Text Set Bibliography
Kat Bryant
*All Content Connections adapted from standards
found under 9th grade Literature and Composition
*Theme: Teen Issues
Kat Bryant
*All Content Connections adapted from standards
found under 9th grade Literature and Composition
*Theme: Teen Issues
1. Pratchett, T. (2003). The Wee Free Men. New York: Harper Collins.
Awards Won: WH Smith Teen Choice Award 2003; American Library Association's Best Book For Young Adults 2004; Parenting Book of the Year Award 2003; Center for Children's Books' Blue Ribbon; Locus Award for Best Young Adult Book 2004
Grade Level: 5-7
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Young Adult
Summary of Book: Nine-year-old Tiffany Aching’s baby brother has just been kidnapped by an evil elven queen. The young witch-to-be attempts to rescue him armed with only her wits and a frying pan and the Nac Mac Feegle by her side.
Content Connection: This book is definitely one I would not hesitate to teach in my classroom. It has good morals to it (strength of the main character, fighting for what’s right, kids can make an impact too, etc.), and it contains a lot of common elements taught in a language arts classroom, such as different forms of conflict or metaphor. It’s entertaining and not difficult to analyze, so it would reach a variety of reading levels despite its length of 375 pages. (ELA9RL1)
Awards Won: WH Smith Teen Choice Award 2003; American Library Association's Best Book For Young Adults 2004; Parenting Book of the Year Award 2003; Center for Children's Books' Blue Ribbon; Locus Award for Best Young Adult Book 2004
Grade Level: 5-7
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Young Adult
Summary of Book: Nine-year-old Tiffany Aching’s baby brother has just been kidnapped by an evil elven queen. The young witch-to-be attempts to rescue him armed with only her wits and a frying pan and the Nac Mac Feegle by her side.
Content Connection: This book is definitely one I would not hesitate to teach in my classroom. It has good morals to it (strength of the main character, fighting for what’s right, kids can make an impact too, etc.), and it contains a lot of common elements taught in a language arts classroom, such as different forms of conflict or metaphor. It’s entertaining and not difficult to analyze, so it would reach a variety of reading levels despite its length of 375 pages. (ELA9RL1)
2. Draper, S. (2006). Copper Sun. New York: Simon Pulse.
Awards Won: 2007 Coretta Scott King Literature award; 2007 Ohioana Award for Young Adult Literature; Top Ten Historical Fiction Books for Youth by Booklist; Nominated for the 2007 NAACP Image Award for Literature; IRA Notable Book for a Global Society; Best Book of the Year by School Library Journal; Listed on the New York Times Bestseller List; Chosen by the National Underground Railroad Freedom center as a major museum exhibit; Chosen by the International Reading Association, the United States State Department, and Reading Across Continents as the novel to be read by students from the US and Africa
Grade Level: 8
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary of Book: Amari is a 15-year-old Ashanti girl who is happily anticipating her marriage to Besa. Then, slavers arrive in her village and slaughter her family. She is led to the Cape Coast where she is branded and forced onto a boat of death for the Middle Passage to the Carolinas. There, Percival Derby buys her as a gift for his son's 16th birthday. Trust and friendship develop between Amari and Polly, a white indentured servant, and when their mistress gives birth to a black baby, the teens try to cover up Mrs. Derby's transgression. However, Mr. Derby's brutal fury spurs them to escape toward the rumored freedom of Fort Mose, a Spanish colony in Florida.
Content Connection: Told from alternating perspectives of Amari and Polly, this book would give my students a better idea of what life was like in this time period, which immediately connects it to ELA9RL3. The strength of this book is intensified since the characters are teenagers. Since this book has a lower reading level, it would be an excellent book to use to help poor readers gain crucial reading engagement skills as outlined in ELA9RC2.
Awards Won: 2007 Coretta Scott King Literature award; 2007 Ohioana Award for Young Adult Literature; Top Ten Historical Fiction Books for Youth by Booklist; Nominated for the 2007 NAACP Image Award for Literature; IRA Notable Book for a Global Society; Best Book of the Year by School Library Journal; Listed on the New York Times Bestseller List; Chosen by the National Underground Railroad Freedom center as a major museum exhibit; Chosen by the International Reading Association, the United States State Department, and Reading Across Continents as the novel to be read by students from the US and Africa
Grade Level: 8
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary of Book: Amari is a 15-year-old Ashanti girl who is happily anticipating her marriage to Besa. Then, slavers arrive in her village and slaughter her family. She is led to the Cape Coast where she is branded and forced onto a boat of death for the Middle Passage to the Carolinas. There, Percival Derby buys her as a gift for his son's 16th birthday. Trust and friendship develop between Amari and Polly, a white indentured servant, and when their mistress gives birth to a black baby, the teens try to cover up Mrs. Derby's transgression. However, Mr. Derby's brutal fury spurs them to escape toward the rumored freedom of Fort Mose, a Spanish colony in Florida.
Content Connection: Told from alternating perspectives of Amari and Polly, this book would give my students a better idea of what life was like in this time period, which immediately connects it to ELA9RL3. The strength of this book is intensified since the characters are teenagers. Since this book has a lower reading level, it would be an excellent book to use to help poor readers gain crucial reading engagement skills as outlined in ELA9RC2.
