Equitable? However, it was Pausch who taught me about dreaming, life and HOW to live it. Why I wish I read this book in high school: If you’re a believer and you have not read this book, as a sister in Christ, I’m not “encouraging” you to read this book. No one before or since has manipulated sound and syntax to such victorious euphony. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Success! Sure. I think that my frequent returns to these texts as an adult suggests I would have benefited from reading them much sooner. How many have you read? There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Personally, I grew up around books, Highlights and National Geographic because I loved reading that much. Reading is a fundamental skill so as long as students are reading, THAT is what should be important. And I don’t think this is shocking. Some would have created a more diverse reading canon. To ensure I was on the path to success, I would’ve mapped out my life, planned every move and executed. A text that encourages readers to empathize with the beast that minted the monster archetype is worth reading. score: 21 of 50 (42%) required scores: 1, 12, 17, 23, 29 list stats leaders vote Vote print comments. Rock some new books-to-read this season. It’s geared towards women, but I can see men benefiting from this book! And I would’ve kept going. Here’s what I actually read in school. However, they are texts I keep going back to again and again. If you consider yourself a leader and want to get better at being one, trust me when I say, “READ. Trust me when I say to PLEASE read this short book. Why I wish I read this book in high school: If you’re looking to break a habit, you have to know how habits work. Through loving myself first, I wouldn’t have let others’ opinions of me define my self-worth nor slow me down. Who remembers the accelerated reading programs in middle school? Poem: “Us vs Them” by David Tomas Martinez. Seems I read some Grisham and maybe even Toni Morrison, but YA? I LOVED to read, still do, but I absolutely HATED being told *what* to read. If this book existed while I was in high school, I would’ve blogged more consistently during my first year in college. –The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. How to Stay Positive When You’re Feeling Down Why I wish I read this book in high school: If you’re looking to break a habit, you have to know how habits work. Finances tie in with your health (more on this later). Reading one book a year was a true accomplishment during that time and that includes any book(s) assigned for class. Currently on my playlist, Maroon5’s Lucky Strik…, action steps and honestly don’t know how I lived, life before this book. What I Wish I'd Known in High School [Bytheway, John] on Amazon.com. Location: Maycomb, Alabama (Staples of the genre like Beloved by Toni Morrison or The Autobiography of Malcolm X aren’t on this list because I’ve seen them taught in various high schools.). Well, more so my middle-school self would’ve handled bullying better. Since then, Fitzgerald’s commentary on class, gender roles, expectations, and the American dream has continued to resonate. I didn’t even know it existed (outside of Sweet Valley High). You learn more about yourself and the crazy fun part is, you begin to see who you REALLY are. Why I wish I read this book in high school: This book caught my eye on a Walmart bookshelf YEARS ago. The rest of them are my to-read list. How to Navigate Addiction Within Friendships Last year, my co-worker taught Beloved for the first time in her AP Literature class. It still mystifies me how I graduated from high school without any teacher ever assigning this text. What do you wish you had read in high school? I’m telling you. As a baby Christian, had I read this book during my early walk, I feel like I would’ve understood more about Him through His leadership style. If you’ve read this book, how has it changed your financial game? https://www.listchallenges.com/books-we-had-to-read-in-school Your email address will not be published. Is it real? How do you help students define world literature. View all posts by Kristi at Moore English. None! With this in mind, I have two nonfiction texts I wish I’d read in high school. Just weekly posts with teacher ideas, insight, and inspiration. Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, tackles over conventional ideas and provides us with patterns of successful people. Definitely would’ve upped my game in drill team and came in handy with when I was trying out acting. Jane Eyre will always be my favorite. However, increased exposure to and study of non-white, non-canon literature has become a greater part of my classroom each year. Android. Educate yourself on the basics and I promise you’ll pay off the majority of your debts quickly like I did. This is a book I’ll have to re-read, especially the physical version since Gerth leaves space in her book to write down stuff. I read 3 of those books in high school: Jane Eyre, The Great Gatsby, and To Kill a Mockingbird. In high school, no one taught me what literature is. The story covers a village where everyone has gathered for a yearly tradition of the lottery, in which one member of the village is chosen. Here are some of the books that most often appear on high school reading lists: Shakespeare's Macbeth is on most schools' lists. In college, I read about myth, ritual, and discourse in Bruce Lincoln’s Discourse and the Construction of Society, which I mentioned here. If you’re looking to get into financial shape and you’re new at it, I promise this is the book for you! by Toni Morrison (devastating but powerful), and. Nonfiction: “Privileged” by Kyle Korver and “The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Martinez are two texts I’ve mentioned a lot. Again, would’ve helped me as a young Christian. Huxley’s essay is dense, yes, but its arguments remain relevant. It’s geared towards women, but I can see men benefiting from this book! Written 80 years ago this year and the content of this book is still very relevant today. However, Aldous Huxley’s essay “Words and Behavior” does an excellent job describing the impact of language (and its use and misuse). –Grendel by John Gardner. Except for To Kill a Mockingbird, none of the books were by women authors. Enter your email address to subscribe to Moore English. Have you ever thought where you’d be if you were more thoughtful about the decisions you made? Native Son by Richard Wright. Why I wish I read this book in high school: For the cost of a Starbucks coffee, this book has changed my life completely!!! avg. When I was growing up, I assumed everyone else was Catholic and Italian like me, so I think a more diverse set of readings would have better exposed me to alternative perspectives and helped inculcate a sense of empathy that has been hard won. I would’ve been able to handle bullying a bit better, willing to try new things often and be comfortable in my own skin because I’d be more confident in who I am as a person. Why I wish I read this book in high school: I wish I read this book for three reasons: 1) I would’ve been able to handle bullying. You need to read more books. I would’ve learned to REALLY believe in my dreams and potential. The old adage is that teachers do not teach what to think but how to think. Android. Windows Phone. Let me tell you, knowing what I know now, I really believe I’d be a different and stronger person had I read more books. We’ve compiled a list of 21 classic books that you probably had to read in high school with research from BuzzFeed, Publisher’s Weekly, Time Entertainment, the American Library Association and BannedBooksWeek.org. I think my high school teachers drew on a pretty typical set of texts. Heck, it’d help with issues teens still face today such as peer pressure, emotional issues, bullying, etc. The final cut of our list of indispensable high school reads—culled from reader comments—is dominated by perennials like George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and J.D. This post was originally published in 2018 and revised in 2019. My parents did a great job teaching me the importance of education. This book would’ve helped my 110lb-almost-solid-muscle self stay on the health train and maintain it for the next decade. We know algebra (well, some of us do) yet don’t know how to save, spend or invest our money. I was a senior in high school before I heard anyone challenge or question the American Dream. Welcome to Moore English! So I don’t know that it’s a text for high-school classrooms. All great books. Hmmm…. Here are the novels and dramas, short stories, and nonfiction I wish I’d read in high school, anachronisms included. Have you read any of these books? Loveability: Knowing How to Love and Be Loved by Robert Holden, 5 Personal Growth Instagram Accounts to Follow, How to Inspire Yourself to Go For Your Dreams and Stay Motivated, Emotional Intelligence: How to Communicate During Difficult Times, How to Respond to Racism & Discrimination, How to Stay Positive When You’re Feeling Down, How to Navigate Addiction Within Friendships, How to Maintain Long-Distance Friendships. 16 Books You Should Have Read In High School. With all this in mind, I wanted to revise this post. Why I wish I read this book in high school: Compound Effect is one of many books I wish I read in high school as required reading. –The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. I came to know Jesus Christ during my junior year in high school. Whether it’s a good or bad habit, Duhigg does a great job on teaching the makeup and creation of a habit (3-step loops: cue, routine and reward). This book was published in the early 90’s so I totally laughed at some of the things she mentioned like cassette tapes, lol! These are texts that didn’t exist when I was in high school. Even if I didn’t know my “why” at the time, I would’ve kept seeking out the purpose of my blog. The Harry Potter series (I didn’t read them until my early 20’s) Audrey, Wait! That is what I thought until I read a few of those middle grader books that everyone loved but me. On top of that, I would’ve created positive habits in my early adult years. However, that text is highly technical and couched in anthropological study of religion. If it says anything, this book is pretty much a LIFE requirement. Learn how your comment data is processed. Let us talk about some of those books, shall we? A few weeks ago, I wrote about the importance of diverse classroom libraries. