Classic books, including 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë, on a shelf.

50 classics from (almost) everyone's high school reading list

Research shows that reading fiction encourages empathy . While more high school curriculums should include modern, diverse writers like Amy Tan and Malala Yousafzai, certain classics—like John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" and Sandra Cisneros' "The House on Mango Street"—endure. Some even make a comeback. George Orwell's "1984," a novel published in 1949 about a dystopian future where the government controls the truth, even surged to #6 on the bestseller list in January 2021, selling more than 24,000 copies following the insurrection in Washington D.C.

While books are ostensibly for anyone with a yearning to learn, sometimes parents, teachers, and school board officials disagree on what kids should or shouldn't read. The result of the push and pull between these groups then shapes the reading lists of millions across the country. According to Pen America , 1,648 different books were banned in schools across the United States between July 2021 and June 2022. These bans affected 138 school districts in 32 states, impacting the books an estimated 4 million students were allowed to read. The top three most frequently banned books were Maia Kobabe's "Gender Queer: A Memoir," George M. Johnson's "All Boys Aren't Blue," and Ashley Hope Pérez's "Out of Darkness."

Certain books deserve a first, second, or maybe even a third read. Using data from Goodreads released in January 2023, Stacker compiled a list of 50 timeless books, plays, and epic poems commonly found on high school reading lists. A total of 1,194 voters picked the most essential reading required for students. The final ranking is based on Goodreads' score, which considers multiple factors, including total votes each book received and how highly voters ranked each book.

Read on to see which classics made the list.

#50. Their Eyes Were Watching God

- Author: Zora Neale Hurston - Score: 4,143 - Average rating: 3.97 (based on 316,337 ratings)

A coming-of-age story set in early 1900s Florida, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" tackles a multitude of issues: racism, sexism, segregation, poverty, and gender roles, among others. Initially overlooked upon its release, Zora Neale Hurston's best-known work is now considered a modern American masterpiece thanks to work done in Black studies programs in the 1970s.

#49. Mythology

- Author: Edith Hamilton - Score: 4,148 - Average rating: 4.02 (based on 52,213 ratings)

Edith Hamilton's " Mythology " has been a standard of both reference and pleasure reading since its publication in 1942. The book was commissioned by an editor at the publisher Little, Brown and Company in 1939 to replace the outdated 1855 collection on the subject, " Bulfinch's Mythology ," and it remains a popular choice for educating students on the subject today. At nearly 500 pages, this hefty tome covers all the classic Greek, Roman, and Norse myths in one place, from the journeys of Odysseus and the Trojan War to Cupid and Psyche.

#48. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Maya Angelou's Autobiography, #1)

- Author: Maya Angelou - Score: 4,153 - Average rating: 4.28 (based on 492,982 ratings)

In the first of her seven memoirs, " I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings ," Maya Angelou speaks of her early life growing up in the South, including the abuse and racism she faced. Before this, Angelou was known as a poet but was encouraged to try her hand at long-form writing following a party she attended with the legendary James Baldwin. This book sold 1 million copies, was nominated for a National Book Award, and spent more than two years on the New York Times bestseller list.

#47. Oedipus Rex (The Theban Plays, #1)

- Author: Sophocles - Score: 4,211 - Average rating: 3.72 (based on 200,721 ratings)

The tragic Greek play " Oedipus Rex " tells the shocking tale of King Oedipus, who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother. The work of Sophocles has inspired many others across disciplines, including Igor Stravinsky's 1920s opera of the same name. Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic concept of the Oedipus complex , a theory that children are sexually attracted to their opposite-sex parent, also derived from this work.

#46. Moby-Dick or, the Whale

- Author: Herman Melville - Score: 4,240 - Average rating: 3.53 (based on 528,908 ratings)

Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick or, the Whale"—the lengthy tale of a sea captain on the hunt for this great beast—was inspired by a real-life sperm whale attack that sank the Essex in 1820. Although the book sold less than 3,000 copies during Melville's lifetime, it is now considered an American classic. In September 2022, one collector paid a whopping $327,600 to obtain an 1853 edition of the novel.

#45. The Pearl

- Author: John Steinbeck - Score: 4,421 - Average rating: 3.51 (based on 218,730 ratings)

John Steinbeck's "The Pearl" tells the story of Kino, a poor diver trying to support his family by gathering pearls from gulf beds. He is only barely scraping by until he happens upon a giant pearl. Kino thinks this discovery will finally provide him with the financial comfort and security he has been seeking, but it ultimately brings disaster. The story addresses the reader's relationship to nature, the human need for connection, and the consequences of resisting injustice.

#44. The Importance of Being Earnest

- Author: Oscar Wilde - Score: 4,540 - Average rating: 4.18 (based on 345,903 ratings)

This comedic play by Oscar Wilde takes a satiric look at Victorian social values while following two men—Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff—as they tell lies to bring some excitement to their lives. "The Importance of Being Earnest" was Wilde's final play , and some consider it his masterpiece .

#43. The Red Badge of Courage

- Author: Stephen Crane - Score: 4,752 - Average rating: 3.28 (based on 99,854 ratings)

In "The Red Badge of Courage," Henry Fleming enlists in the Union Army, enticed by visions of glory. When the reality of war and battle sets in, Fleming retreats in fear. In the end, he faces his cowardice and rises to leadership. This American war novel was published in 1895 and is so authentic that it's easy to believe the author—born after the Civil War ended—was himself a veteran.

#42. The Taming of the Shrew

- Author: William Shakespeare - Score: 4,822 - Average rating: 3.77 (based on 164,742 ratings)

This five-act comedy tells the story of the courtship of the headstrong Katherine and the money-grubbing Petruchio, who is determined to subdue Katherine and make her his wife. After the wedding, Petruchio drags his new wife through the mud to their new home in the country. He proceeds to starve and deprive her of sleep to make his new bride submissive. The play, one of Shakespeare's most popular, has been both criticized for its abusive and misogynistic attitude toward women and praised as a challenging view of how women are supposed to behave.

#41. Slaughterhouse-Five

- Author: Kurt Vonnegut Jr. - Score: 4,858 - Average rating: 4.09 (based on 1,284,145 ratings)

In "Slaughterhouse-Five," Kurt Vonnegut tells the story of Billy Pilgrim—based on a real American soldier—who is "unstuck in time." He travels throughout the timeline of his life in a nonlinear fashion, forced to relive certain moments. He is first pulled out after he is drafted and captured in Germany during World War II. The book, which explores how humankind repeats history, has been banned or challenged in classrooms throughout the United States. It even landed in the Supreme Court in 1982 in Board of Education v. Pico , and the court held that banning the book violated the First Amendment.

#40. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

- Author: Mark Twain - Score: 5,170 - Average rating: 3.92 (based on 879,567 ratings)

"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" takes place in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, during the 1840s. Tom Sawyer and his friend Huck Finn witness a murder by Joe. After the boys stay silent, the wrong man is accused of the crime. When they flee, the whole town presumes them dead, and the boys end up attending their own funerals. Mark Twain's portrayal of Sawyer and Finn challenges the idyllic American view of childhood, instead showing children as fallible human beings with imperfections like anyone else.

#39. Crime and Punishment

- Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky - Score: 5,537 - Average rating: 4.25 (based on 798,073 ratings)

This Russian classic, published in 1886, tells the story of a former student named Rodion Raskolnikov, who is now impoverished and on the verge of mental instability. To get money—and to demonstrate his exceptionalness—he comes up with a murderous plan to kill a pawnbroker. Considered one of the first psychological novels , "Crime and Punishment" is also quite political as it explores the character's pull toward liberal views and his rebellion against them.

#38. A Separate Peace

- Author: John Knowles - Score: 5,561 - Average rating: 3.59 (based on 209,325 ratings)

In "A Separate Peace," John Knowles explores the friendship of two young men—the quiet, intellectual Gene Forrester and his extroverted, athletic friend Finny. Gene lives vicariously through Finny, but his jealousy ultimately ends in tragedy after he commits a subtle act of violence . The book examines themes of envy and the need to achieve.

#37. Death of a Salesman

- Author: Arthur Miller - Score: 6,178 - Average rating: 3.56 (based on 217,183 ratings)

Arthur Miller introduces readers to an aging Willy Loman , a traveling salesman nearing the end of his career. Loman decides he's tired of driving for work and asks for an office job in New York City, believing he is vital to the company. His boss ends up firing him. Loman is also faced with the fact that his son, Biff, is not as successful in life as he had hoped.

Ultimately, Loman takes his own life so his son can have the insurance money to jump-start a better life. After his death, only Loman's family attends his funeral. "Death of a Salesman" won the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for drama.

#36. The Little Prince

- Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - Score: 6,838 - Average rating: 4.32 (based on 1,871,036 ratings)

In "The Little Prince," a pilot whose plane has crashed in the Sahara desert meets a young boy from outer space. The boy is traveling from planet to planet in search of friendship. On the boy's home—an asteroid—he lived alone, accompanied only by a solitary rose. Once on Earth, the boy meets a wise fox who tells him he can only see clearly with his heart . The book's somber themes of imagination and adulthood have resonated with children and adults alike since it was published—it is now one of the most translated books of all time.

#35. The Old Man and the Sea

- Author: Ernest Hemingway - Score: 6,848 - Average rating: 3.80 (based on 1,036,482 ratings)

"The Old Man and the Sea" was Ernest Hemingway's final major work. The story follows an old man who catches a large fish, only to have it eaten by sharks before he can get it back to shore. Although many may see symbolism about life and aging in the book, Hemingway said there wasn't a deeper meaning in the prose.

#34. The Canterbury Tales

- Author: Geoffrey Chaucer - Score: 6,904 - Average rating: 3.52 (based on 211,378 ratings)

"The Canterbury Tales," written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, was one of the first major works of English literature. The story follows a group of pilgrims who tell tales during their journey from London to Canterbury Cathedral. The cast of characters—including a carpenter, cook, and knight, among others—paints a varied picture of 14th-century society. The stories  inspired the modern film "A Knight's Tale," starring Heath Ledger as a poor knight and Paul Bettany as Chaucer.

#33. Othello

- Author: William Shakespeare - Score: 6,966 - Average rating: 3.89 (based on 363,620 ratings)

Shakespeare wrote "Othello" in the early 17th century. The play tells the tragic story of Othello—a Moor and general in the Venetian army, and Iago—a traitorous low-ranking officer. Shakespeare tackles themes of racism, betrayal, and jealousy. While he refers to Othello as "Black," Shakespeare most likely meant he was darker-skinned than most Englishmen at the time and not necessarily of African descent.

#32. Flowers for Algernon

- Author: Daniel Keyes - Score: 7,235 - Average rating: 4.18 (based on 597,740 ratings)

The main character in "Flowers for Algernon" is Charlie Gordon, a man of low intelligence who becomes a genius after undergoing an experimental procedure. The experiment has already been performed on a lab mouse named Algernon. Gordon's intelligence opens his eyes to things he's never understood before, but he eventually loses his newly acquired knowledge. The mouse, who Gordon remembers fondly, dies. Daniel Keyes wrote the book after realizing his education was causing a rift between him and his loved ones, making him wonder what it would be like if someone's intelligence could be increased.

#31. Beowulf

- Author: Unknown - Score: 7,844 - Average rating: 3.47 (based on 283,839 ratings)

"Beowulf" is an epic poem —an original manuscript copy is housed in the British Library—of 3,000 lines. It was written in Old English somewhere between A.D. 700 and 1000 and tells the story of Beowulf, a nobleman and warrior in Sweden who is sent to Denmark to fight a swamp monster called Grendel.

#30. A Tale of Two Cities

- Author: Charles Dickens - Score: 8,085 - Average rating: 3.86 (based on 901,761 ratings)

"A Tale of Two Cities" famously starts: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…" Set in the late 1700s, Charles Dickens vividly writes about the time leading up to and during the French Revolution. The historical novel describes death and despair but also touches on themes of redemption.

#29. Wuthering Heights

- Author: Emily Brontë - Score: 8,214 - Average rating: 3.88 (based on 1,651,158 ratings)

"Wuthering Heights," published in 1847, was the first and only novel by Emily Brontë, who died a year later at 30. Brontë tells the tragic love story between Heathcliff, an orphan, and Catherine, his wealthy benefactor's daughter. Considered a classic in English literature, the novel shows readers how passionate and destructive love can be.

#28. The Hobbit (The Lord of the Rings, #0)

- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien - Score: 8,552 - Average rating: 4.28 (based on 3,583,681 ratings)

" The Hobbit " is the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who sets off on a journey through the fictional world of Middle-earth in search of adventure and treasure. J.R.R. Tolkien originally wrote this book for his own kids, and it was an instant success in the children's book market. It also grew a keen following with older readers alongside the release of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy in the 1960s, when it offered a great reprieve from the tumult of the times, and the big screen adaptation in the early 2000s.

#27. A Midsummer Night's Dream

- Author: William Shakespeare - Score: 8,974 - Average rating: 3.95 (based on 507,482 ratings)

Like many of Shakespeare's plays, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" explores the theme of love. This comedy shows the events that surround the marriage of Theseus, the duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, a former Amazon queen. The play also shares the stories of several other lovers influenced by the fairies who live in the forest near the wedding. The play is a favorite for actors and audiences, even today.

#26. The Grapes of Wrath

- Author: John Steinbeck - Score: 9,047 - Average rating: 3.99 (based on 852,960 ratings)

"The Grapes of Wrath" is considered a great American novel partly because it brought to light the destruction and despair caused by the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. The story follows Tom Joad after he is released from prison to find his family's Oklahoma farmstead empty and destroyed. Joad and his family later set off for a new life in California, only to face struggles along the way. The book, which focuses on hard work, won a  Pulitzer Prize  in 1940.

#25. Great Expectations

- Author: Charles Dickens - Score: 9,647 - Average rating: 3.79 (based on 751,833 ratings)

This Charles Dickens classic tells the story of Pip, an orphan who gets a chance at a better life through an anonymous benefactor. The plot mostly centers around Pip's regular visits to Miss Havisham, a wealthy recluse, and his love for her adopted daughter Estella, who is cold toward Pip until years later. Many consider the novel a great masterpiece .

#24. Frankenstein: The 1818 Text

- Author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - Score: 10,277 - Average rating: 3.85 (based on 1,435,457 ratings)

At just 20 , Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley created what is often labeled as the first science fiction novel : "Frankenstein." While staying with a group of literary comrades, Lord Byron challenged his fellow writers to craft ghost stories. Shelley's story was sparked by a nightmare that ultimately became the classic novel about a mad scientist who created a monster from the body parts of corpses, then brought the creature to life.

#23. Julius Caesar

- Author: William Shakespeare - Score: 10,472 - Average rating: 3.70 (based on 191,622 ratings)

Shakespeare takes on history with "Julius Caesar," a tragic story of power and betrayal. Brutus, who worked closely with Caesar, joined his fellow conspirators to assassinate Caesar to save the republic from a tyrannical leader. The events had the opposite effect when, only two years later, Caesar's grandnephew was crowned the first emperor of Rome. The play marked a political shift in Shakespeare's writing.

#22. The Outsiders

- Author: S.E. Hinton - Score: 10,564 - Average rating: 4.12 (based on 1,193,939 ratings)

S.E. Hinton introduced readers to 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis in "The Outsiders," a novel she started to write when she was 16. The plot centers around two rival gangs: the lower-class Greasers and the well-off Socials. It touches on teen angst , including the frustrations young people have when they can't rely on adults to change things while also not knowing how to fix things themselves. Hinton's publishers encouraged her to publish under her initials because they didn't think the public would respect a book about teenage boys by someone with the feminine name of Susan Eloise Hinton.

#21. Brave New World

- Author: Aldous Huxley - Score: 10,853 - Average rating: 3.99 (based on 1,711,789 ratings)

In "Brave New World," published in 1932, Aldous Huxley paints a picture of a dystopian future where people consume pills called soma to get a sense of instant bliss without side effects. Emotions, individuality, and lasting relationships aren't allowed. A preordained class system is decided at the embryonic stage, with certain people getting hormones for peak mental and athletic fitness. Some historians believe the book's plot could represent the future in the next 100 years.

#20. Night (The Night Trilogy, #1)

- Author: Elie Wiesel - Score: 11,080 - Average rating: 4.36 (based on 1,150,070 ratings)

"Night," the first in a trilogy of books, is the most well-known of the more than 50 works Elie Wiesel produced in his lifetime. In just over 100 pages, Wiesel recounts his experiences at the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps during the Holocaust—a history he felt compelled to share, as he stated in his 1986 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech , "Because, if we forget, we are guilty, we are accomplices." The impact of this book has only grown since its publication in 1956, with educators teaching the book in schools for decades and book sales soaring alongside current events, including Wiesel's death in July 2016.

#19. The Crucible

- Author: Arthur Miller - Score: 11,619 - Average rating: 3.60 (based on 380,466 ratings)

This 1953 play is a dramatized version of the Salem witch trials of the late 1600s. In the novel, a group of young girls are dancing in the forest; when caught, they fake illness and shift blame to avoid punishment. Their lies set off witchcraft accusations throughout the town. Arthur Miller wrote "The Crucible" to protest the actions of Sen. Joseph McCarthy , who set up a committee in the early 1950s to investigate and prosecute the Communists he thought had infiltrated the government. It won the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play.

#18. The Giver (The Giver, #1)

- Author: Lois Lowry - Score: 11,635 - Average rating: 4.13 (based on 2,238,142 ratings)

" The Giver " is the dystopian tale of a boy chosen to hold one of the most difficult and important professions in his community—the keeper of all memories from the time before, including the pain and difficulties that have been erased from the seemingly utopian world around them. In 1994, Lois Lowry was awarded the Newbery Medal —a prestigious award for children's literature in the United States—for the first installation of her book quartet. The book's complicated themes of racism, religion, and politics lend themselves more to older readers, creating rich discussion in high school classrooms.

#17. Jane Eyre

- Author: Charlotte Brontë - Score: 11,990 - Average rating: 4.14 (based on 1,941,542 ratings)

Charlotte Brontë—sister to Emily—speaks directly to the reader in "Jane Eyre." The Victorian novel follows the headstrong Jane, an orphan who lives with her aunt and cousins, on her quest to find her identity and true love. The novel, marketed as an autobiography and published in 1847 under the pen name Currer Bell, is written in the first person and introduces " the concept of the self " in writing.

#16. Fahrenheit 451

- Author: Ray Bradbury - Score: 12,468 - Average rating: 3.97 (based on 2,162,063 ratings)

Ray Bradbury describes a futuristic world where books are banned and burned. Guy Montag, one firefighter tasked with extinguishing the books, questions the practice. When Bradbury wrote the classic in the 1950s, television sets were becoming ubiquitous in American households. The theme of the book was a warning about how mass media could interfere with people's ability or desire to think critically, a theme that many think resonates with the social media-obsessed world of today.

#15. Pride and Prejudice

- Author: Jane Austen - Score: 13,486 - Average rating: 4.28 (based on 3,854,915 ratings)

Published in 1813, "Pride and Prejudice" was Jane Austen's second novel. The story follows the will-they-won't-they relationship between the wealthy Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, who comes from meager means. Throughout the chapters, both change for the better as they fall in love. The book has inspired at least  a dozen or more  movie and television adaptations.

#14. The Odyssey

- Author: Homer - Score: 15,087 - Average rating: 3.79 (based on 1,001,633 ratings)

"The Odyssey," a Greek epic poem , follows Odysseus as he travels back to the island of Ithaca after fighting in the war at Troy—something addressed in Homer's poem "The Iliad." When he returns home, he and his son, Telemachus, kill all the men trying to marry Odysseus's wife, Penelope. In the end, Athena, the goddess of wisdom, victory, and war, intervenes. Like many Greek myths, it focuses on themes of love, courage, and revenge.

#13. The Diary of a Young Girl

- Author: Anne Frank - Score: 15,739 - Average rating: 4.18 (based on 3,425,782 ratings)

In 1944, a young Anne Frank recorded her thoughts and feelings as she and other Jewish citizens hid from the German Nazis during World War II. The coming-of-age diary, which chronicles Frank's time hiding in the Secret Annex while she became a young woman, has been translated into 70 languages. While she and most of her family were killed, her father survived and helped publish her work, making it possible for millions to learn her story.

#12. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

- Author: Mark Twain - Score: 16,638 - Average rating: 3.83 (based on 1,228,955 ratings)

Huckleberry Finn is the main character in this follow-up novel to "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." The book explores themes of racism as Huck Finn floats down the Mississippi River with a man escaping slavery. Like Huck at the end of his tale, Twain changed his views on slavery and rejected it as an institution.

- Author: George Orwell - Score: 17,337 - Average rating: 4.19 (based on 4,095,733 ratings)

George Orwell describes a dystopian future rife with war and one where the government—led by Big Brother—controls the truth and snuffs out individual thought. The protagonist, Winston Smith, becomes disillusioned with the Party, and he rebels against it. Although it was published in 1949, the novel had a resurgence in 2017.