3. Howe, D. and J. (1979). Bunnicula. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.
Awards Won: Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (Nominated, 1987); Iowa Children's Choice Award (Won, 1982); Land of Enchantment Book Award (Won, 1982); SCASL Book Award (South Carolina) (Won, 1981); Young Reader's Choice Award (Won, 1982); Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (Won, 1981); Sequoyah Book Award (Won, 1982)
Grade Level: 4-6
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Summary of Book: The Monroe family finds a rabbit abandoned in the movie theater. Since they just saw Dracula, they decide to name the rabbit Bunnicula. The family already owns two animals: Chester the cat and Harold the dog. Harold doesn’t mind Bunnicula, but Chester thinks he is a vampire since his fur looks like he has a cape on and he sucks the juice out of vegetables. Chester spends the rest of the book trying to rescue his family from the vampire bunny.
Content Connection: Since this book is very short, it could be used as a quick fun read to teach students dramatic structure. It could also be used for a struggling reader to help them learn reading engagement skills as outlined in ELA9RC2.
Awards Won: Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (Nominated, 1987); Iowa Children's Choice Award (Won, 1982); Land of Enchantment Book Award (Won, 1982); SCASL Book Award (South Carolina) (Won, 1981); Young Reader's Choice Award (Won, 1982); Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (Won, 1981); Sequoyah Book Award (Won, 1982)
Grade Level: 4-6
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Summary of Book: The Monroe family finds a rabbit abandoned in the movie theater. Since they just saw Dracula, they decide to name the rabbit Bunnicula. The family already owns two animals: Chester the cat and Harold the dog. Harold doesn’t mind Bunnicula, but Chester thinks he is a vampire since his fur looks like he has a cape on and he sucks the juice out of vegetables. Chester spends the rest of the book trying to rescue his family from the vampire bunny.
Content Connection: Since this book is very short, it could be used as a quick fun read to teach students dramatic structure. It could also be used for a struggling reader to help them learn reading engagement skills as outlined in ELA9RC2.
4. Lee, H. (1960). To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Harper Collins.
Awards Won: Pulitzer Prize (Won, 1961)
Grade Level: 10
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary of Book: This classic is the tale of Scout, her father, Atticus, and her brother, Jem. As the children’s father defends a black man accused of raping a white girl, the children learn lessons about hypocrisy, violence, honesty, and life.
Content Connection: This is another book that could be used to teach English and History concepts. This book could also be used to meet ELA9RL1, which says that students must identify evidence from a text to demonstrate comprehension. The historical setting of this book would also be perfect for meeting ELA9RL3, which deals with deepening knowledge of a literary work by relating it to a historical background.
Awards Won: Pulitzer Prize (Won, 1961)
Grade Level: 10
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary of Book: This classic is the tale of Scout, her father, Atticus, and her brother, Jem. As the children’s father defends a black man accused of raping a white girl, the children learn lessons about hypocrisy, violence, honesty, and life.
Content Connection: This is another book that could be used to teach English and History concepts. This book could also be used to meet ELA9RL1, which says that students must identify evidence from a text to demonstrate comprehension. The historical setting of this book would also be perfect for meeting ELA9RL3, which deals with deepening knowledge of a literary work by relating it to a historical background.
5. Giles, G. (2007). Whatever Happened to Cass McBride?. New York: Little, Brown and Company.
Awards Won: 2007 ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Grade Level: 9
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary of Book: Kyle Kirby’s brother has commited suicide, and Kyle is looking for someone to blame. He ultimately blames Cass McBride, the most popular girl in school, for pushing his brother over the edge. He concocts the ultimate plan for revenge: burying her alive. Cass must use her wits and words to convince Kyle to free her in the most harrowing 48 hours of her life.
Content Connection: The main reason I put this book on here is that I read it in high school, and it definitely touched me. It’s on a 9th grade reading level, so it won’t be too difficult for students to read. The book has a lot of messages that students could easily relate to, which fits in with ELA9RL2 nicely. Students could pull out the theme and have evidence to support it, evidence which is presented in a familiar format since all of the characters are in high school.
Awards Won: 2007 ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Grade Level: 9
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary of Book: Kyle Kirby’s brother has commited suicide, and Kyle is looking for someone to blame. He ultimately blames Cass McBride, the most popular girl in school, for pushing his brother over the edge. He concocts the ultimate plan for revenge: burying her alive. Cass must use her wits and words to convince Kyle to free her in the most harrowing 48 hours of her life.
Content Connection: The main reason I put this book on here is that I read it in high school, and it definitely touched me. It’s on a 9th grade reading level, so it won’t be too difficult for students to read. The book has a lot of messages that students could easily relate to, which fits in with ELA9RL2 nicely. Students could pull out the theme and have evidence to support it, evidence which is presented in a familiar format since all of the characters are in high school.
6. Bronte, C. Ed. Amy Corzine. (2008). Jane Eyre: The Graphic Novel. United Kingdom: Classical Comics.
Awards Won: n/a
Grade Level: 7-10
Genre: graphic novel
Summary of Book: This book tells the highlights of Jane Eyre by using the original lines and language written by Charlotte Bronte. It is presented in an easy-t-grasp format with the colorful illustrations.
