Echoes of Greatness: The Malcolm Middle Chronicles


A middle school novel built for powerful discussion, identity-safe literacy, and real classroom use.

Cover of Echoes of Greatness: The Malcolm Middle Chronicles, a middle school novel featuring thoughtful African-American students in a school setting

Optional Companion Guide for Classrooms & Readers

Echoes of Greatness is written with depth, layered dialogue, and emotional complexity.
For classrooms or readers who want structured support without simplifying the text, the Foundational Skills Bridge provides reader tools for interpreting dialogue, navigating conflict, and unpacking complex language—while keeping the novel intact.

Book cover for Echoes of Greatness: Foundational Skills Bridge, an educational companion guide supporting middle school literacy and comprehension.


WHAT ECHOES IS

Echoes of Greatness is a realistic, emotionally grounded middle school story set at Malcolm Middle School. It explores peer pressure, conflict, identity, and the choices that shape character, all through writing that respects students’ intelligence and lived experience.

WHO ECHOES IS FOR

Primary audience

  • Grades 7–8 students reading at or near grade level
  • Middle school ELA, advisory, and discussion-based literacy settings

Extended access (with scaffolding)

  • Grades 4–6 students who are ready for deeper themes but need structured reading support
  • Access is provided through the Foundational Skills Bridge, not simplified text

Instructional contexts

  • General education and inclusive classrooms
  • MTSS Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports
  • Small groups, advisory, and restorative conversations

START HERE (TEACHERS)

If you only have 10 minutes to get started:

  1. Read the first chapter aloud with your class.
  2. Use the Companion Guide to teach two reading moves:
    • Reading people, not just words
    • Tracking conflict without rushing to sides
  3. Pause for one discussion question:
    What is the character protecting right now?

PRODUCTS

1) The Novel
Echoes of Greatness: The Malcolm Middle Chronicles
Button: View Novel Details

2) Companion Guide #1: Foundational Skills Bridge (v1.0)
A structured, classroom-ready support system that helps students access the novel’s dialogue, conflict, and meaning without dilution.
Button: View Companion Guide #1

WHAT’S COMING NEXT

Companion Guides will expand into discussion routines, writing prompts, assessment tools, and implementation support for different classroom settings.

FAQ (SHORT)

Is this a remedial program?
No. The Bridge supports access without labeling students or lowering the text.

Can this be used with younger readers?
Yes, with scaffolding and teacher guidance.

Can I use this for advisory or SEL discussions?
Yes. The tools are built for emotionally complex scenes and respectful conversation.

Ready to bring Echoes to your classroom or to your home?
Get the Novel

Get Companion Guide #1