Here is the course reading list for my
Seventh and Eighth Grade English classes
Seventh Grade
Theme: Individual and Society
Introducing the Short Story, Amsco
This collection contains many faves, such as "The Most Dangerous Game" and "The Necklace." Everyone can find at least one story to enjoy while learning about plot, theme, characterization, etc. We will read dozens of stories during the first quarter, studying the challenging art of crafting tight, suspenseful, and meaningful tales.
Shadow Spinner, Susan Fletcher
Seventh-grade world history will be focusing on the origins of Islamic culture and the early empires as we take up our first novel, Shadow Spinner. This tale has two heroines: the famous storyteller Shahrazad, who must keep the sultan entertained or lose her life, and Marjan, a young woman who becomes a conspirator to supply Shahrazad with new stories.
The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton
Everyone's favorite book is back by popular demand. Ponyboy and his greaser friends experience life on the outside and learn the meaning of gallantry and courage. Look forward to many heated discussions about this one. Do yourself a favor and DON'T rent the incredibly sappy movie.
The Samurai's Tale, Erik Christian Haugaard
As you are studying Japan in history class, we'll be reading this tale of a boy who is orphaned at five years old but never gives up on his dream of becoming a samurai warrior like his father. Taro is a strong-willed, highly honorable character who is not always in agreement with the customs of feudal Japan.
The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare
"I hold the world but as the world... a stage where every man must play a part, and mine a sad one." So says Antonio the merchant, and so goes the end of the year when every student will take a role and "tread the boards." Students who dread their encounter with the bard often wind up having a blast. Last year we initiated a project called Studio Shakespeare in which we recorded student performances of various scenes (including some hilarious bloopers).
Vocabulary Energizers, David Popkin
Your vocabulary will be considerably enhanced through extensive use of this book, which tells the stories of word origins (some of them highly entertaining and even risque).
Eighth Grade
Theme: Justice and Intolerance
Impact: 50 Short Stories
This collection of stories truly lives up to its name: every story packs a punch. All the great short-story writers are represented here along with many newer talents. We will study more-advanced aspects of analysis such as tone, voice, and theme while preparing to write the first of many essays.
The Crucible, Arthur Miller
Follow John Proctor into the nightmare world of the Salem Witch Trials. While eighth-grade history is exploring colonial life, we will read and perform a play you will never forget. Abigail Williams and a group of girls begin to "cry out" witchcraft, accusing many townspeople of being in league with the devil and nearly devastating the town of Salem. We will watch the movie version as well, though it changes some key aspects of the plot - but don't spoil the suspense by renting it before we read the play!
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
Scout and Jem Finch are two children whose eyes are gradually opened to the prejudice and injustice of Maycomb, Alabama. Some compelling - and unexpected - heroes emerge from this beautiful novel, and by the time we finish reading you'll feel as if you had known these characters all your life.
Night, Elie Wiesel
No study of intolerance in the modern world would be complete without consideration of the Holocaust, and no single book is a better window into that horrific world than Elie Wiesel's autobiographical account. Elie was a boy of fifteen when he was finally liberated from Buchenwald, and his story is full of pathos and poignancy as well as humor and humanity.
Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
"My only love sprung from my only hate," mourns Juliet Capulet as she is told that Romeo is a Montague and thus a mortal foe to her own family. Everyone knows the story, but to read it for the first time is to encounter the English language at the very height of its powers. We will be enacting this play as Spring unfolds around us - and the events depicted will seem quite plausible indeed. (Wait 'til you see where the balcony scene is set.)
Vocabulary Energizers II, David Popkin
It's back . . . Yes, etymology can be entertaining. The quest for SAT-level vocabulary continues.