It takes a special book to captivate students and get them excited to read.
Will one of these exceptional titles become that book for your students?
10. Hoot
Witty and entertaining, Hoot follows Roy’s misadventures as the new kid at school and the quirky cast of characters and twists that lead to Roy’s saving a group of burrowing owls. The humor and realistic dialogue of this novel will keep your readers laughing and turning the pages, even those who’d rather do anything but read.
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9. Esperanza Rising
When tragedy strikes Esperanza’s wealthy and respected family, they must start anew, working hard and struggling to make a living. Believable, insightful, and sincere, the emotional quality of this “riches to rags” story will captivate you and your students.
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8. Monster
Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon is on trial as an accomplice to a murder. While in jail, he records his experiences, both in the prison and in the courtroom, in the form of a film script, as he tries to come to terms with the course his life has taken. Your students will find this high-interest novel memorable and thought-provoking.
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7. The Glass Castle
Far from the security afforded by a traditional upbringing, Jeannette Walls’s nomadic childhood exposed her to the wonders of America—as well as to some of its harshest realities. Strange but true, this nonfiction text is a spectacular choice for your classroom.
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6. Holes
Consider teaching Louis Sachar’s humorous, inventive, and engrossing novel—a New York Times Best Seller and a Newbery Medal winner. Featuring a mystery, a very unlucky protagonist, and plenty of digging (to build character, obviously), Holes is a book students will thoroughly enjoy.
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5. The Hate U Give
Poignant and heartbreakingly topical, The Hate U Give is being lauded as one of this generation’s most important books. This #1 New York Times Best Seller deftly tackles weighty themes of racism, police brutality, and societal injustice, and it will undoubtedly lead to plenty of interesting conversations both in and out of the classroom.
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4. The Book Thief
Originally published in 2005, The Book Thief is still placed on so many must-read lists because it has the potential to change your students’ lives. Readers will find themselves emotionally attached to Liesel’s story (and eager to finish it) before the first chapter even ends.
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3. Maus
Can a graphic novel be recognized as serious literature? Yes! Maus was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize and would make a great introduction to a unit on the Holocaust. It pairs well with books like Night, The Diary of Anne Frank, and others. This remarkable work relates the events of the Holocaust to students in a way that is both meaningful and astonishing. The strong characters, vivid illustrations, and powerful themes in Maus will keep all of your students fully engaged.
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2. Ender’s Game
Time and again students have referenced Ender’s Game as their favorite book of all time. Epic space battles, a coming-of-age story, and a hero who is easy to identify with make Ender’s Game a great selection for inspiring your students to love reading. Ender’s Game has been popular for over 30 years, and it is a perfect way to introduce the thrilling genre of science fiction.
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1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
It’s no surprise that Harry Potter tops our list. For more than 20 years, Rowling’s novel has inspired students and made audiences of all ages look forward to the next installment of her fantastically successful series. If your class hasn’t had the chance to go on thrilling adventures with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone just might become their favorite book of the year.
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Add your own recommendations in the comments section below!