Laugh-out-Loud Books

Our Laugh-out-Loud Books Collection highlights titles that bring levity to literature through satire, dark humor, or hilarious dialogue. Representing genres ranging from romantic comedies to classic children's titles, this Collection features titles to tickle every reader's funny bone.

Publication year 1998Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags British Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

About a Boy (1998), by English novelist Nick Hornby, is a coming-of-age, comedic novel. The story begins with 12-year-old Marcus Brewer moving to London in 1993 with his loving but suicidal mother, Fiona. He must adjust to a new school with strict social norms for behavior and appearance. Marcus doesn’t wear the right clothes; he talks or sings to himself when he’s stressed without being aware that he’s doing it; and he immediately becomes the... Read About a Boy Summary


Publication year 1990Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: FamilyTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Class, Relationships, Parenting, Love / Sexuality, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Humor

Publication year 1980Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: FateTags Humor, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Classic Fiction

John Kennedy Toole’s novel A Confederacy of Dunces was written in the 1960s but only published years after the author’s death. It depicts the adventures of Ignatius J. Reilly, an academic but lazy man who, at age 30, lives with his mother in New Orleans in the early 1960s. Forced to find a job, he encounters a string of colorful characters endemic to the city of the time.The novel begins outside the D. H. Holmes... Read A Confederacy of Dunces Summary


Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: MemoryTags Fantasy, Humor, Animals, Modern Classic Fiction

A Dog’s Purpose: A Novel for Humans is a novel by Bruce W. Cameron and is the first in his A Dog’s Purpose series of novels. Written in 2010, the novel was a New York Times bestseller for 49 weeks. The novel is unique in that it is narrated by a dog. The dog lives four lives over the course of the novel, seeking a purpose for his life during each of his incarnations. In... Read A Dog's Purpose Summary


Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Identity: DisabilityTags Realistic Fiction, Health / Medicine, Grief / Death, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Humor

After Ever After is a young adult novel written by American author Jordan Sonnenblick and published in 2010. It is the sequel to Sonnenblick’s debut novel, Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, which came out in 2004 but focused on a different protagonist. While the first book revolves around Steven Alper, After Ever After explores his younger brother Jeff’s perspective as he navigates eighth grade alongside his best friend, Tad, and his girlfriend, Lindsey. Sonnenblick, who... Read After Ever After Summary


Publication year 1934Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Identity: Gender, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Marriage, Society: ClassTags Satire, Classic Fiction, British Literature, History: World, Historical Fiction, Humor

A Handful of Dust is a satirical novel by Evelyn Waugh, published in 1934. The novel satirizes the lives of the English gentry and middle class in the interwar period. Waugh’s highly regarded satire is based on his own experience of divorce and unhappiness, as well as his understanding of the English class system. The novel has been dramatized for radio, theater, and screen. This guide uses the 2018 Penguin English Library edition.Content Warning: The... Read A Handful of Dust Summary


Publication year 1913Genre Poem, FictionThemes Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Natural World: Place, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Natural World: Appearance & RealityTags Poetry: Dramatic Poem, Humor, Grief / Death, British Literature, Victorian Period

Publication year 1972Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Society: Community, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags British Literature, Animals, Humor

All Creatures Great and Small is the first in a series of fictionalized memoirs by Yorkshire veterinarian James Alfred “Alf” Wight (1916-1995), writing under the name James Herriot. Originally published in the UK as two shorter volumes, If Only They Could Talk (1970) and It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet (1972), the US publisher released them as a single volume in 1972 under a new title drawn from the Anglican hymn “All Things Bright and... Read All Creatures Great and Small Summary


Publication year 2024Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Sexuality, Life/Time: Aging, Life/Time: Midlife, Life/Time: The Future, Life/Time: The Past, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Marriage, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Society: Education, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Relationships: FamilyTags Gender / Feminism, Modern Classic Fiction, LGBTQ, Humor

Publication year 1986Genre Essay Collection, NonfictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Society: CommunityTags Self Help, Education, Education, Psychology, Psychology, Philosophy, Humor, Philosophy, Inspirational

In his compilation of essays, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Robert Fulghum studies the simplicity embedded in everyday experiences. First published in 1989, this collection captivated a global audience, becoming a cultural touchstone as a #1 New York Times bestseller and selling over 7 million copies. Fulghum draws from his life experiences to craft this collection of essays. This collection, which falls within the self-help, motivational, and personal transformation genres... Read All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten Summary


Publication year 1602Genre Play, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Identity: Gender, Relationships: Marriage, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Classic Fiction, Play: Drama, Play: Comedy / Satire, British Literature, Humor, Drama / Tragedy, Romance

All’s Well That Ends Well is a play by William Shakespeare (1582-1616), one of the most influential writers in the English language. The date of composition is not known, but All’s Well That Ends Well was first performed between 1598 and 1608. It was published in 1623, in the First Folio. Shakespeare’s work is part of Early Modern English literature, alongside playwrights like Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe, during which time the play and theater... Read All's Well That Ends Well Summary


Publication year 2005Genre Novel, FictionTags Depression / Suicide, British Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness, Humor

A Long Way Down is a 2005 novel by international best-selling British author Nick Hornby. This dark comedy incorporates themes of existentialism and mental illness, including suicide and depression, in Hornby’s signature upbeat style. The novel follows four characters in a first-person, round-robin style narration in which each character advances the plot in succession. The story takes place in modern-day England. The four main characters—Martin, Maureen, JJ, and Jess—meet each other for the first time... Read A Long Way Down Summary


Publication year 1998Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Grandparents, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Emotions/Behavior: NostalgiaTags Historical Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Great Depression, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, History: World, Humor

Written by Richard Peck in 1998 and told as a series of related short stories, A Long Way From Chicago is a novel about two siblings and their adventures with their grandmother over the span of six summers from 1929 to 1935. The work was a Newbery Honor book in 1999, and its sequel, A Year Down Yonder, won the Newbery Medal for children’s literature in 2001. Richard Peck (1934-2018) was the award-winning American novelist... Read A Long Way from Chicago Summary


Publication year 2012Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: GuiltTags Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

A Man Called Ove (2012), by Swedish author Fredrik Backman (Anxious People, Beartown), tells the darkly humorous story of Ove, a 59-year-old Swedish man struggling to find purpose in his life. When the book opens, Ove’s wife Sonja has recently died. After losing his job, Ove plans to kill himself. Ove seems at odds with the world, constantly angry at the people around him and getting into altercations with shop workers, neighbors, and even other... Read A Man Called Ove Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Life/Time: Aging, Life/Time: The PastTags British Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2018Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Society: Immigration, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Humor, Immigration / Refugee, Diversity, Race / Racism, Modern Classic Fiction, Biography

Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Identity: Mental Health, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Romance, Humor, Asian Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Asian Literature

Publication year 1729Genre Essay / Speech, NonfictionTags Satire, Irish Literature, Education, Education, Philosophy, Philosophy, Humor, Classic Fiction, Politics / Government

A Modest Proposal For preventing the Children of Poor People From being a Burthen to Their Parents or Country, and For making them Beneficial to the Publick is a satirical essay published anonymously in 1729 by Irish author Jonathan Swift. Using irony and hyperbole, the essay mocks heartless attitudes toward the poor among English and Irish elites by proposing that impoverished families sell their infant children to be killed and eaten by the rich. One... Read A Modest Proposal Summary


Publication year 2005Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Fathers, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Fantasy, Modern Classic Fiction, Magical Realism, Humor

Anansi Boys is a fantasy novel by British author Neil Gaiman, written in 2005. It is set within the same world as his earlier novel American Gods and shares the title character of Anansi. In 2006, the novel won both the Locus Award and the British Fantasy Society Award. Anansi Boys deals with themes of family, duality, and storytelling, drawing from West African mythology and archetypes to create a story rooted in the here and... Read Anansi Boys Summary


Publication year 1766Genre Poem, FictionThemes Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Lyric Poem, Animals, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Children's Literature, Humor, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2003Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & BetrayalTags Women's Studies (Nonfiction), Modern Classic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor

Publication year 1895Genre Play, FictionThemes Relationships: Marriage, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Society: Politics & Government, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: ArtTags Play: Comedy / Satire, History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Romance, Victorian Literature / Period, Humor, Classic Fiction

An Ideal Husband is a satirical play about blackmail, politics, morality, and marriage by Victorian writer Oscar Wilde. It was first performed at the Theatre Royal in Haymarket, London, on January 3, 1895. Wilde was an acclaimed playwright in London at the time, though his imprisonment in late 1895 marked his fall from public grace. The play has since been adapted for both film and theater across the world, as have many of Wilde’s other... Read An Ideal Husband Summary


Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Life/Time: The Past, Emotions/Behavior: GuiltTags Realistic Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness, Humor

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Publication year 1961Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Society: ClassTags Classic Fiction, American Literature, Humor, Class, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

“A&P” is one of John Updike’s most well-known and celebrated short stories, first published in The New Yorker on July 22, 1961, and later appearing in the author’s short story collection Pigeon Feathers. A Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Updike populates his realist fiction with small-town, middle-class Americans. Adaptations of “A&P” include a 1966 short film directed by Bruce Schwartz, starring Sean Hayes as Sammy and Amy Smart as Queenie.The protagonist, Sammy, is also the story’s first-person... Read A&P Summary


Publication year 2006Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Class, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Natural World: PlaceTags Satire, Humor, Race / Racism, History: U.S., Business / Economics, American Literature, Reconstruction Era, African American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Apex Hides the Hurt, a 2006 novel by American author Colson Whitehead, follows a nameless, emotionally muted nomenclature consultant, or an expert in creating brand names. The novel toggles between the protagonist’s memories of success at his company, and his current consulting assignment—renaming a town. The novel satirizes contemporary American consumer culture and features themes of race and identity. Whitehead uses humor and revelation as key narrative techniques in this story about a man who... Read Apex Hides the Hurt Summary


Publication year 2024Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Place, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Siblings, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Fantasy, Romance, Humor

Publication year 1941Genre Play, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Natural World: Nurture v. NatureTags Play: Comedy / Satire, Mystery / Crime Fiction, History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Humor, Classic Fiction

Arsenic and Old Lace is a three-act, farcical dark comedy by American playwright Joseph Kesselring. It made its Broadway debut in 1941 and enjoyed a successful three-year run. The play was made famous by the 1944 film adaptation directed by Frank Capra and starring Cary Grant as Mortimer Brewster. It is still commonly read and performed today. This guide correlates to the official script published by Dramatists Play Service Inc.Page numbers in your edition may... Read Arsenic and Old Lace Summary


Publication year 2003Genre Book, NonfictionTags Science / Nature, History: World, Philosophy, Philosophy, Humor

Bill Bryson (b. December 8, 1951) is a nonfiction author whose writing is especially concerned with travel, the English language, and science. In A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bryson attempts to succinctly summarize the Earth’s history. By looking at the most important players in the various scientific disciplines throughout the ages, he chronicles the most vital discoveries and theories in human history.Throughout the course of an introduction, thirty chapters, and nearly five-hundred pages, Bryson... Read A Short History of Nearly Everything Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Teams, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & BetrayalTags Fantasy, Romance, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Humor

Publication year 1997Genre Essay Collection, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Society: Education, Society: Nation, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Humor, Philosophy, Post Modernism, American Literature

A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again is a 1997 essay collection by David Foster Wallace. The seven essays explore 1990s US social issues through subjects such as television, tennis, and (in the most famous essay) a Caribbean cruise. The essays have been referenced many times in popular culture, particularly the title essay, which recounts Wallace’s experiences on a cruise.This guide references the 1998 Abacus edition of the collection.SummaryIn the first essay, “Derivative Sport... Read A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again Summary


Publication year 1599Genre Play, FictionThemes Identity: Gender, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: SiblingsTags Elizabethan Era, Play: Comedy / Satire, Romance, Education, Education, Humor, Classic Fiction

As You Like It is a pastoral comedy that features romance by William Shakespeare. The date of its first performance is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in 1599. As You Like It was first published in 1623 in the First Folio, the first of the posthumously published collections of Shakespeare’s plays.This summary refers to the 2019 Folger Shakespeare Library updated edition. Your edition’s line numbers and spellings may vary slightly.Plot SummaryWhen... Read As You Like It Summary


Publication year 1704Genre Novella, FictionThemes Relationships: SiblingsTags Satire, Irish Literature, British Literature, History: World, Philosophy, Philosophy, Humor, Classic Fiction, Religion / Spirituality

Jonathan Swift wrote A Tale of a Tub (published in 1704) not only to expound upon the hypocrisy of religion in early 18th century England, but to explore ideas about critics, oration, ancient and modern philosophies, digressions, and the nature of writing itself. These themes are all underscored with a satirical tone that takes religion, authors, and critics to task. The title refers to the tub that sailors used to toss out to distract whales... Read A Tale Of A Tub Summary


Publication year 1939Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Fate, Life/Time: The Past, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Emotions/Behavior: ConflictTags Irish Literature, Humor, Fantasy, Magical Realism, Fairy Tale / Folklore, Satire, Arts / Culture, Class, British Literature, History: World, Classic Fiction

Publication year 1998Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Natural World: Place, Relationships: Friendship, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Flora/plants, Natural World: Environment, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Society: CommunityTags Travel Literature, Humor, Science / Nature, Animals, Anthropology, History: U.S., Relationships, Politics / Government, Sports, History: World, Action / Adventure, Biography

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail is a 1998 travel book by American-British author Bill Bryson. The book was a New York Times bestseller, and a 2014 Cable News Network (CNN) poll named it the funniest travel book ever written. In addition, it inspired the 2015 film A Walk in the Woods starring Robert Redford as Bryson, Nick Nolte as Stephen Katz (his primary hiking companion), and Emma Thompson as... Read A Walk in the Woods Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Children's Literature, Fantasy, Humor, Mystery / Crime Fiction

Publication year 1893Genre Play, FictionThemes Society: Class, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Identity: Femininity, Identity: Gender, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Play: Drama, Play: Comedy / Satire, Victorian Literature / Period, History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Humor, Classic Fiction

A Woman of No Importance is a play by Oscar Wilde that was first performed in 1893. It is one of Wilde’s four drawing room plays, which satirize English high society, but critics often consider this play to be his least successful. The action of the play takes place at a party held at Lady Hunstanton’s English country estate and depicts the conflict that arises when Lord Illingworth, a wealthy and charming aristocrat, encounters his... Read A Woman of No Importance Summary


Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Identity: Sexuality, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Humor, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Publication year 1963Genre Play, FictionTags Play: Comedy / Satire, American Literature, Drama / Tragedy, Romance, Humor, Classic Fiction

Barefoot in the Park is a 1963 play by Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright Neil Simon. Born in the Bronx in 1927, Simon grew up during the Depression. Financial strains characteristic of the time caused tension in his parents’ marriage, and Simon sought escape at the movies, with comedic films in particular. Laughter and comedy served as emotional balms for him, as they do in his semi-autobiographical plays. His plays are often set in New York... Read Barefoot In The Park Summary


Publication year 1982Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Family, Self DiscoveryTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education

Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: GriefTags Humor, Sports, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

Written by Fredrik Backman in 2017, Beartown is the first of a trilogy and is followed by the similarly hockey-themed novels, Us Against You (2017) and The Winners (2021). All three novels are set in the town of the same name, and Beartown focuses on the local junior hockey team, the in-game success or failure of which deeply impacts the economy of the town as a whole. As the town's intense focus on the sport... Read Beartown Summary


Publication year 1955Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Siblings, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & PrideTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2023Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: GratitudeTags History: World, Biography, Arts / Culture, History: U.S., Humor, Inspirational

