Public Funding, Public Decisions: How Eastside Schools Spend Their Money (The Eastside Extra)
Written by Anita Storey
Illustrated by Nathalie Ortega
Published by Jolly Fish Press
Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio “Benny” Flores, and Libby Abrams attend Eastside Middle School, which is facing challenges as a result of its growing student body.
When they learn the school is getting extra funding this year, they know they have the topic for their next feature story: Who decides how public schools spend their money? And where does the money come from? As the kids interview people at school and learn about their different priorities for the money—an athletic field, a bigger auditorium, improved science equipment, and more—they realize the most important question of all: How can they be part of the decision?
Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends—and known to be relentlessly curious. They’re always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging stories.
For even more adventures with The Eastside Extra, explore:
- How Did We Get Here?: Exploring the Ancestry of Eastside Residents (The Eastside Extra)
- Why Is Our Lake Off-Limits?: Inside Eastside’s Polluted History (The Eastside Extra)
- Still Serving: The Inside Scoop on One Veteran’s Life (The Eastside Extra)
Primary ISBN: 9781631636462
Publication Date: September 2022
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Chapter Book, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Cuban/Cuban American, Indian/Indian American
Themes: Activism, Community Action, Cross-Group Friendship, Discrimination: Economic, Education & Literacy, Generation: 1st, Generation: 2nd, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Jewish
Setting: Unspecified
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant, 1st Generation, 2nd Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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