Classic American Literature for Middle School

As middle school students explore the literary world, exposing them to classic American literature can be a rewarding experience that nurtures their intellectual curiosity and understanding of cultural values. Often, classic literature exposes readers to big ideas, diverse perspectives, and timeless themes that still resonate today.

Here are some top classic American literature pieces that are age-appropriate for middle school students:

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

A Southern Gothic novel that explores the themes of race, discrimination, and justice. Told through the perspective of Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in Alabama in the 1930s, To Kill a Mockingbird is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores the complexity of human interaction in a time of social conflict.

2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set in the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby is a masterful exploration of wealth, power, and the American Dream. Through the eyes of Nick Carraway, a young man from the Midwest, readers are transported to the glittering parties of Long Island’s elite, where love, deceit, and betrayal intersect.

3. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

A classic coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of Huckleberry Finn, a young boy who escapes from his abusive father and embarks on a rafting adventure that takes him down the Mississippi River. Along the way, he meets Jim, a runaway slave, and the two become unlikely allies as they navigate a world marked by prejudice and injustice.

4. The Call of the Wild by Jack London

The story follows the journey of Buck, a St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix who lives in California during the 1890s. When he is kidnapped and taken to Alaska to be trained as a sled dog, Buck must learn to adapt to a new environment and confront the harsh reality of life in the wilderness.

5. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

A bildungsroman that follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a cynical adolescent who has been expelled from boarding school and is struggling to find his place in the world. The novel explores themes of alienation, identity, and disillusionment, and has become a classic of American literature.

In conclusion, exposing middle school students to classic American literature is a valuable experience that can help them develop their critical thinking skills and widen their perspective on life. The above-mentioned books offer meaningful insights and valuable lessons that will stay with them for years to come.