Publication year 1970Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Politics & Government, Natural World: Appearance & RealityTags Satire, Humor, American Literature, Politics / Government, History: World, Philosophy, Philosophy, Classic Fiction

Polish-born author Jerzy Kosiński (1933-1991) wrote Being There, published in 1970. The novella satirizes mid-20th-century politics and culture, focusing on the twin pillars of bureaucracy and the media as vehicles for the deterioration of modern thought. Kosiński grew up in Soviet-controlled Poland and came to the United States in 1957. In 1958, he was awarded a Ford Foundation fellowship. He studied at the New School and Columbia University in New York, where he received a... Read Being There Summary


Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Natural World: AnimalsTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor, Action / Adventure, Animals, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 2004Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Science & TechnologyTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor, Romance, Modern Classic Fiction, Fantasy

Be More Chill (2004) by Ned Vizzini is a young adult novel about a teenage boy trying to increase his social status in high school. The work employs humor and a science fiction premise to satirize the absurdity of social norms in contemporary youth culture. The main character, Jeremy Heere, is a socially awkward high school student who ingests a pill that contains a quantum supercomputer that advises him on how to modify his behavior... Read Be More Chill Summary


Publication year 2018Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Self Discovery, Society: Class, Society: Immigration, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Humor, Action / Adventure, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Music, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Self DiscoveryTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, LGBTQ, Music, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Content Warning: Better Nate Than Ever contains sensitive material, such as bullying and LGBTQ-related slurs.Better Nate Than Ever (2013) is the first book in a trilogy about Broadway hopeful Nate Foster; the next two titles in the series are Five, Six, Seven, Nate! (2014) and Nate Expectations (2018). The novel is intended for middle grade and young adult readers but may also appeal to adult fans of theater-related fiction. Author Tim Federle and the fictional... Read Better Nate Than Ever Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Romance, Humor, Relationships, Love / Sexuality, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2015Genre Play, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: ForgivenessTags History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Humor

Between Riverside and Crazy, a 2014 play in two acts by Stephen Adly Guirgis, won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This work is widely considered a New York play written by a New York playwright, as it captures the particular spirit of this unique city in its story about an ex-cop facing eviction from his rent-controlled apartment and his efforts to understand and adapt to his changing world.  Stephen Adly Guirgis, a native of New York City, grew up on... Read Between Riverside And Crazy Summary


Publication year 1929Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Beauty, Identity: Femininity, Relationships: Marriage, Identity: Mental HealthTags Relationships, Depression / Suicide, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness, Addiction / Substance Abuse, Humor, Classic Fiction

“Big Blonde” is a short story written by Dorothy Parker. It was first published in 1929 in The Bookman (a prestigious New York City literary magazine) and won the O. Henry competition for the best story that same year. It was later published in Parker’s 1930 short-story collection Laments for the Living.This study guide refers to the online flipbook version of “Big Blonde.”Content Warning: The source text contains references to domestic violence, alcohol addiction, and... Read Big Blonde Summary


Publication year 1998Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: FathersTags Modern Classic Fiction, Magical Realism, Fantasy, Humor

Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, a novel by Daniel Wallace, presents the story of the life of Edward Bloom, as told and retold by his son, William. William recounts Edward’s life as Edward lays dying of an unnamed terminal illness. The truth of Edward's past has always eluded William, as his father's anecdotes tend toward the unbelievable, and he seems incapable of being serious. Using tall tales, dreams, and allusions to Greek mythology... Read Big Fish Summary


Publication year 2010Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Fate, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: FameTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education

Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Relationships: Marriage, Identity: SexualityTags LGBTQ, Love / Sexuality, Romance, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1994Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Identity: LanguageTags Self Help, Humor, Arts / Culture, Biography

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott was originally published in 1994. Many of Lamott’s books have been on the New York Times bestsellers list, which qualifies her to offer advice about how to write. She also taught at writing conferences and at UC Davis, received a Guggenheim Fellowship, and was inducted into the California Hall of Fame. Bird by Bird is a combination of memoir, self-help book, and writing... Read Bird By Bird Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Identity: Race, Society: Nation, Society: Politics & GovernmentTags History: U.S., Race / Racism, Social Justice, Politics / Government, African American Literature, History: World, Humor

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Society: Colonialism, Society: EconomicsTags Satire, Humor, Race / Racism, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1931Genre Novel, FictionTags Satire, Harlem Renaissance, Race / Racism, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, American Literature, Humor, Classic Fiction

George S. Schuyler’s novel, Black No More: Being an Account of the Strange and Wonderful Workings of Science in the Land of the Free, A.D. 1933-1940, is a satirical novel first published in 1931 by the Macaulay Company. The novel was reissued in 2015 by Martino Publishing, based in Mansfield Centre, Connecticut. Some contemporary scholars categorize this work retrospectively as one of the earliest pieces of literary Afrofuturism, a kind of science fiction unique to... Read Black No More Summary


Publication year 1941Genre Play, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Relationships: Marriage, Identity: Gender, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Play: Comedy / Satire, British Literature, Gender / Feminism, Grief / Death, Love / Sexuality, Drama / Tragedy, Fantasy, Humor, Classic Fiction

Blithe Spirit is a 1941 farce written by the English playwright, composer, and actor Noël Coward. Known for his wit and style, Coward’s theatrical career lasted for nearly six decades. Blithe Spirit, one of his most popular and enduring works, was first performed in the West End, running for 1,997 performances, before transferring to Broadway for 657 performances. It was adapted into the musical High Spirits in 1964. To this day, the play continues to... Read Blithe Spirit Summary


Publication year 1991Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Relationships: FamilyTags Fantasy, Children's Literature, Action / Adventure, Humor

Publication year 2016Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Identity: Race, Society: Colonialism, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Race / Racism, History: African , Humor, Biography

Born a Crime is a comedic autobiographical work chronicling Trevor Noah’s childhood growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. Published in 2016, it became a New York Times bestseller, and it is currently being adapted into a film. Born a Crime doesn’t follow a linear timeline; rather, the narrative jumps in time, offering anecdotes from Noah’s past. Before each chapter begins, there is a prologue that’s related to the content of the upcoming... Read Born a Crime Summary


Publication year 2006Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Fathers, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Music, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Relationships: FamilyTags Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Music, Humor

Gordan Korman’s 2006 young adult coming-of-age novel Born to Rock follows teenager Leo Caraway as he sets out to get to know his biological father—the frontman of a legendary punk rock band—hoping to fund his college tuition while navigating the foreign world of punk rock and gets to know his roots. The novel, which was written for and dedicated to Korman’s son, also named Leo, explores themes of genetics, identity, self-expression, and lying.Korman is a... Read Born to Rock Summary


Publication year 2011Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Identity: GenderTags Gender / Feminism, Humor, Women's Studies (Nonfiction), Biography

Bossypants is a humorous memoir published in 2011 by actor and writer Tina Fey. Fey describes growing up as an awkward, smart-mouthed girl and traces the process by which she enters show business, from working at a theater summer camp, to taking night improv classes, to writing for Saturday Night Live, and finally to creating her own television sitcom, 30 Rock. Fey writes of the discrimination and double standards to which women in show business... Read Bossypants Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionTags Romance, LGBTQ, Relationships, Love / Sexuality, Class, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 1984Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Life/Time: The Past, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Emotions/Behavior: Nostalgia, Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Children's Literature, Classic Fiction, Biography

IntroductionMany readers are familiar with Roald Dahl (1916-1990) as the author of popular stories such as James and the Giant Peach (1961) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964). Dahl published 19 novels and short story collections for children. He was born in Wales to a Norwegian family and spent most of his life in England. He was an intelligence officer and fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II and suffered... Read Boy: Tales of Childhood Summary


Publication year 1998Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Gender, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Society: WarTags Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, LGBTQ, Military / War, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Irish Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Breakfast on Pluto is a novel by the distinguished Irish writer Patrick McCabe, who is known for his experimental style and controversial themes. First published in 1998, the book contains elements of fantasy and historical fiction. It presents the narrative of “the life and times” of Patrick Braden, a transgender person growing up in Ireland and London during the 1960s and 1970s. Through Braden’s journey of self-discovery, McCabe portrays a country amid turbulent political, national... Read Breakfast on Pluto Summary


Publication year 1996Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Femininity, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Self DiscoveryTags Romance, Humor, British Literature

Written by Helen Fielding in 1996, Bridget Jones’s Diary is a romance novel with a comedic twist. In 1998, it was named the British Book of the Year, and in 2003, it placed at number 75 on a BBC survey of favorite novels. A film adaptation was released in 2001. Renee Zellweger played the titular character and received an Academy Award nomination for her performance.This guide refers to the 1996 MacMillan Publishers print edition. Content... Read Bridget Jones's Diary Summary


Publication year 1984Genre Play, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: SiblingsTags Play: Drama, Play: Comedy / Satire, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Love / Sexuality, Great Depression, WWII / World War II, Poverty, Relationships, Religion / Spirituality, Education, Education, American Literature, Drama / Tragedy, Humor, Classic Fiction

Brighton Beach Memoirs is a semi-autobiographical play by American playwright Neil Simon. It is the first play in Simon’s Eugene Trilogy and follows its young protagonist as he grapples with adolescence and identity in the midst of the Great Depression. Its initial 1983 Broadway run enjoyed critical acclaim and won several awards. Most notably, actor Matthew Broderick won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor for originating the role of Eugene. Despite its initial success... Read Brighton Beach Memoirs Summary


Publication year 2014Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Community, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Relationships: TeamsTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Scandinavian Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1963Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Self Discovery, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Society: ClassTags Historical Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor

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Publication year 1759Genre Novella, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Trust & DoubtTags Satire, Philosophy, Science / Nature, French Literature, Education, Education, History: World, Historical Fiction, Humor, Classic Fiction

Candide, or Optimism was first published in 1759 by the French writer Voltaire (born Francois-Marie Arouet in 1694, died in 1778). The most famous and widely read work published by Voltaire, Candide is a satire that critiques contemporary philosophy, and specifically Leibnizian optimism, which posited the doctrine of the best of all possible worlds. Along with other French contemporaries, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Denis Diderot, and Montesquieu, Voltaire published at the height of the French... Read Candide Summary


Publication year 2014Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Life/Time: Aging, Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Emotions/Behavior: Gratitude, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Identity: Mental Health, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Humor, Grief / Death, Biography

Publication year 1997Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: FriendshipTags Humor, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature

Dav Pilkey’s graphic novel for children, The Adventures of Captain Underpants (1997), spawned a long list of sequels and adaptations in other media. The Captain Underpants series has won numerous awards, including the Garden State Children's Book Awards (Children's Fiction) 2000, the Buckeye Children's Book Award (Grades 3-5) 2001, and the Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Grades K-3) 2000.Plot SummaryThe story begins by introducing two best friends, George and Harold. They love to pull pranks... Read Captain Underpants Summary


Publication year 1961Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: ConflictTags Classic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Military / War, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, American Literature, History: World, Humor

Catch-22 is a 1961 satirical novel by Joseph Heller, whose experiences in the US Air Force during World War II inspired the narrative. The novel is set during World War II and portrays the absurd experiences of a group of Army pilots stationed in Italy. In addition to being hailed as one of the most seminal novels of the 20th century, Catch-22 has become an idiomatic expression for a certain kind of conundrum, a paradoxical... Read Catch-22 Summary


Publication year 1994Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Femininity, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Values/Ideas: Religion & SpiritualityTags Historical Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Religion / Spirituality, Class, Gender / Feminism, History: European, British Literature, Medieval Literature / Middle Ages, Children's Literature, History: World, Humor

American author Karen Cushman’s middle grade novel, Catherine, Called Birdy, explores the life of a young woman in 13th-century England. Published in 1994, the book won the Newbery Honor the following year. It is currently being adapted for the screen by actor, writer, and director Lena Dunham. This detailed work of historical fiction immerses the reader in the very different world of medieval England, with its emphasis on religion as the organizing force behind daily... Read Catherine, Called Birdy Summary


Publication year 1963Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Art, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Satire, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Post Modernism, Humor, American Literature, Fantasy, Classic Fiction

Cat’s Cradle is a satirical science fiction novel by Kurt Vonnegut, published in 1963. The novel, which explores themes related to science, technology, and religion against the backdrop of the Cold War arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union, won critical acclaim for Vonnegut and was nominated for a Hugo Award. This guide refers to the 2010 Dial Trade Press edition.Content Warning: This guide references death by suicide and sexual assault found... Read Cat's Cradle Summary


Publication year 1948Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Relationships: FamilyTags Classic Fiction, American Literature, Humor, Post-War Era, Parenting, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction

American author Shirley Jackson’s short story “Charles” (1948) was first published in Mademoiselle, then in Jackson’s 1949 collection as well as in her 1953 novel Life Among the Savages. Though “Charles” is not in the horror genre, Jackson is a renowned horror writer and has influenced modern writers like Neil Gaiman and Stephen King. The story does, however, have an element of mystery—another genre for which the author is famous. This study guide cites the... Read Charles Summary


Publication year 1964Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Classic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, British Literature

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964) is a fantasy children’s novel by renowned British author Roald Dahl, a man known for his strange and wondrous imagination. The story follows Charlie Bucket, who wins a tour in a chocolate factory owned by the eccentric Mr. Willy Wonka. In the years following publication, the novel became a classic and spawned two major film adaptations, one starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka (1971) and a remake starring Johnny... Read Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Summary


Publication year 1972Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Life/Time: Aging, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Humor, Children's Literature, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2015Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Society: Economics, Society: Class, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Humor, Satire, Romance, Asian Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Chinese Literature

China Rich Girlfriend is an adult novel published by Doubleday in 2015, the sequel to Singapore-born author Kevin Kwan’s internationally bestselling romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians (2013) and second in a trilogy which concludes with Rich People Problems (2017). Billed as a satire, a mock-epic, and a sprawling family saga that peers into the lives of the ultra-wealthy in Asia, China Rich Girlfriend depicts the efforts of Rachel Chu, a Chinese-born American university professor, and... Read China Rich Girlfriend Summary


Publication year 2012Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Environment, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor, Action / Adventure, Realistic Fiction, Animals, Children's Literature

Written in 2012 by Carl Hiaasen, Chomp is a young adult novel set in Hiaasen’s native Florida (specifically, Everglades National Park). Hiaasen, who began his career as a journalist, is the author of six other books for young readers (as well as numerous adult novels). Because his work blends humor with grim realism, Chomp features characters who are just as “bizarre” as their Florida setting. Primarily known for his crime fiction, Hiaasen also crafts stories... Read Chomp Summary


Publication year 1996Genre Short Story Collection, FictionTags Satire, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, History: World, Humor

George Saunders’s debut collection, CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, was originally published in 1996. Comprised of six stories and a novella, the collection is satirical and interrogates late American capitalist consumer culture. In the title story, “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline,” the protagonist works at a CivilWar-era themepark. Due to slumping profits from an increasing gang presence in the park, the boss, Mr. A, decides to hire a psychotic ex-soldier, Samuel. Samuel winds up being a little... Read CivilWarLand in Bad Decline Summary


Publication year 2006Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: FriendshipTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Sara Pennypacker’s Clementine is a short chapter book for elementary-aged readers. Marla Frazee’s black and white illustrations bring the text to life. Clementine and the subsequent books in the series have won numerous awards; notably, Clementine is a New York Times bestseller and the winner of the 2007 Boston Globe/Horn Book Award. Little, Brown and Company published Clementine in 2006. This study guide refers to the 2008 first trade paperback edition of the book.Plot SummaryClementine... Read Clementine Summary


