a novel that’s as empowering as it is imaginative.We also dive into how The Lost Queen can open up powerful classroom conversations. Aimee reflects on why her students connect so deeply with YA and how fantasy can be a tool for exploring identity, agency, and belonging. If you’re looking to bring more diverse and empowering stories into your teaching, this episode (and this book!) is a must.Resources:Camp BNTThe Lost Queen, by Aimee PhanAimee's WebsiteFollow Aimee on Instagram @aimeephanwritesSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode262"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

In part two of our conversation with author Samira Ahmed, we deep dive into the genre of Internment—is it dystopian, speculative, or realistic fiction?—and why that label matters in the classroom. What starts as a conversation about shelving quickly becomes an exploration of how genre influences student thinking, how we can break down subject silos in education, and why teaching through inquiry is more critical than ever. Samira shares insights on the emotional toll of teaching today, the urgency of connecting past and present injustices, and her belief that “teaching is a revolutionary act.” This episode is a reminder of the impact educators have and the power of stories to spark resistance, reflection, and change.Resources:Camp BNTInternment, by Samira AhmedThe Grace Year, by Kim LiggettProphet Song, by Paul LynchRelated Episodes:Episode 155, Powerful Female Voices in YA Lit: An Interview with Yamile Saied MendezEpisode 171, New Dystopian Texts & Supplements for Your ELA ClassroomEpisode 230, Building Trong Writers: An Interview with Author Christina Schnider of The Daring English TeacherEpisode 260, Samira Ahmed: A Conversation About Internment Part 1SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode261"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Camp BNT is back for year three, and we’re kicking things off with bestselling author (and former high school English teacher!) Samira Ahmed. In this episode, Samira shares how her time in the classroom shaped her writing, the inspiration behind Internment, and how educators can use essential questions to spark powerful conversations. Plus, get a sneak peek at her upcoming projects—and hear why she’s so passionate about writing for teens. This is part one of a two-part conversation you won’t want to miss!Resources:Sign up for Camp BNTSummer Reading RescueInternment, by Samira AhmedLove, Hate & Other Filters, by Samira AhmedConnect with Samira:WebsiteInstagram: @sam_aye_ahmSamira’s booksRelated Episodes:Episode 155, Powerful Female Voices in YA Lit: An Interview with Yamile Saied MendezEpisode 157, Modern Folktales and Monsters: An Interview with Diana LopezEpisode 166, Lesson Plan Inspiration with Elizabeth Acevedo: An Interview DebriefSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode260"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