Content Connection: The main reason I put this book on my list is because it’s a graphic novel. It’s something new and different that I think my kids would like. The fact that it tells the story of a classic is a huge plus. I chose the classical comics edition because they use the original language of the author. This means that the vocabulary and sentence structure would still be challenging enough for older/more experienced readers, which ties in with ELA9RL5. Students would also still work on crucial reading skills in ELA9RL1, such as looking at plot or other literary devices. This book would also apply to ELA9RC1, which says that students must be exposed to a wide variety of disciplines and genres.
Awards Won: n/a
Grade Level: 7-10
Genre: graphic novel
Summary of Book: This book tells the highlights of Jane Eyre by using the original lines and language written by Charlotte Bronte. It is presented in an easy-t-grasp format with the colorful illustrations.
Content Connection: The main reason I put this book on my list is because it’s a graphic novel. It’s something new and different that I think my kids would like. The fact that it tells the story of a classic is a huge plus. I chose the classical comics edition because they use the original language of the author. This means that the vocabulary and sentence structure would still be challenging enough for older/more experienced readers, which ties in with ELA9RL5. Students would also still work on crucial reading skills in ELA9RL1, such as looking at plot or other literary devices. This book would also apply to ELA9RC1, which says that students must be exposed to a wide variety of disciplines and genres.
7. Collins, S. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press.
Awards Won: Publishers Weekly's "Best Books of the Year" in 2008; The New York Times "Notable Children's Book of 2008"; 2009 winner of the Golden Duck Award in the Young Adult Fiction Category; "2008 Cybil Winner" for fantasy and science-fiction; School Library Journal's "Best Books 2008”; Booklist Editors' Choice in 2008; California Young Reader Medal for 2011; 2012 edition of Scholastic's Parent and Child magazine named it the 33rd best book for children, with the award for "Most Exciting Ending"
Grade Level: 7+
Genre: fiction (fantasy/sci-fi)
Summary of Book: Weakened by war and famine, the U.S.A. has fallen and a new country and government has risen: Panem, a controlling government surrounded by thirteen districts. When district thirteen rebels, the Hunger Games are created to control the people. The Hunger Games require each district to send in two tributes, a boy and a girl, to fight to the death. The winner receives many benefits for their home district. When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to fight in her sister’s place, she must survive the Games if she ever wants to see her family again.
Content Connection: This book is a fantastic introduction to get student’s thinking about gaining a global perspective. I think that is one of the most important qualities a person can have, and it is definitely something I am going to focus on in my class. The politics of this book are intricate, but they are also not too hard for teens to grasp. It also deals with themes of what is truly important in life, another idea that’s important to learn. Both of these ideas can tie into ELA9RL2 (students apply knowledge of theme in a literary work) and ELA9RL1 (students identify evidence to demonstrate comprehension of a text). The big thing I like about this book is that it can easily spark debate, which is a big part of ELA9LSV1 (students will participate in a variety of discussions while meeting a list of criteria).
Awards Won: Publishers Weekly's "Best Books of the Year" in 2008; The New York Times "Notable Children's Book of 2008"; 2009 winner of the Golden Duck Award in the Young Adult Fiction Category; "2008 Cybil Winner" for fantasy and science-fiction; School Library Journal's "Best Books 2008”; Booklist Editors' Choice in 2008; California Young Reader Medal for 2011; 2012 edition of Scholastic's Parent and Child magazine named it the 33rd best book for children, with the award for "Most Exciting Ending"
Grade Level: 7+
Genre: fiction (fantasy/sci-fi)
Summary of Book: Weakened by war and famine, the U.S.A. has fallen and a new country and government has risen: Panem, a controlling government surrounded by thirteen districts. When district thirteen rebels, the Hunger Games are created to control the people. The Hunger Games require each district to send in two tributes, a boy and a girl, to fight to the death. The winner receives many benefits for their home district. When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to fight in her sister’s place, she must survive the Games if she ever wants to see her family again.
Content Connection: This book is a fantastic introduction to get student’s thinking about gaining a global perspective. I think that is one of the most important qualities a person can have, and it is definitely something I am going to focus on in my class. The politics of this book are intricate, but they are also not too hard for teens to grasp. It also deals with themes of what is truly important in life, another idea that’s important to learn. Both of these ideas can tie into ELA9RL2 (students apply knowledge of theme in a literary work) and ELA9RL1 (students identify evidence to demonstrate comprehension of a text). The big thing I like about this book is that it can easily spark debate, which is a big part of ELA9LSV1 (students will participate in a variety of discussions while meeting a list of criteria).
8. Green, J. (2005). Looking for Alaska. New York: Dutton Books.
Awards Won: Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award; An ALA Best Book for Young Adults; An ALA Quick Pick; A Los Angeles Times 2005 Book Prize Finalist; A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age; A 2005 Booklist Editor’s Choice; A 2005 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Grade Level: 9+
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary of Book: Miles “Pudge” Halter is a young man who is incredibly bored with his life. He decides to go to Culver Creek Boarding School seeking “the Great Perhaps.” It is here that he meets Alaska Young, a sexy, crazy, wild girl who steals his heart in an instant. When she mysteriously dies, nothing in his life is ever the same.