Publication year 1932Genre Novel, FictionThemes Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Life/Time: The Past, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: MemoryTags Humor, Classic Fiction, Satire, British Literature, History: World, Historical Fiction

Cold Comfort Farm (September 1932) is the first book by British author Stella Gibbons. Upon publication, it became an instant success. The comic novel is a parody of rural romances that were popular in Britain at the time. The story was adapted for two BBC television shows in 1968 and 1981. It was also made into a film starring Kate Beckinsale in 1995. Cold Comfort Farm is classified under the category of Classic Humor Fiction... Read Cold Comfort Farm Summary


Publication year 1998Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Life/Time: The Past, Emotions/Behavior: GriefTags Sociology, Action / Adventure, History: U.S., American Civil War, Military / War, History: World, Travel Literature, Humor, Politics / Government

Confederates in the Attic is a non-fiction book written by Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist Tony Horwitz. The book is a mixture of ethnography—the study of a specific group of people in a specific place—and travel writing, where Horwitz attempts to dive deeply into his childhood fascination for the American Civil War by traveling through the deep South, visiting Confederate battlefields, museums, and monuments, and interviewing the locals that he comes into contact with about their relationship to... Read Confederates In The Attic Summary


Publication year 2004Genre Essay / Speech, NonfictionThemes Natural World: Food, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Society: EconomicsTags Humor, Arts / Culture, Philosophy, Animals, Food, American Literature, Journalism, Modern Classic Fiction, Philosophy

Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Society: Class, Relationships: FamilyTags Romance, Humor, Satire, Asian Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

Crazy Rich Asians is a 2013 romance comedy novel by American author Kevin Kwan about a young Asian American woman who travels with her boyfriend to his native Singapore and finds herself suddenly thrust into the cutthroat world of Asia’s uber-rich. Kwan based the novel loosely on his own experiences growing up in Singapore. It is the first novel in a three-book series, followed by China Rich Girlfriend (2015) and Rich People Problems (2017), all... Read Crazy Rich Asians Summary


Publication year 1921Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Sexuality, Identity: Mental Health, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: LiteratureTags Classic Fiction, Humor, Historical Fiction, Play: Comedy / Satire, British Literature, History: World

Publication year 1975Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Society: ClassTags Classic Fiction, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Humor, Finance / Money / Wealth

British author Roald Dahl first published Danny the Champion of the World in 1975. This award-winning children’s novel was adapted into a made-for-TV movie in 1989. The story follows Danny and his single-father, William, as they concoct a plan to poach all of the pheasants from a mean, rich landowner’s woods. Dahl’s children’s books are humorous and unsentimental, usually featuring a heroic young protagonist and an obnoxious adult antagonist. Dahl’s other works for children include The Gremlins... Read Danny, the Champion of the World Summary


Publication year 1842Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Class, Society: Economics, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Classic Fiction, Satire, Class, History: European, Politics / Government, Religion / Spirituality, Russian Literature, Victorian Period, History: World, Historical Fiction, Humor

Nikolai Gogol called his 1842 work Dead Souls an “epic poem in prose,” though most critics and scholars now refer to it as a novel. Structured in part as an analog to Dante’s Inferno, Dead Souls is an absurdist social satire of imperial Russia before the emancipation of the serfs, especially the foibles and customs of the Russian nobility. Though Gogol is not interested in strict realism, his portraits of nobles who speak French more... Read Dead Souls Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Sexuality, Relationships: Family, Self DiscoveryTags Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Humor, LGBTQ

Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Children's Literature, Fantasy, Humor, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Marriage, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Romance, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Asian Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2007Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Relationships: Siblings, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Relationships, Bullying, Children's Literature

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is the first graphic novel in the titular series by Jeff Kinney. Since its initial publication in 2007, Diary of a Wimpy Kid has become a New York Times bestseller and 16 sequels have followed in the series. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is written in a diary format and documents the misadventures of middle school student Greg Heffley, who longs for popularity and hatches dozens of schemes to achieve... Read Diary of a Wimpy Kid Summary


Publication year 2002Genre Poem, FictionThemes Identity: Language, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Values/Ideas: LiteratureTags Lyric Poem, Humor, Romance, Arts / Culture, Class, American Literature, African American Literature

Harryette Mullen’s “Dim Lady” may remind some readers of 17th century English playwright and poet William Shakespeare’s well-known “Sonnet 130,” in which the speaker of the poem makes a mockery of his beloved’s physical appearance. During Shakespeare’s time, fashion encouraged poets to write flowery poetry that extolled the virtues and the beauty of their beloved. However, the speaker of this sonnet toys with poetic conventions of the time, describing the physical attributes of the speaker’s... Read Dim Lady Summary


Publication year 1996Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: The Past, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: MothersTags Southern Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2016Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Humor, Fantasy, Animals, Children's Literature

Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: FathersTags Fantasy, Humor, Action / Adventure, Animals, Children's Literature

Publication year 2018Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Disability, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Natural World: Nurture v. Nature, Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Animals, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature

Publication year 2021Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Animals

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Gender, Relationships: Family, Self DiscoveryTags History: World, Historical Fiction, Romance, Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Gender / Feminism, Relationships

Publication year 2009Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Relationships: Friendship, Self DiscoveryTags Humor, Realistic Fiction

Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renée Russell (Simon & Schuster, 2009) is a young adult graphic novel told in diary entries about a 14-year-old girl’s journey through her first month at a new school. The book was both a New York Times and USA Today best seller. It also won the Children’s Choice Book of the Year Award for the fifth/sixth grade division (2010) and was nominated for Book of the... Read Dork Diaries Summary


Publication year 2014Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Relationships: Siblings, Self DiscoveryTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Fantasy

Publication year 2016Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Fame, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 2002Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Siblings, Self DiscoveryTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Double Fudge (2002) is the fifth and final book in the popular children’s series by bestselling American author Judy Blume. The Fudge series begins with Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and includes Superfudge, Fudge-a-Mania, and Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great. The Fudge series was published across three decades and follows the lives of the Hatcher family, and most of the novels feature Peter Hatcher and his younger brother Fudge, who is always getting... Read Double Fudge Summary


Publication year 2015Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Self Discovery, Identity: Femininity, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Depression / Suicide, Arts / Culture, Relationships, Love / Sexuality, Modern Classic Fiction, Biography, Humor

Publication year 2012Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionTags Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Drama / Tragedy, Romance, LGBTQ

Drama is a young adult graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier published in 2012. It is Telgemeier’s third book and her first fiction graphic novel—her first two were autobiographical. Drama is critically acclaimed and spent 240 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. This guide refers to the 2012 edition by Scholastic/Graphix.Plot SummaryCallie Marin is a seventh-grader at Eucalyptus Middle School. She has long, purple-dyed hair and likes to wear the color green. She also... Read Drama Summary


Publication year 2004Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Music, Humor

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie (2014) is a young adult novel by American author Jordan Sonnenblick. Sonnenblick is a well-known young adult author whose novels include After Ever After, Falling Over Sideways, Notes From the Midnight Driver, and Zen and the Art of Faking It. The story follows Steven Alper, a 13-year-old drummer whose life is turned upside down when his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey, is diagnosed with leukemia. As Steven navigates the trials of early... Read Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie Summary


Publication year 2003Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Society: Community, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags Humor, LGBTQ, Psychology, Addiction / Substance Abuse, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Psychology, Mental Illness, Biography

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Publication year 2014Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Gender, Relationships: Friendship, Identity: DisabilityTags Humor, Disability, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Biography

El Deafo is a 2014 semi-autobiographical, graphic novel by American author and illustrator Cece Bell. Bell, who was born deaf, recounts her childhood in the format of a guide starring an anthropomorphic rabbit, “Cece.” The book endeavors to undermine negative representations of deafness by representing Cece’s difference as valid, even empowering, with the assistance of modern technology. Throughout the book, Cece occasionally assumes a superhero persona, “El Deafo.” El Deafo challenges common misconceptions about disabilities... Read El Deafo Summary


Publication year 2001Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Nation, Identity: LanguageTags Humor, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Fantasy

The entire story unravels on the island of Nollop, off the coast of North Carolina. Nollop is named after Nevin Nollop, a man who wrote a sentence containing all 26 letters of the alphabet: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” Because of his feat, Nollop’s statue is erected in town as a monument to the island’s namesake. Ella Minnow Pea, the main character, writes to her cousin, Tassie, announcing the first of... Read Ella Minnow Pea Summary


Publication year 1991Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Relationships: TeamsTags Addiction / Substance Abuse, Relationships, Humor, Psychological Fiction, Satire, Education, Education

Denis Johnson originally published “Emergency” in the September 16, 1991 issue of New Yorker magazine and later as part of his critically acclaimed 1992 short story collection, Jesus’ Son. These linked, fragmentary stories, all narrated by the same troubled, drug-addicted character, examine themes of violence, addiction, loss, and friendship from an unreliable yet sympathetic narrative voice. This guide uses the 1992 version of Jesus’ Son published by Picador/Farrar, Straus and Giroux.“Emergency,” the sixth story in... Read Emergency Summary


Publication year 1815Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Marriage, Society: ClassTags Classic Fiction, Victorian Period, Romanticism / Romantic Period, British Literature, Historical Fiction, Romance, Humor, Class, Gender / Feminism, History: European, Relationships, History: World

Emma is a fiction novel published in 1815 by the English author Jane Austen. The book centers on the character development of its eponymous protagonist, a genteel young woman on a country estate who meddles in the love lives of friends and neighbors. Jane Austen was conscious that Emma’s snobbery, vanity, and meddling might make her a “heroine whom no one but myself will much like” (Austen-Leigh, James Edward. A Memoir of Jane Austen. London:... Read Emma Summary


Publication year 2001Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Fathers, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Society: ClassTags American Literature, Humor, Relationships, Modern Classic Fiction

In Empire Falls, published in 2001, award-winning author Richard Russo focuses his sharp observations on family, faith, and hope for the future in small-town America, where the factories have left, the populations are dwindling, and the prospects are shrinking. Miles Roby almost got out of Empire Falls, but his mother’s illness brought him back a semester shy of graduating college. Now he runs the Empire Grill, a landmark that still anchors the dying town, and... Read Empire Falls Summary


Publication year 2001Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Identity: Language, Identity: RaceTags Humor, Race / Racism, Arts / Culture, African American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1990Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Life/Time: AgingTags Children's Literature, Fantasy, Humor, Animals, Romance, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Relationships: Siblings, Emotions/Behavior: RegretTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Emotions/Behavior: Revenge, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Society: Class, Society: Community, Society: Education, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2018Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: FemininityTags Humor, Gender / Feminism, Love / Sexuality, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Self Help, Biography

Publication year 2001Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Society: Community, Relationships: FamilyTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Humor

Renowned Canadian/American author Polly Horvath published the middle-grade novel everything on a Waffle in 2001. Over two years, the book received numerous accolades, including Mr. Christie’s Book Award, the Boston Globe Horn Book Award, the ALSC Notable Children’s Book, a Newbery Honor Medal, and the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize. Written in the first person, 11-year-old narrator Primrose tells of her parents disappearing in a typhoon off the coast of British Columbia. Primrose discounts... Read Everything on a Waffle Summary


Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Falling Over Sideways (2016) is a popular middle-grade novel by Jordan Sonnenblick. The novel tells the story of 14-year-old Claire Goldsmith and the events that unfold during her eighth-grade year after her father has a stroke one morning. Claire must face dance school, bullies, her father’s rehabilitation, and a strange new home life, all while trying not to be, look, or feel “awkward” or “unlucky” in her new grade. The narrative further addresses issues of... Read Falling Over Sideways Summary


Publication year 1970Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Natural World: Animals, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Animals, Children's Literature, Action / Adventure, Fantasy, Humor, Classic Fiction

Fantastic Mr. Fox (1970) is a children’s novel by British author Roald Dahl. One of Dahl’s most acclaimed and enduring titles, the novel follows an anthropomorphic fox—the titular Mr. Fox—and his animal friends, who live near three cruel farmers. Although the farmers continually attempt to kill the animals, Mr. Fox and his friends are able to outsmart them and steal all the food they want. Fantastic Mr. Fox, like many of Dahl’s works, is a... Read Fantastic Mr Fox Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Play, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: MothersTags Modern Classic Fiction, Drama / Tragedy, Play: Drama, LGBTQ, Humor

Publication year 1971Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Society: NationTags Auto/Biographical Fiction, Journalism, Addiction / Substance Abuse, History: U.S., American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Travel Literature, Humor, Classic Fiction

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a 1971 novel by American author Hunter S. Thompson. The book chronicles the story of journalist Raoul Duke and his attorney Doctor Gonzo who drive to Las Vegas, ostensibly to cover an iconic off-road vehicle race. However, they are also looking to “find the American Dream” and take with them a car’s load of hard drugs. Duke is a fictionalized surrogate for Thompson, while Gonzo is based off... Read Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas Summary


Publication year 1973Genre Biography, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Society: Nation, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags History: World, Classic Fiction, History: U.S., Politics / Government, Journalism, History, Biography, Humor

Publication year 1992Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Society: Community, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Identity: Mental HealthTags Sports, British Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Fever Pitch (1992), an autobiographical book by British author Nick Hornby, explores Hornby’s life through his love for football (soccer in America) and with the Arsenal Football Club in particular. He discusses seminal football matches he’s attended and their relationship to his life as a whole. Fever Pitch was Hornby’s first published book; he went on to write popular fiction novels including High Fidelity, About a Boy, and A Long Way Down.The first game Hornby... Read Fever Pitch Summary


Publication year 1964Genre Play, FictionTags Jewish Literature, Drama / Tragedy, Historical Fiction, Music, Humor, Classic Fiction

Fiddler on the Roof, a musical with a score by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a libretto by Joseph Stein, first opened on Broadway in 1964. The play is based on an amalgam of stories written by Solomon NaumovichRabinovich under the pen name Sholem Aleichem, which is Hebrew for “peace be unto you.” The musical takes place on a fictional Russian shtetl, or Jewish village, called Anatevka during the reign of Tsar Nicholas... Read Fiddler on the Roof Summary


Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Friendship, Society: ImmigrationTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Romance, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Identity: LanguageTags Modern Classic Fiction, Gender / Feminism, Humor, Canadian Literature

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor, Romance, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2001Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: FamilyTags Romance, Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

Flipped is a contemporary young adult novel by Wendelin Van Draanen. The main characters, Juli Baker and Bryce Loski, are neighbors in Mayfield, a fictional American town. Now in eighth grade, the two protagonists reveal the story of their relationship in a dual narrative of alternating first-person chapters that recount how Juli “flips” for Bryce at a young age but later decides she is not interested…right around the time Bryce finally “flips” for Juli. The... Read Flipped Summary


Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Identity: Disability, Relationships: Friendship, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Humor

Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: FriendshipTags Humor, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Animals

Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures is a middle-grade magical realism novel written by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by K. G. Campbell, and originally published in 2013. DiCamillo is a renowned middle-grade author who also wrote Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux, among other books. Flora and Ulysses was the recipient of the John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American Literature for Children in 2014. It was also adapted into a... Read Flora And Ulysses Summary


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Publication year 2005Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Good & EvilTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor

Teenage Noah Underwood finds himself facing the unpleasant task of visiting his dad in jail on Father’s Day. Paine Underwood has just sunk a casino boat called the Coral Queen because its owner, Dusty Muleman, has been dumping waste from the casino’s toilets into the bay and poisoning the surrounding waters. Paine is an environmental activist who sometimes gets carried away, as his long-suffering wife Donna can attest.Since Paine hasn’t been able to prove Dusty’s... Read Flush Summary


