6 Important Types of Books to Read in High School
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When I began creating my daughter’s high school plan, I spent quite a bit of time researching books to read in high school. Were there any specific books she was expected to read? I looked for different college-suggested reading lists, public school language arts syllabi, and what felt like every high school reading list on Pinterest. After all of that research, I came to a realization.
The types of books to read in high school matter more than reading specific titles.
While there is certainly some overlap, every public and private high school has different required reading lists. It is okay if homeschools have different lists of books to read in high school too!
Reading books from a variety of genres has a few benefits:
- Creates well-rounded readers
- Allows for cross-curricular assignments
- Prepares kids for any reading assignment they may come across in college
Types of Books to Read in High School
Choosing to include certain types of books to read in high school rather than specific titles is very freeing. We have the flexibility to choose books that will make an impact on our kids. We also have the flexibility to decide whether to focus on one genre at a time or to mix it up each year.
As you go through this list of books to read in high school, keep your particular students in mind. What will expose them to a different time period or a fresh perspective? What will they find interesting enough that they want to have deep conversations about the plot or literary devices? This answer will be different for everyone.
I am suggesting a few titles for each category, but know that you are not limited by the titles in this list. Remember, the types of books to read in high school are more important than any particular title.
One thing to note: some of these titles could fit in multiple categories. It is possible for a book to be both a classic and a piece of American literature. That is okay! There are also not always clear-cut definitions of the various genres. The goal is a varied reading list.
As with any book list, choose what works for your family. Every family has a different idea of what is appropriate and acceptable.
1. Classics
Including literary classics in your list of books to read in high school offers a few benefits:
- A glimpse into various historical time periods
- Increases vocabulary
- Understanding cultural literary references
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
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Pride and Prejudice is one of Jane Austen’s most famous novels. It was written in the early 1800s and is set in England. This story follows Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates societal customs involving manners and relationships.
This classic book seems to be one that you either love or hate. There have been several spin-off books, mini series, and movies made about Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
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To Kill a Mockingbird is a story about life in the Deep South in the 1930s, prejudice, inequality, and bravery. The main character watches her father, a lawyer, fight to defend his client.
To Kill a Mockingbird is also available as a graphic novel! My daughter received this graphic novel at Christmas and couldn’t put it down.
Related: Teaching with Graphic Novels
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
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Lord of the Flies is a classic that might appeal to any teen who has thought that they could make better decisions than adults. In this fictional story, a group of schoolboys survives a crash landing on a deserted island. There are no adults, so the teens are in charge.
The newfound freedom is celebrated, but eventually, things take a turn for the worse.
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
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The Canterbury Tales was first published in 1400 in England. This book is different than many of the titles on this list because it is not a novel. It is a collection of 24 short stories. I don’t necessarily think every high schooler needs to read all of the short stories, but reading one or two is probably worthwhile.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
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The Grapes of Wrath tells the story of a fictional family that is trying to survive. However, the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl are making survival difficult. Books about true hardships are always a good way to gain a little perspective.
2. Shakespeare
Reading Shakespeare can be a challenge, but that is exactly why I include it in my list of books to read in high school. Our teens will face difficult books in college, so we should help get them comfortable with the challenge.
I suggest reading the plays and watching a movie version whenever possible. In fact, I like to watch the movie and then read the play, especially if the Shakespearean language is new and unfamiliar.
There are three types of Shakespeare plays, and I like to include each in the list of books to read in high school:
- Tragedy
- Comedy
- History
Romeo and Juliet is probably one of Shakespeare’s most famous works. This tragedy tells of two teenage star-crossed lovers. They are deeply in love despite their families’ feud. They can not imagine life apart from each other, and tragedy ensues.
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Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare’s comedies, although it is a bit different from modern comedies. It revolves around an odd courtship and trickery.
After reading the original Taming of the Shrew, try watching Ten Things I Hate About You (PG-13). There are quite a few parallels to spot!
- Amazon Kindle Edition
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Julius Caesar has elements of both a tragedy and a historical play. It portrays a historical event that is also tragic. Julius Caesar was overthrown and murdered by someone he considered a friend.
