The Lorax- Dr. Seuss

From one of the most well known and loved authors of all time, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a book that could be read by children of all ages. This story takes place among the among the forest in which the lorax is seeking to defend the life of the trees before the greedy once-ler. Seeking to build upon his own success and avarice, the once-ler is overtaking the environment and the trees therein. But through devotion and by having a hopeful spirit, the lorax is able to persevere for the survival of the environment. After having a failing business and a desolate area with no more trees, the once-ler decides he better change his ways.

This story would be a good text to incorporate into the classroom, although the undertones may be somewhat controversial, in speaking with students about the care for the environment. Through entering the imaginary world of Dr. Seuss, students are able to see in metaphorical ways, how the world can be affected by the ways we as humans, choose to care for it.

Fantasy

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe- C.S. Lewis

This classic story by C.S. Lewis is one for readers of all ages because of the subtle undertones the tale portrays. After being sent to live with a professor during WWII, they discover that the house in which they are staying is full of adventure. After playing hide-and-seek one day, Lucy discovers an old wardrobe as a hiding place. Little did Lucy know the world that would be discovered and the heroes that she and her siblings would become as they entered the world of Narnia. Throughout the story Edmund, Peter, Lucy and Susan all listen to the characters of Narnia who tell them how the white witch is seeking to overtake the place that once was full warm and full of life but is now seemingly dead and cold. As the follow the lead of Aslan to help save Narnia, they are able to see the fruition of their perseverance and love for all of Narnia.

This story will be used within my classroom as it is a classic that will never grow old. The way that this series depicts a different world brings to light deeper thoughts that often can make children ponder life in areas unknown. This can also be used to encourage the curiosity of young learners as they see the courage of Lucy and the other siblings throughout the story, pursuing the things that their first caught their attention.

Fantasy

The Giver- Lois Lowry

Growing up in a society in which life is the same in almost every respect, where people are numb to the effects of "real life," young Jonas' eyes are gradually opened to the truth about the world he and the people he loves are living in. After being given the responsibility of the community receiver, Jonas begins to meet with the giver, an old man who is able to pass on the memories, feelings, etc. that are being and have been experienced but not exposed within the society. The relationship that develops between Jonas and the giver is a sweet one that continues to grow throughout the book as they both experience the memories and see things differently than others within the community. After being enlightened and realizing what it means to be released and desiring to put an end to it, Jonas desires to experience and travel to elsewhere.

This story would be a great one for implementing into the classroom because of the undertones that it provides. Through analyzing the society and the effects of sameness and uniformity within, students will be able to compare the lifestyles of characters within the story to his/her own life and the world we live in. This could also be a great book used in discussing how texts compare based on genre.

Fantasy/Science Fiction