We’re wrapping up our Hero’s Journey series with a fresh twist—this time through the lens of fantasy in eleventh-grade American Literature. Marie shares how she took a bold leap by introducing a fantasy choice novel unit, transforming student engagement and challenging traditional ideas of what counts as “American Lit.” This episode ties together our vertical alignment approach from earlier grades and emphasizes how thoughtfully crafted essential questions and genre expansion can deepen student connection and critical thinking.We also dive into the power of student choice, sharing how Socratic seminars, rhetorical analysis, and multimedia pairings help students explore themes like escape, identity, and morality. You’ll hear our favorite supplemental texts and movies, a suggested summative assessment, and four key features to focus on throughout the unit. And if you’re a Happy Hour member, you’ll get access to this entire unit! Join us next week as we kick off another summer of Camp BNT!Resources:Jib Fowles’ “Advertising’s 15 Basic Appeals”Legendborn, by Tracy DeonnHouse in the Cerulean Sea, by Tj KlunePercy Jackson, by Rick Riordan Throne of Glass, Sarah J. MaasRelated Episodes: Episode 63, Choice Reading 101Episode 96, How to Select Choice Reading + Our 20 Favorite Classroom BooksEpisode 256, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Dos and Don’ts of Unit DesignEpisode 257, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Studying The Hobbit for Middle School ELAEpisode 258, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Studying the Odyssey for 9-10 Grade ELASHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode259 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Teaching The Odyssey doesn’t have to be stuck in surface-level plot points. It can be the unit where students are guided through their own epic journeys!In this third episode of our Hero’s Journey series, we’re diving into how we’ve completely reimagined teaching The Odyssey to ninth graders. If you’ve been following along, you know we started this series with an overview of using the Hero’s Journey as a curriculum tool, then explored what it looks like in middle school using The Hobbit. Now we’re shifting the focus to high school—and it’s not just about leveling up content, it’s about deepening the purpose.We’re talking essential questions, student-centered analysis, and ways to move from plot summaries to powerful conversations, like whether or not you can still be a hero if you never leave home. We’re also sharing how this unit can end with a project that feels more personal, more reflective, and way more meaningful than a traditional essay or presentation.Resources and Related Episodes:Freebie: Hero’s Journey Evidence TrackerEpisode 15, To Write an Essential QuestionEpisode 16, To Find Supplementory TextsEpisode 256, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Dos and Don’ts of Unit DesignEpisode 257, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Studying The Hobbit for Middle School ELASHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode258"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Let’s be honest—The Hobbit isn’t always a crowd-pleaser in middle school, but in this episode, we’re sharing how to turn it into a powerful, skills-based exploration of the hero’s journey. We dive into using essential questions, shifting focus from content to critical thinking, and using tools like our favorite evidence tracker to make Bilbo’s transformation come alive. Plus, we chat about modern pairings and why it’s okay if your students don’t read every page. This one’s all about making fantasy feel relevant, engaging, and fun—for you and your students.Resources:Freebie: Hero’s Journey Evidence TrackerThe Hobbit, by J.R.R. TolkienJoin Curriculum RehabRelated Episodes:Episode 85, Teaching Novels When Kids Don’t Read at Home Part 1Episode 86, Teaching Novels When Kids Don’t Read at Home Part 2Episode 243, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Unit PossibilitiesEpisode 244, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Essential Question Possibilities for The Poet XEpisode 245, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Gateway Activity IdeasEpisode 246, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Supplemental and Alternative Text IdeasEpisode 247, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: AssessmentsEpisode 256, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Do’s and Dont’s of Unit DesignSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode257"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

We’re kicking off a new four-part series all about teaching the Hero’s Journey—starting with the dos and don’ts of unit design. In this episode, we share how this timeless framework can lead to deeper thinking, richer discussions, and yes… even a newfound love for fantasy (spoiler: one of us used to be a skeptic!). You’ll walk away with essential questions to anchor your units AND a free evidence tracker to help students go beyond surface-level plot.Resources:Freebie: Hero’s Journey Evidence TrackerJoin Happy Hour!Shop more BNT resourcesRelated Episodes:Episode 15, To Write an Essential QuestionEpisode 16, To Find Supplementory TextsEpisode 59, Essential Question Workshop: 12th Grade LitEpisode 81, Essential Question Workshop: Dystopia (Woohoo!)SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode256 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

We’ve all had those end-of-year activities that looked great on paper—but quickly turned into chaos in the classroom. In this episode, we’re sharing some of our own “what were we thinking?” moments, along with practical strategies to help you rethink and rescue those well-intentioned lessons. From creative writing prompts that actually work to research assignments that don’t overwhelm, we’re diving into how structure and clarity can save your sanity this time of year!Resources:End of Year Activity Bundle for Secondary ELABuild a Story: Summer Break CountdownEnd of Year Countdown - Famous Last LinesEnd of Year Time CapsuleEnd of Year Station ActivityMore End of Year ResourcesBlog Post: 10 Ideas for a Fun, Reflective End of Year ActivityRelated Episodes:Episode 254, Looking Ahead to Next Year: Fundraising Ideas for Books (Book Fairs & Read-a-Thons)Episode 253, Summer Reading Rescue - Part 2Episode 252, Summer Reading Rescue - Part 1Episode 144, Teacher Spring Cleaning: Curriculum & ActivitiesEpisode 129, Classroom Transformations & “Fun” ActivitiesEpisode 8 & 9, To Teach at the End of the YearSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode255"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel