Your learner will need their own copy of these books.  Please feel free to use the library or digital editions of the books. While there are many wonderful audiobooks available here, I do not recommend audiobooks for this class simply because we are building reading fluency and speed. SEEING the words really helps with solidifying the words in the memory.  

I include the Amazon link to make it easy to find it.  Sometimes, seeing the cover is helpful. (These are NOT affiliation links...just a quick search on my part.)

The Book Thief - https://a.co/d/iINw57J

The Magician's Nephew -  https://a.co/d/5SdWq2E

Ender's Game - https://a.co/d/9dNhv14

Watership Down - https://a.co/d/dpc69vB

Each of the books in this class was chosen to provide an excellent example of a genre of books.  They were also chosen for children from approximately 5th-9th grade, so 10-15 year-olds.  

That said there are a few things to consider in these books.  I've used Common Sense Media, Good Reads, and other online reviews to give you some "Things Parents need to Know" where available.

The Book Thief  - Parents need to know that Markus Zusak's The Book Thief is a powerful portrayal of life in Nazi Germany before and during World War II, especially as it was experienced by German kids. Main character Leisel is taken in by foster parents in a small town after her younger brother dies. Death serves as both a character and the narrator, and figures in the plot. Characters suffer cruel fates but also are great examples of the power of personal sacrifice, heroism, friendship, and courage. This is a tough story told about a horrendous time, so there's plenty of grief and sadness, as well as violence and cruelty. But ultimately the book is a portrait of the triumph of spirit and humanity, with all of humanity's complexities and contradictions deeply explored. In addition to the violence of the war, which causes the deaths of many major beloved characters, there are also beatings, whippings, fights, and a suicide. Adults and children smoke and drink champagne.

The Magician's Nephew -  The series presents the conflict of faith and logic, as well as raising moral questions about whether good will always triumph over evil. Although there are spiritual themes present, the overall magic of the story is found in the fantasy of the world of Narnia, and thus appeals to children and adults of all faiths.

Ender's Game - Parents need to know that Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game is a gripping and emotional sci-fi novel that will appeal to older tweens and teens. Originally published in 1985, the dystopian story follows kids who are trained from age 6, mostly by playing simulated battle games, to find a way to wipe out an entire species of alien invaders. The violence is at times quite brutal, as kids kill other kids, and main character Ender is admired for his ruthlessly efficient violence, though he himself is disturbed by it. Some bullying by an older brother is intense and disturbing, and the conclusion to the story is shocking. Occasional strong language includes "s--t," "ass," and "bastard," and there's potty language throughout. 

Watership Down - Parents need to know that Richard Adams's larger-than-life story is compelling and full of high adventure, and his characters are vividly drawn and winning. Experienced fantasy fans cheer the heroes on. - Ms. Stacey's note: there are some violent parts to this book, rabbits being suffocated underground, ears being shredded.