Top Ten Books That I Wish Were Taught In Schools

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!

Hey, Gretchen here, and I have a confession. Due to the unconventional nature of my high school experience, I have no freaking idea what is actually on a general required reading list for anyone. So I decided to do the secondary topic this week, Top Ten Books That I Wish Were Taught in Schools. Again, I have absolutely no idea what SHOULD be on this list, so I came up with a bunch of my own for my own reasons. Cool? Cool. Here they are, in no particular order.

1. The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

I had no idea what I was signing up for when my book club did this book, but OHMYGOD. The feels. The thoughts. The dialogues this could create about a very important subject. Just … yes.

2. Tree of Codes by Jonathon Safran Foer

Again, this is another book my book club reviewed. I don’t know exactly why this would be on the syllabus, other than LOOK MODERNIST LITERATURE. But it would be way cool to look at, at least. (Also, short.)

3. Watchmen by Alan Moore

This book is actually picking up steam in certain classrooms – I read it in college – but I think it should have more. It’s important for students to know that the graphic novel form isn’t just for Sunday comics, and this book says some very important things to think on.

4. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

GUYS. If only one book from this list could make it, THIS SHOULD BE IT. That is all. See my review for more details.

5. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Yes, I know this is very fictional, but I still think it’s an important historical concept to teach, and this is a very enjoyable way to do so.

6. The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson

I’m just kinda picking on this one, but honestly anything by Eva could go for this topic.

7. I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles

This is a way more enjoyable way to learn about the life of Elizabeth the First than from a textbook. Just saying.

8. The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresan

I think a bunch of schools could do with an injection of some color into their reading lists. This book was phenomenal, and opened my eyes to a realm of history I know thoroughly enjoy.

9. Streams of Babel by Carol Plum-Ucci

Possibly the most underrated book I’ve ever read. It should have thesis papers and conventions dedicated to it’s themes.

10. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

THE FEELS. THE HISTORY. THE FEELS. This HAS to be on a list somewhere already, right?

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