Content Connection: There are certain authors who are just so fantastically perfect and gifted at what they do that they write timeless books that I believe everyone within a certain age group should read. Looking for Alaska is one of those books. Teens cannot afford to not read this book. I don’t just say that because I am a massively huge John Green fan; I say that because his books are magical. This book deals with issues real teens actually face: alcohol, smoking, sex, and suicide of important people in their lives. This book directly applies to many of the same standards I would use for The Hunger Games for the same reasons: ELA9RL1, ELA9RL2, and ELA9LSV1.
Awards Won: Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award; An ALA Best Book for Young Adults; An ALA Quick Pick; A Los Angeles Times 2005 Book Prize Finalist; A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age; A 2005 Booklist Editor’s Choice; A 2005 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Grade Level: 9+
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary of Book: Miles “Pudge” Halter is a young man who is incredibly bored with his life. He decides to go to Culver Creek Boarding School seeking “the Great Perhaps.” It is here that he meets Alaska Young, a sexy, crazy, wild girl who steals his heart in an instant. When she mysteriously dies, nothing in his life is ever the same.
Content Connection: There are certain authors who are just so fantastically perfect and gifted at what they do that they write timeless books that I believe everyone within a certain age group should read. Looking for Alaska is one of those books. Teens cannot afford to not read this book. I don’t just say that because I am a massively huge John Green fan; I say that because his books are magical. This book deals with issues real teens actually face: alcohol, smoking, sex, and suicide of important people in their lives. This book directly applies to many of the same standards I would use for The Hunger Games for the same reasons: ELA9RL1, ELA9RL2, and ELA9LSV1.
9. Cobb, V. (2005). Harry Houdini. New York: DK Publishing.
Awards Won: n/a
Grade Level: 5+
Genre: Biography
Summary of Book: This book tells the story of Harry Houdini and how he became a famous magician. The book does this both through narration and photos from Houdini’s life.
Content Connection: The main reason I chose this book is that it is a biography that I thought my class would find interesting. Houdini was definitely a unique individual, and since ELA9RC1 says that students must be exposed to a variety of texts types, this one seemed perfect.
Awards Won: n/a
Grade Level: 5+
Genre: Biography
Summary of Book: This book tells the story of Harry Houdini and how he became a famous magician. The book does this both through narration and photos from Houdini’s life.
Content Connection: The main reason I chose this book is that it is a biography that I thought my class would find interesting. Houdini was definitely a unique individual, and since ELA9RC1 says that students must be exposed to a variety of texts types, this one seemed perfect.
10. Haddon, M. (2003). The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. New York: Random House.
Awards Won: Whitbread Book of the Year Award, the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Fiction Award
Grade Level: 6+
Genre: Fiction
Summary of Book: Told from the perspective of an autistic 14 year-old, this book tells the story of a boy trying to discover who killed his neighbor’s dog.
Content Connection: This is a book I would definitely have to get parent permission to teach. The grade level may be 6th, but that is only because Christopher, the narrator, is autistic. The interest level of this book is 9-12, and rightly so. There is some language in it, but it is truly a fantastic read. The main reason I would want to teach it is because of Christopher’s unique perspective on everything he encounters. Seeing major life issues from his view is very eye opening. He definitely has a lot he could teach high schoolers, just as he taught me when I read this book in high school. The major themes in this book tie it in with ELA9RL2. Christopher also has a unique vocabulary, which means ELA9RL5 would apply (students learn new vocabulary and are able to apply it correctly).
Awards Won: Whitbread Book of the Year Award, the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Fiction Award
Grade Level: 6+
Genre: Fiction
Summary of Book: Told from the perspective of an autistic 14 year-old, this book tells the story of a boy trying to discover who killed his neighbor’s dog.
Content Connection: This is a book I would definitely have to get parent permission to teach. The grade level may be 6th, but that is only because Christopher, the narrator, is autistic. The interest level of this book is 9-12, and rightly so. There is some language in it, but it is truly a fantastic read. The main reason I would want to teach it is because of Christopher’s unique perspective on everything he encounters. Seeing major life issues from his view is very eye opening. He definitely has a lot he could teach high schoolers, just as he taught me when I read this book in high school. The major themes in this book tie it in with ELA9RL2. Christopher also has a unique vocabulary, which means ELA9RL5 would apply (students learn new vocabulary and are able to apply it correctly).
11. Gaiman, N. (2008). Graveyard Book. New York: Harper Collins.
Awards Won: 2009 Newbery Medal winner
Grade Level: 5+
Genre: Fantasy
Summary of Book: In modern Britain, “a man named Jack” attempts to stab a family to death in the middle of the night. The youngest, a toddler, slips away and manages to get to the graveyard near his house. The ghosts there find him and agree to raise him. The book tells of his adventures growing up between two very different worlds.
Content Connection: This book is basically a modern retelling of A Jungle Book as told by master storyteller Neil Gaiman. The writing is very accessible to young readers, and the story is fun. This book would be easy to do a novel study with (as outlined in ELA9RL1) despite the somewhat graphic beginning.
Awards Won: 2009 Newbery Medal winner
Grade Level: 5+
Genre: Fantasy
Summary of Book: In modern Britain, “a man named Jack” attempts to stab a family to death in the middle of the night. The youngest, a toddler, slips away and manages to get to the graveyard near his house. The ghosts there find him and agree to raise him. The book tells of his adventures growing up between two very different worlds.