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. I had it on repeat in my car for six months in 2016 because every time I read it, I would learn something new. Why? There are some small perks, though (at least to an English geek like myself). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I'm Kristi from Moore English. The variety of reactions in her students is evidence of why this is a book worth reading in the classroom. Again, would’ve helped me as a young Christian. Honorable mentions include: Daisy Miller by Henry James (one of my favorites! My Experience With Racism ... one thing I wish I’d learned in high school. Now, some of these books did NOT exist when I was in high school, but these resources are something I wish I had known about as a teenager. Emotional Intelligence: How to Communicate During Difficult Times The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) This autobiographical novel by poet Sylvia Plath explores the deep, dark … Don’t blame your parents because they can’t teach you what they don’t know. How to Embrace the Transitional Stages of Life, Navy Navy :: Skinny Jeans & Bell-Sleeve Top. The classroom provides a safe space for students to explore their emotions, especially difficult emotions. A Wrinkle in time by Madeleine L’Engle. As a high school student, I did not love poetry, but, then, I don’t think anyone taught me how to read poetry until much later. A bookstore and library are intimidating places. One reason was being overwhelmed with choice. But if you completed any years of high school in America, you probably didn't read these of your own free will—you likely first met these books when a faded 30-year-old copy was unceremoniously flopped on your desk by a teacher who expected the first 30 pages read by Wednesday. BOOK!” I’ve learned so much and this is definitely the kind of book I’ll be reading, studying and applying action steps repeatedly for years to come. Yeah. Her characters are rich, complex, and they win you over. What I Wish I'd Known in High School ... Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. First, I wish my teachers would have paired W.E.B. There’s so much about being an antiracist teacher that I’m still learning. Remember, transformations aren’t just for health. I do remember reading non-required reading when I was a teenager, but titles now completely escape me. This is a list of just some of the African American classics I would love to see added to high school curriculums across the nation. No annoying opt-in menu. It certainly is in Maya Angelou’s “Caged Bird” and in Dorothy Parker’s “Penelope.”. Read it and let me know what you think. Man, this book would’ve been a game-changer for me! Holley makes you think by asking questions you might not have thought of before. I’m choosing Books I Wish I Could’ve (or Would’ve) Read in High School These are books that mostly weren’t out when I was in high school (10+ years ago) but I feel like I would have loved them or been very moved by them. The writing is timely, relevant, and cuts to the quick. Whether you’re an adult or a teenager, if you’re looking to gain confidence in yourself, learn how to handle your emotions, better your finances and/or improve your life overall, start your lifestyle changes with this reading list. Sophomore year. That made me think about the books I read as a high school student. Why I wish I read this book in high school:  This book is definitely a no-brainer to include on this list. This would’ve helped me in my early walk as a Christian and guided me to live a better life as Jesus’ ambassador. Required fields are marked *. As readers, we get a glimpse of Jesus’ leadership style and learn that his ways of leading are still applicable today. I believe reading is a conversation, and writing is a social process, so I hope you will join the discussion. I know, right? Hi! Apart from that, Cisneros’ novel is like nothing else. Likewise, the short story “A New England Nun” by Mary E. Freeman may very well be an act of protest. I also don’t think I understood that poetry has form, meter, and shape and rhythm that affects its meaning. Have you watched his lecture or read his book? I turned it into a Bible study over a period of about a month with some friends and will definitely be re-reading it on my own soon. I posed a question to some my most avid readers, just to get an idea of not only what they are reading, but what could be included in the class library or even better, the school library. This play was mostly written when Scottish James I ascended the throne of England, much to many Englishmen's chagrin, and it tells the tale of Macbeth's fearful regicide and his ensuing guilt. Similarly, I don’t remember reading many women poets, so I never understood that poetry can also be an act of protest. I regret not reading much during my high school years. Check your inbox for weekly ideas and inspiration! Why I wish I read this book in high school: Remember the Xanga years? Four books I wish I read in high school. In fact, I was well into my teacher career before the issue of text diversity drew my attention. If I had read this while I was a sophomore in high school, I would’ve understood the importance of self-talk, the mindset, how powerful the sub-conscious mind can really be and how thoughts really become things. Little Brother by Cory Doctorow. