Course Overview

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Students read dystopian literature and related informational texts to understand how individual perspectives are shaped by knowledge and memory and to determine whether perfection is worth the sacrifice. Students express their understanding by analyzing how a theme is developed through characters and their contrasting points of view and also comparing and contrasting the themes of similar texts.

Written in Bone by Sally M. Walker

Students read literary and informational texts about the stories of our past to understand how different texts offer unique historical perspectives and how authors sometimes alter details of history to serve a purpose. Students express their understanding by corroborating details of the past, deciphering an author’s purpose, and writing their own fictionalized version of a historical account.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Students read literary and informational texts about the meaning and redemption found through selflessness and valuing people over material possessions. Students understand how writers use stories to teach us these lessons and how characters’ choices affect the plot and build the theme of a story. Students express their understanding by exploring how literature resonates with readers and has “staying power,” becoming a part of our language, culture, and moral code.