#10. The Scarlet Letter

- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne - Score: 17,684 - Average rating: 3.43 (based on 814,235 ratings)

Nathaniel Hawthorne published "The Scarlet Letter" in 1850. In the novel, based on historical events , readers follow the story of Hester Prynne, a woman who is forced to wear a red "A" on her clothes after she conceives a child out of wedlock. She bears the punishment alone when she refuses to name the baby's father. Her character marked one of the first where a strong woman was the protagonist . Hawthorne's novel also touches on themes of hypocrisy, shame, guilt, and love.

- Author: William Shakespeare - Score: 19,419 - Average rating: 4.03 (based on 875,058 ratings)

Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, becomes vengeful after attending his father's funeral, only to find his mother has remarried Claudius, his uncle. The stepfather crowns himself king, a role that should have gone to Hamlet. The prince finds out his father was murdered, after which he kills the new king. Ambiguity runs through the play and the character of Hamlet, whose visions of ghosts are up for interpretation—are they real or a figment of the troubled man's imagination? The tragedy, which launched the famous line "To be, or not to be… " shines a light on some of the worst traits of humanity . Some consider the play Shakespeare's greatest work .

#8. The Catcher in the Rye

- Author: J.D. Salinger - Score: 19,450 - Average rating: 3.81 (based on 3,262,066 ratings)

J.D. Salinger aptly captures teen angst in "The Catcher in the Rye" when the reader gets a look at three days in the life of its narrator, the 16-year-old Holden Caulfield. The book was an instant success, but some schools have banned it from their libraries and reading lists, citing vulgarity and sexual content.

#7. Of Mice and Men

- Author: John Steinbeck - Score: 19,958 - Average rating: 3.88 (based on 2,350,603 ratings)

"Of Mice and Men" tells the story of George and his simple-minded friend Lennie. The two have to get new jobs on a ranch because of some trouble in Lennie's past. The novel, set during the Great Depression, tackles topics of poverty, sexism, and racism .

#6. Macbeth

- Author: William Shakespeare - Score: 21,256 - Average rating: 3.90 (based on 822,057 ratings)

Another Shakespeare classic, "Macbeth" portrays the weakness of humanity. The character of Macbeth receives a prophecy that he will one day become king of Scotland. His unchecked ambition ends in murder; Macbeth kills King Duncan to steal the throne for himself. It shows the destructive influence of political ambition and pursuing power for its own sake.

#5. Animal Farm

- Author: George Orwell - Score: 22,478 - Average rating: 3.98 (based on 3,491,043 ratings)

A group of farm animals organizes a revolt after they realize their master, Mr. Jones, is mistreating them and offering them nothing in return for their work. When they challenge the leadership, they are disciplined for speaking out. This classic isn't about animal rights. It is a larger critique of Soviet Communism . Orwell wrote it as an attack against Stalinism in Russia .

#4. Lord of the Flies

- Author: William Golding - Score: 24,079 - Average rating: 3.69 (based on 2,692,219 ratings)

"Lord of the Flies" tells the alarming story of a group of young boys who survive a plane crash, only to descend into tribalism on the island where they landed. Two of the boys—Ralph and Jack—clash in their pursuit of leadership. The novel, which has been challenged in schools , shows how struggles for power based on fear and division can result in a collapse of social order, themes that might seem relevant in the current fraught political climate.

#3. The Great Gatsby

- Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald - Score: 29,912 - Average rating: 3.93 (based on 4,737,607 ratings)

Nick Carraway, a Midwest transplant and Yale graduate, moves to West Egg, Long Island, and enters a world of extravagance when he becomes entangled with millionaire Jay Gatsby and socialite Daisy Buchanan. The novel is viewed as a cautionary tale about achieving the American dream of wealth and excess.

#2. Romeo and Juliet

- Author: William Shakespeare - Score: 34,901 - Average rating: 3.74 (based on 2,430,511 ratings)

Two star-crossed lovers meet and perish in this tragedy. Juliet, a Capulet, falls in love with Romeo, a Montague. Because their families are rivals, they are forbidden to marry. They secretly wed before misfortune leads to their deaths. Losing their children inspires peace among the families. Some critics claim the play's childish view of love hasn't stood the test of time, but others think the story is multilayered and deserves its classic status.

#1. To Kill a Mockingbird

- Author: Harper Lee - Score: 44,390 - Average rating: 4.27 (based on 5,584,470 ratings)

Harper Lee's first novel, published in 1960, tackles issues of racial and social injustice in the South. Set in Alabama, it introduces readers to Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends a Black man accused of sexually assaulting a white woman. The point-of-view comes from Atticcus' daughter, Scout, while Boo Radley, their reclusive neighbor, adds another dimension to this classic story of racism and childhood. Lee's work won her a Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Because of some racial language, the book has been challenged in many schools throughout America.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 31 best books to read in high school.

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A huge number of books exist out there, ready and waiting for you to read them. Whether you prefer manga or ancient, epic poems, reading is great for all sorts of reasons .

What follows is a list of highly beneficial books to read in high school (or after!). These are remarkable books— books that made history, books that challenge societal perceptions of the world, and books that are quite simply interesting and moving. The books are presented in alphabetical order, and a short description is given for each book, as well an explanation of why it is worth reading.

Why Is Reading Important?

Why should you read these books? Why should you read at all for that matter? Reading is essential to communication, especially in an era of emails and texting. Beyond even that, though, reading has an array of crucial purposes. It will help improve your grades and test scores. You'll learn about other places, other times, and other cultures. You'll encounter issues you can relate to—issues that speak to you and challenge you to think and feel in new ways. You will grow, empathetically and intellectually. Plus, you'll understand more of the references that crop up all the time in pop culture.

Below are 31 books to read in high school that will help you prepare for college and beyond.

1984 (George Orwell)

This dystopian novel by George Orwell was written 35 years before the date referenced by the title. In this book, Orwell tells a story that warns readers about the possible consequences of complacency in the face of rising dictators (think Hitler and Stalin) and burgeoning technology ripe for misuse. He describes a world where everything is monitored, right down to citizens’ thoughts, and where any opposition to the ruling class is punishable by extreme measures. The oft-encountered quote, "Big Brother is watching," finds its origin in this novel.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain)

This sequel to Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is much graver in nature than its predecessor. There are still plenty of good antics worthy of a laugh, but it concerns itself largely with a young boy’s attempt to escape severe family dysfunction and the moral implications of his taking an escaped slave as a companion on his adventure down the Mississippi River. Readers should be warned that the " n -word" is used liberally throughout the novel, which tends to be jarring to many a modern ear.

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Mark Twain wants you to read his novel(s).

The Awakening (Kate Chopin)

Set in the Creole culture of the late 1800s, this novel by Kate Chopin details one woman’s process of becoming aware of herself. At the time, women were essentially property, and they were expected to act in demure and socially acceptable ways. As the protagonist "awakens" to her emotional and sexual needs, as well as the ultimate truth of her own independence , all sorts of problems ensue. The novel examines the balance between self-respect and selfishness.

The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath)

This autobiographical novel by poet Sylvia Plath explores the deep, dark reality of mental illness. The protagonist, Esther, a stand-in for Plath herself, is a college student exploring her talents, interests, and sexuality as she descends into an unsettling spiral of mental instability. It is essential for students to understand the seriousness of mental illness as it is so earnestly portrayed in this book.

Black Rain (Masuji Ibuse)

Black Rain , by Masuji Ibuse, is about the very immediate, human consequences of the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It follows a small family of survivors, detailing what happened to them during the days of the bombing and what the effects are some years later. The book adopts a gentle, subtle tone, and yet it is not afraid to delve into very explicit and challenging topics related to the bombings.

Bless Me, Ultima (Rudolfo Anaya)

This semi-autobiographical novel by Rudolfo Anaya contains a healthy dose of magical realism and is considered a staple of Chicano literature. It combines Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences, showing openly the ways in which these forces within the protagonist’s life come into conflict. Young Antonio is growing up in a world that leaves him with more questions than answers: major questions about life and death, good and evil, and so on. These issues seem too big for his six-year-old mind, and yet he grapples with them valiantly through the end of the novel.

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Antonio has lots of questions surrounding his faith traditions.

Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)

In Brave New World , Aldous Huxley explores themes similar to those found in Orwell’s 1984 . Huxley wrote this novel earlier than Orwell wrote his, and yet both deal with dystopian concepts. In particular, Huxley balances utopian and dystopian interpretations of a world that is highly controlled, easily manipulated, and extremely dysfunctional, ready to fall apart at any provocation. There are insiders of and outsiders to this world, and each character views and interacts with the society in a different light.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (Dee Brown)

Dee Brown covers a lot of historical ground in this book. In it, Brown describes the history of European Americans as they interact with (and slaughter) the Native Americans who already inhabit what they claim as their country. It’s an infuriating and accurate tale of mistreatments and abuses, as well as the unfortunate decline of a noble people trying to defend their established way of life. It’s essential for students to understand this part of United States history.

The Catcher in the Rye (J. D. Salinger)

This bold and controversial novel by J. D. Salinger centers around ideas including adolescent sexuality and relationships. The protagonist is constantly bouncing around from person to person, place to place, activity to activity. Critics were greatly offended by Salinger’s frank discussions of sexual matters and his generally very casual style. This book is an important read in part because of its direct relevance to struggling adolescents and the issues they face.

The Crucible (Arthur Miller)

Arthur Miller wrote this tragic play in the early 1950s. While it is somewhat loosely based on the Salem witch trials of 1692, and while it is likely intended as an allegory to McCarthy’s rooting out of suspected Communists at the time of the play’s writing, the issues it touches on are much more broadly applicable. This is an important dramatic work on how hysteria, cruelty, and ignorant gullibility destroy communities.

Bonus: Studying The Crucible for school and struggling? Check out our The Crucible study guides here !

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There are lots of accusations of creepy stuff in The Crucible.

The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank)

Anne Frank’s published diary is different from a typical literary work. It’s a true account of the life of one Jewish girl during the Holocaust, and, while Anne Frank wrote some passages with publication in mind, others she did not. When the book was first published, many passages that her father, Otto Frank, found too long, unflattering, or inappropriate were excluded. Today, the book is available with all material included. Gaining some understanding of this horrific genocide is crucial to students.

Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)

Books are on trial in this astounding work by Ray Bradbury. Set in yet another dystopian future where firemen are employed to burn books and the houses that contain them, Fahrenheit 451 tells the story of a fireman who begins to wonder what books have to offer. This novel is an ode to literacy, and, while it has its tragic moments, it ultimately leaves readers with a message of hope.

Flowers for Algernon (Daniel Keyes)

Daniel Keyes writes a very warm and human form of science fiction in Flowers for Algernon . The novel tells the story of a man considered mentally retarded who is selected for an intelligence-enhancing surgery. The book follows the effects, both positive and negative, that come from the sudden change in his I.Q. This is a moving read for students who wish to understand how intelligence plays into our humanity.

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf (Ntozake Shange)

In For Colored Girls… , Ntozake Shange creates choreopoetry (poetry meant to be performed with movement and dance) that covers important themes of race, gender, abuse, and perseverance. It’s largely a deep and dark poem, but it contains a message of hope. This is an awesome opportunity for readers to get exposure to poetry in a very relevant and theatrical form.

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The rainbow contains all sorts of symbolism.

Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)

First off, let’s all be clear: as some will already know, Frankenstein is not a monster. Rather, the very human Victor Frankenstein is responsible for creating what we recognize as the monster from the story; the creature itself is nameless. Mary Shelley wrote this Gothic thriller in the early 1800s, and yet we remain fascinated by this tale of playing God and facing the consequences. It’s an eerie tale with themes that run deep.

The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)

John Steinbeck’s masterful The Grapes of Wrath centers around the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in American history. It’s a story of hope and despair, moving from one to the other and back again seamlessly throughout the novel. While loaded with biblical allusions, it is not heavy-handed with them, and the writing is often praised as realistic and beautiful.

Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)

Great Expectations , by Charles Dickens, is a staple of English literature. It’s one of his most autobiographical works; it tells the story of a young boy, orphaned and poor, who ultimately experiences a drastic change in his fortunes. In addition, he learns much about love, trust, and relationships in this coming-of-age novel. As the title suggests, the novel also contains discussions of hope, disappointment, and expectations.

The Great Gatbsy (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in The Great Gatsby a novel that in many ways closely reflected his own experience. The decadence of the Jazz Age was, as is revealed in the novel, both enticing for many and revolting for some. The Great Gatsby follows the quest of a wealthy young man to win back the love of his life by extravagant displays of riches and social connections. As the plot builds to its climax, readers, along with Gatsby's simpler, humbler friend and neighbor, are left to ponder the passing of an era in American history.

BONUS: Reading The Great Gatsby for school but finding it hard to keep track of all the characters? We have several study guides that might be able to help, including our guide to all the characters in The Great Gatsby .

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The Joy Luck Club (Amy Tan)

Amy Tan’s novel, The Joy Luck Club , deals with intergenerational and intercultural questions. Tan seeks to represent the Chinese-American experience while also representing issues of mother-daughter relationships and the passage of time. The book focuses on four mother and four daughters across four sections of the novel for a total of sixteen stories that come together to complete this total work.

Lord of the Flies (William Golding)

William Golding’s Lord of the Flies speaks to the evil and degenerate potential that lurks within each human. It can be interpreted religiously, politically, psychoanalytically, or any number of other ways, but the basic premise is that a group of schoolboys stranded on an island descend into grotesque savagery. It’s a disturbing story, to be sure, but one that is important to be familiar with in a world where savage instinct too often presents itself today.

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (J. R. R. Tolkien)

As with any work, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are not everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re hugely rewarding pleasure reading for too many fans to count. Tolkien’s masterpieces are more than just pleasure reading, though; the trilogy covers major themes of the epic struggle between good and evil, the necessity of persevering through immensely difficult ordeals, and how to apply mercy. Tolkien asks major questions about those who are evil versus those who are misguided and what we should do when our paths intertwine with any such individuals. The Hobbit is lighter and more kid-focused, but still addresses important themes.

The Odyssey (Homer)

The Odyssey is an epic poem nearly three thousand years old that’s attributed to the blind poet Homer. It tells the story of a war hero’s ten-year quest to return to his home, wife, and son. He encounters a number of varied setbacks along the way, and the trouble isn’t over when he gets home. The Odyssey deals with human interactions with the gods, bringing up questions of righteousness, wrongdoing, and pride as well as ideas of faithfulness and patience.

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Oedipus Rex (Sophocles)

This play by Greek dramatist Sophocles is about a man who inadvertently kills his father and marries his mother. It’s dark subject matter, and nothing good comes of it, as you may well suspect. This another example, as in The Odyssey , of the divine tinkering with human lives and the great sin of pride.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Ken Kesey)

Ken Kesey documents in this work the darkest side of mental health care as it existed in the 1960s. While certainly not all mental health care was like what’s described in the book, nor is it all like that today, audiences of the novel are aghast that any care might even vaguely resemble the horrors discussed. Despite how disturbing the storyline is, it’s important for readers to recognize the vulnerability of this too often overlooked segment of society.

Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice follows a family with five daughters, all unwed, and all, due to English customs of the late 1700s and early 1800s, in need of wedding. Of the five daughters, Elizabeth is the focus of the novel, though the others are discussed aplenty. While marriage is one of the central ideas in the novel, there are plenty of other themes to be picked apart, including ones that touch on pride, prejudice, first impressions, love, misunderstanding, and manipulation. This is, all around, a classic piece of literature, and one with which to be familiar.

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Next up: one of my favorites, William Shakespeare.

Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet (William Shakespeare)

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is familiar to most people on some level: two teenagers from feuding families fall in love and ultimately sacrifice their lives to their passion. Of all of Shakespeare’s works, it's a particularly popular one to read in high school for a variety of reasons. For one thing, it deals explicitly with teenaged love, and, for another, it’s a relatively simple plot that’s nonetheless action-packed. It also opens with a shameless series of very witty dirty jokes, and such humor is scattered throughout the rest of the show. Then there’s the thematic material, which includes obedience, fate, and rash decisions, among others.

For those who don’t wish to read about teenagers mooning for each other to the point of suicide, there’s always Hamlet . This story follows a Danish prince whose father has died and whose mother has almost instantly married the father’s brother. When Hamlet discovers, via an appearance of his father’s ghost, that his uncle murdered his father, all sorts of interesting events ensue. There’s madness (real and feigned), murder, suicide, treason, and a lot of waffling over the right course of action.

As an added bonus, those who read Hamlet may wish to read Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead . It follows the events of Hamlet from the perspective of two minor and typically much-maligned characters. It’s also hilarious, if absolutely weird.

Slaughterhouse-Five (Kurt Vonnegut)

Slaughterhouse-Five is a fictional account of events in some ways very similar to what the author himself experienced as a prisoner of war in WWII. He writes about the atrocities humans commit upon each other, and he also mixes in a number of other concerns, some heavy, some light, such as death, aliens, and the ability to see other points in time, past or future.

Their Eyes Were Watching God (Zora Neale Hurston)

The novel Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston has been much criticized over the course of its history, and yet it stands as one of the great classics of American literature. It tells the story of a black woman who is full of zest and passion and who is passed from man to man as she goes through life. With her first husband, she is absolutely miserable; with her second husband, it’s more bearable, for a time; and with her third man, she finds happiness. The trials and tribulations she undergoes with all three make for an interesting examination of what it takes for Janie to free the strong, confident woman within.

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(Not an actual representation of Janie. Same approach to life, though.)

Things Fall Apart (Chinua Achebe)

In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart , readers encounter a complex and beautifully rendered examination of life with the Igbo tribe in Africa, both before and after the white man’s interference. Okonkwo is the protagonist, and he goes through a number of difficulties that put him in the position of making distasteful decisions. Readers are left to wonder whether things are falling apart because that’s simply the way of the world or whether different decisions could have kept them together. The inevitability of change is neatly demonstrated.

To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird deals with elements of racism, courage, sympathy, understanding, and hope. It tells the story of a small town where a black man has been falsely accused of raping a white woman. The daughter of the lawyer defending the accused is the main protagonist, and another aspect of the story is her journey from bemused mockery to gentle understanding with regard to an eccentric man in the town. To Kill a Mockingbird rose to prominence during the Civil Rights Movement and remains as potent today as it ever was.

The Ugly American (Eugene Burdick and William Lederer)

The Ugly American by Burdick and Lederer is a denouncement of the American practice of sending insensitive diplomatic figures into foreign countries. Through a series of vignettes, it demonstrates American inefficiency overseas. It so impressed John F. Kennedy while he was a Democratic senator that he sent a copy to each and every one of his Senate colleagues. It can be an uncomfortable read, but a worthwhile one.

If you can read through these 30-odd books before you graduate high school, you'll be in a good shape, from a literary perspective.

Even if you can't read all of them, picking a few would not be a bad place to start. You might start with those that simply sound the most interesting to you, or you could look for themes in the books that relate to what you're learning in school. If you're studying McCarthyism, for instance, maybe try The Crucible ; if you're studying the Holocaust, maybe try The Diary of a Young Girl .

These stories are immensely powerful. Some are newer, having instantly won their place in the pantheon of classics, while others have proven themselves by withstanding the test of time.

Readers will find that they resonate with some books more than others, and that's fine; the point is that all of these books have important messages to communicate, and I encourage readers to be open to finding out what those messages are.

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Open a book, and you'll find all sorts of messages! Usually not in bottles, though.

What's Next?

A lot of these books may be read or referenced in AP English Lit classes. Check out our guide to AP Literature for tips on preparing for the exam. If you're not sure whether to take AP English Language or AP English Literature, allow us to provide you with some thoughts on the topic .

While we're on the topic of literature, why don't you take a moment to read some recommendations on which English classes you should take during your high school career?

Are you both a reader and interested in becoming a doctor ? Then you should definitely take a look at our list of books to read as a pre-med student .

And as a reminder, if you decide to read The Great Gatsby or The Crucible , you can check out our analyses of each to help you along the way!

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25 Essential High School Reads From the Last Decade

We asked members of our community to share recently published novels they would love to have read in high school. Here are your top picks.

Way back in 2016, we asked our community to share what they would consider essential reads for high school students. The final list of 20 recommended books was dominated by what many would consider the classics: John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men , J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye , F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby , Shakespeare’s Macbeth .

For decades, these works have been required reading in classrooms across the country, but more recently educators like Lorena Germán and advocates for the #DisruptTexts movement —not to mention the millions of students who’ve come and gone during the era—have challenged the notion of a traditional canon, advocating for a more “inclusive, representative, and equitable language arts curriculum.”

“There are problems with teaching only classics—the stories are overwhelmingly told from a white and/or male perspective, and more needs to be done to diversify that,” writes eighth-grade English teacher Christina Torres . “In addition, there’s merit in introducing our students to more recent literature.”

This year, we circled back and asked our community a version of the same question—What novels do you wish you could’ve read in high school?—but this time we specified that titles must have been published within the last decade. Hundreds of responses flooded in, and the contrast to six years ago was stark. Nominations were diverse, representing a broad range of topics, themes, genres, and author identities, as well as a wide variety of characters and experiences—queer protagonists and protagonists of color, characters with differing abilities, and fictional roles representing a refreshing spectrum of body sizes and shapes.

