The Heart Goes Last Lesson Plan

The Heart Goes Last includes adult themes, such as explicitly described violence and murder, and sex, including unwanted, nonconsensual, and aggressive sexual behavior and pedophilia. Teachers should plan to contextualize sensitive, mature, and disturbing topics to mentally prepare students for what they are about to embark on in reading the book. For example, it might be helpful to preface reading the book with a thoughtful discussion on why these themes and situations pertain to a dystopian world such as what is described in the novel. Provide students with a safe space to talk about these topics, as some students might feel a personal connection to the material. It may also be helpful...