I have an embarrassing confession to make: I hated mandatory books when I was in school. There weren`t that many Romanian novels that I enjoyed, maybe two or three. It wasn`t necessary the authors because in many cases I loved their other works. I just couldn`t connect with the books that we HAD to read. I did excel at my Universal Literature class, but that was mainly due to the fact that I`ve read those books before. While I don`t want to diminish the importance of classics (
1. Harry Potter. Enough said.
"Harry Potter" is the series that turns children into readers. Most of us pick the books when we are 8-9 and our lives are never the same. ( I read it in my 20s, but details)However, I cannot stop but think how magical it would be if this series would be part of that long summer reading list. I for one would be so curious to see everyone`s houses, learn about their favourite character and teacher, etc.
2." Percy Jackson and the Olympians" by Rick Riordan
How funny is it to recommend a series that I have not read yet? Talk about questioning a book blogger's integrity. But hey, I know the plot. And I know that reading it might make me remember more about Greek mythology than all the history lessons combined.
3. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak
This is another book that might spark more interest in history. I mean, I am fascinated by everything that has to do with history and politics. But I know a lot of people find these subjects boring. So a heartbreaking YA set in WWII might be the cure for that.
4. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky
I know that a lot of you might consider this book overrated. I know its flaws, but I cannot deny the impact it had on me. It captures being a teenager so well, and I think that most young readers will be able to relate to it.
5. "We Should All Be Feminists" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
One of the reasons why I love this manifest so much is that it`s simple and pretty straightforward. It does not have any scientific terms that might confuse you. It just explains why we still need feminism today and why EVERYONE should be an advocate for it.
6. "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro
I saw the movie when it first came out, but only now did I get the chance to read the book. And what a marvellous experience has it been! While I`m aware that students get their fair share of dystopian books, this novel should be on that list as well. First of all, it will make you question lots of things. But unlike other novels, there really aren`t heroes in this book. Everyone is flawed and I bloody loved that!
7. "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
Again, I`m cheating a bit because I`m currently reading it. But wow, is it amazing or what? Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this book sheds some light on issues like racism and police brutality. And it showcases that no matter what we want to believe in, the society is still far from being perfect.
8. "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
I think that we should change the title of this post into "All Historical Fiction Should Become Required Reading". This is another book that will make you question life and the idea of good and evil. An impressive book, that will touch many hearts.
9. "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli
Hey, a book that doesn`t make you want to cry until 3 AM. Not only is this book funny and heartwarming, but it deals with issues like sexual identity and coming out. Something that we should be able to discuss freely.
10. "One Flew Over The Cuckoo`s Nest" by Ken Kesey
As you all know, I love my modern classics. And whilst "To Kill a Mockingbird" remains my favourite book, there are so many other masterpieces out there. In my opinion, "One Flew Over The Cuckoo`s Nest" is one of them. Again, it`s a book that will make you question the system and the world you live in. Which is what school books should do. They should make you THINK!
Do you agree with my picks or not? What other books do you think should become mandatory?
Harry Potter: YES!
ReplyDeletePercy Jackson: Yes!
The Hate U Give: DEFINITELY! That book has to be read by the whole wide world, in my opinion.
I haven't read any of the others but quite a few are on my TBR, haha. Especially The Book Thief. I've heard so much about it that I really want to read it myself.
The Book Thief is amazing, I`m sure you`ll love it.
DeleteI so agree about Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. They're amazing, and everybody should read them! I wonder if people would enjoy them as much if they were forced to read them though. I really need to read the book thief soon!
ReplyDeleteRekha @ Million Book Mill
Here's my TTT!
A required reading can take away your enjoyment, but I don`t think that would be the case with these series.
DeleteYour required reading list is awesome! HP and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda are both really wonderful. Happy TTT!
ReplyDeleteSimon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is one of my favourite book of 2017:)
DeleteGreat list! I still have to read half of them but I'll get to them eventually! I just got The Hate U Give, so I hope to get to it soon! Have a great week and happy reading!
ReplyDeleteHope you`ll enjoy The Hate You Give, it`s amazing.
DeleteI've hardly read any of these, I need to get on that!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm with you re. not enjoying required reading. I will read almost anything, but if I'm forced to read something and then told to pick it apart, it takes the enjoyment out of it a bit somehow.
Exactly. I just want to like the story, not think about what the authors was implying when they said peaches instead of apples:))
DeleteAhh I agree with SO many of these!! I think The Hate U Give should definitely become like required school reading soon because it's so important and so so poignant (and exceptionally beautifully written!) I also loooved Simon Vs and The Book Thief and Percy Jackson and, of course, Harry Potter. ;) Definitely a fantastic list of required reading!! hehe.
ReplyDeleteThanks.I tried my best to include books that kids will enjoy, but also have a bigger meaning.
