High school English class: where reading is required and complaints are almost omnipresent. But through this variety of novels, memoirs and plays, some works are enjoyed by students, and still relevant today. Here are some of the best.
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a popular book required in many high school English classes. It offers a glimpse into the “Roaring Twenties” and criticizes the American Dream through complex, dramatic characters. Many students like the plot and the narration from a mostly passive observer.
“I think all the characters were really intricate and it went into quite a bit of detail about most of the characters, even though the main character was Gatsby,” junior Abraham Abdul-Hamid said. “It was from the point of view of someone else, so you’re able to get a lot of detail about other characters that you wouldn’t get in a traditional style book.”
Another is Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451,” which is a warning against censorship. While the wording of some parts in the book may be difficult to understand, the themes of free speech and the spread of misinformation are extremely important. The different action scenes and dystopian society make “Fahrenheit 451” a compelling read for students.
“I appreciate the dystopian genre. I think it’s very interesting to hear about just what could happen, but hasn’t actually,” junior Izabella Myers said. “Just things that aren’t real. I find that very interesting.”
Jeannette Walls’ “The Glass Castle” provides a powerful and moving memoir of perseverance in the face of poverty and family dysfunction. It offers perspectives into the human spirit and explores the complexities of family relationships and the impact of poverty on individuals and communities. It also addresses the importance of empathy and understanding different life experiences.
“[The Glass Castle] was really impactful because it talked about the struggles with poverty and addiction and it was super interesting to get a take on how that affects a child with it as going on within their parents and their family,” junior Lauren Krentzman said, “It kind of addressed the tension between loving and respecting your parent.”
Although students enjoy some books, to help create relevant, engaging conversations, book selection should be a collaborative effort involving teachers, students and administration. Students should have a voice in suggesting titles that highlight their interests, backgrounds, and modern issues.
However, the books chosen for high school English class have the power to shape student minds and inspire a love of reading. By choosing books that students want to read and are relatable to them, we can create a curriculum that truly prepares State High students for the challenges and opportunities of the future ahead.
