Eighth-grade English students completed the captivating reading unit, “Unbroken: An Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive, the Life Story of Louis Zamperini”. After studying thematic ideas of hope, faith, dignity and resilient optimism, each student wrote a letter to Louis as a thank you for what this book has done in his or her life. The culminating project was a hope board where students applied the themes to their own lives and showcased their own hopes, aspirations and guiding Bible verses. The highlight of the unit was being able to talk to Luke Zamperini, Louis Zamperini’s son, via Zoom call. Students submitted and asked compelling questions and heard powerful personal anecdotes about Louis directly from his son. Learning and reading about Louis Zamperini’s life left a huge imprint on all the eighth graders’ hearts. It is truly a story they will never forget.