Publication year 1986Genre Novel, FictionTags Modern Classic Fiction, History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Historical Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor, Classic Fiction

Much of the discussion around Winston Groom’s highly acclaimed 1986 novel Forrest Gump concerns how different it is from the wildly popular movie it inspired. This does the novel a disservice, in that it deserves to be judged on its own merits rather than solely in comparison. That said, thematically, it is identical to the movie, and the characters are nearly all the same.  Forrest Gump is the first person narrator of the novel. He... Read Forrest Gump Summary


Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Family, Relationships: FathersTags Fantasy, Humor, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature

Publication year 1992Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Family, Self DiscoveryTags Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Animals

Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Teams, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Children's Literature, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor

Publication year 1978Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Society: CommunityTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Nostalgia, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Society: ClassTags Humor, Absurdism, Modern Classic Fiction, French Literature

Publication year 1987Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Aging, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: MemoryTags Romance, Southern Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, History: World, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ, Humor, Classic Fiction

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe is a 1987 novel by American author and actress Fanny Flagg, who also wrote an award-winning screen adaption of the book. The narrative contains two interconnected stories that unfold several decades apart. The frame narrative, which takes place in Birmingham, Alabama between December 1985 and December 1986, depicts the developing friendship between a middle-aged housewife named Evelyn Couch and an elderly widow named Ninny Threadgoode. As the... Read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Life/Time: MidlifeTags Arts / Culture, Humor, Addiction / Substance Abuse, Biography, Mental Illness

Publication year 1996Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Language, Society: Education, Society: Community, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Values/Ideas: Literature, Emotions/Behavior: ConflictTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction, Education, Education

Frindle is a 1996 middle grade novel by children’s author Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick. The story follows a fifth-grade boy named Nick Allen who—both for fun and to exasperate his strict language arts teacher—creates a new word for pen: “frindle.” Nick’s new word captures more attention than he expected, and soon the entire country is engaged in a discussion about how people ought to use vocabulary. The novel explores themes about differing adult... Read Frindle Summary


Publication year 1990Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Society: CommunityTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, History: World, Humor, Historical Fiction, Great Depression

Jennifer L. Holm’s Full of Beans is a 2016 middle-grade historical novel set in 1934. Main character and first-person protagonist Beans Curry is a 10-year-old boy born and raised in Key West, Florida. The Great Depression causes difficulties for the locals of the dilapidated town, including Beans’s family. “New Dealer” Mr. Julius Stone, Jr. arrives with the plan to boost Key West’s failing economy by recreating it as a tourist destination, but Beans decides that... Read Full of Beans Summary


Publication year 2003Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Society: Immigration, Relationships: Fathers, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Humor, Creative Nonfiction, Immigration / Refugee, Education, Education, Biography

Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing up in America is a 2003 book by Firoozeh Dumas in which she describes her experiences as an Iranian immigrant to the US. The narrative follows a non-linear time structure, and Dumas often moves between different eras of her life, including the time of writing, when she is an adult. Much of her work centers on what life was like for her as a child who came to... Read Funny In Farsi Summary


Publication year 2024Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Mothers, Self DiscoveryTags Romance, Humor

Publication year 2021Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Natural World: Environment, Natural World: Animals, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Values/Ideas: EqualityTags Science / Nature, Animals, Crime / Legal, Humor, History: World

Publication year 1985Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Society: Class, Society: Economics, Society: War, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Natural World: Nurture v. NatureTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor, Post Modernism, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Finance / Money / Wealth, Anthropology

Galapagos is a 1985 novel by American author Kurt Vonnegut. The novel’s narrator is the long-dead Leon Trout, a ghost who watched the evolution of humanity of the course of a million years. The story explores the themes Nature Versus Nurture, Pacifism, and Regret.This guide uses an eBook version of the 1985 Dial Press edition.Content Warning: This novel depicts explicit acts of violence and refers to death by suicide.Plot SummaryLeon Trout, the story’s narrator, is... Read Galapagos Summary


Publication year 2011Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Relationships: GrandparentsTags Children's Literature, Humor, Action / Adventure

Publication year 1564Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Relationships: Marriage, Self Discovery, Society: Education, Society: Politics & GovernmentTags Classic Fiction, Play: Comedy / Satire, Fantasy, Humor, French Literature

The Life of Gargantua and Pantagruel is a series of five novels written in French by François Rabelais in the 16th century. The novel-cycle relates the adventures of two giants in hyperbolic, satirical prose. Using humor ranging from slapstick to irony, Rabelais explores serious themes such as the development of education and religious reformation. The books are noted for their colorful, rich literary style, bursting with puns, allusions, and social commentary. An early example of... Read Gargantua And Pantagruel Summary


Publication year 1981Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Aging, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Natural World: Animals, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: FathersTags Fantasy, Humor, Children's Literature, Magical Realism, British Literature

Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Disability, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Society: Class, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Art, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Natural World: Animals, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: HopeTags Romance, Humor, Health / Medicine, British Literature, Disability, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1965Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Class, Identity: Mental Health, Values/Ideas: EqualityTags Satire, Humor, Post Modernism, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, History: World, Classic Fiction

God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, or Pearls Before Swine is a 1965 novel by American author Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922-2007). The novel is a postmodern satire on wealth, capitalism, and the dark side of the American Dream. Vonnegut’s fifth novel is considered a precursor to Slaughterhouse Five (1969) since it introduces many of the themes that appear in that much-lauded novel. God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater contains elements of science fiction, which emerge in a... Read God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater Summary


Publication year 2017Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Identity: Mental Health, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: ForgivenessTags Humor, Health / Medicine, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness

Goodbye, Vitamin is Asian American author Rachel Khong’s debut novel. Khong, whose grandmother had Alzheimer’s disease, explores how Alzheimer’s disease affects a family in this work of literary fiction. Written as a series of diary entries, Khong’s protagonist, Ruth Young, meditates on memory, forgiveness, and the challenges inherent in familial relationships as she navigates an adulthood that is not turning out as planned.Published in 2017, Goodbye, Vitamin received positive reviews and was named one of... Read Goodbye, Vitamin Summary


Publication year 2024Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Midlife, Relationships: Friendship, Self DiscoveryTags Romance, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2015Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Religion & SpiritualityTags Fantasy, British Literature, Religion / Spirituality, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor

Good Omens, The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is a darkly comic novel originally published in 1990. It is a satirical imagining of the Biblical apocalypse featuring angels, demons, humans, and the hosts of Heaven and Hell.Pratchett is well known for his ˙comic fantasy Discworld series, which spans 41 books. Gaiman is the author of, among other titles, Stardust, American Gods, and the graphic novel series... Read Good Omens Summary


Publication year 2002Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Friendship, Self DiscoveryTags Children's Literature, Education, Education, Realistic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2017Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Christian literature

Publication year 1982Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Life/Time: The PastTags History: U.S., Great Depression, Journalism, History: World, Humor, Classic Fiction, Biography

Russell Baker (b. August 14, 1925) is an American newspaper columnist, humorist, political satirist, and author. He earned a B.A. from Johns Hopkins in 1947 and began his career at the Baltimore Sun as a police reporter. He was a columnist at the New York Times from 1962 to 1998 and host of PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre from 1992 to 2004.His Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, Growing Up (1982), recounts his childhood and adolescence during the Great Depression... Read Growing Up Summary


Publication year 1993Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Historical Fiction, Action / Adventure

Drawing on his childhood experiences, Gary Paulsen’s novel for young readers, Harris and Me: A Summer Remembered (1993, 1st edition), contains 12 vignettes chronicling the narrator’s visit to his distant relatives on a farm over one summer. In addition to the culture shock of adjusting to rural life, the book also centers on the narrator’s relationship with his reckless and adventurous country cousin, Harris, and the process of finding acceptance as part of a family... Read Harris and Me Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Family, Self Discovery, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Values/Ideas: ArtTags Romance, Humor

Publication year 1950Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: FriendshipTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Classic Fiction

Publication year 1999Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Teams, Society: CommunityTags Fantasy, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Religion / Spirituality

Publication year 1995Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Masculinity, Values/Ideas: MusicTags Humor, Music, Romance, Relationships, Love / Sexuality, British Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Classic Fiction

High Fidelity is a 1995 fiction novel by the English author Nick Hornby. It tells the story of Rob Fleming, an obsessive music fan who examines his top five worst break ups to understand his most recent heartbreak. The book was adapted into a musical, a television series, and 2000 film starring John Cusack and directly by Stephen Frears.Plot SummaryRob Fleming is the 35-year-old owner of a record store in London. When his girlfriend Laura... Read High Fidelity Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Identity: Gender, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self DiscoveryTags Romance, Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, LGBTQ, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness

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Publication year 2002Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Gratitude, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Natural World: AnimalsTags Realistic Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Animals, Modern Classic Fiction

Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen, is a humorous adventure novel for middle-grade readers in which a group of children tries to save the habitat of a colony of owls from being bulldozed. Published in 2002, the book became a New York Times bestseller, won a Newbery Medal, and has been made into a motion picture. Author Hiaasen is an award-winning journalist and columnist for the Miami Herald. He has written nearly three dozen books, including six... Read Hoot Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Natural World: Animals, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Natural World: EnvironmentTags Humor, Romance, Animals, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2015Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Identity: LanguageTags Education, Education, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Self Help, Humor

Publication year 2022Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Identity: Mental HealthTags Philosophy, Humor, Self Help, Psychology, Psychology, Philosophy

Publication year 1973Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Classic Fiction

In the novel How to Eat Fried Worms, a boy accepts a $50 bet from a friend to eat 15 worms in 15 days, but as he nears victory, he faces a flurry of nasty tricks and traps that go wildly out of control. Written by Thomas Rockwell, son of the famous American illustrator Norman Rockwell, and published in 1973, the book sold over three million copies, won several awards, was a target of censors... Read How To Eat Fried Worms Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Emotions/Behavior: Revenge, Identity: Gender, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Modern Classic Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: The Future, Life/Time: The Past, Relationships: Family, Relationships: FathersTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Humor

How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe (2010) is a science fiction novel by American writer Charles Yu. Yu wrote the novel after merging two separate story ideas—one about a father-son relationship and the other about a man who keeps waking up in different universes. The narrative views the emotional tension between the father and son through the lens of quantum mechanics and popular philosophy. The novel was a finalist for the John... Read How To Live Safely In a Science Fictional Universe Summary


Publication year 2003Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Self DiscoveryTags Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature

Publication year 2013Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Mothers, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: FearTags Humor, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Mental Illness, Depression / Suicide, Animals, Biography

Publication year 2012Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Disability, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Relationships: Family, Self DiscoveryTags Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Humor

Publication year 2024Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Humor, Contemporary Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance

Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Gender, Identity: Sexuality, Self Discovery, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Romance, Humor, LGBTQ, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2022Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Mothers, Values/Ideas: Fame, Identity: Mental Health, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Humor, Modern Classic Fiction, Biography, Mental Illness, Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Publication year 2012Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: FamilyTags Children's Literature, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Fantasy, Fairy Tale / Folklore, Action / Adventure, Humor

Publication year 1996Genre Novel, FictionTags Satire, Modern Classic Fiction, Philosophy, Philosophy, Classic Fiction, Humor, Post Modernism, American Literature, Addiction / Substance Abuse, Sports

Infinite Jest is a fiction novel by David Foster Wallace. First published in 1996, the novel has an unconventional narrative structure with hundreds of extensive footnotes. Exploring themes of addiction, alienation, and the plight of modern existence, Infinite Jest is famous for its complexity and humor. The novel has been praised by critics and heralded as one of the most important literary works of the 20th century. This guide was written using the 2014 Abacus... Read Infinite Jest Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Siblings, Values/Ideas: ArtTags Magical Realism, Children's Literature, Humor, Arts / Culture, Fantasy

Publication year 2017Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Disability, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: FamilyTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Diversity, Disability, Bullying, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Society: Nation, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Realistic Fiction, Allegory / Fable / Parable, Race / Racism, Arts / Culture, Diversity, History: U.S., Asian Literature, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Asian Literature, Humor

Publication year 2009Genre Play, FictionThemes Relationships: MothersTags Humor, Play: Comedy / Satire, Education, Education, Gender / Feminism, History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Historical Fiction, Romance

In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play), which premiered on Broadway in 2010, has since become one of Sarah Ruhl’s best-known and most popularly produced plays. Prior to Ruhl’s Broadway debut with In the Next Room, she earned a MacArthur Genius Fellowship and a PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater Award, and her 2004 play The Clean House was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. In the Next Room was also a Pulitzer Prize finalist and... Read In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) Summary


Publication year 2017Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Identity: Mental HealthTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1999Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Sexuality, Identity: Gender, Self DiscoveryTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Satire, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Invisible Monsters is the third novel by bestselling novelist Chuck Palahniuk. Published in 1999, the novel was intended to be Palahniuk’s first published novel but was rejected for its disturbing content. Invisible Monsters is a contemporary work in the first person with a non-linear narration. The main characters include a former model and transgender woman focused on the search for identity in a society where beauty defines a person’s self-worth.Content Warning: Please be advised that... Read Invisible Monsters Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Self Discovery, Identity: Femininity, Life/Time: Midlife, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & BetrayalTags Romance, Humor, LGBTQ, British Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2011Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Identity: Femininity, Values/Ideas: FameTags Biography, Humor

Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Immigration, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Friendship, Society: War, Relationships: FamilyTags Historical Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, History: World

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Self Discovery, Natural World: Appearance & RealityTags Romance, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2019Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Identity: Race, Society: Colonialism, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Children's Literature, Education, Education, History: World, Biography, Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, History: African , Social Justice

Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: SiblingsTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 1961Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags Fantasy, Classic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Magical Realism, Animals, Action / Adventure

James and the Giant Peach by British author Roald Dahl was first published in 1961. This critically acclaimed children’s novel was made into an award-winning film in 1996. It tells the story of a giant peach that magically grows in a young boy, James’s, back garden—big enough for him to enter the center of the peach and have adventures with the insects who live in there. Dahl is known as one of the 20th century’s greatest... Read James And The Giant Peach Summary


Publication year 1984Genre Novel, FictionTags Fantasy, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Magical Realism, Humor, Classic Fiction

In Jitterbug Perfume, published in 1985, Tom Robbins combines realism with fantasy and comedy to tell his tale of intertwined lives across centuries. His works have reputations as cult classics that tweak conventional notions of the novel while seeking to reinforce new conventions of their own. The story spans both centuries of time and nearly the entirety of the globe. Other works by Robbins include Another Roadside Attraction, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, and Still... Read Jitterbug Perfume Summary


Publication year 1998Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Children's Literature, Disability, Education, Education, Realistic Fiction

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, a children’s novel, was written by Jack Gantos. The book was initially published in 1998 by Square Fish, a trademark of Macmillan Publishing Group; the work was a National Book Award Finalist, an American Library Association notable children’s book, and the School Library Journal’s book of the year. The novel’s 10-year-old protagonist, Joey Pigza, deals with an unnamed hyperactive disorder, abandonment, and academic problems before finding some stability after his... Read Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Humor, Animals, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Relationships, Children's Literature

Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Femininity, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Values/Ideas: EqualityTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1991Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Relationships: FriendshipTags Fantasy, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor, Action / Adventure, Historical Fiction, Children's Literature

Publication year 2015Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Relationships: FathersTags History: U.S., History: World, French Literature, Biography, American Revolution, Humor, Politics / Government

Lafayette in the Somewhat United States is a 2015 history of America written by Sarah Vowell. Vowell uses the perspective of the Marquis de Lafayette—a Frenchman who longed to fight with the Americans and win military glory—to give an irreverent, timely history of the United States, with relevant implications for America’s modern political situation.When Lafayette came to America, he was only 19. He was a wealthy, educated orphan who wanted to acquire personal honor and... Read Lafayette in the Somewhat United States Summary


