Under The Light of Fireflies by Local Author, Lee Sanders

By Susie Rogers, 5th-7th ELA

Our 7th and 8th grade students are reading an engaging coming-of-age story, set in the 1980s, that beautifully blends the history of Texarkana with timeless themes of identity, resilience, and community. Because of its strong connections to place, culture, and adolescence, the novel deeply resonates with our students and reflects much of the world they see around them.

The author, Lee Sanders, graduated from Texas High School in 1987. He has graciously agreed to visit our school once our novel study is complete for an in-person Author Talk, offering students a rare opportunity to learn directly from a published writer. As we are reading the novel of a young 13-year-old boy named Noah, students are asked to analyze through poetry, cause and effect, sensory imagery and author’s craft. Students are also asked to analyze point of view, foreshadowing, predictions, and vocabulary. Students are excited to read about Spring Lake Park, Texas and Arkansas high schools, the shuffle, and State Line!