Young Adult Literature: Great Books for Collaborative Conversations about Literature

This column focuses on young adult literature suitable for promoting rich discussions about books. Considerations for selecting titles for discussion are provided. Several titles are reviewed, including Wonder and the Newbery winner, Dead End in Norvelt; suggested discussion questions are also included. Text sets focused on new versions of old tales “like A Tale Dark and Grimm, Breadcrumbs, and Cloaked” are suggested for small-group discussion focused on literary analysis of traditional literature. Informational titles suitable for discussions about contemporary culture, like Friend Me! 600 Years of Social Networking in America, are discussed, along with books useful for science and social studies inquiry groups. For example, titles providing different perspectives on evolution are presented, as are social studies trade books on genocide. Book titles recommended for discussions that engage struggling readers include My Life as a Book and Chopsticks: A Novel.