Explore Prejudice, History & Science in Grades 3-12 Through Gary D. Schmidt’s book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

This immersive novel study brings to life the true story of Malaga Island's destruction through literary analysis, ethical debates, and STEM connections. Designed for homeschoolers and classroom teachers, this guide transforms reading into an interdisciplinary exploration of racism, environmentalism, and moral courage.

Why This Study Stands Out:

✅ Based on True Injustice – Connects to the 1912 eviction of Malaga Island's Black community
✅ Ethics Meets STEM – Debate historical decisions while also mapping whale migrations
✅ Virtual Field Trip Ready – Explore Malaga Island via Google Earth with guided activities
✅ Adaptable Rigor – Scales from middle school to early high school

What’s Inside?

1. Vocabulary & Historical Context

2. Themes & Literary Devices

• Symbolism Study – Analyze the trees, whales, and ocean as metaphors
• "Then vs. Now" Discussions – Compare 1912 racism to modern systemic inequities

3. Character Development

4. STEM Labs

• Whale Migration Math – Calculate distances using real NOAA data
• Malaga’s Acreage – Geometry and Area activity measuring the island’s footprint

5. Cross-Curricular Projects

• Ethics Trial – Debate: "Was the eviction justified?"
• Botany Study – Research native Maine trees like Lizzie’s pines

6. Virtual Field Trip to Malaga Island

• Google Earth Scavenger Hunt – Locate the island’s geographic remnants
• Primary Source Analysis – Compare 1912 maps to modern satellite images

Perfect For:

• Homeschoolers studying civil rights or Maine history
• Teachers addressing systemic racism through literature
• Life sciences connections

Format: 37 Page Printable PDF | Grade Level: 3-12

This study doesn’t just teach Lizzie Bright—it equips students to confront ongoing injustice with historical context and explores valuable STEM skills.

Get Your Copy & Shine Light on Erased History!