I look forward to teaching using "Alice", "Khadra", and "Camille" next year in French 2 The story is realistic, thoughtful, touching", and I so love that the main character (as in "Khadra" and "Camille") is female. She is strong, intelligent, and faces real life challenges. Finally, a story in which the female is not the thief or the object of the white male gaze because of her brown body. The story naturally incorporates culture and history, which will make it easy to go beyond the story. I also love and am grateful for the Cultural Glossary, complete with pictures. Brilliant idea!
French teachers! Check out this amazing book by Cécile Lainé! She interweaves French culture seamlessly, as well is bringing home topics like immigration, racism, prejudice against Muslims, fair trade clothing (blanked on that term during the video!), as well as such relatable topics as divorce, parents making decisions about your life without consulting you, injuries that could ruin your dreams, and teen crushes.
I took 1 semester of French decades ago (although I AM a Spanish teacher) and understood everything with a little help from the glossary. What a beautiful story! I read it in one sitting - while my students did FVR in Spanish ;)
My level 3 and up French student really like this story. The characters are relatable and the story is engaging and easy to follow. It also provides a great depiction of Marseille.