Content Connection: This book is basically a modern retelling of A Jungle Book as told by master storyteller Neil Gaiman. The writing is very accessible to young readers, and the story is fun. This book would be easy to do a novel study with (as outlined in ELA9RL1) despite the somewhat graphic beginning.
12. Pfeffer, S.B. (2006). Life as We Knew It. Orlando: Harcourt Books.
Awards Won: ALA Best Book for Young Adults, CCBC Choice, Junior Library Guild Premier selection, Listening Library selection, Amazon.com Best Book of the Year, 2011 ALA Popular Paperback
Grade Level: 7+
Genre: young adult fiction
Summary of Book: Told through journal entries written by the main character, Miranda, this story is about the events that follow when an asteroid hits the moon, causing natural disasters that cause global chaos.
Content Connection: This book would be an excellent book to tie in for writing standards, mainly to get students thinking about what they would do in a survival situation or a plethora of other easy-to-derive writing exercises. The diary format also makes it apply to ELA9RC1 and ELA9RC4 (students establish a context for information acquired by reading across subject areas).
Awards Won: ALA Best Book for Young Adults, CCBC Choice, Junior Library Guild Premier selection, Listening Library selection, Amazon.com Best Book of the Year, 2011 ALA Popular Paperback
Grade Level: 7+
Genre: young adult fiction
Summary of Book: Told through journal entries written by the main character, Miranda, this story is about the events that follow when an asteroid hits the moon, causing natural disasters that cause global chaos.
Content Connection: This book would be an excellent book to tie in for writing standards, mainly to get students thinking about what they would do in a survival situation or a plethora of other easy-to-derive writing exercises. The diary format also makes it apply to ELA9RC1 and ELA9RC4 (students establish a context for information acquired by reading across subject areas).
13. White, E.B. (1952). Charlotte’s Web. New York: Harper Collins.
Awards Won: Massachusetts Children's Book Award (1984); Newbery Honor Book (1953); Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal (1970); Horn Book Fanfare
Grade Level: 3+
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Summary of Book: After being saved by a young girl named Fern, Wilbur the pig lives the typical life of a pig on a farm, which means he is scheduled to be Christmas dinner. However, his new friend Charlotte the spider has promised to save him. Charlotte teaches Wilbur important lessons about life, happiness, and the value of real friendship.
Content Connection: I love this book. There aren’t many books out there that I would call perfect, but this book is on there. I don’t care how old you are; this book can apply to anyone in any walk of life if they are willing to open up their hearts to it. I would teach this book mainly to kids who are reluctant readers since it is so wonderful but on such a low difficulty level (ELA9RC2). It is very easy to get into Wilbur’s head and heart, which means it wouldn’t be too hard for students to get involved and engaged with the text.
Awards Won: Massachusetts Children's Book Award (1984); Newbery Honor Book (1953); Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal (1970); Horn Book Fanfare
Grade Level: 3+
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Summary of Book: After being saved by a young girl named Fern, Wilbur the pig lives the typical life of a pig on a farm, which means he is scheduled to be Christmas dinner. However, his new friend Charlotte the spider has promised to save him. Charlotte teaches Wilbur important lessons about life, happiness, and the value of real friendship.
Content Connection: I love this book. There aren’t many books out there that I would call perfect, but this book is on there. I don’t care how old you are; this book can apply to anyone in any walk of life if they are willing to open up their hearts to it. I would teach this book mainly to kids who are reluctant readers since it is so wonderful but on such a low difficulty level (ELA9RC2). It is very easy to get into Wilbur’s head and heart, which means it wouldn’t be too hard for students to get involved and engaged with the text.
14. Galloway, G. (2005). As Simple as Snow. New York: Penguin Group.
Awards Won: ALA Alex Award
Grade Level: 9+
Genre: Mystery
Summary of Book: Anna is a mysterious goth girl with a penchant for the unusual, spooky, and bizarre. She writes obituaries for people who are still alive, and she has a huge crush on Harry Houdini. When she disappears one day leaving only a dress draped next to a hole in an iced over lake, her new boyfriend (who narrates the novel) must sift through the clues to find what really happened to her.
Content Connection: This book, while being extremely engaging and well written, would be perfect for a novel study (ELA9RL1). The author left the book open ended, forcing the reader to pay attention and try to figure out what really happened to Anna. This would also create a lot of class discussion, introducing standard ELA9LSV1. There could also be a technology component. The author created a website for this book to assist readers in finding Anna. All of the clues in the book are easily accessible on the webpage.
Awards Won: ALA Alex Award
Grade Level: 9+
Genre: Mystery
Summary of Book: Anna is a mysterious goth girl with a penchant for the unusual, spooky, and bizarre. She writes obituaries for people who are still alive, and she has a huge crush on Harry Houdini. When she disappears one day leaving only a dress draped next to a hole in an iced over lake, her new boyfriend (who narrates the novel) must sift through the clues to find what really happened to her.
Content Connection: This book, while being extremely engaging and well written, would be perfect for a novel study (ELA9RL1). The author left the book open ended, forcing the reader to pay attention and try to figure out what really happened to Anna. This would also create a lot of class discussion, introducing standard ELA9LSV1. There could also be a technology component. The author created a website for this book to assist readers in finding Anna. All of the clues in the book are easily accessible on the webpage.
