Taste of the Past

These titles are considered classic Young Adult Literature. If you want a Taste of the Past, try one of these memorable reads.

The Lord of the Flies

by William Golding

I had previously been exposed to this book. My favorite high school English teacher read Lord of the Flies to my literature class. She was the first (and only) high school teacher I remember using trade books for read alouds, and I absolutely loved the experience. Because of her, I promised myself that I would always read aloud to my students (if I chose to become an educator). Now 16 years later, I consider my daily read alouds as a best practice which I firmly squeeze into my schedule.

I really enjoyed this book a lot more during my recent reading than I did when my high school teacher shared it aloud all those years ago. It’s funny because in high school, even though I loved read alouds, I didn’t particularly like this book. Back then, I considered it a “boy book” and disliked the way it portrayed human instinct as fierce and pitiless. I actually remember thinking that if I had been reading Lord of the Flies independently, I would have returned it to the library after the bloody dance scene. What’s ironic is that now I think more girls would enjoy such a book. This book is sort of like a distant cousin to The Hunger Games in which young children struggle to be an elitist in a world void of adult and parental supervision.

Reference:

Golding, W. (1962). Lord of the flies. New York: Coward-McCann.

Lord of the Flies Movie Trailer

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Harriet the Spy

by Louise Fitzhugh

As a fan of realistic fiction, I absolutely loved this book. Harriet the Spy is considered by many to be the first Young Adult literature book of its kind. Written in 1964, this book handles the themes of self-discovery, rebellion, friendship, school struggles, and privileged neglect in a way that keep readers entertained from beginning to end. Yet, in my honest opinion, I would say this is a crossover book—one that could be enjoyed by children and preteens.

The main character, Harriet, is enthusiastic, quick-witted, and clever. Harriet is an aspiring writer who records everything in a private notebook; yet, deep down she also wants to be a spy. At age eleven, Harriet already leads a life of espionage as she goes on a spy route discovering secrets and recording truths about everyone she meets. “’I want to know everything, everything,” screeched Harriet suddenly, lying back and bouncing up and down on the bed. “Everything in the world, everything, everything. I will be a spy and know everything”’ (p. 24). Harriet is encouraged in her endeavors by her stern and motherly nurse, Ole Golly.

I really enjoyed the quirky way Harriet thinks. The way she sees the world is rather refreshing and reminds me that the truth is still the best policy. In a world where everything and everyone is encouraged to be politically correct at all times, this book is breath of fresh air. It’s amazing that this book was published 53 years ago. I guess it just goes to show that the world isn’t changing as much as we presume. An example of this blatant honesty can be found in Harriet’s notes about her classmates on the first day back from summer break (pp. 30-31):

CARRIE ANDREWS IS CONSIDERABLY FATTER THIS YEAR.

AND LAURA PETERS IS THINNER AND UGLIER. I THINK SHE COULD USE SOME BRACES ON HER TEETH.

PINKY WHITEHEAD WILL NEVER CHANGE. DOES HIS MOTHER HATE HIM? IF I HAD HIM I’D HATE HIM.

To me, this book is a must-read. I couldn’t put it down! I think most students would enjoy the humor and truthfulness found in the pages of Harriet the Spy’s notebook. This book could be considered a “timeless classic” by some young adults; however, I’m afraid it is more in line with the interest of middle schoolers. For this reason, I do not think this book would resonate well with today’s diverse teen population. Though I enjoyed this book, I doubt young adults would find it relevant to the struggles of a 21st century teenager.

Reference:

Fitzhugh, L. (1964). Harriet, the spy. New York: Harper & Row.

Harriet the Spy Movie Trailer

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Bridge to Terabithia

by Katherine Paterson

This beloved Newbery Medal-winning novel by bestselling author Katherine Paterson is a modern classic of friendship and loss. Now in convenient compact paperback format.

Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie's house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia. One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief.

Bridge to Terabithia was also named an ALA Notable Children’s Book and has become a touchstone of children’s literature, as have many of Katherine Paterson’s other novels, including The Great Gilly Hopkins and Jacob Have I Loved.

Retrieved from: https://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Terabithia-Katherine-Paterson/dp/0060734019

Bridge to Terabithia Movie Trailer

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The Catcher in the Rye

by J.D. Salinger

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To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

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Jane Eyre

by Charlotte Bronte