Choosing a Canonical American Classic

Library/Book Talk Instructions The following is a list of several American Classics You must choose one: If the library doesn’t have a copy, I have some copies. If neither of us have copies, you will have one class period to get a copy. We will begin reading next class. Use the laptops to research a plot synopsis and then 3 at a time, quickly take a library pass to check out the necessary book.

General Book List from which to choose: Make an informed decision and search plot summaries: The Great Gatsby* The Crucible* Of Mice and Men* Cat’s Cradle The Catcher in the Rye* Fahrenheit 451* The Things They Carried* A Raisin in the Sun Walden* A Handmaid’s Tale The Call of the Wild Little Women Our Town Or another book from the literary canon– MUST be approved by Mrs. Williams

Advanced Book List from which to choose: Make an informed decision and search plot summaries: The Great Gatsby* Uncle Tom’s Cabin* As I Lay Dying The Poisonwood Bible Catch-22 Native Son Cat’s Cradle Fahrenheit 451 Invisible Man Atlas Shrugged The Catcher in the Rye* Beloved* Sister Carrie Passing The Handmaid’s Tale The Sun Also Rises The Road The Call of the Wild The Grapes of Wrath Deliverance The House of Mirth Walden* The Scarlet Letter* Kate Chopin writing (including The Awakening) The Crucible* The Witches of Eastwick The Things They Carried* Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass A Raisin In the Sun AND Our Town The Absolutely True Story of a Part-time Indian Their Eyes Were Watching God The Color Purple Another selection of your choice as long as it is part of the current American literary canon

Post-Booktalk instructions Once you have chosen a book, you will complete the pre-reading novel research activity on the computers. (Grab a worksheet after you have checked out) You will only have 45 minutes to complete it, so you need to hustle. If you do not finish your research, you will need to take it home for homework. This research will help you put together your final project for the unit.