Here are summaries of the literature we will read for this course. These summaries are composed of various excerpts from publishers, readers, and/or Common Sense Media summaries. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!


1. "INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN" by Thanhha Lai is a poignant novel in free verse that tells the story of ten-year-old Ha and her family's journey from war-torn Vietnam to the United States. The book follows Ha's experiences as she adjusts to life in Alabama, facing challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and prejudice. Through Ha's eyes, readers witness her struggles, triumphs, and the strength of her family's bond as they navigate a new country and build a new life.

Potentially sensitive elements:

*War, Loss, and Adjustment:
The story is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, and Ha and her family 
experience the loss of their homeland and loved ones. They face challenges such as racism and the struggle to adapt to a new language and culture.

"Inside Out and Back Again" is ultimately a story of hope, resilience, and the power of family that offers valuable insights into the immigrant experience. 


2. "RESCUE" by Jennifer Nielsen depicts the journey of a 12-year-old girl named Meg Kenyon through Nazi-occupied France during World War II. When she learns that her father, who works as a British spy for the resistance, has been captured by the Germans, she embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue him alongside other fugitives. Throughout the story, Meg finds clues about her father’s whereabouts in his coded letter and uses her knowledge of spying techniques to overcome the challenges she encounters on the way.  Readers will learn a lot about France during World War II, and are encouraged to try codebreaking themselves.


3. "AND THEN THERE WERE NONE" by Agatha Christie is a classic mystery novel that follows ten strangers who are invited to a secluded island under various pretexts. As they settle in, they begin to find themselves being killed off one-by-one. As tensions rise and suspicions mount, the remaining guests must work together to uncover the identity of the murderer among them before it's too late.

Potentially sensitive elements:

*Violence/Suspense: The novel contains descriptions of murder and violence, although these are not graphic in nature. Given the nature of the plot, death is a central theme in the story. But, in true Agatha Christie style, the deaths are treated as simple plot points, secondary to the main purpose of discovering the solution to the mystery. The book is a classic mystery thriller, and the suspenseful atmosphere may be intense.

Despite these sensitive elements, "And Then There Were None" is a classic mystery novel that is widely regarded for its intricate plot, clever twists, and suspenseful atmosphere. 


4. "THE TELL-TALE HEART" by Edgar Allan Poe is a classic Gothic short story that explores the depths of human madness and guilt. The story is narrated by an unnamed narrator who is navigating the effects of guilt as they seem haunted by the heart of one that they have murdered.

Potentially sensitive elements:

*Dark atmosphere with themes of guilt and madness:  The story explores themes of guilt, madness, and the consequences of one's actions and has a dark and suspenseful atmosphere, which may be intense for some readers. The story delves into the mind of a narrator who is clearly suffering from feelings of guilt and paranoia.

"The Tell-Tale Heart" is a classic work of literature that is often studied for its exploration of the human psyche and its masterful use of suspense and tension. 


5. "TO BUILD A FIRE" by Jack London tells the gripping tale of an unnamed man's struggle for survival in the harsh Yukon wilderness. The man, accompanied only by a dog, is traveling through the freezing cold. Despite warnings about the extreme cold, he underestimates the dangers of the wilderness and sets out on his own, facing unexpected challenges. As a result, the man must confront the realities of nature and his own mortality.

Potentially sensitive elements:

*Death/Survival Themes:  "To Build a Fire" explores themes of survival, resilience, and the power of nature, which may be intense for some readers. The story ends with the death of the protagonist.

"To Build a Fire" is a classic work of literature that is often praised for its vivid portrayal of the Yukon wilderness and its exploration of the human struggle against nature. 

6. "THE NOSE" by Nikolai Gogol is a humorous and absurd short story that follows the bizarre events that unfold when a man wakes up to find his nose missing. The nose, meanwhile, has taken on a life of its own and is parading around the city in the guise of a high-ranking official. The story is a satirical look at the absurdity of social hierarchy and the importance people place on outward appearances.