The Hate U Give , by Angie Thomas, was a clear standout, earning the most votes and thus the number one spot on our list. Some authors were multiple winners: Jason Reynolds’s Long Way Down and All American Boys made the cut, and Nic Stone’s Dear Martin and its sequel Dear Justyce were both favorites, but we selected only one for inclusion in the top 25. While fiction titles represent the lion’s share of the final list, a number of memoirs and autobiographies made the grade, including Malala Yousafzai’s I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban and the comedian and late-night host Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood.

The Top 25 Indispensable High School Reads

1. The Hate U Give Angie Thomas’s emotionally wrenching debut novel finds Starr, an African American teen, torn between the affluent, predominantly white school she attends and the impoverished neighborhood where she lives. The fatal shooting of her childhood best friend by a police officer shatters her equilibrium, forcing her to choose where she stands. Primary themes of interest to high school students: identity, race and racial injustice, grief and loss, activism.

2. Educated: A Memoir Tara Westover’s story of growing up alongside—and eventually growing beyond—her decidedly iconoclastic family of Mormon survivalists in rural Idaho is an autobiographical paean to the transformative power of education. Primary themes of interest to high school students: autonomy, family dynamics, learning and education, loneliness and isolation.

3. Dear Martin Author Nic Stone drops readers deep into the life of her 17-year-old main character, Justyce, who suddenly finds himself on the wrong side of an unprovoked, racially charged encounter with a police officer. Primary themes of interest to high school students: privilege, friendship, race and racial injustice, discrimination, the criminal justice system.

4. The Poet X Elizabeth Acevedo’s National Book Award–winning novel-in-verse tells the story of Xiomara Batista, a 15-year-old Dominican-American girl living in Harlem who discovers that slam poetry unlocks answers to questions about her religion, her mother, and her identity and greater purpose in life. Primary themes of interest to high school students: sexuality, self-acceptance, family dynamics.

5. Long Way Down Jason Reynolds, author of Ghost and Ain’t Burned All the Bright , thrusts readers inside an elevator alongside 15-year-old protagonist Will Hollomon, who has about 60 seconds to make one of the hardest decisions of his life. Primary themes of interest to high school students: justice, grief and loss, family dynamics.

6. Refugee Three refugee children—each living in separate parts of the world during different time periods, from Nazi Germany to Syria in 2015—fight to escape the violence of their home countries in Alan Gratz’s timely and moving work of historical fiction. Primary themes of interest to high school students: warfare, family dynamics, trauma, the experiences of refugees.

7. Homegoing The Ghanaian American novelist Yaa Gyasi traces the impact of the Gold Coast’s slave trade on the lives of two African stepsisters and several generations of their descendants. Primary themes of interest to high school students: slavery and human rights, identity, race and racial injustice, family dynamics, oppression, trauma.

8. Firekeeper’s Daughter Witnessing a murder launches Angeline Boulley’s protagonist Daunis—a Native teen torn between her white and Ojibwe culture—into an FBI investigation where she must go undercover in search of the truth. Primary themes of interest to high school students: family dynamics, addiction, risk-taking, authority.

9. All The Light We Cannot See Set during World War II, this is Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize–winning tale of two teenagers—a blind French girl on the run and a German boy forced to join the Nazi army—whose separate lives ultimately converge. Primary themes of interest to high school students: warfare, grief and loss, disability, power and conformity.

10. Beartown Author Fredrik Backman investigates the ripple effects of a sexual assault, committed by the star athlete, on a small hockey town in rural Sweden. Primary themes of interest to high school students: justice, trauma, power and conformity.

11. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter A tragic accident causes Erika Sánchez’s main character, Julia, to reflect on the perceived image of her “perfect” sister, Olga—as well as the secrets she may have been hiding. Primary themes of interest to high school students: grief and loss, perfectionism, mental health, sexuality, identity.

12. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption Bryan Stevenson’s memoir details his work at the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit organization providing legal counsel to the wrongfully convicted, as well as those without the funds for effective representation. Primary themes of interest to high school students: the criminal justice system, race and racial injustice, poverty, trauma.

13. Patron Saints of Nothing In Randy Ribay’s National Book Award finalist, 17-year-old Jay Reguero leaves the University of Michigan and returns to his extended family in the Philippines when he learns that his cousin was recently murdered there—all the while secretly planning to investigate the crime. Primary themes of interest to high school students: grief and loss, culture and identity, the criminal justice system, truth and justice.

14. The Invention of Wings Set in the antebellum South, Sue Monk Kidd’s novel explores the meaning of freedom to two girls from vastly different backgrounds—Sarah, a white girl of means, and Handful, a slave gifted to Sarah on her birthday. Primary themes of interest to high school students: friendship, slavery and human rights, race, privilege.

15. The Midnight Library What if you could read your way into another story of your life? In Matt Haig’s charming fantasy novel, 35-year-old Nora Seed peruses the books in an infinite library and discovers that each magical volume gives her a glimpse into a life she might have led. Primary themes of interest to high school students: identity and purpose, mental health, fantasy.

16. The Nickel Boys In this Pulitzer Prize winner, Colson Whitehead’s main character, Elwood Curtis, experiences firsthand the horrors of a juvenile reformatory called the Nickel Academy—based on the real-life Dozier School for Boys, a now-closed reform school in Florida with a 111-year history of abusing students. Primary themes of interest to high school students: activism, trauma, abuse, race and racial injustice.

17. The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row Convicted of a crime he did not commit, Anthony Ray Hinton relates the story of his 30 years on death row. Cowritten with Lara Love Hardin, the memoir reveals not only how he managed to survive but also how he ultimately found his way to joy. Primary themes of interest to high school students: race and racial injustice, redemption, innocence and guilt, the criminal justice system.

18. The Tattooist of Auschwitz Inspired by true events, this is Heather Morris’s heart-wrenching World War II tale about Lale Sokolov, a Jewish man who—forced to work at Auschwitz as a serial number tattooist—falls in love with an imprisoned woman as she waits to be branded. Primary themes of interest to high school students: warfare, race and racial injustice, the power of love.

19. Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood Comedian and political commentator Trevor Noah’s memoir mines his experiences as a mixed-race child in apartheid South Africa—a period during which the Immorality Act of 1927 outlawed interracial relationships, ostensibly making Noah’s very existence a crime. Primary themes of interest to high school students: identity and purpose, race and racial injustice, oppression.

20. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban Written by the world’s youngest Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai’s memoir tells the story of her fight for the rights of young girls and women in Pakistan—despite an assassination attempt that gravely wounded her in 2012, when she was only 15 years old. Primary themes of interest to high school students: activism, women’s rights, learning and education.

21. The Marrow Thieves Cherie Dimaline’s book is a dystopian vision of a bleak, postapocalyptic world in which humans have lost the ability to dream—except for North America’s Indigenous population, who are hunted for their bone marrow, which holds the key to a cure. Primary themes of interest to high school students: trauma, the climate crisis, family dynamics, oppression.

22. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe In this novel set in 1987, author Benjamin Alire Sáenz traces the story of two Mexican American boys, Aristotle and Dante, who could not be more different but form a bond that makes them confidants—and gives them the courage to share life-changing secrets. Primary themes of interest to high school students: identity and purpose, sexuality, self-acceptance, trauma.

23. Sing, Unburied, Sing: A Novel Jesmyn Ward’s dark but lyrical tale follows a Mississippi family on a road trip haunted by ghosts of the past and present. Primary themes of interest to high school students: race and racial injustice, identity and belonging, mortality.

24. The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives In this journalistic piece of nonfiction, author Dashka Slater reveals the complexities of what transpired between two teenagers on a bus in Oakland, California—Sasha and Richard—and the aftermath that ultimately transformed two families. Primary themes of interest to high school students: gender and sexuality, race, discrimination, the criminal justice system.

25. The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet Adapted from his podcast of the same name, John Green’s humorous collection of 44 essays covers topics ranging from the computer-generated velociraptors in the movie Jurassic Park and sunsets to air conditioners and penguins—rating them all on a five-star scale. Primary themes of interest to high school students: the human condition, mental health, humor and absurdity, the climate crisis.

The Most Commonly Read Books in High School

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No matter what type of high school you attend—be it public, private, magnet, charter, religious schools, or even online—reading is going be at the core of your English studies. In today's classrooms, students have a wide range of books to choose from, both modern and classics.

If you compare the readings lists in all schools, you might be surprised to learn that the most commonly read books in all high schools are all very similar. That's right! Course work for private schools and public schools (and every other school) are all very similar. No matter where you go to school, you'll likely study classic authors like Shakespeare and Twain, but some more modern books are appearing on these lists, including The Color Purple and  The Giver.  

Commonly Read High School Books

Here are some of the books that most often appear on high school reading lists:

  • Shakespeare's Macbeth is on most schools' lists. This play was mostly written when Scottish James I ascended the throne of England, much to many Englishmen's chagrin, and it tells the tale of Macbeth's fearful regicide and his ensuing guilt. Even students who do not relish Shakespearean English appreciate this lively tale, filled with murder, scary nights in a remote Scottish castle, battles, and a riddle that isn't solved until the end of the play.
  • Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is also on the list. Familiar to most students because of modern updates, this tale features star-crossed lovers and adolescent impulses that appeal to most high school readers.
  • Shakespeare's Hamlet, a story of an angst-ridden prince whose father has been murdered by his uncle, also tops independent schools' lists. The soliloquies in this play, including "to be or not to be," and "what a rogue and peasant slave am I," are known to many high school students.
  • Julius Caesar, another Shakespeare play, is featured on many schools' lists. It is one of Shakespeare's history plays and is about the assassination of the Roman dictator Julius Caesar in 44 B.C.
  • Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn has been controversial since its release in the United States in 1885. While some critics and school districts have condemned or banned the book because of its perceived vulgar language and apparent racism, it often appears on high school reading lists as a skillful dissection of American racism and regionalism.
  • The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1850, is a tale of adultery and guilt set during Puritan rule of Boston. While many high school students have a difficult time wading through the sometimes dense prose, the surprise conclusion of the novel and its examination of hypocrisy often make it ultimately appealing to this audience.
  • Many high school students enjoy F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 The Great Gatsby , a riveting and beautifully written tale of lust, love, greed, and class anxiety in the Roaring Twenties. There are parallels to modern America, and the characters are compelling. Many students read this book in English class while they are studying American history, and the novel provides insight into the moral values of the 1920s.
  • Harper Lee's 1960 classic To Kill A Mockingbird, later made into a wonderful movie starring Gregory Peck, is, simply put, one of the best American books ever written. Its tale of injustice written through the eyes of an innocent narrator grabs most readers; it is often read in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade and sometimes later in high school. It tends to be a book students remember for a long time, if not for the rest of their lives.
  • Homer's The Odyssey, in any one of its modern translations, proves difficult going for many students, with its poetry and mythological narrative. However, many students grow to enjoy the adventure-filled tribulations of Odysseus and the insight the tale provides into the culture of ancient Greece.
  • William Golding's 1954 novel The Lord of the Flies is often banned because of its essential message that evil lurks in the hearts of man–or in this case, the hearts of boys who are marooned on a deserted island and turn to violence. English teachers enjoy mining the book for its symbolism and its statements about human nature when it is unchained to society.
  • John Steinbeck's 1937 novel Of Mice and Men is a sparsely written tale of two men's friendship set during the Great Depression. Many students appreciate its simple, though sophisticated language, and its messages about friendship and the value of the poor.
  • The "youngest" book on this list,  The Giver  by Lois Lowry was published in 1993 and was the 1994 Newbery Medal winner. It tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who lives in a seemingly ideal world but learns about the darkness within his community after receiving his life assignment as the Receiver. 
  • Another more recent book, compared to many of the others on this list, is  The Color Purple. Written by Alice Walker and first published in 1982, this novel tells the story of Celie, a young Black girl born into a life of poverty and segregation. She endures incredible challenges in life, including rape and separation from her family, but eventually meets a woman who helps Celie change her life.
  • Top 10 Books for High School Seniors
  • The Best Shakespeare Plays for High School
  • High Interest-Low Reading Level Books for Reluctant Readers
  • 10 Classic Novels for Teens
  • Must-Read Books If You Like Romeo and Juliet
  • Hispanic and Latino Heritage Books for Kids and Teens
  • Why Was "The Great Gatsby" Banned?
  • Controversial and Banned Books
  • Creative Writing Prompts for High School Students
  • Recommended Reads for High School Freshmen
  • Complete List of Nicholas Sparks Books by Year
  • Biography of Lois Lowry
  • 5 Mind-Blowing Ways to Read “Of Mice and Men”
  • Top Book Recommendations for Boys From Librarians
  • The 10 Best Books to Buy for Teen Boys
  • The 10 Best John Grisham Books

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High School Reading List: 25 Books to Read Now

While there are plenty of strategies for preparing for standardized tests, there’s no better strategy than this: read, read, read .

The more confident that students feel analyzing texts on their own, the better equipped they’ll be to tackle reading passages on the SAT and ACT, as well as into college and beyond!

Below is a high school reading list of 25 recommended texts based on what students are most likely to encounter on the SAT and ACT.

To aid in selection, we’ve further broken down the list by grade-level and provided a brief description of why we feel each book is worthwhile. Happy reading!

  • Freshman Year Reading List
  • Sophomore Year Reading List
  • Junior Year Reading List
  • Senior Year Reading List

literature books in high school

High School Reading List : Freshman Year

Hard times by charles dickens.

literature books in high school

Synopsis: A retired merchant raises his family in a fictional industrial city in England, surveying the socio and economic realities of the era.  

Why it’s important: Hard Times is perhaps Dickens’s most accessible text and a great introduction to one of history’s most famous authors. As with most Dickens texts, it provides sharp satire that is excellent for helping readers become more comfortable recognizing irony and subtle humor in fiction. 

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton 

literature books in high school

Synopsis: The story of a well-born but impoverished young woman navigating New York City’s world of high society.  

Why it’s important: This is an insightful character study that helps readers to better understand character, point-of-view, and theme.  

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

literature books in high school

Synopsis: The coming-of-age story of a naïve young woman who strives to make her life as romantic as the Gothic novels she reads.  

Why it’s important: This is one of Jane Austen’s lesser known but more entertaining reads, and another great introduction to an important author. Additionally, it is perhaps her most humorous novel, and excellent practice for readers looking to get a better understanding of how authors use tone to contribute to theme.  

Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid

literature books in high school

Synopsis: The coming-of-age story of a girl growing up in the Caribbean.  

Why it’s important: This is a rich text loaded with complex relationships and themes similar to those we tend to see in the literary fiction passages of the SAT and ACT. 

Hiroshima by John Hershey 

literature books in high school

Synopsis: The intersecting stories of six people who survived the dropping of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. 

Why it’s important: Often credited as one of the first examples of “new journalism” (i.e. when authors tell non-fiction stories in the style of literature), this is a great place to start for readers who wish to get more comfortable reading non-fiction.  

High School Reading List : Sophomore Year

My antonia by willa cather .

literature books in high school

Synopsis: Two pioneer children form a strong bond while living with their families on the land in turn-of-the-century Nebraska. 

Why it’s important: This is a seminal text for an important author who oftentimes gets overlooked in high school curricula. It is also similar in terms of tone and scope to the type of literary fiction passages that get covered on the ACT and SAT. 

Emma by Jane Austen

literature books in high school

Synopsis: A humorous, romantic story about a misguided young woman who plays matchmaker for her friends and family. 

Why it’s important: Austen masterfully employs humor and satire, providing helpful practice for readers hoping to get a firmer grasp on understanding tone. 

The Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen by Olympe de Gouges 

literature books in high school

Synopsis: Written as a response to The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, this is a pamphlet about what women’s place in French society should be at the end of the 18 th -century. 

Why it’s important: T his is a seminal text similar to the sort of historical texts that students will encounter on the SAT. It provides great practice for working through argument and navigating tricky, outdated language.  

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

literature books in high school

Synopsis: A young lawyer falls in love with his cousin’s fianceé in New York high society. 

Why it’s important: Wharton is another quintessential modern female author who isn’t taught enough in high school. Her writing style and emphasis on complex characters is also similar to the sort of content that is covered in the literary fiction passages of the SAT and ACT reading sections. 

A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

literature books in high school

Synopsis: An extended essay about the importance of finding both figurative and literal space for women in society. 

Why it’s important: This is an essential feminist text that also closely aligns with the sort of historical/sociological texts that students see on the SAT. 

The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde

literature books in high school

Synopsis: A handsome young man sells his soul to the devil in exchange for external youth and beauty, only to find that there are horrific consequences. 

Why it’s important: This book both draws-from and invents many literary tropes that we continue to see today. It is a great text for sharpening understanding of symbolism and allegory.  

Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

literature books in high school

Synopsis: A collection of articles in which an economist applies economic theory to diverse subjects not usually coved by traditional academics. 

Why it’s important: This book blends pop culture with economics to make academic material engaging. It is helpful for understanding how to approach the social studies and (to a lesser extent) science passages on the SAT and ACT, as well as how to look at graphs/charts alongside text. 

High School Reading List : Junior Year

Heart of darkness by joseph conrad.

literature books in high school

Synopsis: A British traveler narrates his voyage up the Congo River into the heart of Africa. 

Why it’s important: The language in this text is a bit challenging, providing good practice for working through the sort of writing that students tend to find the most difficult in SAT and ACT reading sections. It is also a good text for thinking about symbolism and ambiguity.  

The Souls of Black Folks by WEB Du Bois

literature books in high school

Synopsis: A collection of essays about race in America at the turn of the century. 

Why it’s important: This is a rewarding but slightly difficult read. The collection of essays aligns closely with the types of historical essays that students tend to find challenging on the SAT and provides good practice for working through complicated language.  

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan

literature books in high school

Synopsis: Widely credited with sparking the beginning of second-wave feminism in the United States, Friedan’s book examines the feeling of discontent that many women were experiencing in the middle of the 20 th -century. 

Why it’s important: Friedan initially started this project with the intention that it be an article after she was shocked by the results of a survey among college-educated women. Written through a combination of interviews, psychological research, surveys, etc., Friedan makes a strong social argument that aligns well with both historical and social studies passages on the SAT and ACT. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

literature books in high school

Synopsis: A strong-willed woman’s family pressures her to marry for wealth in 1800’s England. 

Why it’s important: Arguably Austen’s most famous work, this book has been hugely influential in establishing what’s come to be known as “the marriage plot” and creating a template for stories to come. Not only will it provide a deeper understanding of future texts, but it aligns well with the sort of literary fiction passages found on the SAT and ACT.  

Freedom by Jonathan Franzen

literature books in high school

Synopsis: This novel follows the lives of the members of a Midwestern family as they struggle to find happiness and ultimately fall apart. 

Why it’s important: An in-depth psychological look at the American family, this is a great text for considering multiple perspectives and character. 

History’s Greatest Speeches edited by James Daley

literature books in high school

Synopsis: A collection of history’s most important speeches. 

Why it’s important: This is a collection of essays that aligns well with the sorts of essays that students see in the historical passages on the SAT, as well as the SAT writing prompts. It’s also great source material to practice close reading skills and rhetorical analysis. 

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari 

literature books in high school

Synopsis: A survey of the history of humankind. 

Why it’s important: This book blends natural and social sciences seamlessly, providing helpful content for considering both the science and social studies passages on the SAT and ACT. 

High School Reading List : Senior Year

Cloud atlas by david mitchell .

literature books in high school

Synopsis: An epic saga that follows a single soul as it is reincarnated through different lifetimes over a span of roughly 400 years. 

Why it’s important: This novel is structured as six different stories that stand alone but inform one another as the same soul progresses through time. Each story is written in a radically different genre, providing an excellent opportunity to practice a diverse set of analytical skills on independent stories while also thinking about how they fit together to contribute to theme. This is a difficult read, but a masterful example of literary craft and character. 

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

literature books in high school

Synopsis: This novel follows the story of a doctor imprisoned in France and then released to live in London, set against the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror.  

Why it’s important: This is maybe Dickens’s most important text, with arguably his most engaging plot and his best built-out cast of characters. It provides a great study for students looking to think about character archetypes and classic tropes in literature.

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders 

literature books in high school

Synopsis: An experimental novel focused on the ghosts inhabiting the graveyard in which Abraham Lincoln’s recently deceased son finds himself inhabiting. 

Why it’s important: Blending real historical documents with narrative fiction, this is a useful text for becoming comfortable with the sorts of passages students see in both the historical/social studies passages and the literary fiction passages on the SAT and ACT. The experimental nature of the novel makes it a difficult read, but it’s a rewarding challenge for advanced readers looking to stretch themselves before college. 

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

literature books in high school

Synopsis: A non-fiction account of a family of murders that occurred in small-town Kansas in 1959. 

Why it’s important: While this is a non-fiction book, it reads like a thriller and is an engaging way to open students up to non-fiction and varied character perspectives.  

To the Light House by Virginia Woolf

literature books in high school

Synopsis: This novel centers on a family’s visits to the Isle of Skye in Scotland over the course of a decade. 

Why it’s important: This book is an influential text that has been cited as a key example of “focalization,” meaning that it is written almost entirely as a series of internal thoughts/observations from the protagonist. There is very little dialogue or action, and the plot of the novel is secondary to the philosophical introspection of the characters, providing readers an opportunity for a different sort of critical thinking than they might get from other novels. 

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

literature books in high school

Synopsis: The intense, almost demonic love story of a man and woman in 19 th -century England as social expectations and gender norms tear them apart. 

