A copy of each of the books (print or audio)
  * "The Hobbit" by JRR Tolkien
  * "Breaking Stalin's Nose" by Eugene Yelchin
A notebook or folder to keep assignments and worksheets
Pen or pencil and paper for jotting notes or writing important thoughts
A writing journal for writing practice and brainstorming
Occasional simple craft materials (colored pencils, markers, etc) These will be noted in class and in the classroom the week if they are needed.

All literature is chosen from a generally recognized collection of age-appropriate, often award-winning, books. Parents are encouraged to research any unfamiliar books to be sure they are appropriate for their learner. 

Here is a synopsis for the book study for this unit:

"THE HOBBIT" BY JRR TOLKIEN
'Bilbo Baggins, a simple Hobbit, never asked for adventure. It literally came knocking on his door -- 13 dwarves and Gandalf the wizard show up to tea to hire Bilbo as a thief in their quest to reclaim a hoard of treasure. It's stashed far away and guarded by a fierce dragon, Smaug. Bilbo will have to cross the Misty Mountains -- troll and goblin country -- and the untamed wilds of Mirkwood, where straying from the path can be deadly. In exchange, he gets an even share of the treasure and quite a story to tell. But is one little hobbit really up for such a big adventure?
There are few worlds more richly imagined than Tolkien's Middle Earth. Readers would get caught up just in his exquisitely imaginative details if it weren't for the nonstop adventure; it's a perfect balance. Add to that a wonderful main character -- the hairy-footed little hobbit who truly triumphs -- and you have the perfect fantasy-adventure. This is how it's done.' (Common Sense Media review)

NOTE: The Hobbit is an adventure that includes dragons, dwarves, traveling wizards and one reluctant thief. There is some violence with the battles, discussion of eating characters, and tense fights with dragons, trolls, evil wolves, etc. 


"BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE" by EUGENE YELCHIN
Sasha Zaichik is a ten-year-old boy living in the Soviet Union during the 1950's Cold War era, under the dictatorship of Joseph Stalin. The day he has been waiting for, the day he will officially join the Young Soviet Pioneers, has finally arrived. But suddenly everything goes horribly wrong. He breaks a classmate's glasses with a snowball. He accidentally damages a bust of Stalin in the school hallway. And worst of all, his father has been arrested as an Enemy of the State. Based loosely on events in the life of the author, this book portrays a young boy's sudden realization that not everything he has always been told is true.
 
“A miracle of brevity, this affecting novel zeroes in on two days and one boy . . . Black-and-white drawings march across the pages to juxtapose hope and fear, truth and tyranny, small moments and historical forces, innocence and evil. This Newbery Honor book offers timeless lessons about dictatorship, disillusionment and personal choice.” —San Francisco Chronicle

NOTE: This book is set within the historical context of the Cold War under the harsh dictatorship of Joseph Stalin. Although there are hints of people (including Sasha's mother) having potentially been executed in prison, the story is told from the viewpoint of a 10-year-old and there are no detailed depictions of any torture or death.  All discussion of basic world events surrounding this story will be age appropriate. Age ranges are flexible. Please reach out about learners that are outside the stated range.


"A MURDER FOR HER MAJESTY"  BY BETH HILGARTNER 
This is a historical mystery novel set in Elizabethan England. After witnessing her father's murder, young Alice Tuckfield disguises herself as a boy named Pup and taken in by a group of boy choristers at York Minster. Amidst the backdrop of religious turmoil and political intrigue, she uncovers a conspiracy linked to her father's death. Filled with suspense, friendship, and unexpected twists, we'll enjoy this intriguing story of friendship and loyalty.

NOTE: The novel mentions the death of a parent and has moments of tensions and suspense. The story is set during a time of religious conflict in England, with tensions between Catholics and Protestants playing a significant role in the plot. All these elements are mild and considered appropriate for this age and grade level.