It’s funny when I think about what was required for me in school in comparison to most others because I seemed to have missed out on a lot. I didn’t read The Crucible, Animal Farm, The Great Gatsby or One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest until a few years ago which are apparently common recommended reading. I think it was for the best though because I don’t feel I would have enjoyed them as much when I was younger (although I still didn’t care for Gatsby.)
When considering this topic, it was easy to focus on coming of age novels but I decided to throw in a few other genres that I felt were resonating reads that would (hopefully) be enjoyed and appreciated by a younger crowd.
Historical
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Maus by Art Spiegelman
Tales of Living and Survival
Coming of Age
This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
Golden by Jessi Kirby
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Code Name Verity, and Elizabeth's new book, Rose Under Fire, would make great texts for high school students paired with study of WWII! And Graffiti Moon would be another great choice!
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This is a great topic Bonnie, I remember some of the books that we had to read during school and I sure wish that some of these books were on our curriculum instead. I so agree with your coming of age stack, I loved every single one and they all have a great message to give out in the end. I really need to read Between Shades of Gray, so I'm glad to see it on your list! Brilliant list Bonnie! 🙂
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I think Between shades of gray would be a perfect book for school. I don't understand why you are always forced to read the old classic books. It's almost like they don't believe that the books nowadays are good enough.. but I think these type of books would appeal much more people – and most might end up reading them instead of looking for summaries.
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Saving Francesca is such a perfect choice – I think most teenagers can relate to it. I fell in love with it within the first few chapters and it's still one of my favourite books years later. Have you read Looking For Alibrandi, Melina Marchetta's first novel? That's also amazing!
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Nice choices, I would agree with many books; especially Maus and The Road. You really liked This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales, I've seen it mentioned so many times. Also if you lived in Australia you probably read Melina Marchetta in school but most likely Looking For Alibrandi
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Between Shades of Gray is HEARTBREAKING but a definite must-read… not sure if you enjoy audiobooks but that one was fantastic on audio.
Yeah, the need to read classics is confusing to me as well. At the very least they need to combine classics with more modern novels… definitely more relevant.
I actually have not read Looking for Alibrandi yet! Will check it out though, thanks! 🙂
Ahhh… so Marchetta is read in Australian schools! Lucky ducks. 🙂 I actually have yet to read Looking for Alibrandi though.
I read all the classics you initially mentioned in school, with the exception of Animal Farm–I still haven't read it. Which is why so many of these things should stay in the curriculum, hah.
I do think it'd be nice if teachers offered credit for supplemental reading that includes some of the books you mentioned–I think there's a lot to be said for books that kids find relateable, but offer content that is still drives great conversation.
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
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Your list starts exactly like Shae's, which is funny, but also you guys are right about CNV and BSOG being good school books. Also, THE HIGHEST OF FIVES for Maus being on your list. I actually did read Night in school and yes to that.
This Song Will Save Your Life is a GREAT choice. It sounds ridiculous a bit, but I do think it could save lives, as a person who has felt just like Elise.
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