This text focuses on the love story of two teenagers who fall in love but are caught in a feud between two families and a society that is dominated by religion, familial ties and loyalty. The two young lovers are forced to risk it all in order to be together. This piece would work well in an Intermediate class because it requires a higher-level skill to decipher the complex plot and language in order to understand the text.

Contemporary Literature text:
The Help. Kathryn Stockett.

Set in the 1960’s, it features the lives of African American maids working in white households. It follows the daughter of a white family who owns a cotton farm. She starts off writing a column for the local newspaper, which later turns into a novel about the African American maids and their experiences working for the white families in Mississippi. This text deals with broader themes such as racism and inequality that students at the Intermediate level would be able to cognitively understand. It also offers historical context during this significant and powerful time period.

Literature supporting cultural diversity:
I am Malala. Malala Yousafazai. 

I am Malala is a biography about Malala Yousafazai, a young female Pakistani student, who was attacked by the Taliban because of her advocacy for female rights and education. Her survival story has transformed into a world-renowned symbol for peace and activism winning her the Nobel Prize Laureate.  This is a good choice to bring into the Intermediate classroom because it gives students the opportunity to learn about a different culture that is not of the mainstream culture – allowing them to see the workings of the world. Although harsh, the biography can also serve to empower students to become active citizens and make a difference.

Graphic novel:
Epileptic. David Beauchard. 

The comic tells the author’s life story and his relationship with his brother, Jean-Christophe, who has epilepsy. It follows their family as they seek medicine to cure the condition. The author writes about how, as a youth, he slowly became obsessed with cartoons, mythology and war as a coping mechanism during this hard time. I chose this text because it brings awareness to individuals with special needs in the unconventional form of a comic book. The blend of a literal representation and the expressive visuals of this psychological distortion will help Intermediate students visually see and gain a better understanding of the condition, which can lead to discussions about other exceptionalities, stigma, and organizations like Bell Let's Talk that support and break the silence around mental illnesses. 

Young adult fiction text:
The Giver. Lois Lowry. 

This is a story set in a society that at-first-glance appears to be a utopia but is unveiled to be a place of dystopia. The novel follows a boy named Jonas who is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memory, one who stores all the past memories of the time before the government converted the society to ‘sameness’ in hopes to promote equality, order and eliminate pain.  This is a great text to bring into the Intermediate classroom because it can open up powerful discussions about power, authority and personal freedoms. It will challenge students to reflect on their relationships to people and authority. 

-Alejandra

Novel : “Of Mice and Men”

Author: John Steinbeck

Grade 8 or 9

Plot Summary:

Of Mice and Men is about two outsiders looking to find their calling in a unforgiving world. Moving from place to place looking for work, George and is friend Lennie have nothing but a dream to someday own land of their own. They eventually do yet, struggle to make it ahead due to a difficult climate. Of mice and men covers themes including friendship , a shared vision and it gives a glimpse into America’s dispossessed.

(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/890.Of_Mice_and_Men)

Why?

Grade 8 students often form friendships out of similar interests and  shared visions of their peers. Of Mice and Men’s themes are present in every middle school classroom. Facing adversity is something we all face, it is every changing 

Contemporary Literature Text 

Novel :Speak

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

Grade 9 or 10

"Speak up for yourself--we want to know what you have to say." From the first moment of her freshman year at Merryweather High, Melinda knows this is a big fat lie, part of the nonsense of high school. She is friendless, outcast, because she busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops, so now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen to her. As time passes, she becomes increasingly isolated and practically stops talking altogether. Only her art class offers any solace, and it is through her work on an art project that she is finally able to face what really happened at that terrible party: she was raped by an upperclassman, a guy who still attends Merryweather and is still a threat to her. Her healing process has just begun when she has another violent encounter with him. But this time Melinda fights back, refuses to be silent, and thereby achieves a measure of vindication. In Laurie Halse Anderson's powerful novel, an utterly believable heroine with a bitterly ironic voice delivers a blow to the hypocritical world of high school. She speaks for many a disenfranchised teenager while demonstrating the importance of speaking up for oneself.”

(https://www.amazon.ca/Speak-Laurie-Halse-Anderson/dp/0312674392)

Why?

