Literature Super Pack: Terms 1-2

Purchase a full year (32 weeks) of literature classes for only $10/session! This includes:
 
Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card (4 weeks)
War and Genocide are realities that are difficult to understand. Oftentimes, the beginnings of these terrible events are the separation of “them” and “us.” It is the presentation of “the other.” Those who act or think differently than ourselves. Ender’s Game is unique among alien vs. human science fiction novels in that it raises deep ethical questions about the nature of “the other.” This book helps the youth of today gain an understanding of the inherent dangers of generalizing any group of people. The danger in creating “the other.” 
 
Night, by Elie Wiesel (4 weeks)
"For the Dead and the living we must bear witness.” This quote by Elie Wiesel captures the reason we must learn of this terrible time in history. When the worst that humanity could become was realized. One holocaust writing entry winner said of Night:  “Although students know the facts of the Holocaust, as it is taught in most history classes, the attention to detail is often overlooked. Night gives a chilling first-hand account of the horrors that the Jewish people faced at the hand of the Nazis. The personal thoughts of Wiesel give insight to how the Jewish people reacted to the situation of the concentration camps and how some lost their faith because of it. This novel assists students in coming to understand and appreciate a portion of history better than most textbooks."
 
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak (4 weeks)
How could the people allow this terrible event to occur? This is a question often asked when learning about this time in human history. On the back cover of this novel we read: “It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.” Many will be thinking this is another Holocaust novel and that you’ve already read too many of those depressing books. The thing that distinguishes this book from any other such literature is that it offers one German family’s politically incorrect perspective during this infamous and well-documented era. It allows us to see into what was happening to the people who didn't just study this country, at this time... but who lived it. 
 
I am Malala (Young Readers Edition), by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai (4 weeks)
On Tuesday, 9 October 2012, she almost paid the ultimate price when she was shot in the head at point-blank range. Malala Yousafzai’s extraordinary journey has taken her from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations.
 
She has become a global symbol of peaceful protest and is the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. I Am Malala will make you believe in the power of one person’s voice to inspire change in the world.
 
The Maze Runner, by James Dashner (4 weeks)
This novel is a nice neat package full of valuable lessons. In The Maze Runner, all the characters lose their memories before arriving in the Glade. Without these memories, Thomas loses his sense of self. As such, recovering his memories becomes one of his main goals. During his struggle to discover his identity, Thomas questions whether people are the sum total of their memories and past experiences or if we have essential natures that exist regardless of our experiences. This novel also teaches us about the battle of stability and chaos. Throughout the novel, tension exists between the benefits of order for maintaining a self-sustaining society and the necessary changes that must occur for the Gladers to survive the Maze. Students will gain insight into the necessity of sacrifice. Many characters risk their lives for the sake of saving those around them in various acts of self-sacrifice. 
 
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain (4 weeks)
This novel is widely considered Mark Twain’s masterpiece. It is a story of life and friendship, racism and hypocrisy along the Mississippi River in the 1800s. The book details a great adventure shared by two people who should be enemies. This novel highlights the imperfect America that forged Twain. Through studying this novel, students will draw the connections between that old America and the nation's lingering problems of racism. 
 
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte (4 weeks)
“More than just a fun read, Jane Eyre is a subtle, intelligent discussion of the difficulty of choosing among competing value systems. What values and principles should underpin our choices in life? What forces motivate us to choose and adhere to one set of values over another? These are the important questions Jane Eyre asks us to consider. We watch Jane struggle with these questions, and gain insight into how we struggle with values of our own. That is why Jane Eyre still matters.” —Mary Jane with “Read Great Literature”
 
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen (4 weeks) 
Pride and Prejudice isn't just a love story. But it is literally about being proud and prejudiced. Elizabeth's character is proud, she misjudges Mr. Darcy, the first time she meets him, due to a poor first impression. On the other hand Mr. Darcy misjudges Elizabeth and becomes prejudiced against her poor standing in the social economic class. It is frustrating and throughout reading the book you just really want to yell at both characters, because it is clear that they both adore and love each other, but they allow outside influences to misjudge everything they know about each other.
 
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 12:45 - 1:45 PM ET 
Bundle Duration: 32 Weeks 
Dates: September 12, 2023 - May 28, 2024
Fall Break: November 20 - 24, 2023
Winter Break: December 11, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Spring Break: March 25 - 29, 2024
Recommended for: Ages 13+ / Grades 8-9
Teacher: TTK Faculty
Required Materials:
Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card
Night, by Elie Wiesel
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
I am Malala (Young Readers Edition), by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai
The Maze Runner, by James Dashner
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
 
See more literature classes: thethinkingkid.org/literature

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