Students will identify author's techniques such as characterization, mood, irony, and figurative language by writing theme and claim statements and using direct evidence. Students will have the opportunity to use literary devices in their own writing creative writing!

Texts include:

• "Animals," Simon Rich

• "The Landlady," Roald Dahl

• "Why I Learned to Cook," Sara Farizan

• "The Present," a Pixar Short

• "Cars," Pixar

Students will read The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang, the story of a young prince who wants to wear dresses and secretly hires a dressmaker for himself. This text gives students to discuss important social issues, analyze symbolism, and participate in their first full class literature discussion. 

Texts include:

• The Prince and the Dressmaker, Jen Wang

• Almost American Girl, Robin Ha

Students will study George Orwell's classic novella, Animal Farm, in conjunction with the history of the Bolshevik Revolution in order to understand allegory and uncover Orwell's message about power. In this unit students will write their first long form essay in 8th grade. 

Texts include:

• Animal Farm, George Orwell

• "Animals," Simon Rich

• Selected non-fiction readings for background information on the Russian Revolution

Students will study smashhit Hamilton by reading the script, listening to the audio, and analyzing the video recording for acting and lighting choices that impact the meaning. This multimedia exploration is a good way for students to expand the knowledge of literary devices that they have been building throughout the year and apply to a contemporary cultural phenomena. We will also discuss the historical ramifications of casting and style choices in conjunction with their knowledge from Civics. 

• Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda

• The Myth of Icarus

• Selected non-fiction readings for background information on Lin-Manuel Miranda & Alexander Hamilton

Students will be able to choose a contemporary novel concerning a wide range of topics, all with a theme of issues that pertain to young adults. They will collaborate a group of peers to discuss and analyze the book. This unit gives students the opportunity to "test drive" what English class will look like in high school by increasing independence and giving them a chance to practice the skills they have been building throughout the year. 

• Dear Martin, Nic Stone

• Love, Hate, and Other Filters, Samira Ahmed

• Here to Stay, Sara Farizan

• Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Benjamine Alire Saenz

• Turtles All the Way Down, John Green