In high school English classes nationwide, Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” has long been the standard text for discussing racial injustice. For those who may need a refresher, the novel narrates the story of a white lawyer defending a black man accused of a false rape charge, all seen through the eyes of a white child. While it’s a poignant work that tackles issues of race, class, and gender, the events of 2020 have sparked a conversation about its relevance in today’s educational landscape.
With ongoing discussions about racial equity and the experiences of marginalized communities, it’s essential to consider whether this book remains the best option for high school curricula. While the novel offers valuable insights, it primarily reflects the perspective of a white character, leaving many black students without representation in the literature they study.
It’s time to diversify reading lists to include works by black authors, featuring black protagonists, and stories where the white savior trope is absent. Numerous compelling options are available. For educators seeking to enrich their classrooms, We Need Diverse Books is an excellent resource to explore.
Here are seven powerful books that high schools should consider including in their literature programs:
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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Starr Carter navigates life in two contrasting worlds: her impoverished, predominantly black neighborhood and her affluent, mostly white prep school. After witnessing the police shooting of a childhood friend, Starr must confront the realities of her divided existence. -
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
This gripping tale follows two boys, Rashad and Quinn, whose lives are irreversibly altered by a single act of police violence. Through alternating perspectives, the story explores themes of race and community response to injustice. -
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Justyce McAllister, the only black student at his prep school, grapples with racial bias and police brutality after a tragic incident involving his friend. This poignant narrative connects contemporary issues to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. -
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
A National Book Award winner, this novel tells the story of Jojo, a biracial boy, as he navigates family dynamics and the haunting past of Mississippi. The book captures the complexities of race and history through a deeply personal lens. -
Monster by Walter Dean Myers
Presented in a unique format of screenplay and journal entries, this novel follows Steve Harmon, a sixteen-year-old on trial for murder. As he documents his experiences, he confronts issues of identity, truth, and justice. -
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
This beautiful collection of poems recounts Woodson’s upbringing in the 1960s and 70s, reflecting on her experiences as a black girl amidst the Civil Rights movement and the remnants of Jim Crow. -
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Though not as contemporary, Morrison’s classic remains vital. It tells the tragic story of Pecola Breedlove, an eleven-year-old black girl yearning for the beauty associated with whiteness, revealing deep-seated issues of race and identity.
Books have the power to cultivate empathy and broaden perspectives, allowing readers to explore lives and experiences outside their own. Incorporating diverse literature in high school English classes is crucial for fostering understanding and awareness in students.
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In summary, as we move forward in education, it’s important to embrace a wider range of voices and stories, ensuring that every student sees themselves reflected in the literature they study.
Keyphrase: Rethinking High School Literature
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