10th Grade - Why These Books?

Literature and Composition

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Peace Like a River is the story of Reuben Land and his untraditional but close-knit family.  With the help of God, friends, strangers, and enemies, the Lands search for Reuben’s brother, Davy, who has disappeared from jail near the close of his highly contentious murder trial.

This book has been selected because:
1.    It is a compelling portrayal of a young man’s struggle to overcome his limitations in order to help his brother.
2.    It explores how people can adapt to sudden and significant changes in their lives.
3.    It is an emotional and gripping story that inspires discussion of moral issues, religion, and family relationships.
4.    It exposes students to up-and-coming Minnesota author Leif Enger and the genre of Midwestern magical realism.


The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is the story of Christopher John Francis Boone, who, as a teenager with autism, perceives the world in a different way from the people around him.  In his own, inimitable way, Christopher struggles to solve the mysteries behind the death of a neighbor’s dog, while at the same time trying to comprehend the nuances of his own family relationships. 

This book has been selected because:
1.    Haddon creates a superb narrator whose approach to life demonstrates the mindset of a profoundly autistic person.
2.    It is a cleverly written mystery that engages the reader.
3.    It inspires discussion of differences, family relationships, and the effects of deception.
4.    It takes the reader on an adventure filled with humor and pathos.



World History

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
 
This is the semi-autobiographical record of the author and his German schoolmates who represent a generation destroyed by the dehumanization of World War I trench warfare.  All Quiet on the Western Front follows the central character, Paul Baumer, from naive schoolboy patriot to cynical soldier.  

This novel has been part of the sophomore reading list for many years because:

1.  It complements the World History course, especially the World War I unit, including the exploration of nationalism and the realistic detailing of the impact of technology on warfare and on people.  

2.  The story is told from the foot soldiers’ point of view, offering a taste of social history as opposed more traditional political history. In addition, the story is told from the German perspective, which forces students to humanize the enemy.

3.  The protagonist is a young male, providing the student-reader with the ability to imagine himself in his situation.