9^TH GRADE

SOCIAL STUDIES

Anaya, Rudolfo Serafina’s Stories

A New Mexican version of Scheherazade and the Arabian Nights set in 17^th century Santa Fe. After Serafina and some Pueblo Indians are taken prisoner by the New Mexico government, she agrees to tell a story every night. The next day one prisoner will be released.

Dahl, Roald Going Solo

From the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and other favorites comes an autobiographical account of his young adult life working in East Africa and later as an RAF pilot in World War II. He tells of exciting and frightening experiences as only Roald Dahl can do…..with wit, humor and warmth.

Greene, Bette Summer of My German Soldier

During World War II a young Jewish girl befriends a German soldier who is imprisoned in a camp in her hometown of Arkansas, despite the risks such a friendship carries.

Jiang, Ji-li Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution

In 1966, when the author was 12 years old, Mao started the Cultural Revolution, which changed the way people were viewed in China. Intelligence suddenly became suspect and her own family’s status was challenged. An excellent overview of Chinese history during a tumultuous time seen through the eyes of a young girl.

McWhorter, Diane A Dream of Freedom: The Civil Rights Movement

From 1954-1968

The story of the national Civil Rights movement from Brown v. Board of Education to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. The book is both factual and personal and makes use of excellent archival photos throughout.

Mosley, Walter 47

The number, forty seven, refers to both the name and the number of a 14 year old slave on a plantation in Georgia in 1832. A mysterious character, Tall John, appears to 47 and inspires him to lead his people to freedom. A blend of history, magic, science fiction and tall tale.

Myers, Walter Dean Fallen Angels

In 1967 a 17 year old from Harlem enlists in the Army, and is immediately sent to Southeast Asia. There, he sees the ravages of war up close and personally.

Myers, Walter Dean Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices

Myers creates a personal portrayal of his hometown, Harlem, by revealing the personalities of 53 ordinary people through verse.

Richter, Conrad The Light in the Forest

A classic about a White boy captured by the Lenape Indians when he was 4 years old, and returned to his Pennsylvania family at the age of 15. The two cultures are so different that he finds it impossible to assimilate.

Satrapi, Marjane Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

The story of Satrapi’s life in Iran from 1979-1984 (ages 10-14). It begins with the Islamic Revolution and ends when the Iran –Iraq war forces Satrapi’s parents to send her to Europe for safety. What is unique about her story is that it is done as a graphic novel, with spare black and white illustrations.

Spiegelman, Art Maus

Spiegelman interviews his father, a Holocaust survivor, and relates his story in comic format (graphic novel). Although the subject matter is grim, it engages the reader and invites him to look closely at something that we must never forget.