| By Gale Staff | Rosa Parks was born on February 4, 1913, almost 50 years after the abolition of slavery and just over 50 years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As her life unfolded at the crossroads of these defining moments in American history, she made a courageous decision on a Montgomery … Read more
Since its release in November 2024, the film adaptation of Wicked has commanded both the box office and social media with its catchy soundtrack and breathtaking visuals. Bringing a beloved Broadway musical to the big screen is no small feat, and the star-studded cast and crew delivered a captivating performance that honors the original show … Read more
| By Gale Staff | We all recognize George Washington—he’s on our money, our cities bear his name, and his likeness is even carved into a mountainside. But the version of Washington often presented to elementary students can feel oversimplified, reducing this fascinating historical figure to little more than a founding father with wooden teeth—a … Read more
| By Gale Staff | The 2025 film adaptation of Animal Farm promises to breathe new life into George Orwell’s satire of the Soviet Union for a modern audience. However, the story’s symbolism contains a complex and profoundly important message that risks misinterpretation without the necessary context. What better place to help your students appreciate … Read more
| By Gale Staff | Ronald Reagan was one of the most prominent American presidents of the 20th century. He was a charismatic, confident leader who helped define the modern Republican party. He prioritized domestic affairs, reduced federal oversight, and implemented significant tax cuts. He led a campaign of antagonism against the former Soviet Union, … Read more
| By Carol Brennan | Welcome to 2025! While we usually adhere to a specific theme each month, it’s a delight to pick a broader topic and see what gems are discoverable inside Gale In Context: Biography. For January, we wondered what was happening in the world 100 years ago this month, and once again, … Read more
| By Gale Staff | Art bridges the gap between our inner selves and the outside world, helping us better understand the emotions we struggle to articulate while revealing a shared humanity in even our most isolating experiences. In the hands of black women, artistic creation also carries a unique power to confront systemic oppression—including … Read more
| By Gale Staff | Without the influence of black musicians, the sound of modern music would be unrecognizable. Rock riffs, for example, owe a debt to Chuck Berry, whose fast-paced style set the tempo for guitarists like Keith Richards. Throughout Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed 2015 album, we hear the unmistakable influence of Miles Davis. … Read more
When literature lacks diversity, it limits students’ perspectives and erases the experiences of underrepresented voices, including students of color, who may not see their identities reflected in the texts they read. Incorporating works by influential black authors creates space for students to find themselves in the stories while inviting others to engage with narratives that … Read more
| By Gale Staff | Charles Robert Darwin was not a particularly good student. However, his uniquely inquisitive nature led him on a journey that would revolutionize the scientific world. Aboard the HMS Beagle, Darwin traveled to some of the world’s most remote destinations, collecting specimens that would broaden our understanding of the planet’s diversity … Read more