Grade 10 reading list - Collingwood School

1 Collingwood School Preparing young people to thrive in meaningful lives 1 Grade 10 reading list 21 Proms SHORT STORIES Edited by David Levithan and Daniel Ehrenhaft In these 21 stories from today's top Young Adult authors, you'll find a full prom spectrum - with outsiders, insiders, good dates, bad dates, unexpected dates, and a whole lot more. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay Michael Chabon In 1939 New York, a young artist who also has been trained in the art of Houdini-esque escape, teams up with his cousin teams up with his cousin to create a great American literary product --- the comic book.

2 As the shadow of Hitler falls over Europe and ultimately the world, the boys end up immersed in the Golden Age of Comic Books, finding greater fame and more trouble than they could ever have anticipated. Are we there yet? David Levithan An impressionistic blend of novel, travelogue and poetry, David Levithan's book focuses on two brothers --- one hardworking and serious, the other dreamy and mellow --- who are tricked by their parents into vacationing together in Italy. Will Elijah and Danny be able to put aside their differences and remember the affection they once had for each other? Beginner s Luck Laura Pedersen The second of seven children, Hallie Palmer has one dream: to make it to Vegas.

3 Normally blessed with an uncanny gift for winning at games of chance, she's hit a losing streak. She's been kicked out of the casino she frequents during School hours, lost all her money for a car on a bad bet at the track, and has been grounded by her parents. It seems the time has come for Hallie to cut her losses. BREAKING NIGHT: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard Liz Murray This is the stunning memoir of a young woman who was born to loving but drug-addicted parents. Taunted for her dirty clothes and lice-infested hair, Liz Murray skipped so many classes as a child that she was put into a girls' home.

4 At age 15 she was sleeping on the two years later, she found herself at Harvard. The Card Turner Louis Sachar In this novel Louis Sachar --- New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Newbery Medal for HOLES --- tackles perhaps one of the most unexpected topics ever for a young adult novel: bridge. Like the card game itself, Sachar's latest offering is both skillful and surprising. 2 Catalyst Laurie Halse Anderson The unexpected twists and turns that occur in teenager Kate Malone's life force her to take a hard look at her relationships with her family, her friends, her boyfriend, and even her deceased mother.

5 As she struggles with needing to be popular and the desire to please everyone at the expense of herself, Kate discovers that she is only human, fraught with insecurities, doubts, and questions - and that's okay. Chains Laurie Halse Anderson Freedom and loyalty are commonly discussed in histories of the American Revolution. In the historical novel Chains, a finalist for the 2008 National Book Award, Laurie Halse Anderson examines the very different implications of these notions for one often-overlooked group: slaves. Chasing Lincoln s Killer James Swanson This is a fast-paced thriller about the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth: a wild 12-day chase through the streets of Washington, , across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia.

6 Crimson Hero (MANGA) Written and illustrated by Mitsuba Takanashi Nobara loves volleyball and is an excellent player who receives much praise. However, that doesn't go over well with her mother who has old-fashioned opinions of girls and how they should act: docile, quiet, pretty. Sports for girls? Never. Nobara has to fight against this ignorance, but since it's her own mother, there's not much she can do. Or is there? The Earth, My Butt, and Other Round Things Carolyn Mackler Don't let the whimsical title fool you --- although Carolyn Mackler's novel about 15-year-old Virginia Shreves is lighthearted and humorous, at its core is a serious message about self-confidence and self-acceptance.

7 Echo: Volume 1 GRAPHIC NOVEL Written and illustrated by Terry Moore Julie Martin's life is crumbling before her eyes. Bill collectors are constantly harassing her, she barely has enough money to feed herself, let alone her dog, and she's wracked with guilt over the mental decline of her sister. Then her life changes even more when a strange metal rains down from the sky and clings tightly to her skin. How Did I Get Here NON FICTION Tony Hawk Tony Hawk shares the story of how he went from amateur skateboarder to international fame in the sport and in business, discussing the development of Birdhouse Skateboards, and the creation of related businesses, all while staying true to skating's homegrown style.

8 A Prayer for Owen Meany John Irving Tells the story of Owen Meany who believes he is God's instrument and his friendship with John Wheelwright, beginning at age eleven when Owen hits a foul ball that kills John's mother during a Little League game in 1953. 3 Where the Heart Is Billy Letts Novalee, the protagonist, is pregnant and alone, abandoned in front of a Wal-Mart store by her boyfriend. This is a humorous and hopeful read about the importance of education and the power of love. Marley and Me NON FICTION John Grogan The author presents a tender story of his family's love for their yellow Labrador retriever, Marley, chronicling how he grew from a mischievous puppy into a nearly impossible adult that no amount of obedience School training could correct.

9 Volkswagen Blues Jacques Poulin This French-Canadian novel is about an extended road trip taken as part of a writer s search for his long-lost brother, Th o. Early on, Jack picks up a hitchhiker, a young Metis woman, nicknamed "La Grande Sauterelle" (because of her long, grasshopper-like legs) and her cat, Chop Suey. Many adventures ensue! More challenging reads Emma Jane Austen The heroine of this early nineteenth century novel is a well meaning rich young woman with far too much time on her hands. She interferes in the lives of her friends and neighbours but meets her match with her knight in shining armour, Mr Knightly.

10 Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte a small unattractive orphan endures a tumultuous childhood, including years at a boarding School where she is cruelly treated. She goes as a governess into an affluent household and falls in love with the brooding Mr Rochester, who is concealing a dark secret. Oliver Twist Charles Dickens This nineteenth century novel tracks the adventures of impoverished orphan Oliver, including his inclusion into a gang of London pickpockets, led by the villainous Fagin.