2026-2027 -- Carden Conejo Middle School - Flipbook - Page 25
Sample Reading List
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is studied for its episodes, dialect of the period, vocabulary
development, and characters. The students discuss where an episode begins and ends. This book by
Mark Twain is rich in Americana. The dialect in this story comes from the middle class and poor that
inhabit the small town of Hannibal. The politics of that time, morals, superstitions, and beliefs are
discussed within the classroom. Students are encouraged to stand up for what they believe and to
respect other’s opinions.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass is read for the humor,
physics and fantasy that has made it a favorite of children and adults through the ages. Students
are expected to memorize all the poems that are in the text. Students summarize chapters and
analyze characters and plot.
A Dog of Flanders was included in the Carden Curriculum for Sixth Grade by Mae Carden, because
she felt that it was important for children of this age to learn that not everything in life turns out
happily. Throughout the book the students begin to analyze how a book is written. They study about
the mood that the writer creates in the story, and the choice of words to create a mood. They learn
how ideas are contrasted for effect, and attention is paid to the pathos and irony that is expressed
in the story.
The reading of the story of The Odyssey acquaints the students with the ancient epic story of
Odysseus. It follows his travels from the end of the Trojan War through many strange adventures,
until he finally is able to placate the gods and return home. The students are treated to other
translations to compare them with the one they are reading.
The Giver explores complex themes like individuality, conformity, and the importance of memory in
an accessible way, making it a great introduction to dystopian literature. The novel is appropriate
for this age group because the protagonist, Jonas, experiences relatable struggles as he develops
his understanding of the world and questions societal rules, which promotes critical thinking,
empathy, and civic responsibility.
The Aeneid is an epic poem that tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero destined to lay the
foundations of Rome after the fall of Troy. Through years of travel, battles, and personal sacrifice,
Aeneas struggles between his own desires and his duty to fulfill his destiny. The poem examines
leadership, fate, perseverance, and the responsibilities individuals carry in shaping the future of a
civilization.
The Man Without a Country is a powerful short story about Philip Nolan, a man who, in a moment of
anger, renounces his country and is sentenced to live the rest of his life without ever hearing of it
again. As the years pass, Nolan comes to deeply regret his words and learns the true value of
national identity and belonging. The story serves as a reflection on patriotism, loyalty, and the
meaning of home.
The Lay of the Last Minstrel is a narrative poem set in the Scottish Borders, framed as a tale told by
an aging minstrel recalling a time of feuding families, chivalry, romance, and magic. Blending
history with legend, the poem celebrates honor, courage, and the enduring power of storytelling. It
highlights the importance of tradition and the role of memory in preserving culture across
generations.
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