Teen Book Club: Dystopian Diaries (Read One Book Every Two Weeks)

In this weekly book club, we’ll dive into the captivating world of dystopian literature from around the globe. We’ll explore how different cultures define global problems and envision the solutions that could lead to dystopian futures. Together, we’ll read compelling dystopian works by diverse authors, delve into their cultural and historical contexts, and analyze literary elements such as theme, setting, plot, and conflict to gain a deeper understanding of various cultural perspectives. 

We'll spend two weeks per book.

You’ll engage in independent reading outside of class, while we come together to discuss your insights and interpretations. I will guide you through interactive activities like character sketches, group brainstorming sessions, and role-playing exercises, allowing you to step into the shoes of the characters and immerse yourself in the dystopian worlds we explore. You’ll receive individualized feedback on your brief writing assignments and participation in class, helping you refine your analytical and creative skills.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to brainstorm and craft your own short dystopian scenarios and worlds, encouraging your imagination and creativity. By the end of this course, you will not only have a richer appreciation for dystopian literature but also a better understanding of how different cultures envision and address global challenges—all while having fun with a genre that's as thrilling as it is thought-provoking.

Themes We Will Explore:
•	Freedom vs. Control: Examining how societies balance individual freedoms with societal control.
•	Environmental Degradation: Understanding the impact of environmental issues on future societies.
•	Technological Advancement: Analyzing the role of technology in shaping dystopian worlds.
•	Social Inequality: Exploring themes of class disparity, oppression, and resistance.
•	Identity and Self-Discovery: Delving into characters' journeys to understand themselves within oppressive systems.
•	Survival and Resilience: Strategies for survival in harsh, controlled environments.


Regional Perspectives on Dystopia:

We’ll rotate readings to cover the following four cultural clusters: Asian, African diaspora, LatinX and indigenous groups, and Western/European. Here’s why:

Asia
From environmental collapse to technological domination, Asian dystopian stories blend societal critique with cultural depth. This course features stories such as Want by Cindy Pon and Legend by Marie Lu, exploring themes of environmental justice, social inequality, and resilience. 

Africa
African dystopian fiction often intertwines science fiction, mysticism, and post-colonial critique. In this course, we’ll explore works such as Binti by Nnedi Okorafor and War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi, uncovering themes of survival, cultural identity, and resistance. We’ll engage in rich discussions about how African authors use dystopian settings to reflect real-world struggles and triumphs. 

Latinx and Indigenous Works
From Latinx to Indigenous voices, dystopian stories from the Americas often reflect struggles for cultural survival, environmental justice, and identity. We’ll read works such as The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline and Dealing in Dreams by Lilliam Rivera. As we do so, we’ll learn how these authors critique colonialism, inequality, and cultural erasure while highlighting resilience and hope. 

Western/European
Western and European dystopian narratives often focus on themes of authoritarianism, surveillance, and societal decay. Through works such as The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Divergent by Veronica Roth, we’ll examine themes of rebellion, social stratification, and the fight for individuality. Additionally, by reading stories such as Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, we’ll discover the potential dangers of censorship and the suppression of dissenting ideas. 

Course Structure and Activities
Outside of class, read the assigned dystopian novels outside of class to engage with the material at your own pace.

In class, we'll engage in group discussions, roleplay (for example, interviewing characters on a talk show, hosting a mini-trial, or engaging in debates), creative and analytical writing, writing workshops, and other group and independent activities.