Originally Posted by geofizz
Robert Cormier
The Chocolate War


I don't think The Chocolate War has stood the test of time. Tried to teach it to 9th graders a few years back and it was painful.

Originally Posted by geofizz
Maxine Hong Kingston
The Woman Warrior, Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts


This is a wonderful but pretty challenging book. Personally, I think it would be tough for an 11 year old, even a gifted 11 year old.

Originally Posted by geofizz
Ken Follett
Pillars of the Earth


This is a great and engaging book--but lots of adult themes, including a landowner who rapes his peasants.

Originally Posted by geofizz
Ursula K. LeGuin
anything


Amen! Obviously, the Wrinkle in Time series is classic (and awesome for gifted characters), but the Wizard of Earthsea books are just as wonderful.


Stacey. Former high school teacher, back in the corporate world, mom to 2 bright girls: DD12 & DD7.