After the break we will be doing a novel study and you will have the chance to choose from one of the following three books. Each student will be working within small groups to understand and analyze the themes, characters and plot of one's chosen novel. Please discuss with your parents your choice to ensure its appropriateness (your parents may wish to read your book choice in advance). We will begin the novel study at the beginning of November, and we ask you to wait until we begin the novel study to read the book.
Of Mice and Men
They
are an unlikely pair: George is "small and quick and dark of face";
Lennie, a man of tremendous size, has the mind of a young child. Yet
they have formed a "family," clinging together in the face of lonelinss
and alienation.Laborers in California's dusty vegetable fields, they
hustle work when they can, living a hand-to-mouth existence. For George
and Lennie have a plan: to own an acre of land and a shack they can
call their own. When they land jobs on a ranch in the Salinas Valley,
the fulfillment of their dream seems to be within their grasp. But even
George cannot guard Lennie from the provocations of a flirtatious
woman, nor predict the consequences of Lennie's unswerving obedience to
the things George taught him.
Things to be aware of: This is a classic novel, considered one of the most iconic novels from the 20th century; winner of a Nobel Prize in Literature, the reading level and quality of this novel is not to be understated - this book has changed lives and the shape of modern English. However, there is a significant amount of swearing and cursing, as well as a lot of violence combined with a disturbing ending.
Things to be aware of: This is a classic novel, considered one of the most iconic novels from the 20th century; winner of a Nobel Prize in Literature, the reading level and quality of this novel is not to be understated - this book has changed lives and the shape of modern English. However, there is a significant amount of swearing and cursing, as well as a lot of violence combined with a disturbing ending.
Tomorrow, When the War Began
When
Ellie and her friends go camping, they have no idea they’re leaving
their old lives behind forever. Despite a less-than-tragic food
shortage and a secret crush or two, everything goes as planned. But a
week later, they return home to find their houses empty and their pets
starving. Something has gone wrong—horribly wrong. Before long, they
realize the country has been invaded, and the entire town has been
captured—including their families and all their friends. Ellie and the
other survivors face an impossible decision: they can flee for the
mountains or surrender. Or they can fight.
Things to be aware of: This is a fantastic series for fans of The Hunger Games. Wonderful characters, and an exciting plot line with diverse teens struggling to overcome a dystopian kind of world. There is also a second part to this book if you find it as exciting as I'm promising it will be.
Things to be aware of: This is a fantastic series for fans of The Hunger Games. Wonderful characters, and an exciting plot line with diverse teens struggling to overcome a dystopian kind of world. There is also a second part to this book if you find it as exciting as I'm promising it will be.
Ender's Game
Once
again, the Earth is under attack. Alien "buggers" are poised for a
final assault. The survival of the human species depends on a military
genius who can defeat the buggers. But who? Ender Wiggin. Brilliant.
Ruthless. Cunning. A tactical and strategic master. And a child.
Recruited for military training by the world government, Ender's
childhood ends the moment he enters his new home: Battleschool. Among
the elite recruits Ender proves himself to be a genius among geniuses.
In simulated war games he excels. But is the pressure and loneliness
taking its toll on Ender? Simulations are one thing. How will Ender
perform in real combat conditions? After all, Battleschool is just a
game. Right?
Things to be aware of: This book has won three distinguishing Science Fiction awards, as well as having a movie coming out early next year. This reading is often used in grade 10 classrooms, with well developed characters and a plot that is exciting and engaging. However, there is some strong language, and three instances of child-on-child graphic violence.
Things to be aware of: This book has won three distinguishing Science Fiction awards, as well as having a movie coming out early next year. This reading is often used in grade 10 classrooms, with well developed characters and a plot that is exciting and engaging. However, there is some strong language, and three instances of child-on-child graphic violence.
