The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner
By Khaled Hosseini
Read in 8th Grade
Amir is a young boy living in Afghanistan, friends with a Hazara named Hassan. The Hazara are considered lesser people in Afghanistan and are mostly servants. Amir is the son of the most prestigious man in town. But for many years, the two are best friends. Kite fighting is a popular sport in Kabul, Amir's town. And Hassan is the best at chasing down cut kites. But one day, Amir sends Hassan off by himself to get a kite, and he is raped.
This event fractures the friendship, and Amir escapes turmoil in Afghanistan soon after with his father to America. He lives happily there, but one day, his past calls to him, and he must return. Hassan, meanwhile, has had a child. One day, the Taliban kills him and takes his son.

The Sixth Extinction

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
Elizabeth Kolbert
Read in 8th Grade
Our species has spread across the globe in an unprecedented global movement. We have messed up Earth's evolutionary process as we know it, wiping out species the minute we find them, and moving them around the world faster than ever before. But are we truly considering its impacts? In each of Earth's previous 5 mass extinctions, there have been sudden drops in biodiversity - just as it is going down now.

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice
By Jane Austen
Read in 8th Grade
In the countryside of Britain, there lived a family named Bennet. Mrs.Bennet's only wishes were for her 5 daughters to marry well, for Mr.Bennet's estate was entailed to an entirely removed cousin. And their fortunes seem to turn up, for an affluent man by the name of Bingley soon arrives, and develops an affinity for the eldest daughter. His friend, however, despite being even richer than he, is a very proud man, rather uncivil. In fact, he, believing that Jane doesn't return Mr.Bingley's love, convinces his friend to leave her.

Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables

By L.M. Montgomery

Read in 8th Grade

Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert led a relatively quiet life - until Anne arrives at Green Gables. The old couple had wanted a boy to help them but they got Anne. Despite her rather sad upbringing at an orphanage, the Cuthbert mold her into a respectable, smart young woman, though not without some bumps along the way.
But none of them are ready for the final curve that life puts in their path. Anne wins a scholarship for college, and the whole town rejoices. This is good, because the Cuthbert finances are in a precarious state. They have all their money in one bank that is rumored to be shaky.