Your learner will need their own copy of the books below.  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 each book to make it easy to find them.  Sometimes, seeing the cover is helpful. (These are NOT affiliation links...just a quick search on my part.)

A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park:  https://www.amazon.com/Single-Shard-Delightful-Philip-Pullman/dp/0861541863/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1669922453&sr=1-1

The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo:  https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Despereaux-Being-Princess-Thread/dp/0763680893/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1669922488&sr=1-1

The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare:  https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Blackbird-Elizabeth-George-Speare/dp/0547550294/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1669922526&sr=1-1

The City of Ember, by Jeanne DuPrau...The link says the deluxe edition as I can't seem to find the link to the original.  If you look, you will find the original in thrift shops and used bookstores:  https://www.amazon.com/City-Ember-Deluxe-First-Book/dp/0385371357/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1669922584&sr=1-1

The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford:  https://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Journey-Sheila-Burnford/dp/0440413249/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1669922715&sr=1-1

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-8th 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.

A Single Shard - Parents need to know that in the tale of the "Rock of the Falling Flowers," women jump to their deaths.

"The Tale of Despereaux" Parents need to know that Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Medal-winning​ The Tale of Despereaux is a thrilling story of a brave, giant-eared mouse in love with a human princess. By directly addressing the reader, the author introduces many concepts to think and talk about. This book is an excellent read-aloud or discussion group book. It could be read to children as young as 6, but parents need to know there is some violence -- Despereaux's tail is cut off, and a girl's ears are boxed until she's partially deaf. This memorable book has the feel of a classic and was adapted for a movie, DS game, and a console game.

"The Witch of Blackbird Pond" Families can talk about the historical realities of religious life in colonial America and might even enjoy researching the infamous Salem witch trials, which took place several years after the fictional events in this book. Why are the Puritans in the story so quick to level charges of witchcraft against those who share different values than they do? How is Kit's daily life in the colonies different than her lifestyle in Barbados? How is being a woman today different than being a woman in the 1600s?

"The City of Ember" Parents need to know that Jeanne DuPrau's City of Ember is an engaging dystopian sci-fi story about two young teens in a race against time to save their city before the lights in Ember go out forever. This action adventure, set in a post-apocalyptic world, tells a story about learning to work together, conquer fears, and uncover the truth against the odds. DuPrau teaches critical thinking skills by having relatable characters solve a mystery. Young readers will enjoy the drama, intrigue, and healthy friendship that develops between the female and male main characters.

"The Incredible Journey" Families can talk about loyalty. Do you think the story is realistic?  If you have pets, how do you feel toward them?  How do you think they feel toward you?