To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird
By Harper Lee

This is by far one of the most classic novels of all time.  The first time I read it, I was in ninth grade.  I didn't catch everything in it and remembered some of the vocabulary was hard to tackle.  Now, reading it about 6 years later, I have a new appreciation for the book.

Not only do I find it more interesting the second time around, but it was far less intimidating.  The length and difficulty were easily overlooked.  The story is of Atticus Finch and his two children.  Atticus is the attorney to a black man accused of raping a white women and the family journey through the trial.  The unseen Boo Radley, whom has never left his home, is also an ongoing mystery throughout the novel.

Although this novel is taught in ninth grade, I would suggest it to tenth graders.  Some of the language and content is very mature, but is a critical part of our past.  It appeals to history buffs, justice seekers, and the everyday reader who enjoys a young protagonist.  This is also a great novel to analyze, with endless symbolism and racial issues to pick apart.

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War

World War Z- Max Brooks

This book, written at the beginning of the zombie apocalypse hype, will continue to be an engaging and entertaining read.  Written in an interview format, Brooks has enabled readers to analyze what a war with zombies could potentially be like.

What fascinates me about this book, after carefully reading the military-esque accounts, is the great deal of thought Brooks put into the book.  He clearly did his research, making responses from the US government, Korea, Iran, and every day people very plausible.

I highly recommend this book for juniors and seniors.  Anyone younger should be ready for a challenge with vocab and technical writing.  This book will surely not bring you disappointment.