Month 1: Coming-of-Age Stories
“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger – Follow Holden Caulfield’s journey through New York City as he grapples with teenage angst, identity, and the challenges of growing up.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky – Dive into the coming-of-age story of Charlie as he navigates high school, friendships, and personal struggles while discovering the power of acceptance and self-expression.
“The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros – Explore the life of Esperanza, a young Latina girl growing up in a Chicago neighborhood, as she navigates the complexities of identity, culture, and dreams.
Month 2: Classic Literature
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – Witness the story of Scout Finch as she learns about racial injustice and moral courage in the racially charged atmosphere of 1930s Alabama.
“Lord of the Flies” by William Golding – Explore the descent into savagery as a group of boys stranded on a deserted island struggle to maintain order and civilization.
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – Delve into the world of manners, love, and social hierarchy as Elizabeth Bennet navigates her way through the societal expectations of 19th-century England.
Month 3: Science Fiction and Dystopia
“1984” by George Orwell – Immerse yourself in a totalitarian society where Big Brother watches everyone, and individual freedom is suppressed.
“Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley – Enter a future world where conformity and the pursuit of pleasure are paramount, questioning the limits of technology and the nature of humanity.
“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury – Explore a society where books are banned, and firemen burn them, as Guy Montag questions the suppression of knowledge and seeks to preserve literature.
Month 4: Historical Fiction
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak – Follow Liesel Meminger’s journey as she discovers the power of words and finds solace in books during World War II.
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr – Experience the lives of a blind French girl and a young German soldier during World War II as their paths eventually intersect.
“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini – Follow the complex friendship between Amir and Hassan in Afghanistan against the backdrop of political turmoil and the rise of the Taliban.
Month 5: Poetry and Verse
“Selected Poems” by Emily Dickinson – Explore the introspective and thought-provoking poetry of Emily Dickinson, delving into themes of nature, love, and mortality.
“Howl and Other Poems” by Allen Ginsberg – Immerse yourself in the countercultural spirit of the Beat Generation through Ginsberg’s influential collection of poetry, including the iconic poem “Howl.”
“The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot – Delve into this modernist masterpiece, exploring themes of disillusionment and the fragmented nature of modern society.
Month 6: Drama and Playwriting
“Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare – Experience Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of two young lovers from feuding families, exploring themes of love, fate, and the consequences of impulsive actions.
“A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry – Enter the lives of the Younger family as they strive for a better future amidst racial and economic struggles in 1950s Chicago.
“Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller – Witness the unraveling of Willy Loman, a disillusioned salesman, as he grapples with the American Dream and his own sense of identity.
Month 7: Non-Fiction and Memoirs
“Night” by Elie Wiesel – Discover the powerful memoir of Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, as he recounts his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and reflects on the nature of humanity.
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou – Follow Maya Angelou’s journey from childhood to adolescence, exploring themes of racism, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot – Investigate the true story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were unknowingly taken for medical research, raising ethical questions about scientific progress and the rights of individuals.
Month 8: Contemporary Fiction
“The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green – Experience the poignant love story of Hazel and Gus, two teenagers living with cancer, as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and mortality.
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – Embark on a journey with Santiago, a young shepherd, as he seeks his personal legend and discovers the importance of following one’s dreams.
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas – Dive into the powerful story of Starr Carter as she witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed friend by a police officer and finds her voice in the fight against racial injustice.
Month 9: Contemporary Fiction (Continued)
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry – Enter a seemingly utopian society where Jonas discovers the dark secrets beneath the surface, challenging the notion of a perfect world.
“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton – Explore the world of rival gangs in this classic coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the divisions of social class.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon – Follow Christopher Boone, a teenager with autism, as he investigates the mystery of his neighbor’s murdered dog and learns about himself in the process.