2026-2027 -- Carden Conejo Middle School - Flipbook - Page 27
Sample Reading List
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn follows the journey of Huck Finn, a young boy traveling down
the Mississippi River with Jim, an enslaved man seeking freedom. As they encounter a variety of
characters and moral dilemmas, Huck wrestles with the values he has been taught versus his own
developing sense of right and wrong. The novel explores freedom, conscience, friendship, and the
hypocrisy of society through humor and sharp social commentary.
Julius Caesar is a historical tragedy that centers on the assassination of Roman leader Julius Caesar
and the political chaos that follows. The play examines ambition, loyalty, power, and betrayal,
focusing especially on Brutus, who struggles between his love for Caesar and his belief that
Caesar’s rule threatens the republic. Shakespeare explores how persuasive language and moral
conflict can shape the fate of nations.
Ivanhoe is a historical novel set in medieval England during the conflict between the Saxons and the
Normans. It follows the knight Ivanhoe as he seeks to restore his honor, protect the vulnerable, and
win the love of Lady Rowena. Filled with tournaments, disguises, and heroic deeds, the novel
explores chivalry, justice, loyalty, and cultural identity.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a haunting and humorous tale set in a quiet Dutch village in New
York. It tells the story of Ichabod Crane, a superstitious schoolteacher who becomes entangled in
local legends—most famously the tale of the Headless Horseman. The story blends folklore and
satire while exploring fear, imagination, and the power of storytelling.
Rip Van Winkle follows a kind but idle man who wanders into the mountains, falls into a mysterious
sleep, and awakens twenty years later to find the world completely changed. Through Rip’s
experience, the story reflects on time, personal responsibility, and the dramatic social changes
brought about by the American Revolution.
The Gold-Bug is a suspenseful mystery centered on a strange golden beetle, a cryptic code, and the
search for hidden treasure. As the narrator and his companion decode a series of clues, the story
highlights logic, cryptography, and careful reasoning. Poe combines adventure with intellectual
problem-solving, making the story both thrilling and analytical.
A Christmas Carol is a timeless holiday story about Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold and miserly man who
is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. Through visions of his past, present, and future, Scrooge
is forced to confront the consequences of his choices and the impact of kindness and generosity.
The story emphasizes compassion, redemption, and the power of personal change.
Little Women follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up
during the Civil War era. Each sister navigates personal challenges, dreams, and relationships while
learning the importance of family, integrity, hard work, and love. The novel is a warm, characterdriven exploration of maturity, resilience, and moral growth.
Hatchet centers on Brian Robeson, a thirteen-year-old boy stranded alone in the Canadian
wilderness after a plane crash. Armed with only a hatchet, Brian must learn to survive by using his
ingenuity, patience, and determination. The story highlights self-reliance, adaptability, and the deep
connection between humans and nature.
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