Fahrenheight 451 by Ray Bradbury

Set in a dystopian future, Fahrenheight 451 explores the purpose of reading and literary society as a whole. Guy Montag, is a fireman whose job consists of setting fires ablaze. He spends most of his day at the fire station gambling with his coworkers and believing in the propaganda spewed by the government and his superiors. Guy goes home to his wife Mildred, who, because books were outlawed, spends her days watching television and pretending, with virtual realities, about her family.

Guy's entire life is turned upside down when, walking home, he meets one of his neighbors, a small girl who appreciates things that he never noticed before. After spending some time with her, he begins to question why books are forbidden and their value to the individual. The spark has been ignited and once he has started, Guy can not turn back. What will he do now?

This book will change your world-view and cause you to ask questions such as: What is the purpose of reading? and How do books allow us to question our reality?
- Chris, Grade 8, CSCL

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Constantly compared to it's more well known contemporary, "Catcher in the Rye", "A Separate Peace" is one of the classic, American, coming of age novels. With a much more subtle, yet moving plot, this book is sure to become a favorite, generation after generation.

Set in 1942, this book takes place at an all boys boarding school in New England. Gene is an introspective, studious, sixteen-year-old. Phineas is a taunting, outgoing, star athlete. This book follows Gene and Finny, and their friendship, as they struggle to find an identity separate from the war, while attempting to act "appropriately" for their age.

This book starts off during the Summer Session. Aptly named, given it takes place during the summer. As the summer days shorten, the boys fill their time with new games and challenging pastimes one of which includes jumping from the largest tree on campus. The tree seems to taunt their very existence as children right before the draft. How will they continue with their lives? Only reading this book will reveal the heartfelt message behind the hauntingly beautiful prose.
- Chris, Grade 8, CSCL

Othello, William Shakespeare

Othello is a story which takes place in Venice. The main theme for the story would be jealousy. It had all started with Iago. When Cassio was picked of lieutenancy instead of Iago became jealous and he plotted revenge with Roderigo who desires Desdemona, the wife of Othello. Iago goes to Othello and tells stories of Cassio having an affair with Desdemona. Othello does not believe it at first but as time goes on, with more and more lies, it drives him insane. Othello, jealous of Cassio, kills Desdemona in his anger. Later he realized Iago fooled him and commits suicide. In the end, jealous caused the death of both Othello and his wife Desdemona. Whether jealousy was hidden or a bright star in the sky, it was always present.

-Alia

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The Diary of a Young Girl ~by Anne M. Frank

The diary of a Young Girl by, Anne M. Frank is a totally relatable book. For one think instead of textbooks filled to the rim of gory information about who knows what and who knows where, it is a personal experience of a 13 year old girl trying to survive not only WWII, but being enclosed from the world, battling against her sister, mother, and any one & everyone who can find any fault within her. Anne really brings me into her life as she wanted to do with Kitty (her diary's name.).

If you are reading this and have read this book too I would love to hear your idea/perspective of it all. - Juliana

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Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist narrates this book. This book takes place in London, in the 19th century of England. This book is about a boy named Oliver Twist. Oliver Twist’s mother died after she gave birth to him and his father couldn’t be traced down, so Oliver was an orphan boy. He had a horrible life. Oliver was sent to live at an orphan work farm, where he was mistreated and starved, so he ran away to London. I encourage you to read this book if you want to follow Oliver on his many adventures. This book is a classic.
I like this book because it is full of mystery and adventure. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves classics. I would give it a 9 out of 10 stars - Brianna

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