This powerful novel follows the life of Milkman Dead as he finds his place and purpose in the world. Filled with symbolism and poetic language, this will be the last novel we read before sending you out into the world!

This contemporary novel tells the story of a family in Mississippi trying to navigate the daily tolls of poverty and the extraordinary devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Our narrator is fifteen-year-old Esch, a silent, but incredibly strong modern heroine.

Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth reveals the dark side of personal ambition, how untamed power can have devastating physical and psychological effects. 

Fun fact: "Frankenstein" is NOT the monster's name! This frame story, told in the form of letters, tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, an ambitious and unorthodox young scientist who creates a monster with both stunning and tragic results. 

This semi-autobiographical novel chronicles a year from the point of view of a 12-year-old Chicana girl growing up in Chicago. Told through a series of vignettes, The House on Mango Street explores elements of Mexican-American culture and themes of social class, race, sexuality, identity, and gender.

This contemporary novel follows the lineage of two African sisters: one who is sold into slavery, the other who marries a European slave trader. Their lives diverge drastically, yet the stories of their offspring are punctuated by a delicate line of familial connection. This is not an easy read, but it is an important one.