This 9- week thematic English or language arts unit is driven by one essential question, "How do we overcome our obstacles?" The unit is highly differentiated to provide a rich rigorous curriculum for grades 7-12. The unit is driven by a theme, but it is packed with common core standards, critical thinking skills, writing concepts, literary elements, literature, writing assignments, vocabulary, and grammar. The theme is explored through a wide variety of short readings, including parables, po