The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain.  This book is more than the story of an adventerous youth, it protrays the vivid racism of the south at the time, and Huck's development towards this feeling.  Huck Finn Quiz
A Critical Analysis

The Giver, Lois Lowry. Venture to a world quite unlike the one we know.  It's a world where everything is chosen for you; your family, profession, etc.  See what happens when a child gets handed a position that exposes what once was, and could be again.  Lois Lowry Info.

Anthem, Ayn Rand.  This book is a lot like The Giver in that it takes place in a time when everything is controlled for you.  Just imagine how different your life would be.

The Awakening, Kate Chopin. Chopin does a wonderful job displaying the life of a wife and mother.  Her unhappiness at being good as only a 'woman' leads her to dispair.  This novel is great for the feminist mind.  Reviews
 

The Diary of Anne Frank. I think everyone who had read  this book has it as a favorite.  It's great!  Follow a young jewish girl's diary entries as she goes from normal adolescent life into hiding from being tortured.  Anne Frank Online
Frank Family

Summer of My German Soilder, Bette Greene.  Enter the world of a young girl during the second world war.  Her life takes a drastic change with her decision to hide a runaway German soilder.  Not only is he the sworn enemy, but she also loves him.  Holocaust Photos

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Mildred D. Taylor. Enter the lives of teh Logans, an African American Family trying to survive in Depression Mississippi.  Although they own their own land which helps them economically, the racial tensions they face is almost not worth it.  Taylor Bibliography

Missing May, Cynthia Rylant.

Maniac Magee, Jerry Spinelli. Growing up underneath his aunt and uncle, orphan Magee never felt very special.  However, it is only when he runs away from this life that his luck begins to change.  Not only is his amazing athletic abilities brought to attention, Magee manages to bring togeather two very different sides of town.  Not only is he a hero in mind, but also in spirit.

Ophelia Speaks, Sara Shandler. This book is a collection of stories of adolescent girls going through just what you are.  From race and religion to social problems and eating disorders, this book is a wonderful reflection on adlescent life.

Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger.  Meet Holden Caufield.  He is a 16 year old awkard kid who dosen't seem to care about anything anymore.  Sound familiar?  Follow his life and problems as he grows into a wonderful person.  Homepage
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