Classic Literature
Classic literature is a term used to describe books that are considered to be of high value due to their literary merit. Most of these books are written by authors who are no longer alive, and they have stood the test of time. These books have impacted generations, and they continue to be relevant to this day. Therefore, these books are an excellent recommendation for 9th-grade students who want to expand their reading skills. Here are five classic literature books that 9th-grade students should read this summer:
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)
To Kill a Mockingbird is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written by Harper Lee in 1960. The novel is set in the deep south of the United States during the Great Depression. The story follows the life of Scout Finch, a young girl who is growing up with her brother Jem, and her father, a lawyer named Atticus Finch. The book exposes the harsh realities of racism and prejudice in a small town as Atticus defends a black man accused of rape. The book is not only a powerful condemnation of the discrimination and intolerance prevalent within society but also an account of one man’s courage to stand up for what he believes in.
This book is an excellent recommendation for 9th-grade students who want to explore the themes of racial injustice, courage, and empathy. It is a book that teaches students about the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is not popular. Furthermore, students will get to learn about life in the Deep South during the Great Depression, and it will help them gain a better understanding of American history.
Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic that speaks to readers of all ages and backgrounds. This book teaches valuable lessons that are relevant in today’s world, such as the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their appearance or background. It is a must-read for all students who want to learn about American literature and history
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Contemporary Fiction
Contemporary Fiction refers to modern-day novels and stories that are set in the present or recent past. These works of literature address social issues, cultural norms and current events. The stories use a mixture of realistic and experimental techniques to portray the world we live in. They offer a glimpse into the human experience from a fresh perspective and expose the problems and challenges that our current society faces.
Here are five recommended books for 9th-grade students who want to explore Contemporary Fiction literature:
1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Hate U Give is a powerful and raw perspective of the Black Lives Matter movement. The story follows 16-year-old Starr, who is caught between two worlds: her poor black neighborhood and her elite prep school. When she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend by a police officer, Starr must decide whether to speak up and risk her safety or stay silent and let the injustice continue.
2. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Speak explores the isolation and trauma of sexual assault through the perspective of a teenage girl named Melinda. The story follows Melinda’s journey from being an outcast to finding her voice and reclaiming her identity. Speak is a powerful novel that resonates with anyone who has felt silenced or misunderstood.
3. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor and Park is a young adult romance that explores themes of first love, bullying and family relationships. The story takes place in 1986 and follows two misfits named Eleanor and Park, who fall in love despite the obstacles that stand in their way.
4. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Everything, Everything is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story of a teenage girl named Maddy, who is allergic to the world and has spent her whole life inside her house. When she falls in love with the boy next door, Maddy is forced to make a difficult choice between staying safe or risking everything to be with him.
5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Fault In Our Stars is a heartbreaking and poignant novel that explores the meaning of life and love through the eyes of two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who meet at a cancer support group. The story portrays their journey through illness, friendship, and love, and the choices they make along the way.
Contemporary Fiction offers students an avenue to connect with the world around them and gain new perspectives. Reading these books can create a deeper understanding and empathy towards the diverse individuals and ideas that shape our society. With these recommendations, there’s no better time than summer to dive into the world of contemporary fiction!
Non-Fiction Picks
While fiction books provide an escape to different worlds and stories, non-fiction books give insight into the real world. For 9th graders, non-fiction books help expand their knowledge, enhance critical thinking and analytical skills, and provide different perspectives on important topics. Here are some recommended summer reads:
1. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a captivating book that explores the life of Henrietta Lacks and the impact her cells had on medical science. The book tells the story of her family’s journey to gain knowledge and control over her legacy. It examines important issues surrounding ethics, race, and class in medical research, making it a great book for 9th graders who are beginning to understand these complex issues. It is a thought-provoking book that empowers readers to think critically and challenge the status quo.
2. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle is a memoir that tells the story of Jeannette Walls and her unconventional family. Walls recounts her childhood and teenage years living in poverty with her eccentric parents who had a unique approach to parenting. The book is a touching account of the human spirit, resilience, and determination, making it a great summer read for 9th graders. It teaches important lessons about family, forgiveness, and the power of education.
3. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
The New Jim Crow is a book that explores the relationship between race, mass incarceration, and the criminal justice system. The book argues that the mass incarceration of African Americans is a continuation of the Jim Crow laws that existed in the past. It examines the history of racism in America and its impact on the criminal justice system. This book is a great summer read for 9th graders who are beginning to understand these complex issues. It teaches important lessons about racial inequality, justice, and the importance of being an advocate for change.
Summer is the perfect time for 9th graders to indulge in some non-fiction reading that can enhance their knowledge, empower them to think critically and inspire them to make a difference in the world. These books are just a few of the many great non-fiction reads for 9th graders.
Diverse Voices
Reading books that offer different perspectives and experiences is an essential part of a well-rounded education. The following recommendations will introduce 9th-grade students to a diverse range of voices and provide them with a broader understanding of the world.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Brown Girl Dreaming is a memoir in verse of Jacqueline Woodson’s childhood in the 1960s and 1970s, growing up as an African American girl in South Carolina and New York. This touching and insightful book offers a perspective on growing up during this time that many young Americans will find both fascinating and relevant to current events.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian follows the story of Junior, a Native American teenager living on a reservation in Spokane, Washington. This acclaimed novel by Sherman Alexie provides an unflinching look at Native American life and identity. It also offers valuable insights into the experience of growing up bi-culturally and the challenges of straddling two worlds.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson follows the story of Melinda, a high school freshman who is ostracized by her peers after calling the police on a summer party. The book is a valuable exploration of the experience of trauma and the strength of speaking out against injustice. It is also a powerful commentary on the role of silence in upholding harmful social norms.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The House on Mango Street is a coming-of-age novel by Sandra Cisneros that follows the story of Esperanza, a young Latina girl living in a working-class neighborhood in Chicago. The book explores issues of identity, culture, and gender with poignancy and insight. It also offers a valuable perspective on the experiences of immigrants and marginalized communities in the United States.
Internment by Samira Ahmed
Internment by Samira Ahmed is a dystopian novel that explores a future where Muslims in America are rounded up and sent to internment camps. The book is a timely and thought-provoking commentary on contemporary politics and the dangers of allowing fear to guide our policies. It also offers a powerful exploration of resistance and the fight for human dignity and justice.
In conclusion, the recommended summer reading list for 9th-grade English class will help to expand the students’ perspective and give them a broader understanding of different experiences and cultures. These books are a valuable addition to any high school library or classroom, and we highly recommend them as essential reading for all young adults.
Popular Series
For those who prefer to read books as part of a series, there are several popular options recommended for 9th graders. The first on the list is the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Comprised of seven books, this series is a cultural phenomenon and has captured the hearts of readers of all ages since the release of the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, in 1997.
The Harry Potter series follows the story of a young orphan boy named Harry as he navigates the wizarding world, battles evil forces, and uncovers the truth about his past. Along with a cast of unforgettable characters, including Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry’s adventures take readers on a magical journey through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and beyond.
Another popular series recommended for 9th graders is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This dystopian series is set in the fictional nation of Panem, which is divided into twelve districts and controlled by the Capitol. Each year, the Capitol hosts The Hunger Games, a televised event where one boy and one girl from each district are forced to fight to the death.
The series follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, a young girl from District 12 who volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in The Hunger Games. Throughout the series, Katniss becomes a symbol of rebellion against the Capitol and fights for her survival and the survival of those she loves.
The Maze Runner series by James Dashner is another popular choice for 9th graders. The first book in the series, The Maze Runner, was published in 2009 and has since been adapted into a successful film franchise. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a group of teenage boys are trapped in a maze with no memory of their past lives.
The series follows the story of Thomas, a young boy who wakes up in the maze with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As Thomas and the other boys attempt to find their way out of the maze, they uncover dark secrets about their past and the world they live in.
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan is also highly recommended for 9th graders. This series follows the story of Percy Jackson, a young boy who discovers he is a demigod, the child of a mortal and a Greek god. Along with his friends Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, Percy sets out on a series of quests to save the world of the gods and monsters from destruction.
Finally, the Divergent series by Veronica Roth is a dystopian series set in a future version of Chicago where society is divided into five factions based on personality types. The main character, Tris Prior, is a member of the Abnegation faction but discovers she is also Divergent, meaning she does not fit neatly into any one faction.
As Tris navigates the dangerous world of the factions, she begins to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the very existence of society as she knows it. These series offer thrilling adventures, unforgettable characters and important themes that make them excellent choices for 9th graders to read during the summer.