The plot line of this story could be an interesting read for 9 or 10 graders because it takes place in their world. Making connections to the realities of the world around us helps us better understand how to live. Learning to Speak” up for ourselves in appropriate ways is a vital component to successful learning and relationship building. 

Cultural Diversity 

 Novel: Life of Pi

Author: Yann Martel

Grade 7 or 8

Life of Pi is a fantasy adventure novel by Yann Martel published in 2001. The protagonist, Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel, a Tamil boy from Pondicherry, explores issues of spirituality and practicality from an early age. He survives 227 days after a shipwreck while stranded on a boat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.

Why?

Life of Pi presents the culture of Tamil through the eyes of Pi. The adventure he faces brings out the best in him. I would love the opportunity for students to make text to self connections with Pi. Learning that even though we all experience life in differently we go through the same battles. I would also like students to write about comparisons between the setting of the novel to the movie.

Graphic Novel 

Novel: Wool

Author: Hugh Howey

Grade 8 or 9

“This is the story of mankind clawing for survival, of mankind on the edge. The world outside has grown unkind, the view of it limited, talk of it forbidden. But there are always those who hope, who dream. These are the dangerous people, the residents who infect others with their optimism. Their punishment is simple. They are given the very thing they profess to want: They are allowed outside.”

(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18881672-wool)

Why?

The plot line of this novel is captivating. Being pushed to the limits is something that appeals to Intermediate students. Hoping and dreaming are to major components of this Novel as well and adolescence. I really chose this Novel for the potential connections that students could make.

Young Adult Fiction 

Novel: A Wrinkle in Time

Author: Madeleine L'Engle

Grade: 7/8

 

“It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger. 

"Wild nights are my glory," the unearthly stranger told them. "I just got caught in a downdraft and blown off course. Let me be on my way. Speaking of way, by the way, there is such a thing as a tesseract".

Meg's father had been experimenting with this fifth dimension of time travel when he mysteriously disappeared. Now the time has come for Meg, her friend Calvin, and Charles Wallace to rescue him. But can they outwit the forces of evil they will encounter on their heart-stopping journey through space?”

(http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18131.A_Wrinkle_in_Time)

Why?

I have used this book as a class Novel for my grade 7/8 class. The students loved the figurative language that brings the Novel to life. Teaching the elements of a short story and extension writing activities based on the Novel can be creative. My students enjoyed the adventurous  fast paced story line . Each chapter left them wanting more. As a result students were actively engaged in the learning process.

Cheers
Anthony

Romeo and Juliet, by Shakespeare.
 This is a classic tale of two feuding families in the historical city of Verona. This classic romantic tragedy is a tangled web of love, despair, revenge and an ending that crosses generations of readers.

WHY? This is a classic component of the English classroom because it is so versatile and appropriate throughout the language curriculum. With the variety of pre conceptions from spin offs, extensions, and renditions, there is a lot of play to build up a unit surrounding a story like this. The sky is the limit!   

CONTEMPORARY TEXT

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, by John Boyne

This is another story of unlikely friendship between two boys (a Jewish boy in a concentration camp and the son of the camp’s commandment). These boys conquer their own battles as individuals and together, with a friendship of innocence and unity. 

WHY? I had a hard time picking a contemporary text for this category, so I talked to the students. This book stood out as a highlight for them. This book is a rather raw dose of reality for learners who have yet to understand the truth of this time in history. Typically read in Grades 7 or 8, this book has great cross curricular potential. 

SUPPORTING CULTURAL DIVERSITY

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini  

The journey of two boys (one the son of a wealthy man and the other the son of a servant) who form an unlikely friendship in Afghanistan during an era of devastation and destruction. A story about cruel times overcome by the reining power of love, this story of friendship opens our minds to cultural diversity and empathy. 

WHY? Another classic in the classroom, this book is supported by abundant resources and connections to the curriculum. This book is a very real and empathetic support of cultural diversity in the classroom. The journey through childhood  offers direct association to intermediate level learners.  

GRAPHIC NOVEL

A Complete Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi

This is a story about a young girl’s complex journey through life in Iran during and after the Islamic revolution. Written with a balance of humour, humility and factual events, this book offers a full 360 degrees into a cultural and specifically youthful interpretation of a life journey. 

WHY? I would use this book with intermediate readers in the higher grades. This books hits a lot of curriculum expectations. The story itself is very engaging and is told in a unique way the exemplifies learning for the reader as well. She walks through he thought processes and how she deals with challenging situations. It is a very well guided read. 

