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Tough books for High Schoolers (safe reading)
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Speaking of ‘safe’ reading got me thinking about what everyone’s personal must reads are for the high school years. I am not talking about the list of what the schools reads, or even the I had to read these in HS, or even the but it’s a classic. I am referring to those ‘safe’ reads that others might toss out, over look or just shun at reading.
What’s on your list for boys and girls in the high school years that you think they should read even though it deals with ‘xyz’? Books that might really change a heart or the world if they were read by all.
Could you: 1 – List the book 2 – why you think it would be benefical for a teen to read 3 – why others might shy away from it (language,violence,adultry)
Thanks this ‘safe reading’ topic got me thinking. We as a family have Jane Eyre and loved it, even watched the movie, and from the last post the series Ralph Moody might fall into it, some language, dad dies, choices Ralph makes, but we are loving this series here (with a house of 5 boys).
Thanks Misty
Oh, my, I could park it all day on this topic!! Here is my (partial) list of high school must reads:
All Elizabeth Gaskell – b/c of moral strength of her characters and discussion of exploitation of English workers and the effects of industrialization
All Dickens – same reasons, even though there is more ‘dark’ in Dickens
All Austen – for her wit
Thomas Hardy – despite difficult issues such as adultery, etc…bc of the consequences that resulted from evil or poor moral guidance
All Shakespeare – despite so much…because it is foundational and applicable to so many other subjects
James Herriot – some curse words, but so good otherwise
All Bronte – despite difficult moral issues presented, bc of the characters’ strength in standing for right even when the whole world is against them
War and Peace
Some Edith Wharton
Some Willa Cather
Some Alexandre Dumas (not the Three Muskateers, which is very vulgar compared to The Count of Monte Cristo and The Man in the Iron Mask)
Some of the Ancient philosophers like Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, etc…with much discussion to prepare them for the art of argument.
I am sure I am forgetting lots of great authors here, but that is all that comes to mind. I think there are two keys:
One, that the student can understand the dfference between the presentation of an idea by an author and the inerrancy of God’s word.
Two, that the parent is willing to discuss and even read alongside their child to show them what the author is trying to accomplish and how.
In other words, we must educate our children to read intelligently and not blindly at this stage.
If they don’t read it in middle school, Chaim Potok’s The Chosen is a must for highschool IMO. I would use caution with some of his other titles (some adult themes, religious struggles, and exposure to the Kabbala.)
Dickens, though his books can be certainly be dark, even depressing. Our eldest daughter cried for days after reading Tale of Two Cities. She tears up even at the mention of it to this day. But, I’d say it’s her favorite book of all time.
Our boys would not want anyone to miss out on Ralph Moody’s books if they haven’t read them through middle school. Language may be offensive to some.
Our family skips Poe and most of Shakespeare, but I think most families find these to be must reads.
So many books, so little time. ;0)
I second the lists above.
Adding in The Promise, which is the sequel to The Chosen and I actually think better. I have read other Potok books and for an almost adult, My Name is Asher Lev is excellent; the religious struggle and the way it is handled is very interesting; the sequel, not as interesting-I couldn’t finish the last 1/3rd.
I would add-in Poe and Shakespeare, as well as some of Oscar Wilde. The latter has to be approached carefully, but he had a great perception and a gift of the use of language.
Also, Jewish and Christian philosophy and theology works (ex: Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heshel and C.S. Lewis, as well as others), in addition to the Greek philosophers mentioned above.
Adding John Steinbeck.
Elie Wiesal’s- Night
Some Pearl S. Buck
One of the most imporatnat thhings I want my children to leave home being able to do is to take a book and be able to discard some of what’s in it while being able to also take some useful and insightful nugget(s) from the same book.
I’m sure there are others, but I have lots to do!
Oh, I meant to add Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I read it in 8th. It is profound in philosophy and with science and man with regard to ethics. There’s no way I would have mine miss reading it and have excellent discussions about it, too.
I love “Night” it is one that I remember from school. Along with,”The Hiding place” I spent a whole spring break reading it! (we did a Holocost study in 8th grade) Rachel I always love your input from a Jewish perspective! You always have great books that I don’t even know exist.
To Kill a Mockingbird. Everyone should read this and think about the prejudices our society still has–and we still do! I do think we are improving–but a good way to keep improving is to read challenging books like this one. There are certainly adult situations here–it is about a rape trial. There is violence and prejudice and hate. But there is also nobility and decency. It’s a don’t miss for a mature high school student–potentially life-changing.
@Rachel. Agreeing with you on The Promise….and, I loved Asher Lev! I’ve read almost all of Potok….I’m guessing it depends on how much time each highschool student has as to covering all of his books.
Chaim Potok is one of my favorite authors. Just a couple of cautions: The Gift of Asher Lev has some sex in it, and there is a scene in Davita’s Harp i wish wasn’t there, although it’s a favorite of mine (when I was young I just didn’t register it) so those are something to think about with those; but I really recommend against The Book of Lights. The language was so raw & the ending so strange I really just wish I hadn’t read it.
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