3. World Literature
Including world literature in your high school reading list is a way to expose students to different cultures, history, and even geography.
In 10th grade, my daughter spent an entire year reading world literature. It really helped open her eyes to different lifestyles, cultures, and a bit of world history.
Related: 10th Grade World Literature Reading List
The titles on my daughter’s world literature reading list are, of course, not the only world literature books to read in high school. There are tons of possibilities!
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
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The Book Thief is set in 1939 in Nazi Germany. A young girl navigates these dark times with the help of her foster father and books. Books are an escape as well as a means of education.
The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seiestad
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The Bookseller of Kabul offers a personal glimpse into family life in Afghanistan. Sultan Khan has a passion for getting books into the hands of his neighbors. He is willing to face many hardships in order for that passion to survive.
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
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The Good Earth tells the story of a fictional family living in China in the 1920s. Much of their lives are lived in poverty until they steal enough money and jewels to change their status in life. Eventually, the father realizes that money and material possessions are not the important things in life.
4. American Literature
American literature titles are on my list of types of books to read in high school because they offer:
- Personal look at history
- Unique look at American culture
- Social challenges and fears as felt by American authors
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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The Great Gatsby is a classic tale about the life of the wealthy during the roaring ’20s. Alcohol might have been illegal, but that didn’t stop it from flowing in abundance at luxurious parties.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston
- Amazon Kindle Edition
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Their Eyes Were Watching God is a story about a woman named Janie. Janie was raised by her grandmother, a former slave, in Florida. She does not have an easy life. Her choices are limited due to social expectations. She is on a constant journey of knowing her self-worth and fighting to protect herself.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
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Fahrenheit 451 takes banning books to the extreme. In this dystopian society, books are burned. Firemen don’t put out fires. They start them. The firemen are responsible for burning illegal materials – including books. Eventually, one firefighter begins to question everything.
5. Modern Literature
I like to include modern literature on my list of books to read in high school because I believe reading should be fun and interesting.
My kids chat with their friends about what they are reading and are often inspired to read books at their recommendations. Leaving room for modern or contemporary literature allows them to choose a few new release books to read for school.
A homeschool mentor once suggested to me that colleges like seeing modern literature listed on high school book lists because it suggests that the students enjoy reading. I have zero idea if that is true, but I don’t think it hurts anything to leave time for reading for fun.
I do not have any specific book recommendations for this category. The books to add here depend entirely upon what your student would like to read.
Encourage them to chat with friends or browse the library shelves to find something that sounds interesting. My kids are always more interested in reading a book when it is recommended by someone other than mom or dad.
6. Poetry
I have long been a fan of including poetry in my homeschool, so it is only natural that I also include poetry in my list of books to read in high school.
Poetry can be included in many ways:
Epic poems
Poet studies
Poetry teatimes
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Beowulf was written around 700, but the author is unknown. This epic poem is the length of a novel, but it is in fact poetry. This poem tells the story of a prince coming to the aid of a nearby King. The prince rids the kingdom of a dragon, Grendel.
Over the course of his lifetime, Beowulf must defeat several other dragons.
If you are looking for a poet study curriculum, I recommend this Poetry and a Movie course. My daughter participated in this online class in 9th grade, and I was very happy.
Each month follows a specific poet. Students will learn a little about the poet’s life and read his poetry. They also learn different poetry literary elements. At the end of the month, they watch a movie that ties in with one of the poems.
Related: How I’m Teaching Poetry This Year
What happens if our kids get to college and a professor assumes that they have read a specific title, but they haven’t? They can read it then.
Keep reading . . .
- How to Create a Homeschooling High School Plan
- A Do-It-Yourself Literature/Composition Course
- A Guide to High School Electives
- 9th Grade Reading List: Historical Fiction
- 10th Grade Reading List: World Literature
- A Complete High School Language Arts Curriculum
- Literary Adventures for Kids: An Overview
- Homeschooling High School Resources, Curriculum, and Tips
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