YOUNG ADULT FICTION TEXT

Holes, by Louis Sachar

A classic underdog story, this novel is about a troubled boy who finds himself in a detention facility with a lot of secrets to uncover. Stanley navigates through his own family curse and works to uncover the hidden secrets while keeping up with the digging of a lot of… holes.

WHY? As far as engagement goes, this book is closer to the top of my list. It was highly recommended by colleagues across a lot of age groups, but relates specifically to young adults and youth. With a lot of resources out there to support this book in the classroom, it is one of the more popular books in 7 – 8 classrooms. 

- - Sarah Lennox

 

Title/Author: The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

Summary: The Catcher in the Rye is a classic novel that has a controversial history. It follows the emotional journey of a troubled teenager, Holden Caulfield, who has been expelled for his negative attitude and poor behaviour. After a series of altercations, Holden finds himself in New York City, where he continues to cause trouble but also begins to find some sort of understanding of himself.     

 

Why? I selected this text for intermediate learners because of its protagonist. Though Holden himself may not be the most relatable character, the angst and confusion he experiences certainly is for Intermediate-aged students (particularly those in grades 9 and 10. Towards the end of the novel, Holden expresses his desire to save or “catch” children in the rye, a metaphor for helping them maintain their innocence. Though I certainly was not a rebellious student, I remember reading these words and resonating with them wholeheartedly. In the midst of his emotions, Holden’s epiphany is inspiring. The text also presents the opportunity to discuss mental health and behaviour with students, which is so important at this stage. 

 

Contemporary Literature Text

 

Title/Author: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

Summary: Based on the Lima Crisis (1997), Bel Canto tracks the relationships between a group of South American terrorists and their hostages. Throughout the novel, friendships and romances unfold as cross-cultural differences fade. The ending is both tragic and surprising, leaving readers empathizing with both groups.  

 

Why? I would read this text with Intermediate students because of the discussions it would stimulate. A more mature read, my grade 10 English teacher assigned it towards the end of the year. Most of us had never heard of the novel and were reluctant to read it, but none of us could put it down. The characters were developed so fully that we were desperate to know what happened to them next. This book has something to engage everyone (romance, thrill, etc.). It is the type of novel that would inspire complex character maps! 
 

Literature that Supports Cultural Diversity

 

Title/Author: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai 
 Summary: Malala’s autobiography is an inspiring read that exposes students to some of the things we take for granted in our part of the world. When Malala was a young girl in Pakistan, she was shot for standing up for her right to an education. She later became an activist and author, who continues to advocate for women’s rights, in spite of the Taliban’s continued threats. The autobiography outlines her family history and life thus far. 

 

Why? Though I have only had the experience of reading the book as an adult, my cousin, who is in grade 7, read the book with her class. She was shocked to learn that education is not a given for girls all over the world. Malala writes in such a relatable way that the book appeals to adolescent and adult readers alike. Though she is critical of some aspects of her culture, she also explains the Muslim values and traditions that she treasures, exposing readers to a balanced and informed perspective. 

 

Graphic Novel

 

Title/Author: Frankenstein by Gris Grimly

Summary: This graphic novel is an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein, a tale about a scientist who inadvertently creates a monster. Throughout the novel, readers empathize with Victor Frankenstein, the scientist, whose creation wreaks havoc on his life (and everyone else’s). 

 

Why? I chose this text because the illustrations are an exciting way to introduce Intermediate readers to a complex literary classic. Though I have not read it myself, I imagine that Grimly’s work would enliven Shelley’s words, simultaneously evoking fear and sympathy in young readers. Not only would it expose readers to Shelley’s canonical text, but also, I imagine it would inspire a creative analysis from adolescent readers. 

 

Young Adult Fiction Text

 

Title/Author: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 

Summary: In this coming of age novel, Charlie navigates adolescence with the help of his quirky new friends. Through his ups and downs, readers learn about Charlie’s challenging past as he approaches adulthood. 

 

Why? Though another mature read, I would like to read this text with Intermediate students because of the lessons to be learned from Charlie’s blossoming friendships. Moreover, in light of its popular film adaptation, I believe there is potential for media connections (i.e. contrasting the depiction of the characters in both works). 

