There are certain books in our literary history that high schoolers should read. Maybe they tell a great story that teens should hear, or perhaps they are just masterpieces that everyone should be exposed to. Read on to find out the 7 Must-Read Books for High Schoolers. If you homeschool you should strongly consider adding these to your curriculum!
- To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee: This classic American masterpiece is a must read for any student of American literature. It follows a trial of a black man on fabricated rape charges though the eyes of Scout, a little girl who is a main character. It is a fascinating book that will inspire conversation and thought.
- Nineteen Eighty-Four, by George Orwell: A terrifying prophecy of the future that will keep you captivated with your jaw dropped the entire time. A world where Big Brother is always watching you. This should be a must read for every high school student.
- Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury: What if books were banned and TV was all that was allowed? That is the world, Guy Montag, a fireman, lives in. He never questions burning books homes which contain secret books until one day when he meets a woman named Clarisse. Then one day, not only does she disappear but Guy’s wife commits suicide. Now he is the one hiding books and now running for his life. This is a page turner that will keep you on your toes.
- The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak: Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living in Munich in 1939. She is a book thief. She just cannot resist books and even sneaks them for neighbors and the Jewish man living in her basement. The book is beautifully written. The author’s mastery of the written word will make this an asset to your student’s library.
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams: Do you want to travel the galaxy experiencing hilarious adventures and meeting people like the man who wonders why there are no ball point pens? Just pick up a copy of this book and get ready to laugh with and sometimes at Arthur Dent and his pal Ford Perfect.
- Flowers of Algernon, by Daniel Keyes: What do you think would change if you suddenly became a genius? Would your life improve? Well, Charlie gets that chance to find out. In the beginning of the book, Charlie has an IQ of 68 but through an experimental surgery, his IQ shoots up to 185 in a manner of weeks. The book is written in journal entries by Charlie throughout the experiment to improve his intelligence. The book is heartbreaking as Charlie discovers that being intelligent didn’t mean being happy.
- Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher: The theme of this book is suicide, so take note of that if needed. Clay Jenson receives a mysterious package which contains a cassette. He plays the cassette, and is shocked to hear the voice of Hannah Baker, a girl from school who committed suicide. On the tape, she discusses the 13 people, of which Clay is one, who she feels were responsible for her suicide. The book is compelling and impossible to put down. The author crafts a story and characters that you can visualize in your head while using few descriptions.
Print these cute bookmarks to help your high schoolers get these books read!
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