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About the English Department / Isaac Murphy: Everybody Reads Project

Isaac Murphy: Everybody Reads Project

Project Background

The Isaac Murphy: Everybody Reads Project was designed in cooperation with the University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences and a group of educators from around the state as a statewide literacy project to coincide with the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

Frank X Walker’s new collection of poetry, Isaac Murphy: I Dedicate This Ride (Old Cove Press 2010) and Patsi Trollinger’s children’s book, Perfect Timing (Viking), both of which are about the famous African American jockey, Isaac Murphy will be the two books used in the reading project.

The Lexington Children’s Theater will also mount a theatrical production of the Isaac Murphy story adapted from Walker’s book of poems as part of its fall season, September 26-October 3 and will present an excerpt from the play and distribute group ticket information at the launch.

Unlike most reading projects centered around a single book, this two-book project is not only designed to promote literacy, it seeks to engage entire families, appeal to a broader audience and to engender intergenerational multi-racial dialogue, conversation and enthusiasm around reading and the exploration of Kentucky’s rich history.

Lesson Plans

High School

Lesson Plans & CCSS: Prepared by Phyllis Schlich, English Teacher, Tates Creek High School, Lexington
Middle School
Prepared by Willow Hambrick, Educator, Literacy Coach and Writing Coordinator, Royal Spring Middle School

Poetry Analysis Template
The Persona Poem: Definition and Writing Tasks
The Poem as Craft
Response to Frank X Walker's Persona Poems
Elementary School
Patsi Trollinger;s Education Kit (partial)
Music
Expressing Events Through Music and Poetry: Prepared by kentucky Department of Education Appropriate for High School and Middle School Grade Levels
Faith-Based
Faith-based Discussion Questions: Prepared by Pastor Larry Weathers, Empowerment Worship Centers
Representative Student Persona Poems
Little Miss Sureshot: An Allusion to Annie Oakley: 7th grade Language Arts Student, Royal Spring Middle School
Betsy Ross: Kayla Ritchie, 7th grade Language Arts student, Royal Springs Middle School

Promotional Graphics: Designs by Nyoka Hawkins
Isaac Murphy: I Dedicate This Ride - 8 1/2 x 11 full-color poster
Frank X Walker Poems - 8 1/2 x 11 full-color poster
Isaac Murphy/Frank X Walker: Bi-Fold Brochure
Book Cover Art: High-resolution, 300 dpi, appropriate for printed material.
Author Photograph: Low-resolution, 96 dpi
Author Photograph: high-resolution, 240 dpi, appropriate for printed material.