Publication year 2002Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Society: CommunityTags Historical Fiction, Humor, Fantasy, Absurdism, Religion / Spirituality, History: World

Publication year 1998Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Music, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Historical Fiction, Children's Literature, WWII / World War II, Sports, History: World, Humor

The Last Days of Summer is an epistolary novel written by Steve Kluger and published in 1998. The novel offers a view into the life of Joey Margolis, an articulate, resourceful, tender-hearted young Jewish baseball fan who resides in Brooklyn, New York during the 1940s. His parents’ divorce results in Joey’s estrangement from his father, who marries a Manhattan socialite and fails to maintain contact with his son, as well as relocation from the Hasidic... Read Last Days of Summer Summary


Publication year 2007Genre Novella, FictionThemes Society: Economics, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: TeamsTags Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Business / Economics, Class, American Literature, Education, Education

Lawn Boy, a novella by Gary Paulsen published in 2007, is a middle grade chapter book about a 12-year-old boy who receives an old lawn mower as a birthday gift from his grandmother. As underwhelming as the gift appears, this moment launches a sequence of events that ends with the boy owning $480,000 and being the sole investor of a heavyweight boxer. Full of quirky humor and digestible lessons in capitalism, Paulsen’s story leads the... Read Lawn Boy Summary


Publication year 2017Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: SexualityTags LGBTQ, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Humor

Written by Andrew Sean Greer and published in 2017, Less is a satirical comedy novel. It portrays the journey of Arthur Less, who after a difficult breakup plots a round-the-world trip to better understand himself. It won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.Plot SummaryApproaching 50, Arthur Less sits in a hotel lobby waiting to be picked up for a literary event. He is a writer and will be interviewing another writer, albeit a sci-fi author... Read Less Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Community, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Identity: Masculinity, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Midlife, Life/Time: The FutureTags LGBTQ, Humor, Romance, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Femininity, Identity: Gender, Values/Ideas: Science & TechnologyTags Historical Fiction, Humor, Gender / Feminism, Romance, Modern Classic Fiction, History: World

Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: FriendshipTags Children's Literature, Animals, Realistic Fiction, Sports, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2011Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Family, Relationships: FriendshipTags Children's Literature, Education, Education, Realistic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 1883Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Relationships: TeamsTags Action / Adventure, History: U.S., American Civil War, American Literature, History: World, Travel Literature, Humor, Classic Fiction, Biography

Life on the Mississippi is a powerful narrative concerning the past, present, and future of the Mississippi River, including its towns, peoples, and ways of life. The narrative is written by Mark Twain, whose real name is Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Twain explains in the narrative how he “stole” this nickname from an old steamboat captain who was also a writer. Mark Twain is a nautical term and a pilot’s phrase that means “two fathoms.” Two... Read Life on the Mississippi Summary


Publication year 1887Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fate, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Classic Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor, History: World, Victorian Literature / Period

Publication year 2002Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Humor, Bullying, Parenting, Relationships, American Literature, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Loser is a young adult novel published in 2002 by American author and Newbury Medal winner Jerry Spinelli. It tells the story of Donald Zinkoff, an eccentric goofball of a kid who stumbles enthusiastically through his elementary school years, largely without friends, before becoming an accidental hero in middle school. Written entirely in the present tense, Loser garnering several awards and nominations.Plot SummaryAt first, the other kids don’t notice little Donald Zinkoff, except to see... Read Loser Summary


Publication year 1991Genre Play, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Society: War, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Play: Drama, Education, Education, Jewish Literature, Drama / Tragedy, Humor, Classic Fiction

Lost in Yonkers is a play by American playwright Neil Simon that premiered in 1991. It centers around Jay Kurnitz, a teenage boy sent with his younger brother, Arty, to live with his grandmother in Yonkers. Many critics consider the play, which debuted to overwhelming critical acclaim, one of Simon’s best works. It explores themes of abbreviated childhood, war, and generational trauma. Lost in Yonkers won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama upon its release, and... Read Lost In Yonkers Summary


Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Romance, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Values/Ideas: EqualityTags Romance, Humor, Love / Sexuality, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2001Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Relationships: GrandparentsTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Humor

Publication year 1598Genre Play, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Masculinity, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Relationships: Marriage, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Classic Fiction, Play: Comedy / Satire, British Literature, Drama / Tragedy, Romance, Humor

Love’s Labour’s Lost is an early Shakespearean comedy, produced in the burgeoning theatrical culture of Elizabethan London. It tells the story of four Lords, led by the King of Navarre, who swear to dedicate three years to study and avoid women. However, they immediately fall in love with four ladies, led by the Princess of France. The play follows their attempts to woo the ladies, while a host of comedic characters in the subplot squabble... Read Love's Labour's Lost Summary


Publication year 2024Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Life/Time: The Future, Life/Time: The Past, Natural World: Place, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Humor, Southern Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2005Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Society: Economics, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Genre Play, FictionThemes Society: Politics & Government, Society: War, Identity: FemininityTags Classic Fiction, Ancient Greece, Play: Comedy / Satire, Gender / Feminism, Politics / Government, Military / War, Education, Education, Drama / Tragedy, Humor

Lysistrata (411 BCE) was written by the best-known Greek comic poet, the Athenian playwright Aristophanes. We know little of Aristophanes’ life outside of his work. His birth and death cannot be firmly dated, but he was believed to have been born around 460 BCE and died sometime in the mid-380s BCE. His active period, though, is more certain— around 425 to 388 BCE—making him a contemporary of other fifth-century Athenian luminaries like Socrates, Euripides, and... Read Lysistrata Summary


Publication year 1965Genre Play, FictionThemes Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: CourageTags Historical Fiction, Play: Drama, Music, Humor, Play: Historical, Education, Education, Drama / Tragedy, Romance, Classic Fiction

Man of La Mancha, by Dale Wasserman, Joe Darion, and Mitch Leigh, took the world of musical theater by storm when it premiered in 1965. This story of Miguel de Cervantes and his comic knight, Don Quixote, won five Tony Awards as well as the Drama Critics Circle Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, the Variety Drama Critics Award, and the Saturday Review Award. The original production ran for over 2,000 performances and remains popular... Read Man of La Mancha Summary


Publication year 2024Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Femininity, Relationships: Mothers, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Science & TechnologyTags Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Publication year 2005Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Animals, Modern Classic Fiction, Biography, Humor

Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog (2005) is an autobiography by journalist John Grogan. This guide is based on the 2005 first edition. The story was inspired by the overwhelmingly positive reaction to Grogan’s obituary for his dog Marley.The book was adapted into a full-length film in 2008 and has also been adapted into a series of children’s stories about Marley. The title is borrowed from a chapter near the... Read Marley And Me Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Self Discovery, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Music, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Historical Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Humor, Music, Modern Classic Fiction, History: World

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Publication year 1988Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Literature, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags Fantasy, Classic Fiction, Children's Literature, Bullying, Education, Education, Humor

Roald Dahl’s 1998 children’s fantasy Matilda tells the darkly humorous story of a brilliant and kindly little girl who reads grown-up books, plays pranks on her emotionally abusive parents, and uses her telekinetic ability in her battles with a tyrannical school principal. Dahl is widely considered one the greatest children’s storytellers. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide; they include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG... Read Matilda Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self DiscoveryTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2012Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, by Jesse Andrews, introduces us to Greg S. Gaines, 17-year-old senior at Benson High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Greg is also the narrator of the novel. Over the course of his educational career, he has diligently developed a system that allows him to survive the daily pandemonium of life in high school. He maintains a surface-level, friendly-but-not-too-friendly connection to every clique in school so that he can remain... Read Me and Earl and the Dying Girl Summary


Publication year 1990Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Society: CommunityTags Historical Fiction, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Canadian Literature, Humor

Medicine River, originally published in 1989, is a novel by Thomas King, one of the most prolific Indigenous American writers of the 20th century. The title of the novel takes its name from the town in Alberta, Canada, where the characters live, near a Blackfoot reservation. Their stories, as told by protagonist Will, delve into themes such as Friendship and Forbearance within the frame of Life in an Alberta Blackfoot Community. As Will tells these... Read Medicine River Summary


Publication year 2000Genre Essay Collection, NonfictionTags Creative Nonfiction, Humor, Biography

David Sedaris’s Me Talk Pretty One Day is a collection of twenty-seven essays exploring the author’s childhood in North Carolina, his relationship with his family, his time living in France, and observations about American social life. The book is comprised of two sections, Part One and Part Deux in which the latter half focuses primarily on Sedaris’s time in Normandy, France. Told with sardonic humor, each chapter deploys various levels of fantasy, irony, and other... Read Me Talk Pretty One Day Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Identity: Language, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Life/Time: The Past, Society: ImmigrationTags Children's Literature, Humor, Biography

Publication year 2011Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Society: Education, Self Discovery, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Siblings, Emotions/Behavior: LonelinessTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Bullying

Publication year 2015Genre Book, NonfictionTags Sociology, Humor, Psychology, Psychology, Relationships, Romance

Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance, published in 2015, is a nonfiction work that combines statistics, interviews, and comedy to explore the current landscape of dating in the modern age. Ansari is an actor and comedian, as well as a writer. He got his start on television in the role of Tom Haverford in Parks and Recreation, which ran on NBC. He starred in Human Giant and went on to perform in several movies. His first comedy... Read Modern Romance Summary


Publication year 1961Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Society: War, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor, American Literature, Classic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Satire, Military / War, WWII / World War II, Post Modernism

Mother Night, by Kurt Vonnegut, is a World War II novel first published in 1961. Vonnegut’s third novel, it garnered little recognition when it was first released, and it wasn’t until Vonnegut’s success with Cat’s Cradle in 1963 and his breakout fifth novel, Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), that Mother Night was revaluated as a powerful work of moral exploration by an author who would go on to become America’s leading satirist and who is now recognized as... Read Mother Night Summary


Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Life/Time: The Past, Natural World: Place, Relationships: Family, Society: Colonialism, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Religion & SpiritualityTags Humor, Magical Realism, Allegory / Fable / Parable, Fantasy, Realistic Fiction, Addiction / Substance Abuse, Social Justice, Race / Racism, Religion / Spirituality, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Education, Education

Publication year 1974Genre Poem, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Humor, Children's Literature

Publication year 2017Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: MothersTags Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Humor

Mrs. Fletcher is a 2017 comic novel by American author Tom Perrotta. It follows the sexual reawakening of middle-aged divorcée Eve Fletcher after her son, Brendan Fletcher, departs for college. Meanwhile, Brendan finds the campus environment inhospitable to his unthinking “lacrosse bro” misogyny. Mrs. Fletcher is the seventh novel by Perrotta, best known for 1998’s Election (adapted into a movie of the same name, starring Reese Witherspoon) and 2011’s The Leftovers, which was adapted into... Read Mrs. Fletcher Summary


Publication year 1947Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Mothers, Society: EducationTags Children's Literature, Fantasy, Humor

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Family, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags History: World, Historical Fiction, Romance, Humor, Great Depression, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Grief / Death

Publication year 1598Genre Play, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Marriage, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & BetrayalTags Classic Fiction, Elizabethan Era, Play: Comedy / Satire, Modern Classic Fiction, Love / Sexuality, Relationships, Class, Gender / Feminism, Renaissance, Education, Education, Romance, Humor

Much Ado About Nothing, a comedy dating from the mid-career period of William Shakespeare was probably written just prior to 1600. The play has the trappings of a theatrical farce with its use of assumptions and misunderstandings. Main characters Benedick and Beatrice are duped into announcing their love for each other while Claudio is fooled into spurning Hero at the altar when he mistakenly believes that she has not been faithful to him. The theme of lovers being tricked... Read Much Ado About Nothing Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Emotions/Behavior: Revenge, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Society: Class, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Fantasy, Humor, Religion / Spirituality

Publication year 1956Genre Play, FictionThemes Society: Class, Identity: Femininity, Society: Economics, Society: Education, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & PrideTags Humor, Drama / Tragedy, Historical Fiction, Music, Romance, Classic Fiction, Play: Comedy / Satire

My Fair Lady, a musical by Alan Jay Lerner (book and lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (music), opened on Broadway to tremendous critical and popular success in 1956, starring Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews as Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle. Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s popular play Pygmalion (1914) and inspired by the Greek myth of “Pygmalion and Galatea,” the musical takes place in early-20th-century London, satirizing issues of class hierarchies, gender disparity, and how language... Read My Fair Lady Summary


Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: FamilyTags Modern Classic Fiction, Fantasy, Humor

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry is a 2013 coming-of-age novel by Fredrik Bachman. The story follows Elsa, a seven-year-old girl with a penchant for grammar and deep affection for her grandmother, Granny, who dies from cancer. As Elsa discovers Granny’s past and the many lives she affected, she also learns more about Life and Death, Celebrating Differences, and the Complexity of Human Nature.Originally written in Swedish, My Grandmother Asked Me has... Read My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry Summary


Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: MothersTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Education, Grief / Death, Parenting, Relationships, Children's Literature, Mystery / Crime Fiction

Publication year 1950Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Irish Literature, British Literature, Humor, Classic Fiction

Publication year 1997Genre Essay Collection, NonfictionThemes Identity: Sexuality, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Family, Identity: Mental HealthTags Humor, LGBTQ, Biography

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Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Society: ClassTags Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Diversity, Race / Racism, Bullying, Class, African American Literature, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

New Kid by Jerry Craft is a 2019 graphic novel and winner of the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award. Jim Callahan is responsible for the coloring. Craft is the creator of the 1990 comic strip Mama’s Boyz, as well as Class Act, the 2020 companion story to this book. New Kid focuses on an artistic middle school student who makes friends and builds confidence in himself as he navigates race and class... Read New Kid Summary


Publication year 2015Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Identity: Sexuality, Values/Ideas: Good & EvilTags Fantasy, LGBTQ, Humor, Action / Adventure, Fairy Tale / Folklore

Nimona is a young adult graphic novel created by N. D. Stevenson and published in 2015 by HarperCollins. It is based on Stevenson’s webcomic, also titled Nimona, which was published in 2012 and earned Slate magazine’s 2012 Cartoonist Studio Prize for Best Web Comic of the Year. The graphic novel adaptation also received critical acclaim, earning the 2016 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album: Reprint and becoming a 2015 National Book Award Finalist.Nimona is a... Read Nimona Summary


Publication year 2000Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Education, Children's Literature, Education, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Animals

No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman (Hyperion Books, 2002) is a humorous middle-grade fiction book about how one boy’s unwillingness to lie changes his life and the lives of everyone at his school. No More Dead Dogs won the 2002 Young Reader’s Choice Award (intermediate), one of many award-winners penned by Korman. Gordon Korman published his first book (This Can’t be Happening at Macdonald Hall, first in the Macdonald Hall series) when he was... Read No More Dead Dogs Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Relationships: Family, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Humor, Fantasy, Technology, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Marriage, Values/Ideas: Fame, Identity: GenderTags Romance, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2007Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Teams, Values/Ideas: EqualityTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

No Talking (2007) is a children’s novel by Andrew Clements, and the 2010 recipient of the California Young Reader Medal. In the novel, fifth-grade boys and girls compete to see who can talk the least at school. The competition causes an uproar among teachers and staff, exploring questions of authority in the school setting and building friendships across differences. Andrew Clements was a teacher, author, editor, and book publisher, best known for his debut novel, Frindle... Read No Talking Summary


