111 pages 3 hours read

Robin Roe

A List of Cages

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017

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Introduction

A List of Cages

  • Genre: Fiction; young adult realistic
  • Originally Published: 2017
  • Reading Level/Interest: Lexile HL690L; grades 8-12
  • Structure/Length: 72 chapters; approx. 480 pages; approx. 8 hours, 17 minutes on audio
  • Protagonist and Central Conflict: High school senior Adam Blake is thrilled to rediscover Julian, his former foster brother, now a freshman at his school. When he realizes Julian is being abused by Russell, Julian’s uncle and guardian, Adam must find a way to help Julian that will not endanger them both.
  • Potential Sensitivity Issues: Child abuse; sexual abuse; trauma; deceased parents; mentions of ADHD and dyslexia; some teen drinking, allusions to teen sex, and profanity

Robin Roe, Author

  • Bio: American writer of young adult fiction; earned degrees from Cornell University and Harvard University; high school special education instructor and former child and teen counselor
  • Other Works: Dark Room Etiquette (2022)
  • Awards: A Goodreads pick for Best Young Adult Books of the Year

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

  • Mean Versus Unhappy People
  • False Appearances and Deceit
  • Fantasy

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

  • Gain an understanding of the social contexts regarding abuse that drive Julian’s conflict.
  • Analyze short paired texts and other resources to make connections via the text’s themes of False Appearances and Deceit and Fantasy.