Dear Parents,
I'm very excited to work with you son/daughter this year in English II. In this English course we will read short stories, novels, poems and plays and we will also write different fictional and nonfictional pieces. I would like to make you aware of some of the novels we will be reading this year. Most of these are considered classic literature, but some have mature themes and/or strong content I have provided a list of novels from the course below with some additional information. If you have any concerns about the content of these novels, I would encourage you to do some additional research. If you have a problem with your son/daughter reading any of them in class, please contact me using the form I've provided, or email me at [email protected]. I would be happy to provide him/her with alternative options that you feel more comfortable with. Thanks and I'm excited for a great year!
Nikki Donnenwerth
PAY IT FORWARD
This novel explores what would happen to our world if someone decided to make it better. From an English standpoint, we read this book because it shifts narrators and points of view from chapter to chapter. It is important students learn the impact a specific narrator can have on a piece of literature.
This book contains adult language and potentially uncomfortable situations.
This book contains adult language and potentially uncomfortable situations.
ORDINARY PEOPLE
Published in 1976 this novel received instant critic acclaim. It has also been made into a Academy award-winning film for best picture. This novel explores the human psychy as well as the human heart when we meet a family who has lost a child. This family is then left to pick up the pieces, which proves to be too much for their 17-year-old son.
The novel contains very strong language and some sexual content. It also visits the topics of grief, family dynamics, depression, and suicide.
The novel contains very strong language and some sexual content. It also visits the topics of grief, family dynamics, depression, and suicide.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
This classic novel is set in the 1940's in Alabama where a young girl witnesses unfair judgement, and racism. It is through her eyes that the story unfolds.
The book contains strong racial themes.
The book contains strong racial themes.