A List of Cages

• Genre: Fiction; young adult realistic
• Originally Published: 2017
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile HL690L; grades 8-12
• Structure/Length: 72 chapters; approx. 480 pages; approx. 8 hours, 17 minutes on audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: High school senior Adam Blake is thrilled to rediscover Julian, his former foster brother, now a freshman at his school. When he realizes Julian is being abused by Russell, Julian’s uncle and guardian, Adam must find a way to help Julian that will not endanger them both.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Child abuse; sexual abuse; trauma; deceased parents; mentions of ADHD and dyslexia; some teen drinking, allusions to teen sex, and profanity

Robin Roe, Author

• Bio: American writer of young adult fiction; earned degrees from Cornell University and Harvard University; high school special education instructor and former child and teen counselor
• Other Works: Dark Room Etiquette (2022)
• Awards: A Goodreads pick for Best Young Adult Books of the Year

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• Mean Versus Unhappy People
• False Appearances and Deceit
• Fantasy

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the social contexts regarding abuse that drive Julian’s conflict.
• Analyze short paired texts and other resources to make connections via the text’s themes of False Appearances and Deceit and Fantasy.