Why it’s important: This is one of the most important examples of Gothic literature, notable for challenging Victorian ideas about religion, morality, and femininity. It’s a great introduction to the genre, as well as a helpful text for thinking about symbolism, mood/atmosphere, and theme.

literature books in high school

Annie is a graduate of Harvard University (B.A. in English). Originally from Connecticut, Annie now lives in Los Angeles and continues to mentor children across the country via online tutoring and college counseling. Over the last eight years, Annie has worked with hundreds of students to prepare them for all-things college, including SAT prep, ACT prep, application essays, subject tutoring, and general counseling.

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Lindsay Ann Learning English Teacher Blog

31 Student-Approved Books to Read for High School

books-to-read-for-high-school

September 21, 2020 //  by  Lindsay Ann //   3 Comments

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Are you looking for must-have books to read for high school students? Read on, teacher friend!

If you are like me, you know the value of independent reading in your high school English classroom. 

But if you are also like me, you may struggle at times to match reluctant readers to books they will enjoy. 

I’ve spent a lot of time reading young adult books, talking to the LRC ladies at my school, and browsing the interwebs in search of books to add to my mental list of book recommendations for students. 

In this post, I’ll share my favorite books to recommend to student readers that have “hooked” students in my own classroom or that I am eager to try next year.

Sci-Fi / Fantasy Book Recommendations

If it seems like a lot of YA books are sci fi and/or fantasy, you are right. There is a growing pool of great books that students love reading. And this is my personal favorite category, so it comes first!

sci-fi-books-for-teens

Delirium is a part of a trilogy along with subsequent books Pandemonium and Requiem . Dystopia, forbidden love, resistance, rebellion. Teen readers eat these up!

Unwind Series

What if your parents could sign up to “unwind” you, a.k.a. human organ and tissue donation, without your consent? Follow the story of three teenagers who escape from their own unwinding and discover America’s dirty little secret while making the reader think about what it means to be human and philosophical questions of morality, power, and control.

Scythe Series

Fast forward into the future, where the world has managed to totally get rid of problems such as hunger and sickness. Sounds ideal, right? Well, not if scythes roam the world as a form of population control. Follow the story of two apprentice scythes who must be trained in the art of death. 

This book is engrossing as it explores the spread of false memory syndrome and its impact on the main characters and, possibly, time itself. 

If your high school students like this book, then there are two more to round out the triad. In this story, teens who come from different backgrounds are chosen to compete for the opportunity to travel through space to Nyxia. If chosen, they could make life better not only for themselves, but also for their loved ones back home, but will they have to sacrifice themselves in the process? 

What would you do for water? California’s drought is out of control, and the main character, after losing her parents, must protect her brother and make tough choices. This is a book I’ve added to my personal reading list so that I can recommend to students.

Graphic Memoir Recommendations

Graphic novels are quick and accessible for reluctant readers, so I had to include a few of my favorites to this list of books to read for high school students. What all of these books have in common is that they are so much more than comic books. They tell true stories with meaningful artwork that help students grapple with serious topics such as racism and addiction.

graphic-novels-for-teens

The first in a graphic novel trilogy, March tells the true story of John Lewis set against the backdrop of Jim Crow and the Civil War. A must-read for any student! 

They Called Us Enemy

This memoir takes us behind the barbed wire of the Japanese internment camp during WW2 where George Takei found spent years of his childhood. This book will make students think about racism and American identity.

Jarrett’s mother is an addict, his father is gone, and he lives with his grandparents. He uses his art as a creative outlet and tries to be “normal,” but will later find out the truth about his family. 

When Stars Are Scattered

Somali refugee brothers Omar and Hassan have spent most of their lives in a Kenyan refugee camp. One of the brothers gets the opportunity to pursue an education, but must leave the other brother behind.

Romance Recommendations

Well, every high school book list has to have at least a couple of romance titles, I suppose…

romance-books-for-teens

Everything, Everything

This book is one that has both an interesting concept and engaging writing. The main character is allergic to everything and lives in her house, closed off from the outside world. That is, until she meets the boy next door…

The Beginning of Everything

Ezra thought he had his life all figured out, until his girlfriend cheated on him, he broke his leg, and he fell in love with the new girl.

The Sun is Also a Star

This is a sweet love story between an about-to-be-deported girl and a boy who is Yale-bound and does everything right. This book will make students fall in love with the characters and think about topics such as family, love, and immigration

Written in Verse

It would not be hyperbole to say that these books are stunning. I’m not usually a fan of books in verse, but these ones had me at hello and should definitely be a part of your list o’ books to read for high school students.

books-in-verse-for-high-school

With the Fire on High

If you ever read The Poet X (also a book my students love), this next work by the same author will have your students cheering on the main character, a teen mother, and her cooking dreams.

House Arrest

It’s easy to get inside the main character’s head as he grapples with choices, both good and bad and somewhere in-between. Despite its serious subject matter, this book will have you laughing and entertained.

A Long Way Down

This book explores teen gun violence and has collected a lot of accolades, but the best award it receives every year is the handful of my students who sit gued to its pages, not saying a word, because they couldn’t wait to read it during reading time.

Realistic Fiction

If a student tells me that he or she “hates to read,” one of these titles usually does the trick. A lot of these titles explore personal identity, making the main characters relatable for students.

fiction-books-for-teens

Neanderthal Opens Door to the Universe

Your students will enjoy following the protagonist, a decidedly large and unpopular high school student, as he teams up with the school quarterback in his mission to make the school a better place. With lots of twists and turns, including a surprise at the end, students will think about identity and friendship. Add it to your list of books to read for high school teenage boys! 

Kiera is the smart girl in school who creates an online community of Black gamers in her role-playing game by the name of Slay. Unfortunately, her identity and online space come under attack, and she must try to protect her secret identity. 

Mary, the protagonist, “allegedly” killed a white baby. After serving time and ending up in a group home, Mary inevitably has to confront her past, revealing who she really is in the process.

Orbiting Jupiter

After getting everything taken from him, including his infant daughter, and serving time in juvenile detention, Joseph ends up at a foster home, meeting Jack who will do anything to help him find his daughter.

books-to-read-for-high-school

The Other Side

Life is all a matter of perspective, and it takes a girl named Alice to help Toby see the good in himself despite his past.

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

This historical fiction story is set against a historical backdrop as musician, Frankie Presto, goes on a journey that will tug at your heartstrings and remind you a bit of the story of Forrest Gump.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Julia is not perfect, and she feels pressure to be something that she is not. This book explores what it is like to grow up in an immigrant family, stuck between two worlds. 

In this book, Sadie tries her whole life to protect her younger sister from harm, but is unsuccessful. After Mattie dies, Sadie is on a mission to find out why and how. This book is told in multiple perspectives and involves hard-hitting topics, but I’ve had students who couldn’t put it down.

I love Fredrik Backman, the way he writes character-driven novels, the way he makes small town life come alive for the reader. Beartown has nothing going for it except hockey team dreams, but this story is less about sports and more about the stories of the people in this town.

This book is laugh out loud funny, a bit off-color and irreverent, and one that never fails to engage teen boys. If I am out of luck and a student just can’t find any book to like, this is my go-to.

Last but not least, nonfiction memoir had to make the book list. The first title below transformed my most reluctant reader last year into a boy who carried this title around in his backpack because he found it so engaging.

nonfiction-book-list

Laughing at My Nightmare

Shane Burkaw deals it straight in this honest (and funny) memoir, helping readers to see the realities of living with a disability and that he’s just another guy like everyone else. The book starts out with a forest of pube-y leg hair which usually gets students’ attention.

Every Falling S tar

Sungju pulls back the curtain on street life in North Korea, including his fight to survive and later escape. Students will no doubt think about the freedoms they may take for granted. 

The Running Dream

When the main character, a runner, loses her leg in a car accident, she thinks she’ll never run again…she is wrong! This title makes it onto the list of books to read for high school because it is an inspirational story that also highlights the importance of friendship.

All These Wonders

This little collection of Moth stories focus on taking risks, acting with courage, and facing the unknown. I’m purchasing this book for students who may have trouble sustaining momentum through a longer text. 

What Made Maddy Run

This was an option for literature circles in my classes, and the interest was so high that I chose to form two groups in one of my classes. This book explores the incredible pressure put upon college athletes that, combined with depression, led to Maddy’s suicide.

books-to-read-for-high-school

Hey, if you loved this post, I want to be sure you’ve had the chance to grab a FREE copy of my guide to streamlined grading . I know how hard it is to do all the things as an English teacher, so I’m over the moon to be able to share with you some of my best strategies for reducing the grading overwhelm.  Click on the link above or the image below to get started!

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About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 18 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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June 12, 2022 at 2:46 pm

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[…] a clear definition of connotation in literature can help students become better readers and writers. Practice identifying and analyzing these choices will also […]

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21 classic books that you read in high school

Mo Elinzano

Gregory Peck is shown as attorney Atticus Finch, a small-town Southern lawyer who defends a black man accused of rape, in a scene from the 1962 movie “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Associated Press

“To Kill a Mockingbird,” seen here in the film version starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, was just one of a plethora of classic American books that many read in high school. From F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” to John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” to Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” these books take us straight back to our high school English and American literature classes and to nostalgic memories of those books forever sitting in our backpacks.

September 6 is National Read A Book Day. We’ve compiled a list of 21 classic books that you probably had to read in high school with research from  BuzzFeed ,  Publisher’s Weekly ,  Time Entertainment , the  American Library Association  and  BannedBooksWeek.org .

“To Kill a Mockingbird” (1960)

Author: Harper Lee

Location: Maycomb, Alabama

Plot: Intelligent, kind and upstanding lawyer Atticus Finch is basically the greatest father ever to his children Jem and Scout. He’s also busy with the most important trial in Maycomb’s history being the defense lawyer in a case involving an African-American named Tom Robinson accused of raping a white woman.

Then, there’s the Finches’ neighbor Boo Radley, and that’s another story within itself.

Themes: Coming-of-age, racism, social equality

“The Great Gatsby” (1925)

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Location: East Hampton, New York (Long Island)

Plot: It’s the “Roaring Twenties” and Midwesterner and narrator Nick Carraway attends one of the lavish Hamptons parties of neighbor Jay Gatsby in his equally lavish mansion. Thus begins Nick’s adventures in Fitzgerald’s classic novel, which includes the tragic romance between Nick’s cousin Daisy Buchanan and Gatsby and the tension that follows with Daisy’s husband Tom.

Not all that glitters is gold and the “Roaring Twenties” wasn’t all about decadent parties, fast cars and mansions.

Themes: The American Dream, the upper class

“Of Mice and Men” (1937)

Author: John Steinbeck

Location: Central California

Plot: It’s the Great Depression, and a pair of migrant workers, George and Lennie, journey through the California farms and find work at a new farm owned by “the Boss.”

Dreams of land ownership fade away and matters get worse when a freak accident happens between Lennie and the wife of the Boss’ son, Curley.

Themes: The American Dream, friendship

“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (1885)

Author: Mark Twain

Location: Various, including Missouri, Kentucky and Illinois

Plot: Protagonist Huckleberry Finn becomes best friends with a slave named Jim and the pair travel down the Mississippi River together as Finn grows up along the way and Jim seeks his freedom.

Plus, Tom Sawyer, Finn’s other best friend and the main character in Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” appears in the novel.

Themes: Coming-of-age, racism, moral education

The book is  one of the most-controversial books of all time  and is still deemed controversial today on the grounds of language and racial insensitivity.

”The Catcher in the Rye” (1951)

Author: J.D. Salinger

Location: New York City

Plot: Directly about the relatable adventures of being a teenager and the fears of adulthood, Salinger’s famous novel will forever be a required book in high school.

Protagonist Holden Caulfield, 16, isn’t the greatest student ever (he was kicked out of four private schools), but he learns his lessons and grows up during his adventures in the city, and he absolutely loves his 10-year-old sister Phoebe.

Themes: Coming-of-age, alienation

The book has been banned in the past for obscenity, profanity, language and sexual references.

”Lord of the Flies” (1955)

Author: William Golding

Location: A deserted tropical island

Plot: A bunch of British schoolboys living on their own after their plane crashes on a deserted tropical island create their own society led by protagonist Ralph and including choir leader Jack, shy Simon and the intellectual Piggy.

Like schoolboys playing games, chaos ensues among the group and the ultimate battle for survival happens.

Themes: Loss of innocence, loss of civilization

The book has garnered controversy in the past because of violence and language.

”The Scarlet Letter” (1850)

Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne

Location: Boston

Plot: It’s 1642, and beautiful protagonist Hester Prynne is forced to wear a scarlet cloth “A” on her chest to symbolize her committing of adultery.

The real question is, who is the father of her little girl, Pearl, and thus the real truth comes out as the novel unfolds.

Themes: Guilt, forgiveness, society, good and evil

”Macbeth” (1600s)

Author: William Shakespeare

Location: Scotland

Plot: It’s the 11th century, and the not-so-virtuous title character is battling for the Scottish throne with his fellow lord Banquo thanks to a series of prophecies by a trio of witches. Macbeth proves that he isn’t the greatest king of Scotland ever and is better fighting on the battlefield than sitting on the throne.

Themes: Power and ambition, tyranny

”Hamlet” (late 1500s-early 1600s)

Location: Denmark

Plot: Another high school classic from Shakespeare with quite possibly the worst family drama to ever appear in any high school required reading. The title character, who is the Prince of Denmark, has revenge on his mind as he seeks to avenge the murder of his father, King Hamlet, by his uncle and the king’s brother Claudius.

To make things worse, Claudius is now sitting on the throne and is married to Hamlet’s mother Gertrude, the queen of Denmark.

Themes: Uncertainty, revenge, power and ambition, death

”Fahrenheit 451” (1953)

Author: Ray Bradbury

Location: An American city in the future

Plot: It’s the future, and books are outlawed, which sounds like the worst possible thing to ever happen. Protagonist Guy Montag is a special fireman who starts fires instead of stops them and is ordered to burn any book that he comes across.

Montag becomes slowly dissatisfied with his job of burning books and the routine society that he lives in, and he yearns to rebuild civilization.

Themes: Censorship, ignorance, freedom

”1984” (1949)

Author: George Orwell

Location: London, Airstrip One in Oceania

Plot: Protagonist Winston Smith lives in a tyrannical society amidst the ruins of a former England and is tired of the oppression and rules of the Party, which rules and controls everything in Oceania.

He hates his job with the Ministry of Truth, dreams of rebellion against the dictator and the leader of the Party, Big Brother, and falls in love with a dark-haired beauty named Julia.

Themes: Tyranny, power and control, technology

The book was found controversial in Jackson County, Florida, for being pro-Communist and for sexual content.

“Slaughterhouse-Five” (1969)

Author: Kurt Vonnegut

Locations: Illum, New York; Germany

Plot: The protagonist, a World War II soldier and optometry student named Billy Pilgrim, journeys throughout different periods of his life without any indication of why he keeps time-traveling.

The novel features the firebombing of Dresden, Germany, that took place in February 1945.

Themes: War, time-travel, sight

“Animal Farm” (1945)

Locations: England and Russia

Plot: In the ultimate battle of man versus beast, a group of animals on Manor Farm seek rebellion and revolt against the farmers and other humans.

Led by an aging boar named Old Major, the animals strive to create a world where they can act like men and have their own society, but there aren’t any humans in sight.

”Brave New World” (1932)

Author: Aldous Huxley

Location: London in the future and New Mexico

Plot: Protagonist Bernard Marx feels out of place in the society that he lives in, called the World State. The World State, with its five castes and orthodox values, doesn’t sit well with Marx.

He visits the other side, the Savage Reservation, which is the exact opposite of the World State, meets a man named John and tries to shake things up from that point on.

Themes: Technology, power and control, consumerism

The book has been banned in the past for sexual content, negative activity and language.

”Catch-22” (1961)

Author: Joseph Heller

Location: Pianosa and Rome, Italy

Plot: It’s World War II in Italy, and Captain John Yossarian is stationed there with the rest of his U.S. Air Force squadron.

Yossarian struggles between fighting for his country and his personal reasons for being there and slowly becomes disillusioned with the war.

Themes: Power, loss of religion, war

”Death of a Salesman” (1949)

Author: Arthur Miller

Location: Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York; Boston

Plot: The play takes place in the late 1940s, and Willy Loman, a salesman stuck in the past, daydreams of a better life, including ones for his sons Biff and Happy.

Biff and Happy want to buy a ranch out West, but Willy wants Biff to become a businessman just like him.

Themes: The American Dream, betrayal, the past

”Their Eyes Were Watching God” (1937)

Author: Zora Neale Hurston

Location: Southern and central Florida

Plot: Hurston’s novel is told in flashback by the protagonist, a beautiful African-American woman named Janie Crawford, to her best friend Pheoby upon returning to Eatonville, Florida.

Crawford’s life from her youth to adulthood was full of adventures, relationships and lessons learned.

Themes: Racism, love and relationships, power, religion

”A Farewell to Arms” (1939)

Author: Ernest Hemingway

Locations: Italy and Switzerland

Plot: It’s the First World War in Europe, and American ambulance driver Lt. Frederic Henry falls in love with English nurse Catherine Barkley. Through Henry’s illnesses and knee surgery and constant traveling, he and Barkley form a loving relationship amidst the terrors of the war.

Themes: War, love and relationships

”Heart of Darkness” (1899)

Author: Joseph Conrad

Locations: Central Africa

Plot: The protagonist, Charles Marlow, who is a sailor and captain of a Belgian riverboat company that trades ivory, goes on adventures on the Congo River to meet up with a man named Kurtz.

He sees the dichotomy between the civilized life that he’s used to and the unpleasant life and treatment of the native savages along the river.

Theme: Imperialism

”The Crucible” (1953)

Location: Salem, Mass.

Plot: Based on the infamous Salem Witch Trials that took place in the late 1600s, a series of events culminates in tragedy involving various aspects, such as a possible witch and the reverend’s niece named Abigail Williams, a farmer named John Proctor and rampant rumors of witchcraft that rock the town.

Themes: Reputation, evil, paranoia

”The Odyssey” (700-600 B.C.)

Author: Homer

Location: Troy; modern-day Italy; Ithaca, Greece

Plot: The epic poem that we absolutely had to read in high school was about the Greek hero Odysseus and his 10-year journey back to his kingdom Ithaca after the end of the Trojan war and the fall of Troy.

From battling Polyphemus the cyclops and his father and Greek god of the sea Poseidon to being tempted by the gorgeous Sirens to fighting the sea monster Scylla, Odysseus does all he can, including get help from the mighty gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus, to return back home to his wife Penelope and son, Prince Telemachus.

Themes: Intelligence, perseverance, fighting temptation

Common Core For High School

The selections are categorized by class grade and genre.

9th & 10th Grade Selections

11th & 12th Grade Selections

This is an excerpt from Ralph Waldo Emerson's collection of essays. His writings and the concept of transcendentalism are typically studied by high school students grades 9-10.

This is an excerpt from Ralph Waldo Emerson's collection of essays. His writings and the concept of transcendentalism are typically studied by high school students in grades 9-10.

The punctuation Emily Dickinson used in this poem leaves us pausing to consider each word. We Grow Accustomed to the Dark offers a rich study of how a description of growing dark can be a metaphor for our struggles against uncertainty. This poem is typically studied in high school grades 9-10.

The Raven Edgar Allan Poe

This is a popular poem to study in grades 9-10, not so much for what it says, but how Shakespeare skillfully uses a metaphor in each of its three quatrains. Change of season, fading sunset, fire burning out-- are all metaphors for growing old.

Often taught in grades 9-10, Shelley's poem is a traveler's description of discovering a ruined statue, whom we know from the title is the Egyptian King Ramses II from the 13th century BCE. The Greeks called him Ozymandias .

An exemplary text for teaching irony, The Gift of the Magi is a tragic story enjoyed by all ages, typically studied in grades 9-10.

Both a memoir and abolitionist statement, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave is considered one of the most important and influential writings of the abolitionist movement of the early 19th Century in the United States. It is considered a historical text exemplar for grades 9-10.

The Odyssey is Homer's epic poem detailing the Greek hero Odysseus' long journey back to Ithaca after the fall of Troy. It is considered a sequel to Homer's other epic poem, The Illiad . Both are studied extensively by most high school students as text exemplars.

Turgenev's novel about a boy who defies all social conventions and authority, Fathers and Sons is often studied in grades 9-10, along with the philosophy of nihilism.

Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll's House (1879) offers rich opportunities for students to analyze larger spiritual questions of equality of the sexes, as Ibsen intended. It deals with issues of feminism, intense conflicts between complex characters, and the destruction they can cause. The play is usually introduced in grades 9-10.

Shakespeare's play reveals what happens when ambition and guilt overpower a man who lacks backbone. Oh, dear, what those three witches have to say! Often introduced to high school students in grades 9-10, readers and audiences of all ages enjoy reveling in this tragedy of the ages.

The Fallacy of Success G.K. Chesterton

The Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson

Note: We offer "American Slang," an excerpt from H.L. Mencken's first edition of his groundbreaking study of linguistics titled The American Language , published in 1919. The fourth edition, which is studied as an exemplar text in high school, is not yet in the public domain. We hope you enjoy Mencken's original version.