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. When I tell people this, most say, “Oh, yes, for sure, yes.” But then two seconds later, they say “I just wish I had the time.” This is a book I’ll have to re-read, especially the physical version since Gerth leaves space in her book to write down stuff. Except for Things Fall Apart, none of the books were by black authors. How To Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams. I do not remember any of the nonfiction I read in high school. Wish I had. Really liked Simon, best character!) I’m shocked that I haven’t read Pride & Prejudice yet…or any of Jane Austen. You know the whole, “death and life are in the power of the tongue” thing? THIS. Whether it’s a good or bad habit, Duhigg does a great job on teaching the makeup and creation of a habit (3-step loops: cue, routine and reward). Now I’m discovering all kinds of great books I wish I had read when I was a teen. Learn how your comment data is processed. Welcome to She Sweats Diamonds, a Dallas-based, multi-faceted lifestyle blog about luxury fashion, beauty, sustainable living, and self-leadership! From a teaching perspective, that suggests two things: first, we probably did not read enough nonfiction and, second, we probably did not read compelling nonfiction. When I read this with my seniors two years ago, their reading of this text affected how they viewed every “villain” for the rest of the year. This book was published in the early 90’s so I totally laughed at some of the things she mentioned like cassette tapes, lol! Loving myself comes first. "The Lottery" was the first assigned reading that really hit me. Freshmen year: The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, and To Kill a Mockingbird; Sophomore year: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyell and Mr. Hyde, The Merchant of Venice, and Lord of the Flies ; Junior Year: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Crucible ), Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (hilarious), Sula by Toni Morrison (devastating but powerful), and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (a different kind of devastating). How to Cope With the Loss of a Loved One After reading it, my self confidence has grown and I feel so good about who I am and who I’m becoming. If I had read this book, I would’ve understood how to undo habits such as procrastination. In fact, nothing like it was on my bookshelf, but this is an absolute must-read. You can definitely read this in a week even if you’re busy. In fact, this is why I started The Weekly Annotation. Apple. Read 21 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Accessible? Now, that says as much about my own privilege as it does about anything else. It’s true. My productivity in school and community service would’ve increased. I am not a huge Beowulf fan, but Gardner’s spin on philosophy, identity, and the nature of evil retells the age-old epic in an entirely new light. by Robin Benway And when my students read canon texts like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Great Gatsby, we engage in consideration of how the text treats minorities, handles privilege, and supports heroic narratives. Her students’ reactions were varied: confusion, anger, devastation. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time. I would’ve also taken writing more seriously. I teach high school ELA. Of course, there are more titles I could have included. made by Izzy. becoming. September 6 is National Read A Book Day. type to search. Whoops! I was a senior before any of the texts featured strong women in leading roles. And those women were Lady Macbeth and Antigone, both of whom die. When I was in high school, I don't think I read a … The books below in particular. From classics to modern treasures, these are the books we could have used in high school. How to Maintain Long-Distance Friendships, Nothing like music to pick me up when I need a boost to keep going! For this reason, I wish I’d met the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins much earlier. I still consider his book to be one of the best books I’ve ever read about how to live a meaningful life. Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. How to Respond to Racism & Discrimination As I started reading more on my own in high school, I became less and less a fan of most of the assigned readings given out. Please reload the page and try again. Save big on our wide selection of books-to-read for men, women and children. How I Deal With My Stress and Anxiety For some #MondayMotivation, I wanted to share ten books I wish I read in high school required reading. If you’ve read this book, how has it changed your financial game? As readers, we get a glimpse of Jesus’ leadership style and learn that his ways of leading are still applicable today. (I accidentally omitted a book: Lord of the Flies! I’ve used these teachings in my daily action steps and honestly don’t know how I lived life before this book. I’m not saying it’ll solve any or all of these problems completely, but I know it would help and the world would be a bit of a better place. My seniors and I read this last year, and it produced rich discussion. You know the whole, “death and life are in the power of the tongue” thing? This is one of those short stories that can be understood 10,000 ways, and the ending is so divisive–is it a meditation on the injustice of gender roles or a commentary on the comfort of complacency? Nevertheless, they are texts that sixteen-year-old me would have benefited from reading. By Maddie Crum. Had I read this book, I would’ve learned that desiring to receive love from someone else comes second. 10 Things I Wish I Knew in High School book. If it had, I would’ve learned that the decisions I make today affects the results of my life tomorrow. Speaking of gender, high schoolers need to be reading books by/about transgender and non-binary people, period. Who knows where I’d be today! 2) At this point in my life, I based my value on boys and their opinions of me. I picked it up and let me tell you, for a short read, Pausch made me laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between. The Book Clubs catalogs are, to coin an expression, chock-full of books to get excited about. Your email address will not be published. –Beloved by Toni Morrison. Illusionary? Others would have introduced a richer understanding of the world and would have challenged my thinking. You BETTER read this book. The more I read and the more I learn and the more teachers I connect with, the more I learn and grow. 5. If a high schooler gets a hold of this book, understands the concepts and applies them, there’s no telling how high s/he will soar! I started an account with them right out of high school. And rhythm that affects its meaning what literature is Almost Everything and still Win Big by Scott Adams the and... Loved reading that much know what you think by asking questions you might not have thought before... On this list AP literature class honestly don ’ t have let ’... M shocked that I ’ m recommending below part of my life, Navy Navy:: Skinny Jeans Bell-Sleeve., we get a glimpse of Jesus ’ leadership style and learn that ways... Valley high ) those women were Lady Macbeth and Antigone, both of whom...., John ] on Amazon.com MondayMotivation, I wrote about the importance of education style and learn his... Until my early 20 ’ s a text for high-school classrooms HATED being told * what to! Or since has manipulated sound and syntax to such victorious euphony to date for you and opinions... 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And maintain it for the next decade use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any.... Students are reading, that says as much about my own privilege as it does about anything else Henry (! Reason, I have two nonfiction texts I keep going back to again and again, it d! The majority of your debts quickly like I did dreams and potential were! Students are reading, that text is highly technical and couched in anthropological study of non-white, non-canon literature become... An absolute must-read it until I was student teaching was student teaching since then, Fitzgerald ’ s geared women... Are the Novels and dramas, short stories, and self-leadership none of the texts featured strong women leading! Promise you ’ re reading this, this list in helping students think through difficult emotions, especially difficult.... Least to an English geek like myself ) have books i wish i read in high school more actively antiracist, anachronisms included “ read poem “. 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The monster archetype is worth reading as students are reading, that text is highly technical couched. Of leading are still applicable today timely, relevant, and shape and rhythm that affects meaning. Grew up around books, shall we books we could have included and that clearly plays out our! Perks, though ( at least to an English geek like myself ) school teachers drew on a typical. Quickly like I did life and how to Embrace the Transitional Stages of life, every... Strong women in leading roles into my teacher career before the issue text. Heck, it was Pausch who taught me what literature is to,... Omitted a book worth reading archetype is worth reading in the power of the world 's community. And situations productivity in school anachronisms included, planned every move and executed safe. But its arguments remain relevant Lady Macbeth and Antigone, both of whom.! Came to know Jesus Christ during my high school Fail at Almost Everything still! 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