15. White, E.B. (1970). The Trumpet of the Swan. New York: Harper Collins.
Awards Won: William Allen White Children's Book Award 1973
Grade Level: 5+
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Summary of Book: Louis is a trumpeter swan, but, unlike his family, he cannot make a sound. This means that Serena, the swan who has captured his heart, pays no attention to him no matter what he does. He even goes to school to learn to read and write, but she still ignores him. Louis’ father finally steals him a real brass trumpet. Will this give Louis what he needs to get Serena to fall in love with him?
Content Connection: This book is just so cute. The characters are extremely likeable, which is one of the reasons I chose it. It would help reluctant or struggling readers gain pertinent reading skills as outlined in ELA9RC2.
Awards Won: William Allen White Children's Book Award 1973
Grade Level: 5+
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Summary of Book: Louis is a trumpeter swan, but, unlike his family, he cannot make a sound. This means that Serena, the swan who has captured his heart, pays no attention to him no matter what he does. He even goes to school to learn to read and write, but she still ignores him. Louis’ father finally steals him a real brass trumpet. Will this give Louis what he needs to get Serena to fall in love with him?
Content Connection: This book is just so cute. The characters are extremely likeable, which is one of the reasons I chose it. It would help reluctant or struggling readers gain pertinent reading skills as outlined in ELA9RC2.
16. Lipsyte, R. (2006). Raiders Night. New York: Harper Collins.
Awards Won: Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2009)
Grade Level: 9+
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary of Book: Matt Rydek has just become captain of the Raiders, his high school football team. The Raiders are treated as royalty, and Matt is enjoying life as King: he dates the most beautiful and popular girl in his school, gets plenty of “juice” to keep him strong, and is head of a team sure to beat the competition. But when things start to get really bad really fast, will Matt have the courage to stand up for what’s right?
Content Connection: This is another book I read in high school that I really enjoyed, which is why I’m sure my class would like it. It deals with many thematic issues teens face, mainly issues involving sports, honesty, and relationships. This book ties in directly with ELA9RL2, which talks about students using theme to support their understanding of the text.
Awards Won: Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2009)
Grade Level: 9+
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary of Book: Matt Rydek has just become captain of the Raiders, his high school football team. The Raiders are treated as royalty, and Matt is enjoying life as King: he dates the most beautiful and popular girl in his school, gets plenty of “juice” to keep him strong, and is head of a team sure to beat the competition. But when things start to get really bad really fast, will Matt have the courage to stand up for what’s right?
Content Connection: This is another book I read in high school that I really enjoyed, which is why I’m sure my class would like it. It deals with many thematic issues teens face, mainly issues involving sports, honesty, and relationships. This book ties in directly with ELA9RL2, which talks about students using theme to support their understanding of the text.
17. Zusak, M. (2005). The Book Thief. New York: Random House.
Awards Won: National Jewish Book Award, Book Sense Book of the Year Award for Children's Literature (2007), Prijs van de Kinder- en Jeugdjury Vlaanderen (2009), Printz Honor (2007), Exclusive Books Boeke Prize (2007) Exclusive Books Boeke Prize (2007), Quill Award Nominee for Young Adult/Teen (2006), Zilveren Zoen (2008), Teen Read Award Nominee for Best All-Time-Fave (2010), Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis (2009), ALA's Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults (2007), ASSOCIATION OF JEWISH LIBRARIES NEW AND NOTABLE BOOK for Teen Book Award (2006), Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2010)
Grade Level: 9+
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary of Book: Set during World War II in Germany, this book is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist: books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.
Content Connection: This book is long, but it tells a very worth-while story. The historical connection makes it very valuable, connecting it to ELA9RL3 (students will deepen an understanding of a text by connecting it to historical backgrounds). This book also has many themes and literary devices that could make it apply to ELA9RL1 or ELA9RL2.
Awards Won: National Jewish Book Award, Book Sense Book of the Year Award for Children's Literature (2007), Prijs van de Kinder- en Jeugdjury Vlaanderen (2009), Printz Honor (2007), Exclusive Books Boeke Prize (2007) Exclusive Books Boeke Prize (2007), Quill Award Nominee for Young Adult/Teen (2006), Zilveren Zoen (2008), Teen Read Award Nominee for Best All-Time-Fave (2010), Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis (2009), ALA's Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults (2007), ASSOCIATION OF JEWISH LIBRARIES NEW AND NOTABLE BOOK for Teen Book Award (2006), Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2010)
Grade Level: 9+
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary of Book: Set during World War II in Germany, this book is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist: books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.
Content Connection: This book is long, but it tells a very worth-while story. The historical connection makes it very valuable, connecting it to ELA9RL3 (students will deepen an understanding of a text by connecting it to historical backgrounds). This book also has many themes and literary devices that could make it apply to ELA9RL1 or ELA9RL2.
18. Zevin, G. (2007). Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac. New York: Square Fish.
Awards Won: South Carolina Book Award Nominee for Young Adult Book Award (2010)
Grade Level: 9
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary of Book: When Naomi loses a coin toss to her best friend, she has to go back to her high school to get a camera she left behind. On her way there, she falls and gets amnesia. The story is about her trying to regain her memories and discover who she really is.