A Poem Of Changgan Li Bai This poem is a text exemplar for grades 11-12, an excellent introduction to Li Bai (also known as Li Po), whose poems celebrate the joy of friendship, nature, and solitude. A Poem of Changgan is written in the voice of an eighth-century Chinese woman who is speaking to her husband. Readers should be able to identify the use of metaphor, literary devices and how the stanzas are organized. Juxtaposed images allow readers to describe the main emotion of the speaker, and how the poet uses imagery to convey emotion.

Typically introduced in grades 11-12, students identify difficult metaphors in John Donne's most famous poem, A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning .

John Donne's deceptively light poem reveals a deep spiritual metaphor behind its obvious theme exploring attitudes about love and relations between the sexes. The meter of the poem creates dramatic pauses in the middle of stanzas. It is typically studied by high school students in grades 9-10.

Song: Sweetest love, I do not go John Donne

Many high school students can identify with the feeling of having an inferiority complex, and someone who wants you to think he's actually cool, as is the case for the main character in T.S. Eliot's often studied work, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock .

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18 Trending Books for Today’s High School Students

18 Trending Books for Today’s High School Students

  • by Alana Domingo

With so much happening in the world today, students may feel overwhelmed trying to process every piece of news or trending topic on their own. Books can be a great resource for examining current events, especially in the classroom.

Over the course of the school year, we’ve gotten a lot of messages from teachers asking for book recommendations that tackle hot-button issues, including climate change, social justice, and the banned book debate. Below, you’ll find some of our top picks that are suitable for high school readers. Perfect for independent reading, book circles, or class-wide literature units, the titles in this list will surely capture the attention of even the most reluctant readers.

Current Events

The Distance Between Us

The Distance Between Us

In this compelling memoir, Reyna Grande offers a glimpse into the immigrant experience through the eyes of the children left behind. When Reyna was young, her parents made the dangerous trek across the border to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream, leaving her and her siblings in Mexico. Living with their impoverished grandmother, the children struggle with feelings of abandonment, longing for the day the family will be reunited. But when things don’t go according to plan, Reyna begins her own journey to El Otro Lado, “The Other Side,” to live with her father, a man she hardly remembers.

The 57 Bus

In 2013, two lives changed forever after an assault during a bus ride home from school. As part of a prank gone wrong, 16-year-old Richard lit another passenger—an agender teen named Sasha—on fire. Told in a narrative format by journalist Dashka Slater, this nonfiction work explores the incident and its subsequent court case and media fallout from all angles. If you’re looking to incorporate social justice and LGBTQ+ topics into your curriculum, The 57 Bus makes a compelling choice.

Every Falling Star

Every Falling Star

Based on a true story and appropriate for young adult readers, Every Falling Star offers a firsthand account of life under the brutal regime of the North Korean government. As the son of a North Korean military officer, Sungju Lee lives a comfortable life in comparison to the average citizen. But after his father commits an unforgivable indiscretion, Sungju finds his world turned upside down. Forced to live in the streets at the age of twelve, Sungju quickly learns he must do anything he can, no matter the consequences, to survive in this oppressive society.

LGBTQ+ Representation

Last Night at the Telegraph Club

Last Night at the Telegraph Club

Set in San Francisco’s Chinatown at the height of the Red Scare, this National Book Award winner offers a powerful exploration of identity. Despite acting like the perfect Chinese daughter and all-American teenager, Lily Hu struggles with understanding her feelings towards women. But everything becomes clear when she and her friend Kath Miller visit a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club. Between her secret relationship with Kath and the threat of deportation looming over her family, Lily must decide whether to hide her true self or stand up against prejudice and fear.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Aristotle and Dante are two vastly different Latino boys who randomly meet at a public pool, but this chance encounter changes their lives in ways neither of them could have predicted. This young adult novel effortlessly captures the feelings and fears of being a teenager, thanks to its deep themes on identity, sexuality, friendship, and family.

I’ll Give You the Sun

I’ll Give You the Sun

In this School Library Journal and Stonewall Honor Book for exceptional LGBT literature for teens, twins Jude and Noah are inseparable. Both are budding artists who, with their mother’s encouragement, aspire to attend a prestigious art school. But in the span of three years, the two are barely speaking, a devastating event having torn them apart. As they follow the narrative from each twin’s point of view, readers will slowly discover the truth behind the circumstances that forever altered the twins’ lives. Sexual content makes this book better suited for mature readers.

Hi-Low Reads

The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give

Poignant and topical, The Hate U Give is being lauded as one of this generation’s most important books. When a police officer kills sixteen-year-old Starr Carter’s childhood best friend, her world is irrevocably upended. This New York Times bestseller deftly tackles weighty themes of racism, police brutality, and societal injustice and will undoubtedly lead to plenty of interesting conversations, both in and out of the classroom. Due to some sexual content, profanity, drug abuse, and underage drinking, we recommend this book for older readers.

Born a Crime

Born a Crime

In Born a Crime , actor and comedian Trevor Noah reflects on his youth in South Africa through eighteen personal essays, beginning with his birth during the dark days of apartheid. Students from all backgrounds will find Noah’s hilarious accounts of his childhood antics and awkward high school years all too relatable. Aside from being a witty coming-of-age tale, Born a Crime is also an insightful look into South African culture and makes an excellent resource for learning more about the country’s history.

Long Way Down

Long Way Down

After his brother is murdered, fifteen-year-old Will sets out for revenge, tucking his brother’s gun into the waistband of his jeans. But as he rides the elevator down from his family’s apartment, Will is confronted by the elevator’s ghostly occupants, all of whom were killed by gun violence. This verse novel takes an unflinching look at teenage gun violence and the perpetual cycle of destruction revenge can bring.

Celebrated Authors

All American Boys

All American Boys

One single act of violence is all it takes to completely change the lives of two teenagers. This bestselling novel written by authors Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely will foster important and necessary discussions in your classroom about race relations, privilege, police brutality, and the meaning of community in modern America.

The Poet X

Written by award-winning slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X is an empowering novel-in-verse that explores the complexities of growing up and finding one’s identity. Xiomara Batista, an Afro-Latina teenager, just wants to be heard, but her family’s strict rules and unwanted attention from the neighborhood boys force her to keep quiet. It’s not until she joins her school’s slam poetry club that she musters the courage to speak her mind. High school students of all backgrounds will surely relate to Xiomara’s struggles and triumphs while appreciating Acevedo’s witty writing.

Bronx Masquerade

Bronx Masquerade

After reading poetry out loud in their English class, Wesley Boone and his high school classmates establish weekly poetry sessions where, one by one, they reveal their inner struggles through the written word. A mix of prose and verse, this moving book tackles topics relevant to adolescent readers, including self-image, personal expression, and dreams.

Banned Books

Maus I

Recognized as serious literature with a special award from the Pulitzer Prize committee, this graphic novel relates the events of the Holocaust to students in a way that is both meaningful and interesting. Irony abounds, and understatement and sarcasm permeate the pages, making Maus I a great tool for teaching various literary techniques.

The Bluest Eye

The Bluest Eye

This powerful examination of the human obsession with beauty and conformity tells the story of a young African American girl who yearns for the blue eyes and blonde hair that she believes will help her to fit in. This poignant commentary on race, class, and gender identity will show your students the merits of being unique. Due to its frank discussion of child molestation, racism, and incest, The Bluest Eye is best suited for your more mature classes.

The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid’s Tale

This fable of the near-future takes place in the former United States, where reactionary ideals have been carried to extremes. Women are strictly controlled, unable to have jobs or money, and are assigned to specific societal roles. Told from the perspective of one downtrodden handmaid whose sole purpose is to reproduce, Atwood’s 1985 novel will be sure to spark classroom discussions and student responses.

Climate and the Environment

Dry

A cautionary tale, Dry offers a harrowing look into a future marred by climate change. In California, extreme drought has changed the rules of water usage: no watering the lawn, no long showers, no filling up pools. Alyssa has gotten used to the situation—until the taps run dry. Suddenly, Alyssa’s quiet suburban street spirals into chaos as neighbors turn against each other on the hunt for water. When her parents go missing and her brother’s life is threatened, Alyssa must make impossible choices if they’re going to survive.

Ship Breaker

Ship Breaker

In a post-apocalyptic future, the forces of climate change have devastated America’s Gulf Coast region. Here, Nailer, a teenage boy, scavenges abandoned oil tankers for copper and other valuable materials. But when a storm grounds a massive ship, Nailer must make an important decision: walk away from the wreckage or rescue its lone survivor, the daughter of a wealthy merchant? The first book in a trilogy, Ship Breaker will take your students on a thrilling, high-stakes adventure.

No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference

No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference

In 2018, Greta Thunberg, then fifteen years old, made headlines when she skipped school to protest the climate crisis outside the Swedish parliament. Soon after, millions of students around the world joined her strike, asking governments to take action against climate change. This book compiles eleven of Thunberg’s speeches, including her famous speech “Our House Is on Fire,” first presented at the 2019 World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

Classroom Library Packs

Classroom Library Packs

Introducing your students to stories featuring diverse protagonists and perspectives is simple with Classroom Library Packs. Filled with high-interest paperbacks, these book bundles are sure to keep your students eager to read more!

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The Great Books Foundation

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Great Books High School 9–12

The Great Books High School program combines high-quality literature, student-centered discussion, and activities that support reading comprehension, critical thinking, speaking and listening, and writing. We provide outstanding classroom materials and inspiring professional development. We help students get the most out of reading and interacting with their teachers and classmates, while providing instruction and support in Shared Inquiry, a method of learning that gives teachers the approach they need to help their students succeed.

For more than 50 years, schools that integrate Great Books materials and our inquiry-based approach to learning into their curriculum have been helping their students become independent readers and thinkers while enhancing the instructional skills of their teachers.

  • Balancing literary and informational texts
  • Building knowledge in the disciplines
  • Providing a staircase of text complexity
  • Requiring text-based answers
  • Focusing on evidence in writing
  • Expanding vocabulary

DebCiochina

“How do we challenge students to get to their very best selves and their biggest potential? In that, you have to be able to think critically. You have to be able to write well. You have to be able to articulate your thoughts. You have to collaborate with others—we think Great Books enhances all of these abilities for us.”

Debra Ciochina Director of Teaching and Learning-Secondary Duneland School Corporation Chesterton, IN

The Shared Inquiry Method of Learning

Shared Inquiry is an active and collaborative search for answers to questions of meaning about a text. It is a research-supported method of learning that promotes deeper thinking through reading, discussion, and writing. Shared Inquiry enables teachers to work with students in an exciting intellectual partnership through a range of interpretive activities that stimulate students’ thinking. The Shared Inquiry approach develops students’ reading comprehension, critical thinking, and communication skills in the context of thinking about genuine problems of meaning raised by a rich work of literature.

Teachers who learn Shared Inquiry:

Rooted in the Socratic method, Shared Inquiry is distinct in its focus on high-quality texts and the participation of a trained leader who helps participants arrive at their own well-reasoned interpretations of the text. There are a variety of ways to implement Great Books programs, but Shared Inquiry always involves close reading, questions, collaboration, and reflective thinking.

  • Meet key learning standards through inquiry-based, collaborative approach
  • Engage all students in higher-level reading, thinking, and discussion
  • Integrate critical thinking and social-emotional learning into the curriculum to provide essential skills students need to be college and career ready
  • Prepare students to thoughtfully consider different points of view, listening to others and responding appropriately

Marc-Paul-Johnsen

“Discussions are a great way for students to get to know each other and listen to each other’s thoughts and ideas. Great Books Shared Inquiry helps me hit the essentials every time—close reading, well-reasoned writing, and formal discussion.”

Marc-Paul Johnsen English Teacher La Academia at Denver Inner City Parish Denver, CO

“As a curriculum director, I work with teachers to use the Shared Inquiry process to provide the most rich and rigorous literacy program possible so that all students, regardless of neighborhood or social-economic background, have the ability to genuinely be ‘college and career ready’ through the interaction of authentic literature and development of true critical thinking.”

Natalie Flores Curriculum Director BSNBCS Brooklyn, NY

Students who learn Shared Inquiry:

  • Use reading comprehension strategies purposefully
  • Develop their own opinions and claims about a text
  • Support ideas with textual evidence, and weigh evidence for divergent ideas
  • Go beyond initial responses to think deeper about issues
  • Develop social and emotional intelligence through respectful dialogue and collaboration
  • Create a collaborative classroom community with support from their peers and teachers

Great Books Program Features

In Great Books programs, students’ critical thinking develops through careful reading, attentive listening, thoughtful speaking, and purposeful writing.

LearningObjectives-purp

Critical Thinking

Students explore problems of meaning by:

Generating ideas Giving evidence Responding to each other

  • Read aloud fluently
  • Annotate a text
  • Interpret word meaning
  • Recall facts and cite details
  • Generate ideas about meaning
  • Infer, evaluate, and revise ideas
  • Find evidence to support ideas
  • Routinely write notes and questions
  • Organize, develop, and support ideas
  • Edit and revise writing with peer review
  • Use different writing forms for different purposes

Speaking and Listening

  • Share questions
  • Express and clarify ideas
  • Explain and support ideas
  • Listen and respond to others’ opinions
  • Recall ideas and evidence heard in discussion

Research-Based Learning with Fiction and Nonfiction

literature books in high school

Trained Over

literature books in high school

Impacted Over

Schools Have Used Our Materials/Training

Great Books has over 50 years of experience imparting key principles and practices of inquiry-based teaching. Our method, known as Shared Inquiry, has been used in thousands of classrooms across the country and around the world. Our programs are currently in use in countries worldwide, including Australia, Bermuda, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. No other organization or company has more history or expertise at making inquiry-based teaching and learning succeed than Great Books.

Great Books inquiry-based programs have been recognized as effective by the US Department of Education, and independent research has shown that regular, sustained used of Shared Inquiry improves reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking for students from a wide range of demographic backgrounds and achievement levels.

High-Quality Literature

The Great Books High School program features outstanding literature by award-winning authors. Stories are selected for their engaging, vivid writing and for their ability to support multiple interpretations and thought-provoking discussions, as well as for their diversity of settings, themes, genres, and writing styles.

William Faulkner

William Faulkner, author of “Barn Burning”

Standards and Alignments

literature books in high school

Great Books programs combine classroom materials and an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning to provide the essential elements students need to meet and surpass the goals of Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.

literature books in high school

Great Books programs help teachers develop the competencies and skills outlined in the Danielson Framework for Teaching, adopted by school districts as a road map of professional practice designed to guide, support, and evaluate teachers. Great Books programs promote the most effective teaching practices outlined in the Danielson Framework.

literature books in high school

As your school implements the NAGC recommendations for gifted education, Great Books materials and professional development can help you meet the classroom practices and teacher learning components described in the NAGC’s six programming standards. The table below highlights the student outcomes and evidence-based practices met by Great Books programs.

literature books in high school

Our training and follow-up consultation services focus on Shared Inquiry as a method—and on the shift the teacher makes to become the model of an active learner who is leading, facilitating, and enhancing the learning of others through questioning and gradual release of responsibility to the students. This emphasis on teacher development and growth and on student-centered learning harmonizes with both Danielson’s Framework for Teaching and Marzano’s Teacher Evaluation Model, specifically in the areas of questioning and discussion strategies, the teacher’s role in Shared Inquiry, and content and preparation in a student-driven learning environment.

Customize Your Approach

Our materials help your students develop the critical thinking, close-reading, and analytical skills they need to be college and career ready. Our questioning and discussion techniques help teachers become better discussion leaders.

If your teachers and students are not sure how to integrate inquiry-based teaching and learning into their daily routines, we can help you identify the key problem areas for your students and teachers. No matter what curriculum, literacy program, or textbook you’re using, we’ll work with you to develop a customized approach that integrates our products and/or professional learning into your classroom routines. Please contact us to schedule a time when we can meet and start developing the approach that works best for you.

literature books in high school

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12 Great Options of High School Literature Curriculum

May 3, 2022 | 3 Comments This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy .

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Next to math, deciding high school literature curriculum for my first high school teen was scary for me. Today, I will share practical pointers in choosing high school literature curriculum.

Looking back after three homeschooled grads, I’ve learned you need to be absolutely clear of your goal.

Choosing curriculum versus stand alone components was confusing as well. So, I want to help you make a better choice.

First, confusing to me in the beginning was what to teach from high school literature. Also, how to transition from teaching your child reading to literature wasn’t clear.

12 Great Options of High School Literature Curriculum

Quickly, I learned there is a shift in high school to not just reading a variety of literature, but to analyzing it.

Table of Contents

What to Teach With High School Literature

As you can see, the elements you look for in a high school literature curriculum will vary depending on your goals.

If your teen is on a college track, analyzing literature is a basic requirement for most colleges. However, if your child is on a career track, you decide if analyzing literature will benefit your teen.

That was the part that confused me. My English teacher in high school taught me like I was in an AP Lit class. I was not, but her love for literature was obvious.

The very basic reason why you teach high school literature is to move your child beyond the reading is fun stage. Appreciating why literature moves us, how to be involved in the great conversation, and how to analyze literature is one goal.

Another goal is to help your child appreciate the variety of genre. Think about it. You have doing this all along as you taught your child to read.

Teaching a love of reading doesn’t stop in high school, but you want your child to now dig into the literature.

In addition, one more thing to be aware of before choosing curriculum is to decide if you need the other components of language arts.

Besides literature, grammar, vocabulary, composition, and writing are other components of language arts.

Teens are normally all over the place on each component of language arts, I encourage you to try to choose just literature curriculum.

High School Literature Curriculum Goals

One huge advantage to choosing just high school literature curriculum which is not tied together with the other components is to save time.

I don’t think teens should get bogged down with the other components when focusing on beautiful pieces of literature.

However, some options I share below is curriculum which does not make deep dives into analyzing.

That too has been a great option some quarters in high school when your teen needs a change of pace from analyzing in depth.

Covering all the components together may be your goal. The point is your teen, your choices, and your goals should stay front and center when poring over options.

Furthermore, tying literature to history is another fun way to bring both subjects to life. This is a slant that many teens enjoy. On top of that, some choices will be more faith-based and others with a secular focus.

Keep all those facts in mind as you compare curriculum below.

12 High School Literature Curriculum

Finally, look at these twelve high school literature curriculum.

  • BJU Press Literature for Junior and Senior High. This is one of my favorite because it’s so comprehensive in the variety of genre.
  • Memoria Press is another one I’ve used and although they’ve updated through the years, I still love their guides.
  • Stobaugh is another keeper which has been around for years. It’s comprehensive and takes more of a classical approach.
  • Lightning Literature has been another mainstay by homeschoolers. I love their choices.
  • Windows to the World: An Introduction to Literary Analysis . Although the topics covered are comprehensive, there are short passages. So it makes for a great option.
  • Illuminating Literature is one by Sharon Watson. I’ve used her other writing and love them because of their step by step guidance.
  • Beautiful Feet we used when we wanted to cover literature analysis lightly. Focusing on our history love, we could include a framework of analysis with the literature choices.
  • Progeny Press is another favorite because of how many activities they have and ease of use.
  • Learning Language Arts Through Literature is not as well know today as it used to be. I love it because it’s gentle and has a Charlotte Mason flair. Some years, we just needed light language arts and literature. So, I’m listing it as option. There is both American and British literature options. It’s just a beautiful option
  • Sonlight has been around for years. Started by a homeschool family like some of other companies, it too has a comprehensive language arts program.
  • Total Language Plus is just what it says. All the components of language arts when you want to cover them at one time. We love this curriculum as well.
  • The Art of Poetry is a resource we just absolutely loved. If your teen is wanting to dive deeper into poetry, you’ll love this resource. In addition, this resource can be used for middle school kids too.

These are not all the resources available for you, but they are ones I know will work. They give your teen guidance; And the best part is they create a love of literature and push your teen out of his comfort zone.

Which ones have you tried?

12 Great Options of High School Literature Curriculum

Look at some more posts which will help you:

  • Best Homeschool High School Literature Suggestions For Teens
  • Modern U.S. and World History High School Literature
  • 3 Beginner’s Tips: Homeschool High School Literature
  • How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts Curriculum & Options
  • Homeschooling High School: Curriculum, Credits, and Courses
  • Free Homeschool High School Planning Sheet (and pssst help for high school too)

Reader Interactions

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February 27, 2023 at 7:17 am

Needing a crash course of reading that will help a high school boy grasp comprehension better. Any suggestions???? Appreciate binding your post !

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March 10, 2023 at 10:43 am

Hey TG….Glad to have you here…well comprehension takes some time but you do want to go a bit slower. I have a worktext on this post I think will help you

How to Begin Homeschooling A Teen Lagging Behind

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literature books in high school

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Classic Literature for High Schoolers

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I am a little bit obsessed with great literature. I have been working on trying to read through most of the greats of literature and want my kids to do the same. Today I want to talk to you about Classic Literature for High Schoolers. I’ll share with you why I see value in reading the classics, not only for high schoolers, but for all ages! We are using the literature-rich Sonlight curriculum for my son this year and it has been helpful in making choices and in studying these great works.  The Sonlight homeschool curriculum is packed full of amazing literature books for students to read. My son (and I) have learned about some great new favorites this school year. We received a free package of Sonlight curriculum this year in exchange for sharing our experience. All thoughts are my own, though!