DeleteI garee about number 4, but not Harry Potter...I tried reading the first and I wasnt a fan (I know shock horror)...I never got on the bandwagon or watches the movies lol
ReplyDeletePam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥
OMG, I think you`re the only person I know that does not like HP:))
DeleteThe Book Thief is a great book, and would be perfect required reading! And of course Harry Potter, who wouldn't want to study that!
ReplyDeleteYes, I would love a class dedicated to HP:))
DeleteI think think this is a great list! I wish everyone would read The Hate U Give. I loved The Book Thief and the Harry Potter books. And The Kite Runner!
ReplyDeleteI haven't yet read (but want to) Albertalli's book. It's on my wish list. And We Should All Be Feminists is sitting on my TBR pile to be read.
Thank you for sharing!
Pick up We Should All Be Feminists, you`ll probably read it in less than 30 minutes. Such a powerful manifest!
DeleteI definitely agree with the Percy Jackson books. Not only would they get kids interested in mythology and history, as the series progress into Heroes of Olympus, Magnus Chase etc, there's a lot of diverse representation.
ReplyDeleteYes, kids could definitely benefit from more diversity in books.
DeleteI LOVE your list! Completely agree with most of these and the others I just haven't read myself yet so really should get to! I hated required reading in school, but I would have adored this list :)
ReplyDeleteFor me required reading was meh, but I would have loved it if we had more contemporary books.
DeleteYour blog is so pretty!!! I recently read Percy Jackson with my son and it was good-- but I thought it was going to be a lot better TBH. I'm wondering if the rest of the series goes more in-depth with the mythology??
ReplyDeleteThanks. Now that you mentioned it I believe that this is one of the reasons why I haven`t started the series. Seriously hope it lives up to the hype.
DeleteI agree with you about THE HATE U GIVE. I am adding We Should All Be Feminists to my TBR after I click send on this comment. Books with memorable school scenes
ReplyDeleteHope you`ll enjoy We Should All Be Feminists.
DeleteI couldn't agree with you more. The Hate You Give is a modern classic for sure. I honestly think it's going to become required reading in a lot of classrooms one day.
ReplyDeleteHere is our TTT
I hope it will. I`m also very excited about "Dear Martin" which is quite similar.
DeleteAwesome list! I totally agree with you about Percy Jackson! Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed my recommendations.
DeleteI think historical fiction is a great way to get kids to read about history. My sister is an AP US/Gov teacher, and I know she uses historical fiction in her lessons.
ReplyDeleteYes, it`s one of my favourite genre and afterwards I`m so curious about the events I was reading about.
DeleteYes to so many of these. I would have loved to have read HP in school. The Hate U Give is a definite must. I'd love to see it taught in schools. Great list!
ReplyDeleteYeah, even if they don`t study it in depth, "The Hate U Give" should be on a summer reading list.
DeleteThis is such a well put-together list. There are a few on here that I still need to read, but have on my tbr. : ) For required reading, I have to recommend Louise Erdrich, such brilliant stories she tells!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by our TTT at Owl Always Be Reading!
Oh, thanks for the recommendation.
DeleteWonderful list. The only one I haven't read yet is Never Let Me Go but I completely agree with all of the others.
ReplyDeleteNever Let Me Go is so beautiful, I hope you read it one day.
DeleteI agree with you! All these books would really spark some good discussions in class!! And all the while, being fun to read!! :)
ReplyDeleteIf you enjoy a book, it`s more likely you`ll want to discuss it. There`d be some great debates over HP or Percy Jackson.
DeleteLove Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and The Book Thief! I read them all when I was at school, just not for required reading :)
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/top-ten-tuesday-121/
They`re great books. I think I would have enjoyed them the same if they were required.
DeleteI've only read a few of these books, but this is a great list! I've heard such fantastic things about all of the books I haven't read yet.
ReplyDeleteAww, I love your photo of little Harry. So cute! This is a great list too! And I totally agree with you about required reading--most of the time I didn't really like the books we had to read for class (though there were exceptions). I usually enjoyed the books I picked for myself much more.
ReplyDeleteHarry is very photogenic, it`s his credit!:)) Thanks for the compliment.
DeleteThis is such a great list, I love it and agree with so many on the titles here :) Harry Potter should be required reading for sure, and I haven't read The Hate U Give yet but I'm sure it deserves its place on this list. Seems like such a powerful and well-needed story.
ReplyDeleteThe Hate U Give is so popular right now, but deserves all the hype.
DeleteI had to read Cuckoo's Nest for school in the spring, and I definitely agree it should be required! The Kite Runner and The Hate U Give are others I'd agree with (even though I haven't read THUG yet). You have a great list going! I'd add I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai for sure :)
ReplyDeleteEllie | On the Other Side of Reality
I haven`t read I am Malala yet, but I`ve heard great things about it.
DeleteGreat list. I agree that the ones I've read on your list would be great for reccommended reading. And though I've not read THUG I think that should be an automatic add for all schools now.
ReplyDelete