Here are summaries of the literature we will read for this course. These summaries are mostly excerpts from publisher, reader, and/or common sense media summaries. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!


1. "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park is a poignant novel that tells the parallel stories of two Sudanese children. Nya spends her days trekking to fetch water for her family, facing the daily struggle of survival in the war-torn region of South Sudan. Meanwhile, Salva is forced to flee his village during a violent conflict and embarks on a perilous journey across the African desert to seek safety in refugee camps. As their paths unfold, both demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, drawing strength from their determination to survive and hope for a better future. 

NOTE:  Readers should be aware that the book contains scenes referencing a lion attack and a crocodile attack. Despite these harrowing moments, "A Long Walk to Water" ultimately delivers a powerful message of hope, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit.

2. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare is a delightful comedy that intertwines the stories of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and the fairies who inhabit a magical forest. Meanwhile, a group of bumbling tradesmen use the forest to rehearse a play to perform at a Duke's wedding. As the characters' paths intersect in the enchanted forest, chaos ensues, fueled by mistaken identities, love potions, and comical misunderstandings. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a timeless and enchanting tale for readers of all ages.  

NOTE: There is a plot point that includes a father's determination that his daughter marry the man that he chooses or face death. The play contains  themes of romantic relationships, including unrequited love, infatuation, and misunderstandings among characters. The play contains humorous elements of magic and fantasy, including the use of spells and potions. There are moments of mild physical comedy and slapstick violence, but nothing graphic or intense. This is an overall comedic and light-hearted story.

3. "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart is an engaging mystery centered around four gifted children who are recruited by the enigmatic Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission. The children must use their unique talents and intelligence to uncover a sinister plot and save the world. Along the way, they encounter puzzles, challenges, and unexpected allies, forming deep bonds of friendship along the way. "The Mysterious Benedict Society" is a thrilling and imaginative story that celebrates the power of teamwork, courage, and individuality.

NOTE: The story features moments of mild peril and suspense as the characters face various dangers and obstacles.

4. "The Adventure of the Dancing Men" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery. Holmes is called on to help in decipher a series of strange stick-figure drawings. As he investigates, he discovers a dark secret from the past and Holmes and Watson find themselves embroiled in a dangerous game of deception and intrigue. With Holmes' keen powers of deduction and Watson's steadfast support, they unravel the mystery behind the dancing men and ultimately uncover a tragic tale of love, betrayal, and revenge. "The Adventure of the Dancing Men" is a gripping tale that showcases Holmes' brilliant mind and his ability to solve even the most perplexing of cases. 

NOTE: As with most Sherlock Holmes stories, murder, death, and suspense are major plot points.

5. "The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry is a humorous short story about two small-time criminals who hatch a plan to kidnap a wealthy man's son for ransom money. However, their scheme quickly goes awry when they realize that Johnny is a handful of trouble, exhibiting wild and mischievous behavior that turns the tables on the kidnappers. Instead of being a passive victim, Johnny becomes an active participant in his own kidnapping, wreaking havoc with his antics and demands. As the days pass, the kidnappers find themselves at the mercy of young Johnny, who proves to be more than they bargained for. "The Ransom of Red Chief" is a humorous and entertaining tale that explores themes of unexpected consequences and the absurdity of human nature.

6. "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell follows an experienced big-game hunter who falls off a yacht and swims to an isolated island. He discovers that the island is owned by a fellow hunter who has grown bored with hunting animals and now hunts the most dangerous game of all: humans. The main character becomes the prey in a twisted game of survival, leading to a deadly cat-and-mouse chase.

NOTE:  The story contains scenes of violence and death, as the characters engage in a life-and-death struggle. While the story contains intense themes, it does not include graphic language or explicit descriptions of violence.  "The Most Dangerous Game" explores themes of survival, morality, and the thin line between hunter and hunted.
 
"The Most Dangerous Game" is a classic thriller that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking. While it contains sensitive elements, the story is ultimately a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the thrill of the hunt.