Publication year 1995Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Nostalgia, Life/Time: Aging, Life/Time: Midlife, Life/Time: The Future, Life/Time: The Past, Natural World: Environment, Natural World: Place, Self Discovery, Society: Economics, Society: Globalization, Society: NationTags British Literature, History: World, Travel Literature, Humor, Biography

Publication year 2006Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: MusicTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Music, Humor

The novel opens on Alex choosing to get drunk and drive to his father’s in order to get revenge. Alex’s parents are recently divorced after his father starts to date Alex’s third-grade teacher. After crashing his mother’s car into a garden gnome, a very drunk Alex is taken into the police station and then transferred to the hospital with a concussion and alcohol poisoning. Alex’s mother grounds him for a month, until a judge punishes... Read Notes From The Midnight Driver Summary


Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Society: Politics & Government, Relationships: FriendshipTags Humor, Magical Realism, Parenting, Modern Classic Fiction, Fantasy

Nothing to See Here is a 2019 novel by New York Times best-selling author and short story writer Kevin Wilson. The novel, which is set in Tennessee, includes a dedication to fellow Tennessean writer Ann Patchett. This is not Wilson’s first work about unusual characters and their families. He achieved success with his first novel, The Family Fang, and another called Perfect Little World. In these works, Wilson developed the prototype for the unique brand... Read Nothing to See Here Summary


Publication year 2002Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Art, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Identity: Femininity, Identity: Language, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Midlife, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Food, Relationships: Mothers, Self Discovery, Society: Class, Society: Education, Society: Immigration, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: LiteratureTags Humor, Arts / Culture, Biography

One! Hundred! Demons! is a semi-autobiographical genre-defying graphic novel by American cartoonist and pedagogue, Lynda Barry. Over the course of her career as a prominent cartoonist with nationally syndicated comic strips, published collections, and illustrated novels, Barry has received many national and state-wide awards for her work, including two Eisner awards and MacArthur Genius Grant.Originally published serially in Salon magazine, the collected cartoon chapters were collected and published by Sasquatch Books in 2002, and later... Read One! Hundred! Demons! Summary


Publication year 2024Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Nostalgia, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Identity: Femininity, Identity: Gender, Identity: Mental Health, Identity: Sexuality, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Self DiscoveryTags History: World, Humor, Arts / Culture, Gender / Feminism, Women's Studies (Nonfiction)

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Life/Time: The Future, Life/Time: The Past, Identity: Sexuality, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Identity: GenderTags Romance, LGBTQ, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor, Magical Realism, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2013Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Society: Nation, Society: Community, Relationships: TeamsTags History: U.S., American Literature, Sports, History: World, Humor, Biography

Publication year 1919Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Society: Class, Identity: GenderTags Classic Fiction, Humor, American Literature

William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, published “One Thousand Dollars” in his 1908 collection of short stories The Voice of the City: Further Stories of the Four Million. The stories explore New York City at the turn of the 20th century. Believing every person had a story to tell, O. Henry wrote about the poor and the rich and the shared experience of being human. This study guide references the 1908 edition of... Read One Thousand Dollars Summary


Publication year 1972Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: FamilyTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Society: CommunityTags Humor, Satire, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1959Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Nation, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Natural World: Appearance & RealityTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Satire, Military / War, Politics / Government, Cold War, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, British Literature, History: World, Humor, Classic Fiction

Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana, a 1958 satirical spy novel, evokes the political atmosphere in Cuba on the cusp of the Communist takeover and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Relevant and well-received, the novel has been adapted into a film, a play, and an opera. Greene was himself a member of M16, the United Kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Service, and his background allowed him to portray both accurately and comically the behind-the-scenes espionage antics that make... Read Our Man in Havana Summary


Publication year 2010Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Natural World: Space & The Universe, Values/Ideas: Equality, Relationships: Teams, Natural World: Place, Identity: Gender, Values/Ideas: Science & TechnologyTags Science / Nature, Humor, History: U.S., Technology, History: World

Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void is one of several bestselling nonfiction works by science writer and humorist Mary Roach. Published in 2010, the work focuses on the human side of space travel and offers behind-the-scenes accounts of peculiar and taboo topics such as sex, vomit, and toilets in space. Roach writes from a candid, outsider’s point of view and demystifies some of the grandeur of space travel by reporting... Read Packing for Mars Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Romance, Humor, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: MemoryTags Romance, Humor, Gender / Feminism, Relationships, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Travel Literature

Publication year 2004Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Colonialism, Relationships: Teams, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Society: CommunityTags Fantasy, Fairy Tale / Folklore, Action / Adventure, Humor, Children's Literature, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Relationships, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Poverty, American Literature

Publication year 1836Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Society: Politics & Government, Society: Community, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Relationships: Family, Relationships: MarriageTags Classic Fiction, Victorian Period, Action / Adventure, Humor, Travel Literature, Class, History: European, Politics / Government, Social Justice, Sports, British Literature, History: World, Historical Fiction, Victorian Literature / Period

The debut novel of British author Charles Dickens, The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club (commonly known as The Pickwick Papers) was first published as a series by Chapman and Hall between 1836 and 1837. The Pickwick Papers chronicles the adventures of the members of the Pickwick Club, a group of travelers who journey around England and share their experiences. Because of the original serial format of the novel, the chapters contain individual but interconnected... Read Pickwick Papers Summary


Publication year 1939Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Identity: LanguageTags Humor, Post Modernism

Publication year 1945Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Humor, Children's Literature, Classic Fiction, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Scandinavian Literature

Pippi Longstocking is a middle grade fiction novel written by Astrid Lindgren and originally published in Sweden in 1945. It was first translated into English and published in the United States in 1950. Pippi’s bold spirit and fiery nature were endearing and appealing in the post-war era and through many decades afterward. Her story illuminates the Imagination and Ingenuity of childhood, the Strength of Body and Mind embodied by young girls, and the importance of... Read Pippi Longstocking Summary


Publication year 1952Genre Novel, FictionTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, American Literature, History: World, Fantasy, Humor, Classic Fiction

Originally published in 1952, Player Piano is Kurt Vonnegut’s first novel. Set in a dystopian future where humanity has given control of almost all of its decisions and jobs to machines, Player Piano details the struggles and ironies of humanity’s attempt at a reclamation of human purposefulness.Doctor Paul Proteus serves as the head of the Ilium plant—one of many such plants across the United States that have popped up after the Third World War. Everything... Read Player Piano Summary


Publication year 1969Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & PrideTags Humor, Love / Sexuality, Psychology, Jewish Literature, History: U.S., American Literature, History: World, Classic Fiction

Portnoy’s Complaint is a 1969 novel by American author Philip Roth. The novel is presented as a continuous monologue in which the protagonist Alex Portnoy speaks to his therapist about his difficult relationship with his family, his country, and sex. The novel’s explicit and comedic depiction of sex caused controversy on release though Portnoy’s Complaint was later heralded as one of the greatest English language novels of the 20th century. The novel was adapted into... Read Portnoy's Complaint Summary


Genre Play, FictionTags Classic Fiction, Ancient Rome, Education, Education, History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Humor

Pseudolus, by Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus, was written in 191 BCE. Like other Roman plays, Pseudolus would have been performed in temporary theaters during religious festivals. Though Plautus himself was not born in Rome—little is known about him, but it is thought he was born in the northern Italian town of Sarsina—his plays were remarkably popular. Writing during a time of Roman expansion, when Roman soldiers brought Greek culture back to Rome, Plautus often... Read Pseudolus Summary


Publication year 1913Genre Play, FictionThemes Society: Class, Identity: Femininity, Identity: LanguageTags British Literature, Play: Drama, Play: Comedy / Satire, Classic Fiction, Education, Education, Drama / Tragedy, Romance, Humor

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw was first published in 1914, with an updated version published in 1941. The play was Shaw’s most popular and most critically acclaimed work. It inspired the heavily romanticized musical and movie adaptation My Fair Lady, which won both a Tony for Best Musical and an Oscar for Best Picture.Shaw began his career as a novelist, but his novels were largely unsuccessful. After he moved from Dublin to London, he shifted... Read Pygmalion Summary


Publication year 1979Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Family, Society: ClassTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Classic Fiction

Publication year 1981Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Ramona Quimby, Age 8, (1981) is the sixth book in Beverly Cleary’s middle-grade Ramona series. It follows spirited and curious Ramona as she balances her excitement about entering the third grade with her trepidation over the Quimby family’s financial struggles. Through her misadventures, Ramona learns her place in the family and how to stand up for herself at school using determination and creativity.Known for realistic fiction, Cleary organizes the novel in a series of loosely... Read Ramona Quimby Age 8 Summary


Publication year 1975Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Siblings, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Classic Fiction

Publication year 1968Genre Novel, FictionTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Classic Fiction

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary is a middle-grade novel published in 1968 by HarperCollins. Ramona the Pest is the second book in a series colloquially known as the “Ramona series,” comprised of eight books that revolve around the family and friends of Ramona Quimby, a spunky young girl navigating the ups and downs of being a kid in school and with her family. Beverly Cleary is a celebrated author of many children’s, middle-grade, and... Read Ramona the Pest Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Relationships: Marriage, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Identity: Femininity, Self DiscoveryTags Romance, Humor, Relationships, Depression / Suicide

Publication year 1995Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Music, Life/Time: The PastTags Magical Realism, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction, Music, Fantasy

Reservation Blues tells the story of Coyote Springs, a Spokane Indian rock band. The band is founded on a reservation, slowly gathers fans, and begins to play shows. Coyote Springs is given the chance to audition for a major record company in New York City, but, ultimately, the band does not succeed. The book combines traditional narrative with a mixture of other narrative techniques, including newspaper articles, song lyrics, interviews, and excerpts from journals. Together... Read Reservation Blues Summary


Publication year 2017Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Values/Ideas: Trust & DoubtTags Realistic Fiction, Bullying, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2017Genre Novel, FictionTags Humor, Modern Classic Fiction, Asian Literature, Romance, Satire, Asian Literature

Rich People Problems, a contemporary romantic comedy of manners, was published in 2017. It is the third and final book in Kevin Kwan’s “Crazy Rich Asians” trilogy, which includes the first installment, the eponymous Crazy Rich Asians (2013), and the second, China Rich Girlfriend (2015). Crazy Rich Asians was adapted into a film, released in 2018 and starring Constance Wu and Michelle Yeoh. The film was a box-office success.Plot SummaryRich People Problems opens with the... Read Rich People Problems Summary


Publication year 2008Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Identity: Masculinity, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Society: Education, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Daughters & SonsTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionTags Romance, Humor, Gender / Feminism

Publication year 1966Genre Play, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fate, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Values/Ideas: Order & ChaosTags Play: Comedy / Satire, Play: Tragedy, British Literature, Absurdism, Education, Education, Drama / Tragedy, Humor, Classic Fiction

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a three-act play by the English playwright Tom Stoppard. It is an existentialist, absurdist satire featuring characters and events from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. First performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1966, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead enjoyed critical success, winning The New York Drama Critics’ Circle’s Award for Best Play and four Tony Awards in 1968. Since then, the play has been adapted into several radio plays and a... Read Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Summary


Publication year 1872Genre Novel, FictionThemes Natural World: Environment, Society: Immigration, Society: Colonialism, Society: Politics & Government, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags Classic Fiction, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Travel Literature, Humor, American Literature, History: World, Historical Fiction, Western, Action / Adventure

Roughing It (1872) is the second major work by American humorist Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens). It recounts his experiences during the Nevada silver rush of the 1860s. After his failed attempts to make a fortune as a miner, Twain would later achieve prominence as a lecturer and writer. He initially drew acclaim for his fanciful short story entitled “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” (1865). His best-known titles include The Innocents Abroad (1869)... Read Roughing It Summary


Publication year 1998Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Relationships: Family, Life/Time: AgingTags Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Addiction / Substance Abuse, Travel Literature, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Rules Of The Road is a contemporary young adult novel by established author Joan Bauer, first published in 1998. It is the first book in the Rules of the Road series. The second book, Best Foot Forward, was published in 2005. Joan Bauer’s own complicated childhood with an alcohol-addicted father inspired Rules of the Road, which was met with critical acclaim. It won both the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and the Golden Kite Award... Read Rules of the Road Summary


Publication year 2002Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self Discovery, Identity: Sexuality, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags LGBTQ, Mental Illness, Humor, Psychology, Psychology, Biography

Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs was first published in 2002 as a memoir. After several of the figures it features sued for defamation and dishonesty of its claims, however, it was recategorized as a book. It can also be classified as a bildungsroman since it follows the adolescent growth of its narrator and protagonist. Running with Scissors was adapted into a feature film in 2006.This guide uses the 2002 Picador edition of the book.Content... Read Running With Scissors Summary


Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Children's Literature, Fantasy, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Mythology, Humor, Action / Adventure

Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Marriage, Life/Time: Aging, Emotions/Behavior: Nostalgia, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Femininity, Identity: Sexuality, Life/Time: Midlife, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Mothers, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Literary Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

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Publication year 2009Genre Novel, FictionTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Animals, Action / Adventure, Humor

Carl Hiaasen’s Scat! is a young adult thriller with a comic tone and an environmental message. Nick Waters and his best friend, Marta Gonzalez, are students at the private Truman School in Naples, Florida. When their biology teacher, Mrs. Bunny Starch, disappears, the two students are drawn into a conflict between a ruthless oil company and an informal band of environmentalists bent on protecting the breeding grounds of an endangered Florida panther and her cub. The... Read Scat Summary


Publication year 2007Genre Novel, FictionTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Canadian author Gordon Korman’s middle-grade novel, Schooled, was published in 2007. The coming-of-age novel follows 13-year-old Capricorn Anderson after he leaves the commune on which he was homeschooled by his grandmother, Rain, to live with a foster family and attend public school while Rain recovers from an accident. With no knowledge of the outside world, Capricorn struggles to fit into his new middle school, learning lessons about how rules and norms govern society and how... Read Schooled Summary


Publication year 2006Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Friendship, Self Discovery, Society: ClassTags Realistic Fiction, Bullying, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Poverty, Humor

Scrawl (2010) is a young adult novel by American author Mark Shulman, who has written more than 200 books for young readers. Scrawl follows a young teenage bully, Tod Munn, and his experience in detention where he is required by a guidance counselor to write about himself in a journal. In the journal, Tod describes his struggles with coming from a low-income family, low self-esteem, and his problematic behavior at school. The novel was a... Read Scrawl Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Race, Society: Class, Relationships: MarriageTags Romance, Humor, Race / Racism

Publication year 1773Genre Play, FictionThemes Society: Class, Relationships: Marriage, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Win & LoseTags Humor, Classic Fiction, Play: Comedy / Satire, British Literature, History: World, Drama / Tragedy

She Stoops to Conquer is a play by British writer Oliver Goldsmith, first performed in 1773. The play is a comedy of manners and a romance set in 18th-century England. Goldsmith was an Anglo-Irish poet and dramatist and this play is his most popular and well-known work, with performances still regularly occurring in the 21st century. In 1778, John O'Keeffe wrote a successful sequel to the play, entitled Tony Lumpkin in Town. She Stoops to... Read She Stoops to Conquer Summary


Publication year 2017Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Art, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Identity: DisabilityTags Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Grief / Death

Publication year 1978Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: CommunityTags Humor, Magical Realism, Education, Children's Literature, Education, Fantasy

Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Identity: Mental Health, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Natural World: Space & The Universe, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Science & TechnologyTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness, Humor

Publication year 2014Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Nostalgia, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Natural World: Animals, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Order & ChaosTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2001Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Society: Community, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Humor, Holidays & Occasions, Modern Classic Fiction

