Don’t Feed the Lion: IntroductionDon’t Feed the Lion by Bianna Golodryga and Yonit Levi explores the story of antisemitism growing at Oakdale Middle School. The story begins with Theo Kaplan, a 13-year-old Chicago middle schooler and soccer captain. Theo’s world is turned upside down when his professional soccer idol, Wes Mitchell, makes an antisemitic comment that goes viral. The situation escalates when Theo discovers a swastika…

Sport is the setting of some of humanity’s greatest stories. Through the perspective of athletes, teams, fans, coaches, and others, we experience narratives filled with emotions and learn life lessons, like the fulfillment of success and the devastation of failure. Some of these stories are as short as an afternoon, like a pickup basketball game with friends, while others are lifelong journeys, such as unwavering fandom for a favorite team or the privilege of competing on the world&rsquo…

Talk with students about Kanye West's recent comments as an opening to discuss antisemitism and other forms of bias.