Ali, Nujood.
I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced
. New York: Broadway Paperbacks, 2010.
Nujood tells the story of her forced marriage and subsequent battle for divorce from her adult husband in Yemen. An excerpt from this text would be useful teaching about family violence as well as the importance of self–advocacy.
Beah, Ishmael.
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007.
Beah is a former child soldier from Sierra Leone. His memoir is a harrowing tale about his abduction and soldiering days, as well as his rehabilitation. Excerpts from this book should be selected carefully as some scenes detail extreme violence and drug use.
Gantos, Jack.
Hole in My Life
. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2002.
Gantos, a popular children's author, wrote this memoir about a time in his life when he became involved with drug smugglers and eventually was captured and sent to prison. His story is incredible and honest. His memoir would be useful in discussing consequences and decision making.
Homer,
The Iliad
. New York, Penguin, 1950.
This original epic poem tells the story of the Trojan War. I recommend its use for discussing classic themes and emphasizing the universality of violence.
Moore, Wes.
The Other Wes Moore
. New York: Spiegel and Grau Trade Paperback, 2010.
Wes Moore compares his own biography to that of a man serving life in prison who is of a comparable background. He investigates the choices and lessons that led him to excel and his counterpart to sink into a life of violence. A popular choice for high schoolers and college freshmen, excerpts of this book are appropriate for exploring the effect of friends and family on shaping identiry.
Park, Linda Sue.
A Long Walk to Water
. Boston : Clarion Books, 2010.
Based on the true story of a lost boy of Sudan, Park explores the effect of war on young children in a format accessible and appropriate for middle schoolers.