Skipping Christmas is a 2001 satirical novella by John Grisham. It tells the story of Luther and Nora Krank, a married couple whose adult daughter, Blair, moves to Peru a month before Christmas. Facing their first Christmas without their daughter, and disillusioned by the holiday’s excesses, they decide to forego Christmas that year and go on a cruise instead. However, their decision brings them into conflict with their friends and neighbors, who expect them to... Read Skipping Christmas Summary


Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Relationships: FriendshipTags Irish Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Skippy Dies, published in 2010, is a tragicomic novel by Irish author Paul Murray. Murray originally wrote the novel as a short story before expanding it into a longform work of fiction, basing the Catholic boarding school where the book is set on the prestigious secondary school the author attended in Dublin.The novel was nominated for the longlists and shortlists of several distinguished awards, including the Booker Prize, the Irish Novel of the Year, and... Read Skippy Dies Summary


Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Society: Community, Self Discovery, Emotions/Behavior: ConflictTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2007Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: The Future, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: FathersTags Magical Realism, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Humor, British Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

Slam (2007) is a young adult novel written by Nick Hornby. It tells the story of Sam Jones, a skateboarder who finds out that his girlfriend is pregnant when they are both 16 years old—his mother’s age when she had him. The novel explores themes such as Navigating Teenage Parenthood, How a Few Seconds Can Change Everything, and Relationships, Wisdom, and Growing Up.Nick Hornby is a renowned English writer known for his humorous fiction about... Read Slam Summary


Publication year 2005Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Self Discovery, Natural World: Appearance & RealityTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Bullying, Depression / Suicide, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance

David Lubar’s young adult novel Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie (2005) was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults in 2006 and a BCCB Blue Ribbon Book. Lubar, a computer programmer-turned-author, has published many books for young readers, including Hidden Talents (1999) and the Weenies series.The story follows 14-year-old Scott Hudson as he navigates his first year of high school with both hilarious and tragic results. Lubar’s novel humorously addresses coming-of-age issues such as changing relationships... Read Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie Summary


Publication year 2017Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Identity: Disability, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Win & LoseTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Food, Disability, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2009Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Emotions/Behavior: Revenge, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Win & Lose, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Natural World: Food, Identity: Gender, Identity: Mental Health, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Teams, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Society: EducationTags Modern Classic Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Bullying, Grief / Death, Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Publication year 2010Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Smile by Raina Telgemeier is an autobiographical graphic novel and the winner of the 2011 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens. It originated as a weekly webcomic in 2004 before Telgemeier expanded it into a book in 2010. Telgemeier is the writer and illustrator, while Stephanie Yue is the colorist. Smile is a coming-of-age tale, set in a San Francisco suburb from 1989 to 1992, in which Telgemeier struggles with preteen life after losing... Read Smile Summary


Publication year 2013Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Science / Nature, Humor, Grief / Death, Biography

Publication year 1973Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Satire, Post Modernism, History: U.S., Humor, Classic Fiction

“Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby” is a short story by American author Donald Barthelme. Originally published in a 1973 issue of The New Yorker, it was later included in Barthelme’s 1976 anthology, Amateurs. The narrative follows the extended and absurd deliberation of a group of friends about how to hang their friend for committing an unnamed offense. With the friends embodying a range of logistical roles and viewpoints concerning the act... Read Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Community, Society: Class, Life/Time: MidlifeTags Romance, Gender / Feminism, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2002Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Realistic Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Humor

Son of the Mob is a young adult novel by Gordon Korman, published in 2002. It is a comedic adventure story that concerns a teenaged boy named Vince Luca, and his attempts to come to terms with his Mafia family.Vince’s life is a mixture of mundane teenaged concerns (girls, grades) and adult criminal activity. This is established in the first chapter of the book, when he takes a girl named Angela out on a date... Read Son of the Mob Summary


Publication year 2015Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Psychology, Sociology, Journalism, Technology, Science / Nature, Arts / Culture, Psychology, Humor

Publication year 2014Genre Novel, FictionThemes Natural World: Space & The UniverseTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Children's Literature

Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Teams, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Self DiscoveryTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2012Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Relationships: Friendship, Society: Community, Relationships: Teams, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Society: Education, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Society: Politics & Government, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Relationships: Fathers, Emotions/Behavior: LonelinessTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Politics & Government, Society: Class, Natural World: AnimalsTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor, Politics / Government

Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Natural World: Animals, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Children's Literature, Action / Adventure, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Animals

Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Self Discovery, Relationships: Siblings, Emotions/Behavior: FearTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Asian Literature, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Natural World: Animals, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Humor, Animals

Publication year 2011Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Natural World: Animals, Relationships: FamilyTags Modern Classic Fiction, Music, Romance, Humor

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Publication year 2003Genre Book, NonfictionTags Science / Nature, Grief / Death, History: World, Humor, Health / Medicine

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers is a nonfiction book about the cultural history of the human cadaver, written by Mary Roach. Roach explores how, for nearly two thousand years, the deceased human body has been used in research and experimentation leading to some of the most consequential innovations of the medical, scientific, and mechanical (among others) fields throughout human history. Across cultures and civilizations, death has been shrouded in mystery and taboo, yet... Read Stiff Summary


Publication year 1980Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Life/Time: The Past, Natural World: ObjectsTags Humor, Satire, Magical Realism, Absurdism, Fantasy, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2023Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Identity: Disability, Identity: Femininity, Relationships: FamilyTags Disability, Gender / Feminism, Humor

Publication year 2021Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Marriage, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: FriendshipTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2011Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Identity: Mental Health, Relationships: Family, Self Discovery, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: MothersTags Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Sports, Realistic Fiction, Depression / Suicide, Mental Illness, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Modern Classic Fiction

Fifteen-year-old Felton Reinstein hits puberty and transforms from a nerd to an athlete but struggles to cope with his mom’s growing mental health struggles in Geoff Herbach’s young adult novel, Stupid Fast (2011). Bullied and teased most of his young life, Felton has anxiety caused by his dad’s death by suicide. Now, he grows huge and fast, joins the football team, and gains new jock friends and a smart, talented girlfriend named Aleah. Outwardly things... Read Stupid Fast Summary


Publication year 1980Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Siblings, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: FamilyTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Modern Classic Fiction, Classic Fiction

Superfudge is a children’s novel written by Judy Blume first published in 1980. Blume is an author of children’s novels that have won several awards. Superfudge won the Children’s Choice Award in 1981 and the Early Readers Award in 1991. It was adapted into a television series which ran from 1995-1997. Superfudge is the third book in the Fudge series. This guide utilizes the 1988 publication of this novel.Plot SummaryAt the beginning of the novel... Read Superfudge Summary


Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & BetrayalTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionTags Satire, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Humor

Gary Shteyngart’s 2010 novel Super Sad True Love Story is a futuristic tale of love, mortality, family, and technology. In the tradition of science fiction and apocalyptic storytelling, Shteyngart creates a world full of all-consuming technology that distracts from the fall of America and the rise of a new global economy. Told through the diaries of an old-timey Russian Jewish protagonist, Lenny Abramov, and the online messages of his youthful Korean-American love interest, Eunice Park... Read Super Sad True Love Story Summary


Publication year 1985Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Society: Education, Natural World: Appearance & RealityTags Science / Nature, Humor, Technology, History: World, Biography

Publication year 2002Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Grandparents, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Siblings, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Society: Education, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Order & ChaosTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Surviving the Applewhites is a children’s novel written by American author Stephanie S. Tolan and was first published in 2002.The narrative follows Jake Semple, a troubled teenager forced to move in with the unconventional and eccentric Applewhite family following an incident at school. Jake struggles to fit in at first but gradually sheds his past transgressions and undergoes a transformative journey toward self-discovery and redemption. The novel touches on Personal Growth and Transformation, Individuality Versus... Read Surviving the Applewhites Summary


Publication year 1979Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Society: Class, Society: CommunityTags Auto/Biographical Fiction, Humor, Southern Gothic, American Literature, Southern Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Classic Fiction

Suttree by Cormac McCarthy is a piece of Southern Gothic fiction published in 1979. Considered a modern classic of American literature, it exemplifies McCarthy’s characteristic use of imagery, existentialist exploration, and societal criticism.McCarthy is the author of 12 novels, including bestsellers Blood Meridian (1985), All the Pretty Horses (1992), and the Pulitzer-prize-winning novel The Road (2006). The Road and his novel No Country for Old Men (2005) were adapted into celebrated films. McCarthy was born... Read Suttree Summary


Publication year 1935Genre Novel, FictionTags Modern Classic Fiction, Colonialism / Postcolonialism, Indian Literature, Asian Literature, Children's Literature, Asian Literature, Humor, Classic Fiction

Swami and Friends, set in British-colonial India in the year 1930, begins with an introduction to Swaminathan and his four principal friends: Somu, Sankar, Mani, and the Pea. Swaminathan appreciates his friends’ dramatically different personalities, and these differences only strengthen their powerful bond. The arrival of Rajam, who is the son of Malgudi’s new police superintendent, changes everything. Initially, Swaminathan and Mani despise Rajam, but the three boys become best friends after confronting him. Likewise... Read Swami and Friends Summary


Publication year 2008Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Trust & DoubtTags Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Swindle is a middle-grade novel published in 2008 by Canadian American author Gordon Korman. In the story, 6th-grader Griffin Bing enlists a group of his classmates to retrieve a rare Babe Ruth baseball card from an unscrupulous collector known as Swindle, who has conned Griffin out of the card. The book is the first of eight books, as of 2019, in the popular Swindle series. Nickelodeon made a film of the same name based on the novel in... Read Swindle Summary


Publication year 1972Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Education, Education, Classic Fiction

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, an episodic children’s book by Judy Blume, is a first-person narrative recounted by nine-year-old protagonist Peter Hatcher. A work of realistic fiction, this book is divided into 10 chapters and directed at young readers from the third- to fifth-grade levels. Originally published by Dutton Children’s Books in 1972, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is the first of five books in a series. The book received a number of... Read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing Summary


Publication year 1978Genre Novel, FictionTags Modern Classic Fiction, LGBTQ, Humor, Classic Fiction

Originally published in 1978 by American author Armistead Maupin, Tales of the City is the first installment in a nine-book series of the same name published between 1978 and 2014. The novel takes place in San Francisco in 1976, as a young woman named Mary Ann Singleton, seeking a change in her life, moves to the city and resides at 28 Barbary Lane. There, she finds herself intertwined with her neighbors and their complex lives... Read Tales of the City Summary


Publication year 1664Genre Play, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Relationships: FamilyTags Play: Comedy / Satire, Relationships, Arts / Culture, French Literature, Education, Education, Humor, Classic Fiction

Tartuffe, also known as The Imposter or The Hypocrite, is a Neoclassical comedy written by French playwright, actor, writer, and director Molière, born as Jean-Baptiste Poquelin. It was first produced in 1664 in France. While King Louis XIV and the public enjoyed the play, religious groups, including the Catholic Church and members of the upper class, condemned it for its display of a seemingly religious character who preys on those around on him for his... Read Tartuffe Summary


Publication year 2014Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fate, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Humor

Publication year 1994Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Humor, Satire, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Politics / Government

Originally published in 1994, Thank You for Smoking is a political satire novel centered around Nick Naylor, a lobbyist for the fictional Academy of Tobacco Studies, an organization founded by the tobacco industry with the true purpose of countering negative scientific data and public condemnation of tobacco. Nick’s job has made him a pariah, as he has humiliated everyone from grieving relatives of cancer victims to federal employees. He also must watch his back, as... Read Thank You for Smoking Summary


Publication year 2009Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Fate, Society: Community, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Emotions/Behavior: Revenge, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: ConflictTags Modern Classic Fiction, Humor, Historical Fiction, Action / Adventure, History: World

Publication year 2007Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Identity: Masculinity, Relationships: FriendshipTags Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Race / Racism, Poverty, Addiction / Substance Abuse, Grief / Death, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a young adult novel by Sherman Alexie, published in 2007 with art by Ellen Forney. Alexie, a Spokane/Cour d’Alene Indian (a term he prefers to “Native American”), began the book as a memoir inspired by experiences he had growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, Washington, and attending the predominantly white Reardan High School in Reardan, Washington. The book received much praise and many... Read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Summary


Publication year 1610Genre Play, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: Win & Lose, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Society: Class, Society: Community, Relationships: TeamsTags British Literature, Play: Historical, Play: Comedy / Satire, Satire, Class, Finance / Money / Wealth, Renaissance, Education, Education, History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Humor, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2000Genre Novel, FictionTags Humor, Jewish Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, History: World, Historical Fiction

American writer Michael Chabon won the Pulitzer Prize, as well as the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, for his 2000 historical fiction novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. The story unfolds in the period leading up to World War II and continues through the war years and beyond. The main characters are two Jewish cousins living in New York City and seeking success in the emerging comic book industry. One is the artist Josef... Read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Self Discovery, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Identity: Mental HealthTags Romance, Humor, New Adult, Love / Sexuality, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1999Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Siblings, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Relationships: Teams, Values/Ideas: Good & EvilTags Humor, Fantasy, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature

Published in 1999, The Bad Beginning, a darkly humorous adventure novel for middle-grade readers, chronicles the misadventures of three orphaned children whose distant cousin adopts them as part of a plan to steal their huge inheritance. As the first of 13 books in the bestselling A Series of Unfortunate Events, the novel is written by Daniel Handler under the pen name Lemony Snicket, who’s also a character in the story. The books have sold 60... Read The Bad Beginning Summary


Publication year 1983Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Values/Ideas: BeautyTags Classic Fiction, American Literature, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Humor, Love / Sexuality, Sports, Education, Education

W. D. Wetherell’s short story “The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant,” first published in 1983 and later anthologized in 1985’s The Man Who Loved Levittown, has been popular ever since for its gently humorous depiction of youthful infatuations. Wetherell reaches into his own past to present a tale that’s both lyrically beautiful and achingly funny. In the story, a 14-year-old boy gets a crush on an older girl and must make a painful decision... Read The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant Summary


Publication year 1972Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Siblings, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Society: Community, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Self DiscoveryTags Humor, Children's Literature, Holidays & Occasions, Classic Fiction

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a 1972 children’s book by Barbara Robinson. It tells the story of six misbehaving children—the Herdmans—and their unexpected involvement with the town’s annual Christmas pageant. Told in first person by an unnamed narrator, it explores themes of Redemption, Perspective and Judgment, and Tradition. Robinson has a masterful ability to mix Roald Dahl-esque humor and nastiness with timeless lessons that will have a particular appeal to Christian readers who enjoy... Read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Summary


Publication year 1981Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Order & ChaosTags Holidays & Occasions, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Family, Relationships: FriendshipTags Children's Literature, Education, Education, Realistic Fiction, Humor

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Publication year 1982Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Gratitude, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Fantasy, Classic Fiction, Children's Literature, Humor, Action / Adventure

IntroductionBritish author Roald Dahl first made his mark as a leading writer of children’s literature in 1961, when he published James and the Giant Peach. His subsequent books include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, and his 1982 novel The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), which was illustrated by Quentin Blake and based on a segment of Dahl’s 1975 book Danny, the Champion of the World. His books have been viewed as darker... Read The BFG Summary


Publication year 2019Genre Book, NonfictionTags Science / Nature, History: World, Humor, Health / Medicine