Classic Literature for High Schoolers

What Makes a Book a Classic?

A classic book is a book that has great merit to it. It is well loved by society and has been well loved for decades, or even centuries. A classic book influences society and is one you would want to pass on to your children to read as well. I think a classic book betters the reader in some way. With that understanding, there are so many reasons why we should read these books.

Why Is It Important to Read Classic Literature?

There are so many reasons I feel it is important to read classic literature. Here are a few:

  • Learning Valuable Lessons- classic literature is packed full of amazing moral lessons that kids may not find elsewhere When you read these great books you are immersed in these people’s lives. You grow as they grow and learn as they learn. You cheer for the good people in the books and want the right things to happen.
  • Learning History and Culture-  What a great thing to be able to learn about the history of a time period through the minds of the people who lived during that time period. It makes it so much more real.
  • Learning New Vocabulary- Classic books tend to have vocabulary that is a bit more difficult than books written in more modern times. Because of that, when reading them, kids are exposed to a wider range of words. This is a good thing!  It expands their vocabulary and helps them understand even more!
  • Practice Deeper Thinking Skills- When you read something you ponder it and it often stays with you long after you finish the book. Classic books usually have themes and messages in them that require one to think more deeply. You wonder about how it fits with your belief system or how it fits with the world you live in now. There is so much to be learned from these great books.

homeschool high school literature

How To Help Your High Schooler Learn to Love the Classics

If you want your child to read the classics and be comfortable reading them, start young if possible !  Sonlight curriculum is a fabulous resource to help you do that. Even before I was using their curriculum, I used many of their book lists to help me choose what I would read to my children. If you start reading these great books to your kids at a young age, they will be much more comfortable with the older language and will be able to read more advanced ones as a high schooler.

Did you miss that boat?  That’s ok, start where you are. They can still gain love for classics even if they missed reading them as a younger child. We are listening to Little House in the Big Woods right now as a family. This book is meant for young kids, but is loved by all ages. Books like this can help people of all ages gain an appreciation for history and a different time period. Let your older kids read the classics they missed when they were younger to work up to the harder books.

Find an awesome literature guide to help them understand the books they are reading.   Sonlight is perfect for this. They guide students through the books with discussion questions, critical thinking, and writing activities. It really helps kids better understand what they are reading and make the books come alive in a new way.

sonlight curriculum for high school outline

For instance: My son just finished reading Picture of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff.  He loved it and from the first day of reading it told me I just have to read it, too!  In the literature guide, it helps him better understand the book by giving him the setting, the author’s point of view defines some more difficult vocabulary, and describes the conflict. Each day it gives him an assigned number of pages to read and has topics for discussion, vocabulary and creative writing prompts to help them express the ideas they are learning. It really is an awesome way to work through a classic book.

Classic Literature for High Schoolers:

Here are some of our favorites from this year’s book list. My son is currently working through the 9th grade Sonlight curriculum .

  • Oliver Twist
  • A Christmas Carol
  • Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
  • Pictures of Hollis Woods
  • Pilgrim’s Progress
  • Pride and Prejudice
  • Robinson Crusoe
  • The Screwtape Letters
  • Till We Have Faces
  • Treasure Island
  • Twelth Night
  • Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
  • Outlaws of Sherwood
  • Pontius Pilate

What are your favorite classic books for high schoolers?  What tips have you learned to get your high schooler to love reading classic literature?

See my previous posts about our experience with Sonlight: Why I Chose Sonlight to Homeschool High School Help Your High School Homeschooler Develop Independence

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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I love the classics. My special needs son is reading the best quality illustrated ones I can find this year. We always have one going as a family read as well. Great list. We have read most of them, but I will have to look into Pictures of Hollis Woods. I have never heard of that one. Blessings, Dawn

Great list. but Twelth is incorrectly spelled.. twelfth..

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literature books in high school

It's only as an adult that I truly realized how lucky I was in my high school English classes . Unlike many of my friends, the curriculum at my all-girls school made ample room for stories written by a diverse list of women . There were some of the usual suspects like Jane Austen and Emily Bronte, but we also read Toni Morrison, Julia Alvarez, Danzy Senna, Esmeralda Santiago, Zadie Smith, Sandra Cisneros, and more.

So many high school students around the U.S. don't get to experience a wide range of literature or see themselves represented in what they read in school, thanks in large part to our old-fashioned idea of the literary canon that make up so many English curriculums: books like The Scarlet Letter , The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , The Great Gatsby , and The Catcher in the Rye. Y es, those books have merit, but it's time to rethink curriculums and how they reflect the world as it actually exists.

When it comes to adding more books by people of color, and especially women of color, to a high schooler's to-be-read pile, there is always room for improvement. Below are 15 books by Latinx authors — including everything from modern classics to contemporary reads from various genres, all of which delve into timely and relatable topics — that all teenagers should definitely have on their radar:

'A Cup Of Water Under My Bed: A Memoir' by Daisy Hernández

literature books in high school

In her lyrical coming-of-age memoir, Hernandez writes about what the women in her Cuban-Colombian family taught her about love, money, and race. These lessons — rooted in experiences of migration and colonization — define what it means to grow up in an immigrant home.

Click here to buy.

'The Carrying' by Ada Limón

literature books in high school

It's time curriculums included living poets. Why not start with Ada Limón? Her most recent collection, The Carrying, is modern and moving, and sure to get a class talking.

'In The Time of the Butterflies' by Julia Alvarez

literature books in high school

Julia Alvarez is the author of numerous novels, including How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and Yo!, but In the Time of the Butterflies — the story of the Mirabal sisters, set during the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic in 1960 — provides talking points on history, narrative, memory, and more.

'500 Words Or Less' by Juleah del Rosario

literature books in high school

Many high schoolers will see themselves in Juleah Del Rosario's debut novel-in-verse, which follows Nic Chen as she tries to redefine her reputation among her Ivy League–obsessed classmates by writing their college admissions essays. But the more essays Nic writes for other people, the less sure she becomes of herself and the kind of person she is.

'The Education of Margot Sanchez' by Lilliam Rivera

literature books in high school

Gentrification is a high-stakes issue, and it's important for young people to understand what it is and how it happens. Rivera's novel delves into the realities of changing neighborhoods, and tackles issues of family, patriarchy, education, friendship and more.

'The House Of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende

literature books in high school

In one of the most beloved Latin American works of the twentieth century, Isabel Allende tells the story of three generations of the Trueba family. This political and personal drama has been made into a film (with a nearly all-white cast) and inspired an upcoming television adaptation, so there's plenty to discuss.

'I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter' by Erika L. Sanchez

literature books in high school

Sanchez's tale of the life-changing effects of immigration, living life between cultures, legacy, love and grief is heart-wrenching. Widely celebrated for its unflinching takes on mental health and the unique burdens of women immigrants, this book opens the door for important discussions.

'The Poet X' by Elizabeth Acevedo

literature books in high school

Elizabeth Acevedo's National Book Award-winning novel-in-verse has made such a splash for good reason. The novel follows Xiomara Batista, a young poet grappling with her coming-of-age in Harlem, her strict religious mother, a new romance, and her burgeoning creative drive.

'In The Country We Love' by Diane Guerrero

literature books in high school

Guerrero's memoir takes readers through her experience as a U.S.-born daughter of undocumented immigrants, both of whom are arrested and ultimately deported. This is an important story about the immigration crisis, as told by someone who is still living with the ramifications of the U.S.'s system.

'Make Your Home Among Strangers' by Jennine Capo Crucet

literature books in high school

Jennine Capó Crucet's novel about first-generation college student follows Lizet — the daughter of Cuban immigrants who secretly applies and is accepted to an ultra-elite college — and takes place during the arrival of Ariel Hernandez, a young boy whose mother died fleeing with him from Cuba on a raft.

'Juliet Takes A Breath' by Gabby Rivera

literature books in high school

So few books in the English curriculum discuss young female sexuality in an empowering way. Gabby Rivera's follows Juliet Palante after she comes out to her family and embarks on a summer of self-discovery while working an internship with her favorite queer writer.

''The Book of Unknown Americans' by Cristina Henríquez

literature books in high school

Cristina Henriquez's page-turner is the tragic story of two teenagers living in an apartment block of immigrant families. It charts the expectations, dreams, and heartbreaks of refugees in the United States, and might help young readers put a face to the headlines about immigration.

'Lost Children Archive' by Valeria Luiselli

literature books in high school

Valeria Luiselli's 2019 novel Lost Children Archive centers on a family on a road-trip across America as they follow news of the migrant crisis at the border. It's a timely addition to any curriculum, and is understood best when paired with Luiselli's essay about undocumented, unaccompanied minors, Tell Me How It Ends.

'The Distance Between Us' by Reyna Grande

literature books in high school

Reyna Grande's moving memoir about her life before and after coming to the U.S. from Mexico as an undocumented immigrant is a contemporary classic.

'Gabi, A Girl In Pieces' by Isabel Quintero

literature books in high school

In this diary-style novel, Gabi Hernandez chronicles her last year — everything from college applications to her best friend's pregnancy to her father's drug addiction. It's an both unflinching and recognizable portrayal of the emotions of senior year.

literature books in high school

The 100 Best Classic Books to Read

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Blog – Posted on Wednesday, Oct 13

The 100 best classic books to read.

The 100 Best Classic Books to Read

Ever been caught up in a conversation about books and felt yourself cringe over your literary blind spots? Classic literature can be intimidating, but getting acquainted with the canon isn't just a form of torture cooked up by your high school English teacher: instead, an appreciation for the classics will help you see everything that's come since in a different light, and pick up on allusions that you'll begin to notice everywhere. Above all, they're just great reads — they've stood the test of time for a reason!

If you've always wanted to tackle the classics but never knew quite where to begin, we've got you covered. We've hand-selected 100 classic books to read, written by authors spanning continents and millennia. From love stories to murder mysteries, nonfiction to fantasy, there's something for everybody.

1. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

This milestone Spanish novel may as well be titled 100 Years on Everyone’s Must-Read List — it’s just a titan in the world literature canon. We could go on about its remarkable narrative technique, beguiling voice, and sprawling cast of characters spanning seven generations. Its famous first line may be all that’s needed to win you over: “Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.”

2. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

Newland Archer, one of 1900s New York’s most eligible bachelors, has been looking for a traditional wife, and May Welland seems just the girl — that is until Newland meets entirely unsuitable Ellen Olenska. He must now choose between the two women — and between old money prestige and a value that runs deeper than social etiquette.

3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This allegorical tale, often recommended as a self-help book , follows young shepherd Santiago as he journeys to Egypt searching for a hidden treasure. A parable telling readers that the universe can help them realize their dreams if they only focus their energy on them, Coelho’s short novel has endured the test of time and remains a bestseller today.

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4 . All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

Erich Maria Remarque’s wartime classic broke ground with its unflinching look at the human cost of war through the eyes of German soldiers in the Great War. With a lauded 1930 film adaptation (only the third to win Best Picture at the Oscars), All Quiet on the Western Front remains as powerful and relevant as ever.

5 . American Indian Stories, Legends, and Other Writings by Zitkála-Šá

Zitkála-Šá’s stories invite readers into the world of Sioux settlement, sharing childhood memories, legends, and folktales, and a memoir account of the Native American author ’s transition into Western culture when she left home. Told in beautiful, fluid language, this is a must-read book.

The World's Bestselling Mystery \'Ten . . .\' Ten strangers are lured to an isolated island mansion off the Devon coast by a mysterious \'U.N. Owen.\' \'Nine . . .\' At dinner a recorded message accuses each of them in turn of having a guilty secret, and by the end of the night one of the guests is dead. \'Eight . . .\' Stranded by a violent storm, and haunted by a nursery rhyme counting down one by one . . . one by one they begin to die. \'Seven . . .\' Who among them is the killer and will any of them survive?

6 . And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

First, there were ten who arrived on the island. Strangers to one another, they shared one similarity: they had all murdered in the past. And when people begin dropping like flies, they realize that they are the ones being murdered now. An example of a mystery novel done right, this timeless classic was penned by none other than the Queen of Mystery herself .

7 . Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Tolstoy’s celebrated novel narrates the whirlwind tale of Anna Karenina. She’s married to dull civil servant Alexei Karenin when she meets Count Vronsky, a man who changes her life forever. But an affair doesn’t come without a moral cost, and Anna’s life is soon anything but blissful.

8 . The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath’s only novel follows the young, ambitious Esther Greenwood, who falls into a depression after a directionless summer, culminating in a suicide attempt. But even as Esther survives and receives treatment, she continues wondering about her purpose and role in society — leading to much larger questions about existential fulfillment. Poetically written and stunningly authentic, The Bell Jar continues to resonate with countless readers today.

9. Beloved by Toni Morrison

Many books are said to have helped shape the world — but only a few can really stake that claim. Toni Morrison’s Beloved is one of them. One of the great literary luminaries of our time, her best-known novel is the searingly powerful story of Sethe, who was born a slave in Kentucky. Though she’s since escaped to Ohio, she is haunted by her dead baby, whose tombstone is engraved with one word: Beloved .

10 . The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter

Before the recent fad of feminist retellings of fairy tales, there was The Bloody Chamber . But Angela Carter’s retold tales, including twisted versions of Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast, are more than just feminist: they’re original, darkly irreverent, and fiercely independent. This classic book is exactly what you’d expect from the author who inspired contemporary masters like Neil Gaiman, Sarah Waters, and Margaret Atwood.

11. Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

Though the title evokes Audrey Hepburn, this novella came first — and the literary Holly Golightly is a very different creature from the 'good-time girl' who falls for George Peppard. Clever and chameleonic, she crafts her persona to fit others’ expectations, chasing her own American Dream while letting men think they can have it with her… only to slip through their fingers. A fascinating character study and a triumph of Capote’s wit and humanity.

12. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

Set in the opulent inter-war era in England, Brideshead Revisited chronicles the increasingly complex relationship between Oxford student Charles Ryder, his university chum Sebastian, whose noble family they visit at their grand seat of Brideshead. A lush, nostalgic, and passionate rendering of a bygone era of English aristocracy.

13. A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

Welcome to Theoretical Physics 101. If it sounds daunting, you aren’t alone, and Stephen Hawking does a beautiful job guiding layperson readers through complex subjects. If you’re keen to learn more about such enigmas as black holes, relativity theory, quantum mechanics, and time itself, this is a perfect first taste.

14. The Call of the Wild (Reader's Library Classics) by Jack London

London's American classic is the bildungsroman of Buck: a St. Bernard/Scotch Collie mix who must adapt to life as a sled dog after a domesticated upbringing. Thrown into a harsh new reality, he must trust his instincts to survive. When he falls into the hands of a wise, experienced outdoorsman, will he become loyal to his new master or finally answer the call of the wild?

15. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Salinger’s angsty coming-of-age tale is an English class cornerstone for a good reason. The story follows Holden Caulfield, a 17-year-old boy fed up with prep school “phonies.” Escaping to New York in search of authenticity, he soon discovers that the city is a microcosm of the society he hates. Relentlessly cynical yet profoundly moving, The Catcher in the Rye will strike a chord not just with Holden’s fellow teens but with earnest thinkers of all ages.

16. A Christmas Carol (Bantam Classics) by Charles Dickens

If you’re not acquainted with Dickens , then his evergreen Christmastime classic is the perfect introduction. Not only is it one of his best-loved works, but it’s also a slim 104 pages — a true yuletide miracle from an author with a tendency towards the tome! This short length means it’s the perfect book with which to cozy up in winter, just when you want to feel that warm holiday glow.

17. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

En route to his wedding, merchant sailor Edmond Dantès is shockingly accused of treason and thrown in prison without cause. There, he learns the secret location of a great fortune — knowledge that incites him to escape his grim fortress and take revenge on his accusers. With peerlessly propulsive prose, Dumas spins an epic tale of retribution, jealousy, and suffering that deserves every page he gives it.

18. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

A masterclass in character development , the very title of Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment is essentially an idiom for 'epic literature.' It centers around Raskolnikov, an unremarkable man who randomly murders someone after convincing himself that his motives are lofty enough to justify his actions. It turns out that it’s never that simple, and his conscience begins to call to him more and more.

19. Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

The inspiration for the seminal 90s teen drama Cruel Intentions , Laclos's epistolary classic is a heady pre-revolutionary cocktail of sex and scandal that paints a damning portrait of high society. Laclos expertly plays with form and structure, composing a riveting narrative of letters passed between the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont — aristocratic former lovers who get in over their heads when they start playing with people's hearts. 

20. The Death of Artemio Cruz by Carlos Fuentes

In this highly atmospheric book, Fuentes draws the reader in with hypnotic, visceral descriptions of the final hours of its title character: a multifaceted tycoon, revolutionary, lover, and politician. As with many classic books, death here symbolizes corruption — yet it’s also impossible to ignore as a physical reality. As well as being a powerful statement on mortality, it's a moving history of the Mexican Revolution and a landmark in Latin-American literature .

21. Diary of a Madman, and other stories by Lu Xun

This collection is a modern Chinese classic containing chilling, satirical stories illustrating a time of great social upheaval. With tales that ask questions about what constitutes an individual's life, ordinary citizens' everyday experiences blend with enduring feudal values, ghosts, death, and even a touch of cannibalism.

22. Samuel Pepys The Diaries by Samuel Pepys

Best known for his recording the Great Fire of London, Samuel Pepys was a man whose writings have provided modern historians with one of the greatest insights into 17th-century living. The greatest hits of his diary include eyewitness accounts of the restoration of the monarchy and the Great Plague. The timelessness of this book, however, is owed to the richness of Pepys's day-to-day drama, which he records in unsparing, lively detail.

23 . A Doll's House and Other Plays (Penguin Classics) by Henrik Ibsen

Ibsen’s A Doll’s House is a powerful play starring the seemingly frivolous housewife Nora. Her husband, Torvald, considers her to be a silly “bird” of a companion, but in reality, she’s got a much firmer grasp on the hard facts of their domestic life than he does. Readers will celebrate as she finds the voice to speak her true thoughts.

24. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Entranced by tales of chivalry, a minor nobleman reinvents himself as a knight. He travels the land jousting giants and delivering justice — though, in reality, he’s tilting at windmills and fighting friars. And while Don Quixote lives out a fantasy in his head, an imposter puts it to the page, further blurring the line between fiction and reality. Considered by many to be the first modern novel, Don Quixote is undoubtedly the work of a master storyteller.

25. The Dream of The Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin

A treasured classic of Chinese literature, Dream of the Red Chamber is a rich, sprawling text that explores the darkest corners of high society during the Qing Dynasty. Focusing on two branches of a fading aristocratic clan, it details the lives of almost forty major characters, including Jia Baoyu, the heir apparent whose romantic notions may threaten the family's future.

26. Dune by Frank Herbert

A dazzling epic science fiction classic, Dune created a now-immortalized interstellar society featuring a conflict between various noble families. On the desert planet of Arrakis, House Atreides controls the production of a high-demand drug known as "the spice". As political conflicts mount and spice-related revelations occur, young heir Paul Atreides must push himself to the absolute limit to save his planet and his loved ones.

27. The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien

Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy became the blueprint for countless fantasy series , and this first installment is its epic start. In The Fellowship of the Ring, we meet Frodo Baggins and his troupe of loyal friends, all of whom embark on a fateful mission: to destroy the One Ring and its awful powers forever.

28. The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan

Betty Friedan’s disruptive feminist text sheds light on the midcentury dissatisfaction of homemakers across America. Her case studies of unhappy women relegated to the domestic sphere, striving for careers and identities beyond the home, cut deep even now — and in retrospect, were a clear catalyst for second-wave feminism in the United States.

29. Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Shelley’s hugely influential classic recounts the tragic tale of Victor Frankenstein: a scientist who mistakenly engineers a violent monster. When Victor abandons his creation, the monster escapes and threatens to kill Victor’s family — unless he’s given a mate. Facing tremendous moral pressure, Victor must choose: foster a new race to possibly destroy humanity, or be responsible for the deaths of everyone he’s ever loved?

30. Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

A defining entry in the LGBTQ+ canon , Giovanni’s Room relates one man’s struggle with his sexuality, as well as the broader consequences of the toxic patriarchy. After David, our narrator, has traveled to France to find himself, he begins a relationship with messy, magnetic Giovanni — the perfect foil to David’s safe, dull girlfriend. As more trouble arises, David agonizes over who he is, what he wants, and whether it is even possible to obtain it in this world.

31. The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing

This inventive meta novel is the first of Lessing’s “inner space” works, dealing with ideas of mental and societal breakdown. It revolves around writer Anna Wulf, who hopes to combine the notebooks about her life into one grand narrative. But despite her creative strides, Anna has irreparably fragmented herself — and working to re-synthesize her different sides eventually drives her mad.

32. Goodbye To All That by Robert Graves

Few people possess enough raw material to pen a memoir at the age of 34. Robert Graves — having already lived through the First World War and the seismic shifts it sparked in English society and sensibilities — peppers his sober account of social and personal turmoil with moments of surprising levity. Graves would later go on to write I, Claudius, a novel of the Roman Empire that is considered one of the greatest books ever written.

33. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Following one Oklahoma family’s journey out of the Dust Bowl in search of a better life in California, Steinbeck’s classic is a vivid snapshot of Depression-era America, and about as devastating as it gets. Both tragic and awe-inspiring, The Grapes of Wrath is widely considered to be Steinbeck's best book and a front-runner for the title of The Great American Novel.

34. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

When talking of the Great American Novel, you cannot help but mention this work by F. Scott Fitzgerald. More than just a champagne-soaked story of love, betrayal, and murder, The Great Gatsby has a lot to say about class, identity, and belonging if you scratch its surface. You probably read this classic book in high school, but a return visit to West Egg is more than justified.

35. The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers

Meet John Singer, a deaf and nonverbal man who sits in the same café every day. Here, in the deep American South of the 1930s, John meets an assortment of people and acts as the silent, kind keeper of their stories — right up until an unforgettable ending that will blow you away. It’s hard to believe McCullers was only 23 when she penned this Southern gothic classic.

36. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon

An epic work that befits its lengthy title, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire chronicles thirteen centuries of Roman rule. It chronicles its leaders, conflicts, and the events that led to its collapse— an outcome that Gibbon lays at the feet of Christianity. This work is an ambitious feat at over six volumes, though one that Gibbon pulls off with great panache.

37. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Arthur Dent is an Englishman, an enjoyer of tea — and the only person to survive the destruction of the Earth. Accompanied by an alien author, Dent must now venture into the intergalactic bypass to figure out what’s going on. Though by no means the first comedic genre book, Douglas Adams’s masterpiece certainly popularized the idea that science fiction doesn't have to be earnest and straight-faced.

38. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Arthur Conan Doyle’s world-famous detective needs no introduction. Mythologized in film and television many times over by now, this mystery of a diabolical hound roaming the moors in Devon is perhaps Sherlock Holmes’s most famous adventure.

39. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

Few first-time novelists have had the kind of impact and success enjoyed by Isabel Allende with her triumphant debut. Found at the top of pretty much every list of ‘best sweeping family sagas,’ The House of the Spirits chronicles the tumultuous history of the Trueba family, entwining the personal, the political, and the magical.

40. How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

A perennial personal development staple, How to Win Friends and Influence People has been flying off the shelves since its release in 1936. Full of tried-and-true tips for garnering favor in both professional and personal settings, you’ll want to read the classic book that launched the entire self-help industry.

41. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

From a small Southern town to San Francisco, this landmark memoir covers Maya Angelou’s childhood years growing up in the United States, facing daily prejudice, racism, and sexism. Yet what shines the brightest on every page is Maya Angelou’s voice — which made the book an instant classic in 1969 and has endured to this day.

42. I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

You don’t have to be a sci-fi buff (or a Will Smith fan) to understand I, Robot’s iconic status. But if you are one, you’ll know the impact Isaac Asimov’s short story collection has had on subsequent generations of writers. Razor-sharp and thought-provoking, these tales of robotic sentience are still deeply relevant today.

43. If This Is a Man by Primo Levi

Spare, unflinching, and horrifying, If This Is a Ma n is Italian-Jewish writer Primo Levi’s autobiographical account of life under fascism and his detention in Auschwitz. It serves as an invaluable historical document and a powerful insight into the atrocities of war, making for a challenging but essential read.

44. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

From Ellison’s exceptional writing to his affecting portrayal of Black existence in America, Invisible Man is a true masterpiece. The book’s unnamed narrator describes experiences ranging from frustrating to nightmarish, reflecting on the “invisibility” of being seen only as one’s racial identity. Weaving in threads of Marxist theory and political unrest, this National Book Award winner remains a radical, brilliant must-read for the 21st century.

45. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Like a dark, sparkling jewel passed down through generations, Charlotte Brontë’s exquisite Gothic romance continues to be revered and reimagined more than 170 years after its publication. Its endurance is largely thanks to the intensely passionate and turbulent relationship between headstrong heroine Jane and the mysterious Mr. Rochester — a romance that is strikingly modern in its sexual politics.

46. The Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en

Journey to the West is an episodic Chinese novel published anonymously in the 16th century and attributed to Wu Cheng’en. Today, this beloved text — a rollicking fantasy about a mischievous, shape-shifting monkey god and his fallen immortal friends — is the source text for children’s stories, films, and comics. But this classic book is also an insightful comic satire and a monument of literature comparable to The Canterbury Tales or Don Quixote.

47. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

A science fiction novel by one of the genre's greats, Kindred asks the toughest “what if” question there is: What if a modern black woman was transported back in time to antebellum Maryland? Octavia Butler sugarcoats nothing in this incisive, time-traveling inquisition into race and racism during one of the most horrifying periods in American history.

49. The Lonely Londoners by Samuel Selvon

The Lonely Londoners occupies a unique historical position as one of the earliest accounts of the Black working-class in 20th-century Britain. Selvon delves into the lives of immigrants from the West Indies, most of whom feel disillusioned and listless in London. But with its singular slice-of-life style and humor, The Lonely Londoners is hardly a tragic novel — only an unflinchingly honest one.

50. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Another high school English classic, Lord of the Flies recounts the fate of a group of young British boys stranded on a desert island. Though they initially attempt to band together, rising tensions and paranoia lead to in-fighting and, eventually, terrible violence. The result is a dark cautionary tale against our own primitive brutality — with the haunting implication that it's closer to the surface than we'd like to think.

51. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

Flaubert’s heroine Emma Bovary is the young wife of a provincial doctor who escapes her banal existence by devouring romance novels. But when Emma decides she remains unfulfilled, she starts seeking romantic affairs of her own — all of which fail to meet her expectations or rescue her from her mounting debt. Though Flaubert’s novel caused a moral outcry on publication, its portrayal of a married woman’s affair was so realistic, many women believed they were the model for his heroine.

52. The Man Who Would Be King by Rudyard Kipling

This short novella tells the story of two British men visiting India while the country is a British colony. Swindlers and cheats, the men trick their way to Kafiristan, a remote region where one of them comes to be revered as king. A cautionary tale warning against letting things go to your head, this funny and absurd read has also been made into a classic film starring Michael Caine and Sean Connery.

53. Middlemarch by George Eliot

Subtitled A Study of Provincial Life , this novel concerns itself with the ordinary lives of individuals in the fictional town of Middlemarch in the early 19th century. Hailed for its depiction of a time of significant social change, it also stands out for its gleaming idealism, as well as endless generosity and compassion towards the follies of humanity.

54. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

Born in the first hour of India’s independence, Saleem Sinai is gifted with the power of telepathy and an extraordinary sense of smell. He soon discovers that there are 1,001 others with similar abilities — people who can help Saleem build a new India. The winner of the Booker prize in 1981, Salman Rushdie’s groundbreaking novel is a triumphant achievement of magical realism .

55. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Moby-Dick is more than the story of a boy on-board a whaling ship, more than an ode to marine lore and legend, and even more than a metaphysical allegory for the struggle between good and evil. Herman Melville’s “Great American Novel” is a masterful study of faith, obsession, and delusion — and a profound social commentary born from his lifelong meditation on America. The result will fill you with wonder and awe.

56. My Antonia by Willa Cather

Willa Cather’s celebrated classic about life on the prairie, My Ántonia tells the nostalgic story of Jim and Ántonia, childhood friends and neighbors in rural Nebraska. As well as charting the passage of time and the making of America, it’s a book that fills readers with wonder and a warm feeling of familiarity.

57. The Name Of The Rose by Umberto Eco

Originally published in Italian, The Name of the Rose is one of the bestselling books of all time — and for good reason. Umberto Eco plots a wild ride from start to finish: an intelligent murder mystery that combines theology, semiotics, empiricism, biblical analysis, and layers of metanarratives that create a brilliant labyrinth of a book.

58. The Nether World by George Gissing

A masterpiece of realism, The Nether World forces the reader to spend time with the type of marginalized people routinely left out of fiction: the working class of late 19th century London, a group whose many problems are intertwined with money. Idealistic in its pessimism, this fantastic novel insists that life is much more demanding than fiction lets show.

59. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

George Orwell’s story of a heavily surveilled dystopian state was heralded as prescient and left a lasting impact on popular culture and language (“Room 101”, “Big Brother,” and “Doublethink” were all born in its pages, to name a few). Just read it, if only to recognize its references, which you’ll begin to notice everywhere .

60. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Uprooted from the South, a pastor's daughter, Margaret Hale, finds herself living in an industrial town in England's North. She encounters the suffering of the local mill workers and the mill owner John Thornton — and two very different passions ignite. In North and South, Elizabeth Gaskell fuses personal feeling with social concern, creating in the process a heroine that feels original and strikingly modern.

61. The Odyssey by Homer

This timeless classic has the heart-racing thrills of an adventure story and the psychological drama of an intricate family saga. After ten years fighting in a thankless war, Odysseus begins the long journey home to Ithaca — where his wife Penelope struggles to hold off a horde of suitors. But with men and gods standing in their way, will Odysseus and Penelope ever be reunited?

62. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway ’s career culminated with The Old Man and the Sea, the last book he published in his lifetime. This ocean-deep novella has a deceptively simple premise — an aging fisherman ventures out into the Gulf Stream determined to break his unlucky streak. What follows is a battle that’s small in scale but epic in feeling, rendered in Hemingway’s famously spare prose.

63. On The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin

Questioning the idea of a Creator — and therefore challenging the beliefs of most of the Western world — in The Origin of Species , Darwin explored a theory of evolution based on laws of natural selection. Not only is this text still considered a groundbreaking scientific work, but the ideas it puts forward remain fundamental to modern biology. And it’s totally readable to boot!

64. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

The subjective nature of “sanity,” institutional oppression, and rejection of authority are just a few of the issues tackled in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest . The rebellious Randle McMurphy is this story’s de facto hero, and his clashes with the notorious Nurse Ratched have not only inspired a host of spin-offs but arguably a whole movement of fiction related to mental health.

65. One Thousand and One Nights by Anonymous

Embittered by his first wife’s infidelity, King Shahryar takes a new bride every night and beheads her in the morning — until Scheherazade, his latest bride, learns to use her imagination to stave off death. In this collection of Arabic folk tales, the quick-witted storyteller Scheherazade demonstrates the power of a good cliffhanger — on both the king and the reader!

66. Orientalism by Edward W. Said

An intelligent critique of the way the Western world perceives the East, Orientalism argues that the West’s racist, oppressive, and backward representation of the Eastern world is tied to imperialism. Published in 1978, Edward Said’s transformative text changed academic discourse forever.

67. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Thanks to the wit and wisdom of Jane Austen, the love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy (pioneers of the enemies-to-lovers trope) is not merely a regency romance but a playful commentary on class, wealth, and the search for self-knowledge in a world governed by strict etiquette. Light, bright, and flawlessly crafted, Pride and Prejudice is an Austen classic you’re guaranteed to love.

68. The Princesse de Clèves by Madame de Lafayette

Often called the first modern novel from France, The Princesse de Cleves is an account of love, anguish, and their inherent inseparability: an all-too-familiar story, despite the 16th-century setting. Though the plot is simple — an unrequited love, unspoken until it’s not — Madame de Lafayette pours onto the pages a moving and profound analysis of the fragile human heart.

69. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

The Reader is set in postwar Germany, a society still living in the shadow of the Holocaust. The book begins with an older woman’s relationship with a minor, though it isn’t even the most shocking thing that happens in this novel. Concerned with disconnection and apathy, Schlink’s book grapples with the guilty weight of the past without flinching from the horror of the present.

70. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” Du Maurier’s slow-burning mystery has been sending a chill down readers’ spines for decades, earning its place in the horror hall of fame. It’s required reading for any fan of the genre, but reader beware: this gorgeously gothic novel will keep you up at night.

71. A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf

A mainstay of feminist literature , A Room of One’s Own experimentally blends fiction and fact to drill down into the role of women in literature as both subjects and creatives. Part critical theory, part rallying cry, this slender book still packs a powerful punch.

72. Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb Salih

Described by Edward Said as one of the great novels in the oeuvre of Arabic books, Season of Migration to the North is the revolutionary narrative of two men struggling to re-discover their Sudanese identities following the impact of British colonialism. Some compare it to Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness , but it stands tall in its own right.

73. The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir

A foundational feminist text , Simone de Beauvoir's treatise The Second Sex marked a watershed moment in feminist history and gender theory. It rewards the efforts of those willing to traverse its nearly 1,000 pages with eye-opening truths about gender, oppression, and otherness.

74. The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins

How do genes work? And what does that mean for our chances of survival? Often cited as one of the most influential science books of all time, Richard Dawkins’ The Selfish Gene seeks to answer these pressing questions and more. It also touts the dubious glory of introducing the word “meme” into the public consciousness. 

75. The Shining by Stephen King

Jack Torrance is the new off-season caretaker at the Overlook Hotel. Providing his family with a home and him with enough time to write, it’s the perfect job, but for one tiny problem: the hotel may be haunted. And it’s only going to get worse once winter sets in. If you only read one horror book in your lifetime, you could do much worse than Stephen King’s The Shining .

76. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

The story of a man casting off his worldly possessions in the pursuit of self-discovery and enlightenment, Siddhartha may seem intimidatingly philosophical at first glance. In reality, though, Herman Hesse’s German-language classic is surprisingly accessible, and as page-turning and readable as it is spiritually enlightening.

77. The Sorrows Of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A defining work in early Romanticism that influenced the likes of Mary Shelley and Thomas Mann, The Sorrows of Young Werther is an epistolary novel that tells of a young writer infatuated with someone else’s betrothed. Drawing heavily on his own experience of ill-fated love, as well as the death of his good friend, Goethe makes the pages hum with angst and repressed desire.

78. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Dr. Jekyll’s attempt to indulge in his vices transforms him into the horrific Mr. Hyde. The more Jekyll yields to his urges, the more powerful Hyde becomes until even Jekyll can’t control him. The result is a thrilling story of supernatural horror and a potent allegory that warns against giving in to one’s dark side.

79. The Stranger by Albert Camus

The Stranger opens with Meursault, our hero, learning of the death of his mother. His reaction to the news is put under intense scrutiny from those around him. The reader is led in a strange dance of absurdism and existentialism that sees Meursault confront something even crueler than mortality: society’s expectations.

80. A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth by Vikram Seth

Recently adapted into a hit drama by the BBC, A Suitable Boy is one of the newer books on our list but has already landed classic status. At nearly 1,500 pages long, the story of 19-year-old Lata's attempts to resist her family's efforts to marry her off to "a suitable boy" is astonishing in its execution and eye-opening look at class, religion, and gendered expectations in mid-century India.

81. The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu

The Tale of Genji follows the romantic and political misadventures of a young official born to one of the emperor’s consorts. With no place in the line of succession, Genji makes his way through life using his good looks and charm — but these gifts ultimately bring him more sorrow than joy. Elegant and immersive, this captivating classic is often touted as the first in-depth character study.

82. Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

Set against sweeping landscapes and wind-torn fields, Tess of the D’Urbervilles focuses on the life of young Tess Durbeyfield, who, by her family’s great poverty, is forced to claim kinship with the wealthy D’Urberville family. What follows is a devastating tragedy, as Tess meets harsher and harsher treatment at the hands of men.

83. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

After being caught kissing down-and-out Johnny Taylor, sixteen-year-old Janie is promptly married off to an older man. Following her journey through adolescence, adulthood, and a string of unsatisfying marriages with unblinking honesty, Their Eyes Were Watching God is one of the seminal masterpieces of African American literature .

84. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe’s magnum opus follows Okonkwo, an Igbo man whose sole aim is to rise above his father’s weak legacy. Okonkwo is strong and fearless, but his obsession with masculinity leads him to violently dominate others — until he goes too far one day. The following events form an unparalleled tragedy, made all the more gripping by rich details of pre-colonial Igbo culture and timeless questions about tradition and honor.

85. Thousand Cranes by Yasunari Kawabata

When a young man meets his late father’s mistress at a tea ceremony, he succumbs to a desire that is both transgressive and overpowering. While the tragic consequences of their love affair unfold, Kawabata delicately guides us through a world of passion, regret, and exquisite beauty. No wonder Thousand Cranes helped him land a Nobel Prize.

86. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This unforgettable classic centers on race relations and justice in the Depression-era South. Narrated by our protagonist as an adult, it looks back to her childhood when her father defended a Black man falsely accused of rape. She muses on what their small town’s reactions to the trial taught her about prejudice and morality. Despite the heavy subject matter, Scout’s warm, insightful voice makes To Kill a Mockingbird a joy to read; no wonder it’s often cited as the Great American Novel.

87. The Trial by Franz Kafka

The Trial begins with a bank cashier, Josef K., accused of an unspecified crime and told to await a court summons. Josef attempts to figure out what he has “done” but is met only with chaos and despair, and his sanity continues to fray as he goes through this maddening ordeal.

88. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Henry James’ brilliance arguably reached a pinnacle with The Turn of the Screw , a Gothic novella about a governess who cares for two children in the estate of Bly. She grows convinced that the grounds are haunted by ghosts — but are they, really?

89. Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup

Steve McQueen’s Oscar-winning adaptation recently drew renewed attention to this vital work by Solomon Northup, a memoir that takes a well-deserved place on every complete list of classic books. As a free and educated man kidnapped and sold into slavery, Northup was able to write an extraordinarily full account of life on a cotton plantation that exposes the brutal truth from the uniquely cutting viewpoint of both an outsider and a victim.

90. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

This classic sci-fi book features the original Nemo — not, regrettably, an adorable clownfish, but the captain of a submarine called Nautilus. Captain Nemo, his crew, and three scientists go on a fantastical journey in the shadowy depths of the sea. From underwater forests to walking the seafloor and finding Atlantis, this is no ordinary adventure.

91. Ulysses by James Joyce

Though it’s a long book, Ulysses traces the progress of a single day in the life of Irishman Leopold Bloom and his acquaintances. A groundbreaking modernist work, this novel is characterized by innovative literary experimentation and a stream-of-consciousness flow that winds elusively along the streets of Dublin.

92. Under the Net by Iris Murdoch

Iris Murdoch’s best-known novel is much like its protagonist: brimming with equal parts charisma and chaos. Down-and-out writer Jake Donaghue is the man of the hour, and the reader charts him all over London as he runs into increasingly odd characters and situations.

93. Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand

Untouchable follows a day in the life of Bakha, a sweeper and toilet cleaner who is rendered “untouchable” under India’s rigid caste system. Only 166 pages long, Anand presents a powerful case study of injustice and the oppressive systems that perpetuate it.

94. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft

A commanding manifesto by author-activist Mary Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman birthed the tenets of modern feminist thought. Defying the commonly held notion that women were naturally inferior to men, it argued that a lack of education for women fostered inequality. One to pick up if you want to feel good about how far gender equality has come — or if you want to fuel your fire for the distance yet to be traveled.

95. The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells

Two worlds must do epic battle: humankind and Martians. And only one can survive. This seminal science fiction work caused widespread panic in 1938 when its radio adaptation—narrated and directed by Orson Welles—made people across the United States think that an actual alien invasion was taking place right outside their front doors.

96. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

Are you tired of being told to read Jane Eyre ? Then we suggest you pick up Wide Sargasso Sea : the feminist prequel written by Jean Rhys in 1966. Rhys reshapes the Bronte classic forever by writing from Bertha Mason’s point of view: no longer the madwoman in the attic, but a Jamaican caught in a patriarchal society from which she cannot escape.

97. Wizard of the Crow by Ngugi wa Thiong'o

This book takes its reader to a fictional African nation called the Free Republic of Aburiria and brings a postcolonial edge to folk storytelling. Featuring tricksters, lovers, and magical elements, Wizard of the Crow is a hilarious satire of autocracy and an experimental feat that cleverly incorporates oral traditions into its grand vision.

98. Women, Race & Class by Angela Davis

Women, Race, and Class is a must-read for anyone who wants to know about the intersectionality of the abolitionist and women’s suffrage movements. Civil rights activist Angela Davis unpacks white feminism, sexism, and racism in clear, incisive prose as she makes a resounding call for equality.

99. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Amid a terrible snowstorm, a man takes shelter at Wuthering Heights, where he learns the story of the manor’s former inhabitants: Catherine and Heathcliff. Set against the bleak and feral backdrop of the Yorkshire Moors, it’s a story of impossible desire, cruel betrayal, and bitter vengeance that rages with as much life and power as the fierce winds outside.

100. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

One of the early feminist triumphs, The Yellow Wallpaper is the famous short story chronicling the slow breakdown of a woman imprisoned in a room with (spoiler alert) yellow wallpaper—presumably to cure her “temporary nervous depression.” Highly recommended, especially since it’s only a 10-minute read.

Still hungry for more classic reads? Check out our picks for the best books of all time . If you'd like to try something a little more contemporary, we've got you covered with our favorite novels of the 21st century .

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Lesson in Lunacy: 10 High School Books That Are Disturbingly Out of Place in Modern Education

Posted: July 11, 2023 | Last updated: July 11, 2023

What book from our past education would we rather shield our children from? It’s an intriguing inquiry that brings forth a mix of nostalgia, reflection, and a desire to protect our loved ones from potentially harmful influences. We wanted to delve into this topic to explore the literary works that might have left a lasting ...

