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Suggested Books for Sparking Online Literature Circle Discussions
The following titles are intended to stimulate critical thinking and sustain conversation among intermediate/middle-level readers. Before selecting books for your classroom, consider students’ interests, prior knowledge, and reading levels.
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Christopher Paul Curtis
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Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis (Scholastic, 2007)
In 1860, eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada, discovers that a lying preacher has stolen money that was to be used to buy a family’s freedom. Discussion topics include slavery, the right to freedom, and justice.
The Watsons go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis, (Delcorte, 1995)
Ordinary life changes rapidly as the Watsons from Flint, Michigan, travel to Birmingham, Alabama to visit Grandma in the summer of 1963. Readers relate to issues of family, justice, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Christopher Paul Curtis author website: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/christopherpaulcurtis/
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Keven Henkes
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Olive’s Ocean by Kevin Henkes (HarperCollins, 2003)
As twelve-year-old Martha visits her grandmother’s cottage by the ocean, she comes to terms with the death of a classmate, her relationship with her grandmother, her plans as an aspiring writer, and her feelings for an older boy. Topics include family life, loss of a friend, and conflicting feelings toward growing up.
Kevin Henkes author website: www.kevinhenkes.com/
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Deborah Hopkinson
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Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings by Deborah Hopkinson (Simon & Schuster, 2003)
In the early 1900s, a young woman finds a way to play baseball even though she is a girl. Perfect for readers who love baseball, determination, and strong characters.
Deborah Hopkinson author website: http://www.deborahhopkinson.com/
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Cynthia Kadohata
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Cracker! The Best Dog in Viet Nam by Cynthia Kadohata (Atheneum, 2007)
This book tells a realistic story of America's war in Vietnam, using the alternating viewpoints of an army dog named Cracker and her 17-year-old handler. Issues of war and animal-human relationships are sure to spark discussions.
Cynthia Kadohata author website: http://www.kira-kira.us/
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Gordon Korman
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Schooled by Gordon Korman (Hyperion, 2007)
Home schooled by his hippie grandmother, Cap Anderson has never watched television, tasted a pizza, or even heard of a wedgie. When his grandmother lands in the hospital, Cap finds himself lost in the system of a public school. Addresses topics of home schooling, public school policy, and student leadership.
Gordon Korman author website: http://www.gordonkorman.com/
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Cynthia Lord
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Rules by Cynthia Lord (Scholastic, 2006)
Twelve-year-old Catherine, whose brother is autistic, longs for a simpler life. This poignant story deals with sibling relationships, autism, and the internal struggles of doing “the right thing.”;
Cynthia Lord author website: http://www.cynthialord.com/
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Susan Patron
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The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron, Susan (Antheneum, 2006)
Ten-year-old Lucky seeks her Higher Power in hopes to bring stability to her chaotic life. This heartfelt story shines a new light on difficult issues such as abandoned children and poverty.
Susan Patron author website: http://books.simonandschuster.biz/Higher-Power-of-Lucky/Susan-Patron/9781416901945
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