Anyone who's ever been to high school knows that the English and literature classes require a lot of reading. A LOT.

But most of the time the books aren't very contemporary, relatable, or even entertaining. Not that the classics are bad — they are crucial to understanding how literature became what it is today. Focusing mostly on those, however, is a good way to keep students uninterested. Reading books that express the world around us are generally more readable and we can see ourselves in the characters.

I asked seven high school students what books inspired them that weren't read for class; these are three of their answers.

1. "The Outsiders"

This novel by S.E. Hinton is a classic. Full disclosure, this book is taught in some schools, but all of the high schoolers I asked said they had to discover it on their own. Upon its release in 1967, the book was banned by schools, libraries, and churches due to its depiction of gang violence — Hinton's most well-known work is still banned from some schools. It is a tragic, heart-wrenching story that expresses the importance and strength of friendship while also depicting that though people may come from different backgrounds we can come together.

2. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

Stephen Chbosky's 1999 novel was another that was met with criticism upon its publication and still faces it today. The coming-of-age story is incredibly raw and unrefined when it comes to its depiction of the struggles people face when growing up. Chbosky illustrates the real problems that teens face such as depression, assault, familial strain, and much more. It helps readers not to feel alone in their struggles and inspires them that they can overcome them.

3. "The Body"

Okay, so "The Body" by Stephen King is technically a short story, but it is just as influential as the other items on this list. It centers around a group of four 12 year old boys who decide to look for the body of a boy who is presumed to be dead (morbid, I know, but what do you expect from Stephen King?). They want the journey to be their last big adventure before middle school. Instead of just an exciting expedition, they go through a good deal of self-discovery and growth.

Because of the mature themes of these books, they are not generally considered classroom appropriate; however, they may be the ones that arouse the most emotion and impact to students. While Shakespeare and Frost are important, acknowledging what students want to read and will genuinely connect with is the best way to engage them in classes as well as help them grow.