Description

Set in Galilee around 30 A.D., this Newberry Award-winning novel chronicles the journey of Daniel bar Jamin as he pursues his goal of avenging his father’s death at the hands of Roman soldiers. As he relentlessly seeks revenge, he encounters the compelling teachings of a rabbi from Capernaum whose message both frustrates and intrigues Daniel. This novel is action-packed yet filled with memorable characters and meaningful relationships.

Reason For Teaching

This novel will introduce students to reading a full-length classic together. We will focus on learning and applying basic literary analysis terms, analyzing characters, and respectfully discussing a well-known piece of literature. Its high-interest plot and accessible style will build students’ enthusiasm for literature and lay a solid foundation for the year, while its biblical themes of loyalty, friendship, and the deadliness of bitterness will strengthen their biblical worldview.

Description

This riveting novel set during the French Revolution captures the escapades of the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel, known throughout France for orchestrating daring escapes of French aristocrats who face the guillotine. Its memorable characters and mysterious intrigue make for suspenseful and engaging reading.

Reason For Teaching

This novel will further the first-semester goal in this course by presenting students with a high-interest, action-packed plot that will expose them to outstanding writing and spark dynamic discussion of plot, literary devices, and characters. They will also learn life lessons through thought-provoking themes such as the power of trust and clear communication in relationships. The reading level and themes in The Scarlet Pimpernel show a clear progression from the first novel and will serve as a bridge between the first- and second- semester novels in the course.

Disclaimer

The novel contains some mild profanity and revolutionary violence (which is not gratuitous). Some characters also drink alcohol.

Description

“Fictionalized autobiography” is what Jean Fritz calls her short memoir that reflects on growing up in China as a young girl during the Communist Revolution. Frankly told, she shares her memories of navigating life in China—and eventually moving to the United States—as an American born in China to missionary parents. Fritz also explains how she took her own experiences and turned them into a slightly fictionalized story, while remaining true to life.

Reason For Teaching

This memoir is an imaginative, yet thoughtful personal narrative from the perspective of an adolescent. Students will use this book as a tool to learn about personal narratives—specifically how to use a story to make a point—and practice their literary analysis skills as they examine the storytelling methods employed. This memoir provides clear examples of how an author can reflect on everyday scenarios in a way that is thoughtful, relatable, and humorous. It models the skills students will be required to use when writing their own short personal narrative.

Disclaimer

This book interacts with many questions common to childhood, such as encountering different cultures, not fitting in, bullying, and standing up for what you believe in. It notes some of the racial prejudice she encountered (the book uses one racial slur); racism is clearly shown to be wrong. At one point, the author shares that she wanted a new name as she didn’t think hers was “American enough.” There are a few references to Chinese deities and war violence, and the author experiences the loss of her baby sister.

Description

A unique version of personal narrative, this short story is about a boy who is not excited by a writing assignment, but discovers he enjoys writing poetry and meets his new favorite poet.

Reason For Teaching

This book provides a unique view of a personal narrative, employing literary terms students will be learning about. It also gracefully and tactfully addresses the idea of being inspired by an author, while not plagiarizing and giving credit when due. Students will compare Love that Dog with Homesick as they learn about personal narratives.

Description

Scout and Jem grow up in 1930s Maycomb County, Alabama, in a neighborhood where everyone knows everyone else—except for their mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley. When their father, Atticus Finch, a respected attorney, takes on a controversial client, the siblings are exposed to the deep underlying judgment and prejudice plaguing the community. They come to know their neighbors in unexpected ways as they face harsh realities and even danger in this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Reason For Teaching

This novel is both engaging and full of thought-provoking characters and events. Its language is both rich and accessible. We will study it toward the end of the year when students are better equipped to appreciate its literary qualities and to discuss and respond to its complex themes. Despite the fact that the novel deals with prejudice and a rape trial, these themes are presented in an appropriate manner through the eyes of two adolescents. The novel delivers powerful, positive moral lessons that are very worthwhile and accessible to students.

Disclaimer

Mild profanity is sprinkled throughout the book. There are also multiple uses of the n-word and its variants, as the novel truly captures the racial prejudice of 1930s Alabama. Racism is clearly shown as wrong, and the key moral lesson is the inherent value of every human being. An important part of the story is a trial scene in which a character accuses another character of rape. Pages detailing this scene will be shared with parents in advance, so parents can discuss them with their students as they see fit.

This companion DVD set is optional if a parent is interested in supplemental material. It will not be used or referenced during the course. It can be found on the Demme Learning website.