Content Connection: I chose this book because it nails the theme of self-discovery, something important when one is in high school. This book has a lot of good writing response topics that could tie in with the novels main ideas and the 9th grade writing standards. It would also tie in well with ELA9RL2 (students use knowledge of theme to support understanding of the text).
Awards Won: South Carolina Book Award Nominee for Young Adult Book Award (2010)
Grade Level: 9
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary of Book: When Naomi loses a coin toss to her best friend, she has to go back to her high school to get a camera she left behind. On her way there, she falls and gets amnesia. The story is about her trying to regain her memories and discover who she really is.
Content Connection: I chose this book because it nails the theme of self-discovery, something important when one is in high school. This book has a lot of good writing response topics that could tie in with the novels main ideas and the 9th grade writing standards. It would also tie in well with ELA9RL2 (students use knowledge of theme to support understanding of the text).
19. Picoult, J. (2004). My Sister’s Keeper. New York: Washington Square Press.
Awards Won: ALA Alex Award (2005), ALA Teens' Top Ten (2005), Abraham Lincoln Award (2006)
Grade Level: 8+
Genre: Fiction
Summary of Book: Anna’s sister Kate has been battling Leukemia since she was little. Anna herself was only born to basically be spare parts for her sister: they use the cord blood to try and cure her sister, and by the time she is thirteen, she has already had countless surgeries to try and help her sister get better. However, no one has ever asked Anna how she felt about it. She hires a lawyer to try and sue her parents for medical emancipation.
Content Connection: I mainly chose this book for two reasons: the writing isn’t complicated, and the topics are extremely controversial, which means it would get students talking. That is ultimately my goal. This book would be perfect for every standard in the LSV section of 9th grade Literature and Composition standards. Students could read the book and debate their views on the topics and themes in a variety of settings: class, groups, and even journals.
Awards Won: ALA Alex Award (2005), ALA Teens' Top Ten (2005), Abraham Lincoln Award (2006)
Grade Level: 8+
Genre: Fiction
Summary of Book: Anna’s sister Kate has been battling Leukemia since she was little. Anna herself was only born to basically be spare parts for her sister: they use the cord blood to try and cure her sister, and by the time she is thirteen, she has already had countless surgeries to try and help her sister get better. However, no one has ever asked Anna how she felt about it. She hires a lawyer to try and sue her parents for medical emancipation.
Content Connection: I mainly chose this book for two reasons: the writing isn’t complicated, and the topics are extremely controversial, which means it would get students talking. That is ultimately my goal. This book would be perfect for every standard in the LSV section of 9th grade Literature and Composition standards. Students could read the book and debate their views on the topics and themes in a variety of settings: class, groups, and even journals.
20. Welty, T. (2011, September 5). Romeo and juliet. Scholastic Magazine, 35, 6-11.
Awards Won: n/a
Grade Level: 9
Genre: nonfiction
Summary of Book: A brief adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic in modern, easy-to-understand English.
Content Connection: This article would help students understand Shakespeare’s play and could be helpful to read either in place of it or alongside it. As such, it would apply to many of the same standards the play would. Because it helps students establish a context, it applies to ELA9RC4. Because it is in a magazine, it is a unique media, so it apples to ELA9RC1.
Awards Won: n/a
Grade Level: 9
Genre: nonfiction
Summary of Book: A brief adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic in modern, easy-to-understand English.
Content Connection: This article would help students understand Shakespeare’s play and could be helpful to read either in place of it or alongside it. As such, it would apply to many of the same standards the play would. Because it helps students establish a context, it applies to ELA9RC4. Because it is in a magazine, it is a unique media, so it apples to ELA9RC1.
21. Seelye, K. Q. (2011, September 5). Why the civil war still isn’t history. NY Times Upfront, 144, 6-7.
Awards Won: n/a
Grade Level: 9
Genre: nonfiction
Summary of Book: This article addresses the effects of the Civil War and informs readers on modern slavery and how prominent it really is.
Content Connection: I mainly chose this article because it directly applies to the Sharon Draper novel I chose to include. This article could be a modern tie in after we finished studying her novel, which would hit ELA9RC4 and ELA9RL3 (both of which address students establishing a context for information by placing it in a historical or contemporary background).
Awards Won: n/a
Grade Level: 9
Genre: nonfiction
Summary of Book: This article addresses the effects of the Civil War and informs readers on modern slavery and how prominent it really is.
Content Connection: I mainly chose this article because it directly applies to the Sharon Draper novel I chose to include. This article could be a modern tie in after we finished studying her novel, which would hit ELA9RC4 and ELA9RL3 (both of which address students establishing a context for information by placing it in a historical or contemporary background).
22. Danner, D. and Douglas Hall. (2011, September 5). Is it time to raise the minimum wage? NY Times Upfront, 144, 30.
Awards Won: n/a
Grade Level: 9
Genre: nonfiction
Summary of Book: This magazine article looks at a controversial issue (whether or not to raise minimum wage) by providing two different viewpoints on the topic.
Content Connection: This article mainly helps provide students to a variety of text types, as required by ELA9RC1. Because this is a modern issue, this article also touches ELA9RC4. The debates and discussions that this article would raise also applies to ELA9LSV1.
