Now that I am out of high school, I am taking time to reflect on my favorite English classes and what I wish we were able to read. Most of the books pn this list I was fortunate to have read in my junior English class. Thanks to Mrs. Libbert for being the best English teacher and choosing life changing novels. To all the English teachers reading this blog, consider these novels for your classroom this year.
1. Looking For Alaska by John Green
John Green never fails to amaze me with this writing, but this book was perfection. Miles Pudge, a boy who has an obsession with last words, is attending a boarding school where he meets Alaska Young. She is a whirlwind and teaches Pudge about a "great perhaps." This book is about more than just a story about friends and life away at boarding school. This single piece of literature teaches about the reality of teenagers and grief among young students. This book includes themes such as morality, friendship, and intimacy to each reader. The unique tone of dark and depression mixes with a witty sense of humor really draws young readers in. By letting your students read Looking For Alaska, you will spark a conversation about grief and the reality of the teenage years. Not to mention, you will be able to dive in to the mystery that is Alaska Young.
Rating: 7/10
Warning: high language content and a couple of sexual scenes.
2. Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
I recently listened to this novel on Audible and it was amazing. I will have to say that this book is a heavy, depressing novel. Please survey your students before giving out this novel. It can be a trigger for certain students. On the other hand, this book is a harsh reality of teen suicide. Leo, Leonard Peacock, states from the beginning of the book that he plans to kill Asher and then kill himself. This book gives honest and accurate representation of poor mental health and how it effects the everyday life. He mentions that before he finishes his plan, he will give presents to the people who matter the most to him. This is a good way to teach students about the signs of suicidal individuals as you watch Leo's journey through the book. Overall, this book will teach students about why life is worth living.
Rating 9/10
Warning: high language content and trigger for suicide and sexual abuse.
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Santigo dreams of a treasure hidden in Egypt, so he rushes to go find it. Along the way, he meets many interesting characters like a man who can read his mind and a beautiful woman named Fatima. This book plays out the theme of fate and love. Santigo wants to find the treasure that he dreams of, but he has to choose if the unconditional love matters more. This book is unique because it ties in old myths and symbols into the text. I highly recommend this book, especially for its unconventional setting and themes.
Rating: 7/10
4. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Grab your tissues for this one. This novel is a 9/11 story told in the point of view of a nine year old. His father was in the World Trade Center when the planes hit. Oskar and his father used to play games with hidden clues so when Oskar finds a key in a vase after his father's death, he is determined to find the meaning. Basically this is the story of Oskar trying to make sense of his father's death. This story has symbols with the key and through all the people he meets along the way. Overall, this book is informative and heart wrenching.
Rating: 8/10
Warning: Lots of tears.
5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This is a very unique novel. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a story about a troubled teen names Charlie. This novel meant the world to me when I was reading it. Not only does it touch on the subject of mental health, but finding happiness outside of it. It touches themes like the setting's pop culture and freedom to be happy. Reading this novel will help you understand the mind of Charlie after the incident.
Rating: 7/10
Warning: Drug use, sexual language, and mild language. Can be a trigger for sexual abuse vicitms.
