English/Language Arts Department
Grades 6–12
About our Texts
"Windows," "Mirrors," and Real-World Issues
As an English Department, we work to ensure that the texts our students read provide both “windows” into other cultures and experiences and “mirrors” to reflect their individual identities. This prepares students to thrive in our diverse global society.
We firmly believe that powerful learning occurs when students grapple with complex, real-world social and civic issues. Works of literature can be tools that provide meaningful opportunities for students to consider, challenge, and understand controversial ideas and difficult aspects of the human condition. Literature helps students to see the world from different perspectives.
Some of our texts for grades 6–12 depict discrimination and racism. Glastonbury teachers sensitively guide their students through these texts. Students discuss, analyze, and research in their classes to expand their comprehension of and insight into such challenging issues. The classroom environment is a safe and compassionate place for this work.
Additionally, some of our texts may include mature content, including references or scenes related to such topics as sexual abuse, sexism, violence, suicide/suicidal ideations, death/loss of parent, divorce, body issues/eating disorders, mental illness, neglect/poverty, and/or substance abuse. In every case, these texts are carefully chosen by our English Department. Selections are based on literary merit and educational value to our students. We consider the author’s intention to honestly and humanely illuminate the difficult subject matter.
Book Lists
Comprehensive book lists for each English/Language Arts course in grades 6 - 12 are linked below. The majority of these works of literature have been in place for a number of years. We share this information so parents and guardians can understand and support their children’s learning.
GHS English Text List by Course
Parent Support
Educational research indicates that students more actively engage in the reading process, achieve at a higher academic level, and better comprehend challenging social issues and mature content when parental conversations accompany classroom learning. We strongly encourage you to actively monitor what your child is reading in English class and discuss the content of those texts and their themes as a family.
If you have any concerns regarding our texts, please email your child’s teacher. A comparable alternative text can be assigned that still offers your child the same opportunities to learn guaranteed curricular skills and concepts. A student may also request an alternative text. Additional concerns may be directed to Tracey DeDonato, the Director of ELA & Library Media (6-12) for Glastonbury Public Schools.