Awards Won: n/a
Grade Level: 9
Genre: nonfiction
Summary of Book: This magazine article looks at a controversial issue (whether or not to raise minimum wage) by providing two different viewpoints on the topic.
Content Connection: This article mainly helps provide students to a variety of text types, as required by ELA9RC1. Because this is a modern issue, this article also touches ELA9RC4. The debates and discussions that this article would raise also applies to ELA9LSV1.
23. Salinger, J.D. (1951). The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company.
Awards Won: National Book Award Nominee for Fiction (1952), Teen Read Award Nominee for Best All-Time-Fave (2010), Modern Library 100 Best Novels
Grade Level: 8
Genre: fiction
Summary of Book: When Holden Caulfield once again gets kicked out of school, he spends two days wandering alone in the streets of New York trying to find himself amidst the “phonies” around him. This book is Holden’s recollection of those days as related to his psychiatrist.
Content Connection: I feel very strongly that this is a book that all teens need to read in High School. I will definitely be doing a novel study on this book (once again, outlined in ELA9RL1). This book has many thematic elements students could draw from to support understanding of the text (ELA9RL2). This book is perfect for a 9th grade classroom. No student should have to go through high school without Holden.
Awards Won: National Book Award Nominee for Fiction (1952), Teen Read Award Nominee for Best All-Time-Fave (2010), Modern Library 100 Best Novels
Grade Level: 8
Genre: fiction
Summary of Book: When Holden Caulfield once again gets kicked out of school, he spends two days wandering alone in the streets of New York trying to find himself amidst the “phonies” around him. This book is Holden’s recollection of those days as related to his psychiatrist.
Content Connection: I feel very strongly that this is a book that all teens need to read in High School. I will definitely be doing a novel study on this book (once again, outlined in ELA9RL1). This book has many thematic elements students could draw from to support understanding of the text (ELA9RL2). This book is perfect for a 9th grade classroom. No student should have to go through high school without Holden.
24. Walls, J. (2005). A Glass Castle. New York: Scribner.
Awards Won: ALA Alex Award (2006), Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2008)
Grade Level: 9+
Genre: Memoir
Summary of Book: This book tells the story of Jeanette Wall’s childhood and life living with her three other siblings and her nomadic parents. Her father, Rex, was an alcoholic and con man, and her mother was a self-proclaimed “excitement addict” who hated her responsibility as a mother and wife.
Content Connection: I mainly chose this book as a part of ELA9RC1, which basically says that students must be exposed to a variety of book types. This book is not only a memoir, but it is an extremely good story. Jeanette’s strength and insight is inspiring. This book would also relate to many of the 9th grade writing standards, as it could lead in perfectly to students learning to write their own.
Awards Won: ALA Alex Award (2006), Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2008)
Grade Level: 9+
Genre: Memoir
Summary of Book: This book tells the story of Jeanette Wall’s childhood and life living with her three other siblings and her nomadic parents. Her father, Rex, was an alcoholic and con man, and her mother was a self-proclaimed “excitement addict” who hated her responsibility as a mother and wife.
Content Connection: I mainly chose this book as a part of ELA9RC1, which basically says that students must be exposed to a variety of book types. This book is not only a memoir, but it is an extremely good story. Jeanette’s strength and insight is inspiring. This book would also relate to many of the 9th grade writing standards, as it could lead in perfectly to students learning to write their own.
25. Morgenroth, K. (2004). Jude. New York: Simon and Schuster.
Awards Won: Georgia Peach Honor Book Award (2006); Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2007)
Grade Level: 8+
Genre: Modern Fiction
Summary of Book: When young Jude witnesses his father’s murder, he is the only witness. To protect himself, he moves in with his mother, a politician he has never met. To protect her political career, he allows himself to be swept up into a scandal involving her long term boyfriend. However, the scandal forces Jude to give up far more than he bargained for, and will ultimately force him to choose between doing what’s right and getting revenge.
Content Connection: This book would be perfect for a novel study as outlined in ELA9RL1. The plot is gripping, the characters are believable, and the reading level is right on target to study early in the semester as a transfer-into-high-school-reading book. The book focuses on Jude’s evolution into adulthood as he faces some very serious issues. Students would be able to go through that journey with him and discuss what they would do if they were in his shoes. These discussions follow along with standard ELA9LSV1. This book also uses a lot of legal vocabulary that the students could pick up, tying in ELA9RL5.
Awards Won: Georgia Peach Honor Book Award (2006); Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2007)
Grade Level: 8+
Genre: Modern Fiction
Summary of Book: When young Jude witnesses his father’s murder, he is the only witness. To protect himself, he moves in with his mother, a politician he has never met. To protect her political career, he allows himself to be swept up into a scandal involving her long term boyfriend. However, the scandal forces Jude to give up far more than he bargained for, and will ultimately force him to choose between doing what’s right and getting revenge.
Content Connection: This book would be perfect for a novel study as outlined in ELA9RL1. The plot is gripping, the characters are believable, and the reading level is right on target to study early in the semester as a transfer-into-high-school-reading book. The book focuses on Jude’s evolution into adulthood as he faces some very serious issues. Students would be able to go through that journey with him and discuss what they would do if they were in his shoes. These discussions follow along with standard ELA9LSV1. This book also uses a lot of legal vocabulary that the students could pick up, tying in ELA9RL5.
