Hey guys, I'm a huge bookworm and I'm planning on reading ahead this summer. I'd really appreciate it if you could tell me what the most commonly taught books are in high school. I want to get a head start and maybe even find some new favorites. Thanks!
Sure, I'd be happy to help guide your high school reading list! While the exact books taught can vary considerably from high school to high school, some classics are often included in many U.S. high school curriculums. Here's a short list to get you started:
- "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel delves into themes of racism and morality in the American South.
- "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Often taught to delve into themes of the American Dream and decadence in the Jazz Age.
- "1984" by George Orwell: This dystopian novel explores themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, and individuality.
- "Romeo and Juliet" or "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare: Many high schools choose to introduce Shakespeare through one of these plays.
- "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding: Using a group of stranded boys as a microcosm, the novel explores the innate savagery within humanity.
- "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger: This classic explores themes of teenage angst and alienation.
- "Of Mice and Men" or "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck: Often used to discuss themes of friendship, dreams, and inequality during the Great Depression period.
But remember, the English curriculum can be different across schools and even between teachers within the same school, so don't consider this list to be all-inclusive or definitive. Enjoy your reading!
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