A Note to Teachers

The novel, The Price of a Child, by Lorene Cary was chosen by a committee representing various Philadelphia constituents to be the first book that all of Philadelphia will read. The School District of Philadelphia, as one of the constituents, also made this title our recommendation based on the titles and rationales that were submitted to us by teachers throughout the district. Mona Kolsky, who organized the selection process at the E.W. Rhodes Middle School, submitted the selected title and rationale for this novel.

This novel by a local author and set in 1855 Philadelphia tackles important issues around equity and equality that still need to be addressed in our present day society. It presents a historical perspective not found in most textbooks. Most importantly, its content invites discussion and an opportunity for self-reflection

We recommend that you read the novel first before using it with your students. Although we have included supportive material, you are the expert on the needs and interests of your students and can approach the reading of the book from the most appropriate vantagepoint.

We also hope that you will take advantage of the many events around the city that will take place around this book. A complete list of those events can be found at www.freelibrary.org.