I am hoping to include newer, more contemporary works of literature to the 12th grade curriculum as well as for my AP Literature and Composition class. Many English classes typically read "classics" such as "The Cather in the Rye" or "The Great Gatsby." While these are wonderful novels, our society and student population is ever changing. With the inclusion of more contemporary works of literature, students will have more interest in the topics discussed which increases their understanding of modern day issues.
My goal for this project to get students to not only enjoy reading, but to learn how to have in depth discussions about the themes portrayed in the novels.
Ever since COVID, our students have struggled with focus and engagement. While we can attribute some of the lack of engagement as a result of COVID, students are also on their devices more frequently. In order to garner student attention, we need to find materials that will spark their interest. Many of the classic novels taught in schools feel outdated to many students. While we as adults might find value in them, many students don't. Since statistics are revealing that people are reading less and less, it is imperative that classrooms find texts that are highly engaging for students.
The novels I have selected are considered more contemporary novels dating from 1985 to 2014. The books discuss topics such as women's rights, gender roles, impact of cultural differences, examining human nature and behaviors, and moral ambiguity. In a world where things seem black and white, reading these novels will allow students to examine their own beliefs about humanity and the world.
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