Dystopian literature, especially in the young-adult genre, has exploded in popularity in recent years. If you’re considering bringing these titles into your curriculum, you’re not alone. Many educators are turning to dystopian books like The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Giver to spark deep discussions about power, government, individuality, and resistance. Ready to dive into a dystopian unit? There’s never been a better time to explore this genre in your classroom.
1984
Totalitarian Government • Censorship • Surveillance State • Culture of Fear • Erasure of History
George Orwell's speculation on government's ability to control citizens is still relevant today, and the book continues to be a favorite in schools. In 1984, the world has been carved into three superstates locked in endless conflict. The protagonist, Winston Smith, lives in Oceania, which is led by the totalitarian Party under the leadership of Big Brother. Amid this oppressive society, Winston quietly rebels and questions the Party's control. But when his defiance is exposed, Winston must confront the crushing force of a regime determined to destroy his individuality.
The Handmaid's Tale
Totalitarian Government • Feminist Theory • Surveillance State • Theocratic State
Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel is set in the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic dictatorship ruled by religious extremists and plagued by widespead infertility. Women who have been proved fertile are forced to serve as "handmaids," valued only for their ability to bear children for the elite. Narrated by one downtrodden handmaid named Offred, the book weaves between her present life under Gilead’s control and haunting memories of the freedom she once had before the rise of the regime. This novel is sure to spark classroom discussions and student responses.
Brave New World
Population Control • Anti-intellectualism • Constant Consumption • Entertainment as Escapism
Originally published in 1932, Brave New World depicts a dystopian future in which humans are genetically designed and are willing to go along with an authoritarian government that rules the entire world. However, two men—Bernard and Helmholtz—become increasingly disillusioned with their roles in society, feeling unable to express themselves freely. And when John, a man raised outside the World State, is introduced to this seemingly perfect civilization, everything is thrown into chaos.
Fahrenheit 451
Totalitarian Government • Censorship • Anti-intellectualism • Entertainment as Escapism
Ray Bradbury's surreal tale of a dystopian future where reading is eschewed and books are burned is one of science fiction's enduring classics. Guy Montag is a fireman, but instead of fighting blazes, firemen like him burn down buildings harboring books. One day, Montag speaks with Clarisse, his eccentric neighbor that lives life in her own way. After their conversation, Montag begins to question his own happiness, and after a series of events, he finds himself owning illegal books. But his act of rebellion fundamentally changes his life, and in turn, society at large.
The Giver
Totalitarian Government • Erasure of History • Descruction of Individuality
The Giver is an interesting read with significant topics for discussion, such as whether sameness is good and suffering is bad and how tradition can be used as a controlling mechanism in society. Eleven-year-old Jonas lives in a community where the Elders make every decision, from assigning jobs and arranging families to monitoring daily life to ensure total conformity. Jonas is given the rare role of Receiver of Memory, tasked with inheriting all the past emotions and experiences that the rest of society has been shielded from. As he begins training with the current Receiver, Jonas is exposed to memories of joy, pain, love, and loss. These powerful experiences open his eyes to the truth behind his seemingly perfect world.
The Hunger Games
Totalitarian Government • Extreme Economic Inequality • Reality Television
This dystopian novel set in the not-so-distant future is filled with fast-paced action and suspense that will enthrall readers from the first few pages. The Hunger Games takes place in Panen, a society that emerged in North America after a devastating event reshaped the world. As punishment for a past uprising, the Capitol forces each of the twelve districts to send one boy and one girl to compete in the annual Hunger Games, a televised battle to the death. When her younger sister is chosen, sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her place. Alongside Peeta Mellark, the male tribute from her district, Katniss must fight to survive in the deadly arena while navigating the Capitol’s manipulation.
The Time Machine
Class Struggles • Marxist Theory • Mythological/Archetypal Theory • Decadence of the Upper Class
H. G. Wells’s famous novel can be taught as pure science fiction, as a classic frame narrative, or as social commentary. A Victorian scientist known only as the Time Traveller invents a machine that allows him to journey through time. Traveling far into the future, he discovers a world inhabited by two strange races: the gentle, surface-dwelling Eloi and the dark, underground Morlocks. As he explores this distant society, he uncovers unsettling truths about humanity's evolution and the consequences of social division.
Lord of the Flies
Anarchy • The Brutal Nature of Humanity • Society as Good Influence
After their plane crashes on an isolated island, a group of British schoolboys are left stranded. One of the boys, Ralph, emerges as the "chief" of the survivors. However, another boy, Jack, refuses to submit to his leadership. At an impasse, Ralph and Jack split the boys into two groups based on physical and philosophical beliefs, each vying for control of the island. The unconventional plot, the soaring language, and the complex symbolism within this harrowing story make William Golding's masterpiece one of the most important books your classes will read.
Ready Player One
Economic Collapse • Escapism into Virtual Worlds • Exhaustion of Natural Resources
A rollicking adventure set in a dystopian future, Ready Player One is the story of a teenager who spends most of his free time in the OASIS, a virtual reality playground that offers him more fulfillment than the physical world. Set in 2045, the world is in economic and societal ruin after the depletion of fossil fuels and widespread pollution. For Wade Watts, the OASIS is the perfect escape from his dim reality. But when Wade discovers the first clue to a digital scavenger hunt that promises a massive reward to the first person to complete it, he inadvertently starts a race in which he'll need to use his smarts, quick wit, and unmatched knowledge of ’80s pop culture to survive.
Divergent
Post-Apocalyspe • Rigid Social Classes • Persecution of the Different
This dystopian thriller, filled with life-changing decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, and unexpected romance, is a favorite in classrooms nationwide. In post-apocalyptic Chicago, society is divided into five factions: Dauntless, which celebrates bravery; Erudite, which emphasizes knowledge; Abnegation, which advocates for selflessness; Amity, which stresses friendship; and Candor, which supports honesty. When she turns 16, Tris discovers that she is "divergent," not fitting well in any faction. As she trains in her chosen faction, Dauntless, Tris uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to upend the fragile balance of their world.
Discount Paperbacks for Every Classroom
Shop these titles and more at Prestwick House! Whether you order one copy or one thousand, save on every paperback purchase with our exclusive educator’s discount.
- No minimum
- You’ll always save at least 25% on every paperback you buy—even if you purchase only one.
- Shop Now
- Over $500
- If the total retail value of your order is over $500, you’ll save 30% on every paperback.
- Shop Now
- Over $2,500
- And if the value of your order is over $2,500, you’ll save 35%! It's that simple!
- Shop Now
All discounts are automatically applied to your cart.
And remember, Literary Touchstone Classics are always 50% or more off for schools and teachers!