In education, the content and context of high school literature have come under scrutiny. As society progresses and perspectives shift, there is an increasing need to reevaluate the books that shape young minds. This thought-provoking article looks at dangerous literature, questioning the place of certain high school books in modern education. Of Mice and Men: ...

<p><em>“I know it's weak, but the ending to Of Mice and Men really messed up my 13-year-old brain.”</em></p> <p>This classic book by John Steinbeck can be pretty heavy, dealing with themes like friendship and dreams amid hardships. However, it has a very sad ending that can leave young readers feeling down. This is why some people think it might not be suitable for every teenager in high school.</p>

Of Mice and Men: A Tale Too Grim

“I know it's weak, but the ending to Of Mice and Men really messed up my 13-year-old brain.”

This classic book by John Steinbeck can be pretty heavy, dealing with themes like friendship and dreams amid hardships. However, it has a very sad ending that can leave young readers feeling down. This is why some people think it might not be suitable for every teenager in high school.

<p><em>“Dianetics, or anything else by L. Ron Hubbard.”</em></p> <p>While researching various religions can be educational, many see “Dianetics” as a controversial book. The teachings of L. Ron Hubbard have sparked much debate, and having it in a high school reading list might make some parents and students uncomfortable.</p>

Dianetics: A Controversial Pick

“Dianetics, or anything else by L. Ron Hubbard.”

While researching various religions can be educational, many see “Dianetics” as a controversial book. The teachings of L. Ron Hubbard have sparked much debate, and having it in a high school reading list might make some parents and students uncomfortable.

<p><em>“The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison was rough.”</em></p> <p>Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye is a deeply emotional story that discusses complex and painful themes like racism and abuse. Although it’s a powerful book, it might be too intense for young students, especially those who’ve gone through similar experiences.</p>

The Bluest Eye: A Painful Read

“The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison was rough.”

Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye is a deeply emotional story that discusses complex and painful themes like racism and abuse. Although it’s a powerful book, it might be too intense for young students, especially those who’ve gone through similar experiences.

<p><em>“A Day No Pigs Would Die. I read it in the 7th grade, and it still affects me in my mid-30s. Life is already sad enough.”</em></p> <p>This book tells a harrowing story about a young boy’s hard life on a farm. The harsh realities of life and death presented in the book can be too much for young students.</p>

A Day No Pigs Would Die: A Heartbreaking Tale

“A Day No Pigs Would Die. I read it in the 7th grade, and it still affects me in my mid-30s. Life is already sad enough.”

This book tells a harrowing story about a young boy’s hard life on a farm. The harsh realities of life and death presented in the book can be too much for young students.

<p><em>“I was in a gifted class, and we read 1984…in the fourth grade. Great piece of literature, but maybe a titch intense for nine-year-olds, y'know?”</em></p> <p>While 1984 is a masterpiece by George Orwell, it discusses serious themes such as totalitarian regimes, surveillance, and lack of privacy. It might be a bit too much for young kids to comprehend and could potentially cause unnecessary fear.</p>

1984: Too Mature for the Young

“I was in a gifted class, and we read 1984…in the fourth grade. Great piece of literature, but maybe a titch intense for nine-year-olds, y'know?”

While 1984 is a masterpiece by George Orwell, it discusses serious themes such as totalitarian regimes, surveillance, and lack of privacy. It might be a bit too much for young kids to comprehend and could potentially cause unnecessary fear.

<p><em>“I was supposed to read Night John in 4th grade. We stopped when parents complained about the vivid description of a slave being ripped apart by dogs. I'd definitely let my kids read it, but not in 4th grade.”</em></p> <p>Night John is a harsh depiction of slavery that includes violent scenes. While it’s important to educate students about slavery, it might be best to wait until they’re a bit older to introduce such graphic content.</p>

Night John: A Dark Tale

“I was supposed to read Night John in 4th grade. We stopped when parents complained about the vivid description of a slave being ripped apart by dogs. I'd definitely let my kids read it, but not in 4th grade.”

Night John is a harsh depiction of slavery that includes violent scenes. While it’s important to educate students about slavery, it might be best to wait until they’re a bit older to introduce such graphic content.

<p><em>“The Kite Runner….my dad saw me pick that up at a bookstore when I was in the 7th grade, and he said no, I wasn’t allowed to read that till I got older. Me being the rebellious little brat, I was convinced by my friend to buy it, and we took turns reading it. Yeah, that book is not for kids…I learned some things that day :(.”</em></p> <p>The Kite Runner is a powerful novel, but it tackles heavy themes like violence, guilt, and redemption. It might be more appropriate for older high school students or adults than younger kids.</p>

The Kite Runner: Not For Kids

“The Kite Runner….my dad saw me pick that up at a bookstore when I was in the 7th grade, and he said no, I wasn’t allowed to read that till I got older. Me being the rebellious little brat, I was convinced by my friend to buy it, and we took turns reading it. Yeah, that book is not for kids…I learned some things that day :(.”

The Kite Runner is a powerful novel, but it tackles heavy themes like violence, guilt, and redemption. It might be more appropriate for older high school students or adults than younger kids.

<p><em>“Ethan Frome.”</em></p> <p>Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton is a deeply tragic story about a man stuck in a loveless marriage. It might be too grim and hopeless for young students, who could find it disheartening instead of educational.</p>

Ethan Frome: A Depressing Narrative

“Ethan Frome.”

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton is a deeply tragic story about a man stuck in a loveless marriage. It might be too grim and hopeless for young students, who could find it disheartening instead of educational.

<p><em>“The Scarlett Letter, that stuff was a grind. I love to read, but I wanted to claw my eyes out so I could stop reading it.”</em></p> <p>The Scarlett Letter is a classic novel, but its old-fashioned language and lengthy descriptions can make it a challenging and tedious read for high school students. Engaging young readers often require books that they can relate to and enjoy.</p>

The Scarlett Letter: A Tough Grind

“The Scarlett Letter, that stuff was a grind. I love to read, but I wanted to claw my eyes out so I could stop reading it.”

The Scarlett Letter is a classic novel, but its old-fashioned language and lengthy descriptions can make it a challenging and tedious read for high school students. Engaging young readers often require books that they can relate to and enjoy.

<p><em>“Was given The Things They Carried in HS and had nightmares for weeks because I had a brother overseas in combat at the time. Part of me never wants my kids to read it because of how much it negatively affected me, which I know isn’t a good reason. I think it is a worthwhile book, but it will always make me uncomfortable.”</em></p> <p>The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien presents the horrors of war, which can be quite disturbing, especially for those with family members in the military. It’s a significant book but might not be appropriate for all high school students due to its graphic and unsettling content.</p>

The Things They Carried: An Unsettling Reminder

“Was given The Things They Carried in HS and had nightmares for weeks because I had a brother overseas in combat at the time. Part of me never wants my kids to read it because of how much it negatively affected me, which I know isn’t a good reason. I think it is a worthwhile book, but it will always make me uncomfortable.”

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien presents the horrors of war, which can be quite disturbing, especially for those with family members in the military. It’s a significant book but might not be appropriate for all high school students due to its graphic and unsettling content.

<p>Throughout history, individuals have attained fame, adoration, and even idolization for their achievements or perceived virtues. However, the truth behind their public image often reveals a much darker and more disturbing reality. Winston Churchill: The Brave Bulldog with Bitter Beliefs Winston Churchill is admired worldwide for his powerful speeches that motivated Britain during the tough ... </p>

Twisted Icons: 17 Historical Figures Idolized by Society but Truly Horrible People.

Throughout history, individuals have attained fame, adoration, and idolization for their achievements or perceived virtues. However, the truth behind their public image often reveals a much darker and more disturbing reality. Twisted Icons: 17 Historical Figures Idolized by Society but Truly Horrible People.

<p>In a world where societal progress is paramount, it’s disheartening to discover that certain professions command exorbitant paychecks while contributing little to the advancement of society. As we delve into the complex tapestry of occupations, we spotlight the 19 most overpaid jobs that raise eyebrows and ignite discussions about fairness, value, and the true impact ... </p>

The 19 Most Overpaid Professions That Offer Little to Society's Advancement

In a world where societal progress is paramount, it's disheartening to discover that certain professions command exorbitant paychecks while contributing little to the advancement of society. As we delve into the complex tapestry of occupations, we spotlight the 19 most overpaid jobs that raise eyebrows and ignite discussions about fairness, value, and the true impact on our collective progress.

The 19 Most Overpaid Professions That Offer Little to Society's Advancement

<p>Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, experienced significant social, economic, and cultural changes throughout their lifetime. Despite these transformations, many Boomers hold onto items and trends from their past, often for sentimental reasons. Memories of the “good old days” keep us trapped in the past. Baby boomers love to retell tales of how it ... </p>

Boomers' Unyielding Attachment to the 60s: 10 Things They Absolutely Refuse to Let Go

Memories of the "good old days" keep us trapped in the past. Baby boomers love to retell tales of how it was "in my day." At the same time, millennials will tell them to get with the times. Being stuck in a time warp from which they don't want to snap out of, here are things that baby boomers still think are fantastic.

Boomers' Unyielding Attachment to the 60s: 10 Things They Absolutely Refuse to Let Go

<p>We took to an online forum to find out what phrases women say that drive men crazy.  I don't know, you decide Many users considered this irksome statement a teeth-clenching maddening phrase, mainly when women go on to say "no" to every meal suggestion. They couldn't handle me.   This one suggests she is a big ... </p>

Men Share the 12 Most Unattractive Hobbies Women Enjoy That Make Them Run for the Hills: Fact or Fiction?

Are there hobbies that send men running for the hills? Is it the avid knitting or the extreme couponing that leaves them perplexed? Or could it be the unusual fascination with insect taxidermy that sends shivers down their spines? While we all have our unique interests and pastimes, there seems to be a list of hobbies that some men find a little… bewildering.

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Dr. Ed Gieskes publishes new book on genre in early modern theatre

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In an exciting new book from the Edinburg University Press, the English department’s Professor Ed Gieskes provides a fresh way to understand the mutability of genre in early modern theater.

Generic Innovation in Shakespeare and His Contemporaries (2023) investigates the processes by which such genres as romance, tragedy, and comedy were transformed by dramatists in this period. Unlike much prior scholarship, Gieskes’ book contends that such change happened largely as a result of competition within the dramatic field. He draws on the work of Bakhtin and Bourdieu, as well as on theatre history, book history, and literary criticism, to advance an argument about generic change as one effect of dramatists’ creative-combative confrontations with each other in the field of cultural production.

Professor Gieskes has previously written the monograph Representing the Professions (Delaware, 2006) and co-edited (with Kirk Melnikoff) Writing Robert Greene: New Essays on England’s First Notorious Professional Writer (Ashgate, 2008). Recent publications include: “Material and Institutional Contexts of Early Modern Drama: An A-Z” in the Arden Handbook to Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama (Arden Shakespeare, 2022), “‘materia conveniente modis’: Ovid and Drama” in Ovid and Adaptation in Early Modern English Theater (Edinburgh University Press, 2019), “Rumour’s Household: Truth, Memory, Fiction, History” in Shakespeare and Memory (Routledge, 2017), and “Learning and Teaching Resources: History, Politics, and Edward II ” (Arden Shakespeare, 2017).

Generic Innovation in Shakespeare and His Contemporaries  has begun to receive praise from prominent scholars in the field.

For Gieskes, early modern dramatic genres are social: not things to be understood in relation to abstract formal ideals, but processes negotiated within the dynamic contexts of literary production. His rich and wide-ranging book shows how the innovations of Shakespearean drama were the product both of a competitive theatrical marketplace and of a broader, complex, and deeply self-conscious poetic environment.

– Tom Rutter, University of Sheffield

You can click here for further information!

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

Librarians could be criminally charged over 'obscene' books in West Virginia bill

The bill comes amid a national spike in book-banning attempts.

The West Virginia legislature is considering a bill that would remove protections for librarians in case minors come across books that contain what the state considers "obscene" material at their facilities.

The bill passed the House of Delegates on Feb. 16 and has now been introduced in the Senate.

The bill would remove any exemptions from criminal liability for public libraries or museums that display or distribute "obscene matter to a minor."

A librarian or museum who violates these restrictions could be charged with a felony, fined up to $25,000, and sentenced to up to five years in a correctional facility if found guilty.

Critics say the bill would lead to an increase in book challenges and potentially lead to criminal charges against librarians for books that are not pornographic, but books that include sexual content -- including classical literature.

PHOTO: In this Jan. 17, 2020 file photo, the West Virginia State Capitol is seen in Charleston, W.Va.

Obscene matter, as defined in three parts in the state code, applies to matter that: "an average person, applying contemporary adult community standards, would find, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest, is intended to appeal to the prurient interest, or is pandered to a prurient interest."

The definition goes on, adding that: "an average person, applying community standards, would find [that the material] depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexually explicit conduct; and a reasonable person would find, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value."

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The American Library Association (ALA) has found that obscenity allegations have largely been used to challenge books that touch on the LGBTQ+ community, sex education, race and politics.

The bill has prompted debate over concerns about censorship and what students can or cannot have access to.

"It is going to cost our counties and our librarians when these matters go to the court system," said Democratic House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle in a Friday hearing on the bill, according to local news outlet The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. "This is a very dangerous bill."

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Supporters of the bill say that it does not ban books or censor speech because the books can still be bought privately. They say it protects children.

"What this bill does do is stop obscene and pornographic material, sexually explicit materials from being available to children in public taxpayer-funded spaces," said Republican Del. Elliott Pritt in the Friday hearing, according to The Parkersburg News and Sentinel.

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Preliminary ALA data found that in the first eight months of 2023, attempts to censor library materials increased 20% from the same reporting period in 2022, which saw the highest number of book challenges since the organization began compiling the data over 20 years ago.

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  1. 20 Indispensable High School Reads

    literature books in high school

  2. Pin on Books To Read

    literature books in high school

  3. 26 Contemporary Books That Should Be Taught In High School

    literature books in high school

  4. 10 Must Read Classics for High School

    literature books in high school

  5. Classic Literature for High Schoolers

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  6. 16 "Assigned-Reading" Books You Loved in High School

    literature books in high school

COMMENTS

  1. 50 classics from (almost) everyone's high school reading list

    While more high school curriculums should include modern, diverse writers like Amy Tan and Malala Yousafzai, certain classics—like John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" and Sandra Cisneros' "The House on Mango Street"—endure. Some even make a comeback.

  2. The 31 Best Books to Read in High School

    Coursework/GPA A huge number of books exist out there, ready and waiting for you to read them. Whether you prefer manga or ancient, epic poems, reading is great for all sorts of reasons What follows is a list of highly beneficial books to read in high school (or after!).

  3. Required Reading in High School (802 books)

    A list of books that you were required to read in high school. flag All Votes Add Books To This List ← Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next → 802 books · 1,219 voters · list created July 30th, 2008 by Jade (votes) .

  4. 20 Indispensable High School Reads

    Only three of the works on the list could be considered recent, appearing within the last 20 years: Stephen Chbosky's epistolary novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower (1999); Marjane Satrapi's graphic memoir Persepolis, about growing up during the Iranian Revolution (2000-03); and Cormac McCarthy's brutal, dark novel The Road (2006).

  5. Books Every High School Student Should Read

    What SHOULD you have read in high school? Two questions that likely have varying answers. flag All Votes Add Books To This List ← Previous 1 2 Next → 197 books · 161 voters · list created January 12th, 2011 by Katlyn (votes) .

  6. 20 American Literary Classics Every High School Student Should Read

    20 American Literary Classics Every High School Student Should Read by Alana Domingo Like the country itself, American literature is a rich and diverse landscape. Since the founding of the United States, authors, poets, and playwrights of all backgrounds have played a role in shaping the nation's culture and identity.

  7. 25 Essential High School Reads From the Last Decade

    The Top 25 Indispensable High School Reads 1. The Hate U Give Angie Thomas's emotionally wrenching debut novel finds Starr, an African American teen, torn between the affluent, predominantly white school she attends and the impoverished neighborhood where she lives.

  8. 25 Modern Literature Classics for High School Students

    Lord Byron, Shelley, Keats, Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Blake explored feelings and beauty with poems such as "Ode to a Nightingale," "Ozymandias," "I Wandered Lonely As a Cloud," "Kubla Khan," and "A Red, Red Rose.". Possibly the most famous dystopian novel, Orwell wrote this book in 1948.

  9. High School Literature Books

    High School Literature Books Showing 1-50 of 524 Of Mice and Men (Paperback) by John Steinbeck (shelved 12 times as high-school-literature) avg rating 3.88 — 2,513,127 ratings — published 1937 Want to Read Rate this book 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars Animal Farm (Mass Market Paperback) by George Orwell

  10. 20 Must-Read Classic Novels for High School Students

    Looking for some of the best classic novels for high school students? Check out this list of classic novels that are sure to engage your readers: The Color Purple by Alice Walker The Color Purple is a story about coming of age experiences, domestic abuse, misogyny, race, and freedom.

  11. 20 Contemporary Books for Your High School Reading List

    Literature 20 Contemporary Books for Your High School Reading List by Alana Domingo All across the country, contemporary books are quickly joining the ranks of the classics on high school reading lists, and for good reason.

  12. The Most Commonly Read Books in High School

    Commonly Read High School Books. Here are some of the books that most often appear on high school reading lists: Shakespeare's Macbeth is on most schools' lists. This play was mostly written when Scottish James I ascended the throne of England, much to many Englishmen's chagrin, and it tells the tale of Macbeth's fearful regicide and his ...

  13. High School Reading List: 25 Books to Read Now

    The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton Synopsis: The story of a well-born but impoverished young woman navigating New York City's world of high society. Why it's important: This is an insightful character study that helps readers to better understand character, point-of-view, and theme. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

  14. 31 Student-Approved Books to Read for High School

    There is a growing pool of great books that students love reading. And this is my personal favorite category, so it comes first! Delirium. Delirium is a part of a trilogy along with subsequent books Pandemonium and Requiem. Dystopia, forbidden love, resistance, rebellion. Teen readers eat these up!

  15. 21 classic books that you read in high school

    From F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" to John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" to Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman," these books take us straight back to our high school English and American literature classes and to nostalgic memories of those books forever sitting in our backpacks. September 6 is National Read A ...

  16. Common Core Texts for High School

    Nature (from Second Series) Ralph Waldo Emerson This is an excerpt from Ralph Waldo Emerson's collection of essays. His writings and the concept of transcendentalism are typically studied by high school students grades 9-10. Prudence Ralph Waldo Emerson This is an excerpt from Ralph Waldo Emerson's collection of essays.

  17. 18 Trending Books for Today's High School Students

    In this School Library Journal and Stonewall Honor Book for exceptional LGBT literature for teens, twins Jude and Noah are inseparable. Both are budding artists who, with their mother's encouragement, aspire to attend a prestigious art school. But in the span of three years, the two are barely speaking, a devastating event having torn them apart.

  18. Great Books High School 9-12 • The Great Books Foundation

    The Great Books High School program combines high-quality literature, student-centered discussion, and activities that support reading comprehension, critical thinking, speaking and listening, and writing. We provide outstanding classroom materials and inspiring professional development.

  19. 12 Great Options of High School Literature Curriculum

    BJU Press Literature for Junior and Senior High. This is one of my favorite because it's so comprehensive in the variety of genre. Memoria Press is another one I've used and although they've updated through the years, I still love their guides.; Stobaugh is another keeper which has been around for years.It's comprehensive and takes more of a classical approach.

  20. 50 of the Most Essential High School Stories

    It's also a complicated, messy time in life in which one grows from the end of childhood to the cusp of adulthood, so there's a lot of feelings to unpack. The result is that hundreds of books have been written about high school…but these are the 50 most essential, the ones who really get it right and have something to say. Hardcover $17. ...

  21. Classic Literature for High Schoolers

    Classic Literature for High Schoolers: Here are some of our favorites from this year's book list. My son is currently working through the 9th grade Sonlight curriculum. Oliver Twist. Jane Eyre. A Christmas Carol. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Pictures of Hollis Woods. Pilgrim's Progress.

  22. 15 Books By Latinx Writers That Every High Schooler Should Read

    Julia Alvarez is the author of numerous novels, including How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and Yo!, but In the Time of the Butterflies — the story of the Mirabal sisters, set during the ...

  23. The 100 Best Classic Books to Read

    14. The Call of the Wild (Reader's Library Classics) by Jack London. London's American classic is the bildungsroman of Buck: a St. Bernard/Scotch Collie mix who must adapt to life as a sled dog after a domesticated upbringing. Thrown into a harsh new reality, he must trust his instincts to survive.

  24. Lesson in Lunacy: 10 High School Books That Are Disturbingly Out ...

    In education, the content and context of high school literature have come under scrutiny. As society progresses and perspectives shift, there is an increasing need to reevaluate the books that ...

  25. Department of English Language and Literature

    In an exciting new book from the Edinburg University Press, the English department's Professor Ed Gieskes provides a fresh way to understand the mutability of genre in early modern theater. Generic Innovation in Shakespeare and His Contemporaries (2023) investigates the processes by which such genres as romance, tragedy, and comedy were ...

  26. Librarians could be criminally charged over 'obscene' books in West

    Schools and libraries nationwide have seen a massive increase in book-banning efforts and complaints relating to topics like racism, race, sexual orientation, gender and more, according to the ALA.