Novel Studies, Literature & Booklists
This thoughtfully chosen selection of Novel Studies, Literature, and Booklists will help you find the best materials to enrich your family’s reading journey and support quality literature-based curricula. We have carefully selected our favourites based on content accuracy, expert authorship, and research-supported educational practices. With these resources, you can confidently guide your child's literary development and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Novel Studies and Literature
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Prestwick House Literature Guides
Huge selection of literature resources for novel, film, grammar, writing, and vocabulary study. Check out their free teacher page, as well as their blog.
Exploring the World Through Story
Exploring the World Through Story offers a captivating and innovative secular world literature curriculum. This curriculum employs techniques taught in the highly recognized writing methodology books, The Writing Revolution (Hochman), as well as The Writing Rope (Sedita) in a way that’s engaging for students and parents alike. By intertwining world literature with writing skills, literary analysis, memory work, and word study, the program not only develops students' reading comprehension and writing skills, but also fosters cross-cultural awareness. The carefully curated selection of stories from diverse backgrounds opens up new horizons and encourages global citizenship, making it an enriching educational experience that goes beyond traditional literature studies. For a detailed parent review, click here.
LitHouse Learning
Lit House Learning impresses with its innovative and dynamic curriculum that redefines novel studies. Through a combination of activities supported pedagogically through The Writing Revolution (Hochman) method, the program provides an array of novels as well as history sources to work from. With its engaging approach, Lit House Learning offers a refreshing and effective way to engage with literature while honing essential writing skills.
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Bravewriter Literature Singles
Although the Bravewriter programs are primarily focused on writing development, they are also heavily based on literature. Families who are looking for a novel-study may want to consult the Bravewriter list of suggested books for various age groups.
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Kristi Moore provides a collection of novel studies, literary criticism and abridged text resources for middle and high school teachers and students.
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S J Brull
This site offers a diverse range of novel study units specifically designed for secondary English Language Arts (ELA) educators. These materials include detailed lesson plans, engaging activities, and thorough assessments aimed at enhancing the learning experience for middle and high school students. The resources are crafted to support effective ELA instruction, providing valuable tools for educators.
The site offers fresh ideas to make literature more accessible and enjoyable for students, with a focus on innovative teaching methods. It also features a blog with tips and insights to support ELA educators in enhancing their instructional practices.
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Lit and More
Lit and More by Gina Kortuem offers a variety of engaging and comprehensive resources for English Language Arts educators. The store includes lesson plans, activities, and assessments designed to enhance literature and language instruction for middle and high school students. These resources are crafted to support effective teaching and make ELA content more accessible and enjoyable for students.
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Booklists (Lists of books for various readers)
​Where to Find Diverse Books
The "Where to Find Diverse Books" section on the We Need Diverse Books website offers a comprehensive list of resources for discovering diverse literature. It includes links to curated booklists, book subscription services, and bookstores that specialize in diverse books. The page also highlights organizations and initiatives that promote diversity in children's and young adult literature. This makes it an invaluable resource for educators, parents, and readers looking to expand their access to inclusive and representative books.
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Read.gov, hosted by the Library of Congress, offers a wealth of resources to promote reading and literacy across all age groups. It features classic books available for online reading, reading lists, and educational resources tailored for kids, teens, and adults. The site also highlights literacy awards, author webcasts, and special projects like "Books That Shaped America." Through its extensive collection and engaging content, Read.gov aims to inspire a love for reading and lifelong learning.
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Retired teacher Lesley Roessing has a huge selection of diverse book suggestions for students in grades 4-12 and provides a wealth of information about teaching Language Arts. She was a school teacher for 20 years, and is a published author, teacher trainer and speaker. Her site focuses on providing various reading, writing, and vocabulary strategies, as well as public speaking techniques for students, teaching poetry, and helping students write effective research papers. What sets Lesley’s site apart, however, is her massive booklist of current Young Adult and Teen titles. Lesley focuses on providing reviews for newly released YA novels and memoirs, including books that contain characters whose backgrounds include diverse cultures, ethnicities, physical differences, learning disabilities, gender identifications and socioeconomic statuses. Follow Lesley Roessing or #TalkingTexts on Facebook for current posts and reviews.
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The 49th Kids website is a comprehensive online resource featuring thousands of Canadian-authored children's and young adult books. The website offers curated lists categorized by age and genre, making it easy to find appropriate reading material. It also includes resources for teachers, book lists for specific themes, and updates on new releases. With its focus on Canadian literature, 49th Kids supports literacy and promotes diverse voices in children's and YA literature. We especially recommend signing up for their booklist and resource materials about Residential Schools.
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This children's librarian has one of the best collections of book suggestions for students! He has a fantastic set of printables called "What to Read Next" and also provides a huge selection of FREE literacy materials on his linktree account. In addition, he sells novel studies and literacy materials on his Teachers Pay Teachers page or follow him on Instagram.
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The Book Whisperer - Donalyn Miller
The Book Whisperer website, created by Donalyn Miller, provides resources and insights for fostering a love of reading in students. Miller, a renowned educator and author, shares strategies and tools for creating engaging reading communities. We highly recommend her books, "The Book Whisperer" and "Reading in the Wild," which offer practical advice for encouraging independent reading and developing lifelong reading habits. The site is an excellent resource for parents and educators seeking to inspire children to become passionate readers. Follow her on Instagram @donalynm
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Although the Bravewriter programs are primarily focused on writing development, they are also heavily literature based. Families who are looking for suggested books to read may want to consult the Bravewriter list (organized by age groups).
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The Canadian Children's Book Centre's History Book Bank
This is an online resource providing free access to a diverse collection of Canadian children's historical fiction and literature. It features a wide array of books categorized by age group, genre, and themes, making it easy for parents, educators, and children to find suitable reading material. The platform aims to promote literacy and a love of reading by offering high-quality, culturally relevant books. Additionally, it includes resources for educators and parents to enhance the reading experience.
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This website offers a comprehensive searchable database collection of classic literature, including works by renowned authors such as Shakespeare, Dickens, and Austen. The site is user-friendly, allowing readers to easily navigate and access a wide range of texts for free. Each author's page includes biographical information and a complete list of their works, providing valuable context for readers. This resource is excellent for students, educators, and literature enthusiasts seeking to explore classic literature online.​​​
Tools for Selecting High-Quality Books
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​American Indians in Children's Literature
The website "American Indians in Children's Literature" provides critical insights into how Native American cultures are represented in children's literature. The website features a valuable tool that enables users to evaluate a book by title and author to identify potential biases and inaccuracies, thereby enhancing understanding of the subject matter and highlighting key elements to consider when seeking accurate information in children's literature. The blog explores the accuracy and impact of these representations, examining both positive and negative portrayals. In particular, it includes detailed analyses of works by various authors, including Debbie Bertram, focusing on how their books address or misrepresent Native American themes and characters. Through these analyses, the blog aims to promote a more respectful and accurate understanding of Native cultures in children's literature.