The Darkest Minds

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What is ageism? How does it affect young people?

Teaching Suggestion: If students have not already studied this topic, breaking apart the word and discussing the root and suffix can be an opportunity to practice vocabulary strategies and uncover the definition. Once the definition is clear, brainstorming ways in which students feel they are treated unfairly due to their age can be an entry point into the research. The Teen Vogue article includes links to historical background that can expand this discussion and provide additional connections to the novel. If time permits, students could conduct additional research into ways ageism affects young people and movements to stop such prejudice. Additionally, this question provides the opportunity to introduce the theme of Fear and Betrayal of the Young.

• This article from Teen Vogue examines the injustice of discrimination against young people and discusses times youths have stood up against such unfairness.
• This resource from the World Health Organization presents different aspects of ageism, including the definition, its effects, and ways to combat it.