“Sun Signs” Young Adult Fiction Literature for Online Safety

General Information:
- Sun Signs by Shelley Hrdlitschka, published by Orca Book Publishers on May 1, 2005.

- This young adult novel, appropriate for middle school students, explores the online learning experiences of a group of students while simultaneously highlighting the potential flaws and dangers that come with online communication. Especially due to COVID-19 where online learning opportunities are in full swing, this book would be very relatable to students because navigating learning online (compared to a traditional classroom) comes with many trials and tribulations.
- While working through the assignments required of them, the main character realizes that not everyone tells the truth online. Many other books related to the topic of online safety and avoiding predator danger online were much too graphic and not appropriate for this age range. This book, however, while it doesn’t specifically address ‘predators’ persay, it is what I would call an “introduction” to the crucial topic of social media safety. This book is also written in the form of e-mail/journal entries which makes it more interesting and relatable to young teens.

Core Integration:
- The characters in this book work together on a science project online. Considering that online learning is a possibility for students next year, I think that after students read this book, it would be fun to have them also work together (in a group setting, online) on a science project. Depending upon what the students have been learning, the teacher can provide a list of relevant science topics to choose from. Each group can choose the topic of their liking and work together to plan and conduct their project, managing their online communication, just like the characters in the book. This book also has a large focus on the Scientific Method approach to conducting science, so it would be good for students to use/follow the Scientific Method when doing their own science projects. Also, students could keep a journal or log about what went well with their online group work and what didn’t work. This would be an opportunity for students to learn the most effective ways to work online with groups in the future.
- Since I can only access part of the book for free, I cannot 100% recommend this book. However, this book is well reviewed, and to me, seems like the most appropriate and relevant way to begin a conversation with 6th graders about staying safe online. This would be a great book to begin a conversation, and then follow up with discussions about the topic and looking at other resources about online safety afterwards.

NHES 1: Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health.

- - MEH1.8.20 Describe how power and control differences in a relationship can contribute to aggression and violence.
    - HBO 3: Prevent and manage interpersonal conflict, in healthy ways.
    - HBO 5: Use self-control and impulse-control strategies to promote health.
    - HBO 6: Get help for troublesome thoughts, feelings, or actions for oneself and others.
    - HBO 8: Establish and maintain healthy relationships.

- - MEH1.8.33 Describe characteristics of healthy relationships.
    - HBO 8: Establish and maintain healthy relationships.

NHES 2: Students will analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.

- - S2.8.9 Analyze how relevant influences of peers affect personal safety and injury prevention practices.

NHES 4: Students will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks.

MEH4.8.2 Demonstrate how to manage personal information in electronic communications and when using social media (e.g. chat groups, e-mail, texting, websites, phone and tablet applications) to prevent interpersonal conflict.

NHES 7: Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks.

V7.8.1 Explain the importance of being responsible for practicing violence prevention behaviors.

- NGSS Standards:
  - Here are some possible middle school science standards that align with the ideas of planning out and conducting an investigation (additionally, students will use the Scientific Method while doing this). Specific standards will vary depending upon the students’ chosen science topics.

Health Education Teacher Resources