Mary Shelley- Frankenstein (grade 9 or 10)

 

Summary: A young student of natural philosophy learns the secret of imparting life to a creature constructed from the relics of the dead, with horrific consequences.  Frankenstein confronts some of the most feared innovations of evolutionism: topics such as degeneracy, hereditary disease and mankind’s status as a species of animal. 

 

Reasoning:  This text has a complex plot line that incorporates many different themes for students to relate to.  Outside of its literary canonical value, I have chosen this book for two other reasons.  The first is to spark the idea of students to challenge the meanings that have been socially constructed to words.  (Ex: Frankenstein- this word or name to most people, has come to represent the monster, which is incorrect).  I would use this text to start the discussion of other words or names whose meanings have been transformed by society.  I think this also could tie nicely to the current topics in science of genetic engineering and modification. How can we connect this fictional text to what is currently happening in the world?

 

 

Sharon Draper- Out of My Mind (grade 7 or 8)

 

Summary: Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. Her head is like a video camera that is always recording. Always. And there’s no delete button. She is the smartest kid in her school- but no one knows it. Most people- her teachers and doctors included- don’t think she’s capable of learning, and up until recently her school days consisted of listening to the same preschool level alphabet lessons again and again and again.  If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows…but she can’t, because Melody can’t talk. She can’t walk. She can’t write. Being stuck insider her head is making Melody go out of her mind- that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice…but not everyone around her is ready to hear it. 

 

Reasoning:  I came across this book during a supply call. It was being used as a read-aloud for a grade 7 class.   I read three chapters in the middle of the book and went home to order it for myself.  This book is a great way to meaningfully discuss intellectual and physical differences in the classroom.  This novel is written for students, teachers and parents so it also comes with meaningful discussion, response questions and activities at the back of the book which encourage students to put themselves in the shoes of another. 

 

 

Margot Lee Setterly- Hidden Figures (grade 9 or 10)

 

Summary: Starting with the World War 2, and moving through the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movements and the Space Race, this book follows the interwoven accounts of Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Christine Darden- four African American women who participated in some of NASAs greatest successes. It chronicles their careers over nearly three decades as they faces challenges, forged alliances, and use their intellect to change their own lives and their country’s future. 

 

Reasoning: I have chosen this book (which is on my summer reading list) to open up the discussion for racial inequalities in the work place (and in general).  I see opportunities for meaningful discussions with this topic and also some cross-curricular connections (history, science, etc.)

 

Chris Ware- Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth

Summary: Jimmy is an awkward and cheerless character with an overbearing mother and a very limited social life who attempts to escape his unhappiness via an active imagination that gets him into awkward situations.

 

Reasoning:  Confession: I have never read a graphic novel.  Selecting this one was very difficult for me. However, I liked the summary of this story.  It seems to be relatable for pre-teens and teens. Even if they do not have an overbearing mother and limited social life, many adolescents experience feelings of unhappiness and a need to get away from their lives. This could spark conversations surrounding mental health and finding healthy outlets to express yourself. 

Deborah Ellis- Looking for X (Grade 7 or 8)

 

Summary: This novel is about an eleven-year-old girl named Khyber that lives in a poorer area, in Toronto. She lives there with her mother and her twin brothers who are both autistic. One day Khyber shows up at school and is accused of breaking the windows of her teacher's classroom. When she is expelled she sets off in the middle of the night to find her friend X, a homeless woman who lives in the park across the street from her house. She is the only one that can clear Khyber's name. She spends all night wandering the streets in search of X and has the adventure of a lifetime.

This novel is about an eleven-year-old girl named Khyber that lives in a poorer area, Regent Park, in Toronto, Ontario. She lives there with her mother and her twin brothers who are both autistic. One day Khyber shows up at school and is accused of breaking the windows of her teacher's classroom. When she is expelled she sets off in the middle of the night to find her friend X, a homeless woman who lives in the park across the street from her house. She is the only one that can clear Khyber's name. She spends all night wandering the streets in search of X and has the adventure of a lifetime.

 

Reasoning: I read this book during my B.Ed degree and it was used as a case study for how to handle this type of situation.  I loved the story and thought it would be great to introduce into an elementary classroom to talk about assumptions we make based on appearances. I think it is also a great way to introduce predictions as we try to figure out who has committed this crime.