That Was Then, This Is Now
- Genre: Fiction; young adult realistic
- Originally Published: 1971
- Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 780L; grades 7-9
- Structure/Length: 11 chapters; approximately 159 pages; approximately 4 hours on audio
- Protagonist and Central Conflict: The bond between best friends Bryon and Mark is tested when Bryon begins turning away from their violent, criminal lifestyle.
- Potential Sensitivity Issues: Violence; drug use and misuse; profanity; dated, insensitive, and racist language
CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:
- The Choices and Responsibilities of Adulthood
- The Vicious Cycle of Revenge
- Risk Factors for and Consequences of Substance Abuse
STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:
- Gain an understanding of the social and historical contexts surrounding 1960s counterculture that impact Bryon’s coming-of-age journey.
- Analyze paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of The Choices and Responsibilities of Adulthood; The Vicious Cycle of Revenge; and Risk Factors for and Consequences of Substance Abuse.