Top 10 Tuesday is created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
This week’s prompt is: Back To School Freebie. So I will be writing about ten books that I think should be required reading in middle school or high school.
Ten Books That Should Be Required Reading for Middle/High Schoolers
My thoughts:
The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson
My thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book. I thought it was insightful and written really well. This is one of those books that you read and think, “This needs to be on every single middle/high school’s required reading list.” I flew through it in just one night because the writing style was so easy to read. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley
My thoughts:
This book was an absolute joy to read. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. And once it was over, I was so sad because I wanted to live in the story for much longer.
The storyline was heartbreaking, but also inspiring and hopeful. The descriptions about Soloman’s anxiety were incredibly powerful. The characters were lovable. The family dynamics in the Reed house was absolutely lovely and real. The writing was fantastic.
Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone
My thoughts:
Oh my gosh…I absolutely loved this book. I struggled to put it down, so once you begin reading, prepare to be totally sucked in.
It was such a beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring story about OCD. So many parts of this hit me right in the feels, and there was a bit towards the end that gave me goosebumps all over my body when I was reading.
I would definitely read this book again, and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, Jim Kay (Illustrator), Siobhan Dowd (Conception)
My thoughts:
This book is such an important read. When I first read it, I said that it’s a story that will stay with me for a long time. That was most definitely the case.
This story is heart-wrenching, it’s beautiful, and it’s extremely captivating. I love how the book is designed and laid out. The text itself is organized in a lovely way that really works with the artwork.
The artwork was also absolutely stunning. I loved that the artist used different techniques to create the dark images that complimented the storyline perfectly.
Click here to read my full review.
My thoughts:
This book was a hard read content-wise, but would highly recommend it. I think this is another book that everyone should read because the message is so powerful. I can see it creating great discussion in schools, particularly high schools.
A great read but a very sad story about mental illness and the struggle that comes along with it.
I truly believe that discussion around this topic needs to begin in schools in middle school. It also needs to be a topic that is discussed often.
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
My thoughts:
The last line of the book’s description nails it: “…will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once.” Both heartbreaking and lovely, this book is a must-read! Each of the narrators have fun and unique voices and the writing and use of artistic metaphor is lovely.
There are many elements of this book that would make great discussion topics in schools, especially the LGBTQ+ focus. A few great topics include;
- Family
- Love
- Regret
- Forgiveness
I've seen a lot of people raving about Eliza and Her Monsters and I'm considering grabbing it from the library. I think there are a lot of modern books out there that they should encourage children to read, especially in middle grade, so they wouldn't dislike reading so much. Although I've not read it, I think The Hate U Give should be required reading now.
I'd love to hear what you think about it if you do grab it! 🙂 And I totally agree! Students need a variety of books that will really captivate them and help them love reading!
Great books with subjects that can really add valuable lessons in the lives of youngsters!
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Ahhh I agree with so many of these!! Awesome list E! 😀
😀 Thank you!
I haven't read any of these, although I have heard of several. You've convinced me based on your descriptions and reasoning! These all sound like worthwhile reads. Thank you for sharing, Erica!
Wahoo! I hope you really enjoy them! 🙂
The only one I have read is Every Last Word – such a wonderful and emotional read. I love this list, thank you for sharing.
Of course!! Thanks for stopping by!
I've read Every Last Word and I'll Give You the Sun. They're both good times. I was given All the Bright Places for Christmas, but I haven't read it yet. I'm also doing a sweep of all the other books you listed and adding them to my TBR.
I hope you enjoy all of them! 🙂 They are truly wonderful reads!
This looks like a great list! The art of Being Normal seems like it would be a great pick, especially for that age, and Eliza and her Monsters I've been seeing such good reviews for- I want to read it now. All The Bright Places too- so maybe the stigma of mental illness can be addressed in middle/ high school.
Thank you so much! And yes, I definitely think mental illness needs to be discussed at that age! I hope you enjoy Eliza and Her Monsters. 🙂
I want to read A Monster Calls!
It's SO good!! I highly recommend it. It's a very quick read too!
I've only read A Monster Calls and I agree with you – it should definitely be required reading.
Great list!
I agree!! Such a powerful story! Thanks for stopping by!
Awesome list! A Monster Calls sounds really interesting!
Here’s my TTT!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog
I highly recommend it! Both the book and the film were lovely! Thanks for stopping by.
These books sound so emotionally intense! Here is my TTT
They definitely are, but such good reads!!
I've not read any of these! But will be checking them out now!
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Yes I want to read all these books, because they all looks and sounds so amazing. I have a gut feeling that I would totally love them all! Thank you for the awesome post Erica!
😀 I hope you do love them all when you get the chance to read them!!
Great post! I'm still yet to read A List of Cages. I might have to push it a bit further up my TBR.
YES! It's one of my favorite books. Be prepared to be hit by all the feels!