Studying novels together creates a different experience than the short stories. Our affection for the story builds over time, and our relationships with the characters deepens.
In The Diary of Ann Frank, she writes, “If I read a book that impresses me, I have to take myself firmly by the hand, before I mix with other people; otherwise they would think my mind rather queer.”
In our class, we totally understand what she means. It takes time to leave Sam’s mountain or realize that not everyone loves Temeraire as we do.
Want to join in the experience?
A Day No Pigs Would Die
One of the very first novels considered Young Adult Fiction, this book frequently lands on the chopping block. It’s consistently on lists of the 100 most often banned books, but we’re reading it. Find it here on Amazon or at your local library (affiliate link).
Part 1: Chapters 1 – 5
My Side of the Mountain
This was the first novel we read, and I picked it because I love it so much. We analyzed it through the lens of what it really means to be self-reliant and asking if you can ever really run away.
Find out more here.
His Majesty’s Dragon
This was the first time I’d read this novel, and like many of my students, I fell in love with this Napoleonic Wars-with-dragons tale of friendship and loyalty and betrayal.
Find out more here.
Get Connected with Class
If you’re not signed up for Mrs. Van’s Roll (really an email list!), you’ll want to do that here, so you don’t miss class!
If you’d like all of the details on the class, the main class page is here.
If you’d like to learn about the short stories, that information is here.
If you’d like to learn about the general Language Arts classes, that information is here.
