In this lesson, students will look behind the story at the historical, social, and cultural circumstances that shape the narrative throughout Esperanza Rising. The lesson also invites students to contemplate some of the changes Esperanza undergoes as she grows into a responsible young woman and the contradictions that she experiences.

Celebrated American novelist Phillip Roth is the author of 27 award-winning books - most of which have received national and/or international critical acclaim. In this video segment [1:18], Roth shares many of the details of his unique writing process. For each book in development, Roth relies upon the candid feedback of a trusted coterie of friends. Ultimately though, Roth decides what changes he will make to the manuscripts. Even if Roth disagrees with his friends' suggestions, he says their feedback is vital because it opens up his thinking and gives him a fresh perspective on his work. Discussion questions are included.

This lesson explores how The Giver addresses issues of personal identity, memory, and the value of reading and education. It also examines how this newer read relates to other famous classics in this genre and books that students may have read on their own.

Students read AviŐs "Nothing But the Truth" and examine the First Amendment and student rights, and then decide whether the rights of the novel's protagonist, Philip, are violated.

William Faulkner's self-proclaimed masterpiece, As I Lay Dying, originally published in 1930, is a fascinating exploration of the many voices found in a Southern family and community. The following curriculum unit examines the novel's use of multiple voices in its narrative.

"Dooley Takes the Fall", a mystery novel by Canadian author Norah McClintock for grade nine and up, is about a boy who has made some mistakes in the past. He becomes a suspect after he witnesses a boy jumping off a bridge and has to prove his innocence to clear his name. This extensive teacher's guide includes chapter summaries with accompanying discussion questions and novel activities, and cross-curricular connections. Also included are blackline masters and an interview with the author.

Learn how writer Zora Neale Hurston incorporated and transformed black folklife in her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. By exploring Hurston's own life history and collection methods, listening to her WPA recordings of folksongs and folktales, and comparing transcribed folk narrative texts with the plot and themes of the novel, students will learn about the crucial role of oral folklore in Hurston's written work.

This Bibliomania webpage features the full text of Anthony Trollope's short story "John Bull on the Guadalquivir." A link is provided to Bibliomania's Anthony Trollope main page, which has links to other Trollope works.

This Bibliomania webpage features the full text of Anthony Trollope's short story "La Mere Bauche." A link is provided to Bibliomania's Anthony Trollope main page, which has links to other Trollope works.

This Bibliomania webpage features the full text of Anthony Trollope's short story "Malachi's Cove." The page is linked to the Bibliomania's Anthony Trollope main page, which has links to other Trollope works.

This Bibliomania webpage features the full text of Anthony Trollope's short story "The O'Conors of Castle Conor, County Mayo." A link is provided to Bibliomania's Anthony Trollope main page, which has links to other Trollope works.

This Bibliomania webpage features the full text of Anthony Trollope's short story "The Two Generals." A link is provided to Bibliomania's Anthony Trollope main page, which has links to other Trollope works.

This lesson plan asks students to read To Kill A Mockingbird carefully with an eye for all instances and manifestations of courage, but particularly those of moral courage.

Through their interpretation of primary documents that reflect Victorian ideals, students can learn the cultural expectations for and limitations placed on Victorian women and then contemplate the writer Charlotte Brontes position in that context. Then, through an examination of the opening chapters of Jane Eyre, students will evaluate Jane's status as an unconventional Victorian heroine.

Students align original FSA photographs from the 1930s and the author's own journal entries, to trace parallel elements John Steinbeck then incorporated into passages in The Grapes of Wrath.

Curriculum unit on the historical  context of Upton Sinclair's novel The Jungle and how the book helped reform efforts in Congress to pass the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906.

In this curriculum unit, students will explore how Chopin stages the possible roles for women in Edna's time and culture through the examples of other characters in the novella.

Students work in small groups to examine Margaret AtwoodŐs use of and observations about language in The HandmaidŐs Tale. Through this activity, students discover and articulate overarching thematic trends in the book and then can extend their observations about official or political language to examples from their own world.

This lesson focuses on character analysis throughout William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies. While contemplating both direct and indirect characterization techniques, students will be able to consider how characterization builds relationships among the boys in the novel.

Students learn more about Faulkner's life and the culture of the South while exploring the use of multiple voices in narration.