Widely known for his best-selling books A Short History of Nearly Everything and A Walk in the Woods, author and educator Bill Bryson published another bestseller in 2019. The Body: a Guide for Occupants is a tour of human anatomy and its wonders. Compiled for the general reader, The Body is a compendium of facts, many amazing or weird, about human anatomy and physiology. It explores the various organ systems—skin, brain, eyes, nose, mouth and throat... Read The Body: A Guide for Occupants Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Emotions/Behavior: GuiltTags Romance, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1987Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Identity: Masculinity, Identity: Race, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Satire, Class, Race / Racism, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, History: World, Humor, Classic Fiction

Tom Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities, published in 1987, is a critically acclaimed, sprawling saga of the vivid world of New York City in the 1980s. Modeled after Charles Dickens’s socially realistic novels, the book is a satire on the excesses and disparities of New York society. Powered by diverse, opinionated characters and iconic locations, the plot follows the wealthy, married Manhattan investment broker Sherman McCoy as his American Dream begins to unravel. Sherman’s... Read The Bonfire of the Vanities Summary


Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Self Discovery, Relationships: FamilyTags Romance, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1898Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Life/Time: The PastTags Education, Education, Classic Fiction, Western, Humor, American Literature

“The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky” is a short story by American author Stephen Crane. Published in 1898, the story parodies tropes of old westerns and addresses the themes of the death of the Old West, domesticity, and masculinity. The story details the journey of Jack Potter, marshal of the small town of Yellow Sky, as he brings his new bride from the East back to his home in Texas on the Western frontier. Once... Read The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Aging, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: TeamsTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1887Genre Novella, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: ForgivenessTags Satire, Classic Fiction, Irish Literature, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Gothic Literature, Fantasy, Humor, Religion / Spirituality

The Canterville Ghost, by Oscar Wilde, is a story about forgiveness, love, and the clash of Old World and New World beliefs. Through a satirical approach, Wilde highlights the shortcomings of each set of beliefs and how the characters overcome those shortcomings to bridge the two worlds. The story begins with Hiram Otis and Lord Canterville discussing the ghost that haunts Canterville Chase, where the Otis family will be living. When they arrive, they find... Read The Canterville Ghost Summary


Publication year 1836Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Humor, Russian Literature, History: World, Classic Fiction

Publication year 1942Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Values/Ideas: Order & ChaosTags Humor, Satire, Classic Fiction, Gender / Feminism, Mental Illness, American Literature, Education, Education, British Literature

When the story begins, a man named Erwin Martin, who never smokes, is buying cigarettes. Mr. Martin works for a company called F & S, where he is in charge of the filing department. Mr. Martin has already been contemplating—and planning—the murder of a coworker for over a week. Two years prior, a woman named Ulgine Barrows joined F & S, where she quickly proposed changes to the department—changes that Mr. Martin finds intolerable.Later, as... Read The Catbird Seat Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Relationships: FriendshipTags LGBTQ, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 1865Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Values/Ideas: Win & LoseTags Classic Fiction, Humor, American Literature, Education, Education, History: World, Historical Fiction

“The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” by Mark Twain, is a tall tale about a man who bets on anything and wagers that his frog can out-jump a stranger’s frog, with surprising results. The story is the first of Twain’s works to receive popular attention; it appeared in a New York newspaper in 1865 and was widely republished. In 1867, the story served as the title entry in Twain’s first book, a collection of... Read The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Identity: Sexuality, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Identity: Femininity, Identity: Disability, Identity: Masculinity, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Relationships: FriendshipTags Romance, Humor, Love / Sexuality, Relationships, LGBTQ, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness

Publication year 1940Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Relationships: Marriage, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: MasculinityTags Magical Realism, Allegory / Fable / Parable, Humor, Satire, Love / Sexuality, Business / Economics, Relationships, American Literature, Post-War Era, Education, Education, History: World, Classic Fiction

John Collier (1901-1980) is best known for his short stories, many of which are constructed as fantastic parables of modern day life. He also wrote poetry and screenplays, and was a developer for the television show “The Twilight Zone.” “The Chaser” first appeared in his short story collection Fancies and Goodnights, which won the 1952 Edgar Award and the 1952 International Fantasy Award. It is a cautionary parable of love, capitalism, and the wisdom of... Read The Chaser Summary


Publication year 1952Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Fantasy, Humor, Allegory / Fable / Parable, Children's Literature, Fairy Tale / Folklore, Bullying, Education, Education, Classic Fiction

Publication year 1938Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Literature, Society: Politics & GovernmentTags Humor, Historical Fiction, Arts / Culture, Class, Food, Relationships, British Literature, History: World, Classic Fiction

Publication year 1983Genre Novel, FictionThemes Natural World: Space & The Universe, Society: Economics, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Values/Ideas: FateTags Fantasy, Humor, Action / Adventure, Satire, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Publication year 1904Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Society: Class, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Classic Fiction, Humor, American Literature, Education, Education, Historical Fiction

Publication year 1675Genre Play, FictionTags Humor, Play: Comedy / Satire, Classic Fiction

William Wycherley’s The Country Wife was written and first performed in London, in 1675. The play has lived on as one of the most famous examples of British Restoration comedies and continues to be produced frequently. The Restoration era, between 1660 and about 1700, describes the period following the Commonwealth era and the restoration of the English monarchy. During the Commonwealth, theatre was banned in England for 18 years, so with his return to the... Read The Country Wife Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Relationships, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2003Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Natural World: Appearance & RealityTags Humor, Satire, American Literature, Arts / Culture, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance

The Devil Wears Prada, published in 2004, is the debut novel of author Lauren Weisberger. It tells the tale of a hapless assistant working for a tyrannical boss in the fashion industry.The story takes place largely in present-day New York City, mostly in the offices of a high-fashion magazine called Runway. The central character, Andrea Sachs (who uses the nickname Andy), narrates the story from the first-person perspective, and the events she describes transpire over... Read The Devil Wears Prada Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Order & ChaosTags Love / Sexuality, Modern Classic Fiction, Business / Economics, Drama / Tragedy, Romance, Fantasy, Humor

Publication year 1743Genre Novel/Book in Verse, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: ArtTags Narrative / Epic Poem, Satire, British Literature, Georgian Era, Education, Education, History: World, Humor, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2001Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Siblings, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Relationships: TeamsTags Fantasy, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor, Children's Literature

Publication year 1771Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Class, Identity: Gender, Relationships: Family, Relationships: MarriageTags Classic Fiction, Humor, Satire, Travel Literature, British Literature, Georgian Era, Education, Education, History: World

Publication year 1953Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Values/Ideas: Order & ChaosTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, American Literature, Fantasy, Humor, Classic Fiction

Publication year 1752Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Language, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Values/Ideas: LiteratureTags Education, Education, British Literature, History: World, Historical Fiction, Romance, Humor, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Relationships: FamilyTags Grief / Death, Modern Classic Fiction, Business / Economics, Inspirational, Humor

Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: FamilyTags Romance, Humor, New Adult, British Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2014Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Values/Ideas: Fame, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Aging, Life/Time: The PastTags Fantasy, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Children's Literature, Humor

In 2014’s The Fourteenth Goldfish, by Jennifer L Holm, an aging scientist turns himself into a teenager who must re-enter middle school alongside his granddaughter while they plot to get him back into his lab to finish his brilliant work. A humorous science-fiction novel for middle-grade readers, The Fourteenth Goldfish is the first in a two-book series.   New York Times Bestselling author Holm has written nearly 60 books for young readers, including the May Amelia... Read The Fourteenth Goldfish Summary


Publication year 2011Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: FriendshipTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Bullying, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure

The Fourth Stall is a 2011 contemporary realistic middle grade novel by Chris Rylander. With the help of his best friend and business manager Vince, sixth grader Mac runs a secret business as a “fixer” in his elementary school: He solves problems and provides services for fellow students—for a price. When Mac takes on a customer requiring protection from Staples, a legendary local criminal, he must decide the best way to deal with Staples’s harmful... Read The Fourth Stall Summary


Genre Play, FictionThemes Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Order & ChaosTags Play: Comedy / Satire, Classic Fiction, Ancient Greece, Classical Period, Drama / Tragedy, Fantasy, Humor

Frogs is an ancient Athenian comic play by Aristophanes (446-386 B.C.E.). It was first performed in 405 B.C.E. for the Lenaia, an annual sacred festival held in January in honor of the god Dionysus. According to ancient sources, Frogs (which won first prize) was held in such high regard that it was honored with a second production, an unusual event since comedies and tragedies were produced for competition at sacred festivals and rarely staged again... Read The Frogs Summary


Publication year 2008Genre Book, NonfictionTags Action / Adventure, Travel Literature, Science / Nature, Sociology, Psychology, Psychology, Philosophy, Philosophy, Self Help, Humor

In his 2008 nonfiction book The Geography of Bliss, Eric Weiner travels the world in search of happiness. Weiner, a former foreign correspondent for National Public Radio, sets out in this travelogue to investigate where in the world people are the most happy—and why. Casting himself as an inveterately cranky person, Weiner mixes humor, scientific inquiry, and psychological research to explain geographic concentrations of elevated mood. Since its publication, the book has been on the... Read The Geography of Bliss Summary


Publication year 1873Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Society: Class, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Society: Economics, Society: Politics & GovernmentTags American Literature, History: World, Humor, Classic Fiction, Satire, Historical Fiction, Gilded Age, Politics / Government

Publication year 1985Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: JoyTags Fantasy, Animals, Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 1999Genre Novel, FictionThemes Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: FateTags Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Action / Adventure

Published in 1999, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is a psychological thriller novel by bestselling author Stephen King. Renowned for his horror writing, King draws on primal human fears as he follows spirited nine-year-old Trisha McFarland on a harrowing battle for survival after getting lost in the woods. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon explores themes of nature, faith, and the dangers of everyday life through the eyes of a plucky young heroine. Plans... Read The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon Summary


Publication year 159Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Sexuality, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Values/Ideas: ArtTags Fantasy, Mythology, Humor, Allegory / Fable / Parable, Relationships, Animals, History: European, Ancient Rome

Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionTags Historical Fiction, Military / War, History: World, Humor

The Good Lord Bird is a 2013 novel written by James McBride. It is set during three years of the slave era South and is a work of progressive Americana in the vein of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The Good Lord Bird received the National Book Award and great critical acclaim, and is now being adapted into a television series for Showtime. It examines themes of slavery, loyalty, racism, and violent protest... Read The Good Lord Bird Summary


Publication year 2014Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Emotions/Behavior: Revenge, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Teams, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Science & TechnologyTags Realistic Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Arts / Culture, Modern Classic Fiction

The Great Greene Heist is a middle grade novel by Varian Johnson that follows Jackson Greene, a middle school boy and nearly reformed prankster, who tries to win his crush through hijinks. The novel was named Publisher’s Best Summer Book of 2014, ALA ALSC Notable Children’s Book in 2015, and received a Kirkus Star Review. Johnson published the sequel To Catch a Cheat in 2016. Johnson is also the author of The Parker Inheritance, which... Read The Great Greene Heist Summary


Publication year 2017Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: ConflictTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Sexuality, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags LGBTQ, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Grief / Death, Parenting, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance

Publication year 2010Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, History: Asian, Education, Education, Biography

The Happiest Refugee is a 2010 autobiography by Vietnamese-born, Australian author, actor, comedian, and artist Anh Do. Following his journey from a perilous escape from Communist-ruled Vietnam as a toddler with his large family, to his working-class childhood in Australia where he struggled to fit into the predominantly white society, to his rise as one of Australia’s most sought-after comedians and motivational speakers, The Happiest Refugee is considered one of the most well-received stories of... Read The Happiest Refugee Summary


Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Values/Ideas: Win & LoseTags Romance, Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2000Genre Novel, FictionTags Humor, African American Literature, Magical Realism, History: World, Historical Fiction

South African novelist Zakes Mda published his satirical work The Heart of Redness in 2000. In the novel, Mda blends history, myth, and realist fiction to portray a South African village over a 150-year span. In 1856, a 15-year-old girl from kwaXhosa named Nongqawuse told her uncle, Mhlakaza, that she had encountered the spirits of two of her ancestors. These spirits told the young girl that if the amaXhosa killed all their cattle, destroyed their... Read The Heart Of Redness Summary


Publication year 1988Genre Play, FictionThemes Identity: Gender, Values/Ideas: Art, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Play: Drama, Gender / Feminism, Education, Education, American Literature, History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Humor

Wendy Wasserstein’s play The Heidi Chronicles first opened Off-Broadway with Playwrights Horizons in 1988, transferring to Broadway for a successful run in 1989. The play follows Heidi Holland from the ages of 16 to 40 as she explores her desires for her own life, inspired by the liberation of feminism, but tempered by gendered expectations in a patriarchal society. Critics celebrated the play for introducing feminism into mainstream theater. Wasserstein wrote 11 plays, and The... Read The Heidi Chronicles Summary


Publication year 1742Genre Novel, FictionTags Humor

The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and of His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams, or Joseph Andrews, was written by Henry Fielding and published in 1742 as a “comic epic poem in prose” (14). The novel, one of the first in the English language, encompasses many principles of the Augustan Age in which it was written. In this era literature, particularly satire, was viewed as a means of instruction, and observation was considered the... Read Joseph Andrews Summary


Publication year 1749Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Society: Class, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Classic Fiction, Satire, Humor, Romance, Historical Fiction, British Literature, History: World

First published in 1749, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling is considered one of the best and most influential early novels in English literature. Henry Fielding was a respected dramatist, essayist, and satirist, and as a public official, he helped to establish London’s first professional police force.A comic novel that blends romance, realism, picaresque, and social commentary—while passing itself off as a true history of a life as well as a reflection of human... Read The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Summary


Publication year 1991Genre Poem, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Society: Education, Society: Community, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Satire, Narrative / Epic Poem, Modernism, Humor

Publication year 1979Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Politics & Government, Natural World: Space & The Universe, Values/Ideas: Science & TechnologyTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor, Fantasy, Action / Adventure

Douglas Adams’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy first appeared in book form in 1979, after Adams originally conceived it as a radio play. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy explores and satirizes many facets of modern life, such as the legitimacy of authority, the absurdity of bureaucracy, and the search for the ultimate answer to the question of life, the universe, and everything. The book follows the galactic exploits of Arthur Dent, the last... Read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Summary


Publication year 2006Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Society: Education, Relationships: FriendshipTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Science / Nature, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education

Publication year 1978Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Trust & DoubtTags Satire, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction, Classic Fiction, Health / Medicine

The House of God is a novel written by American author and doctor Samuel Bergman under the pseudonym Samuel Shem and originally published in 1978. The book is heavily based on Bergman’s own experiences as a medical intern in the early 1970s, and the fictional hospital “the House of God” is a thinly veiled fictional version of the Beth Israel teaching hospital associated with Harvard Medical School. The novel is a satire in the vein... Read The House of God Summary


Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: LiteratureTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Depression / Suicide, Love / Sexuality, Mental Illness, Relationships, British Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Fantasy, Humor

The Humans is a contemporary novel by Matt Haig. First published in 2013, the book follows an alien visitor, inhabiting a dead human’s body, who explores what it means to be human, and the true meaning of life. The book received multiple award nominations, and critics praise it for its unusual blend of science fiction, humour, and domestic life. Haig is the internationally bestselling, award-winning author of adult and children’s books. He’s best known for... Read The Humans Summary


Publication year 1895Genre Play, FictionThemes Society: Class, Identity: SexualityTags Victorian Period, Play: Comedy / Satire, Education, Education, Drama / Tragedy, Romance, Humor, Classic Fiction

The Importance of Being Earnest, a comedy, is Oscar Wilde’s final play. It premiered at St. James’ Theatre in London on February 14, 1895 and skewered the contemporary habits and attitudes of the British aristocracy. The opening was hugely successful, but Wilde’s ongoing conflict with the Marquess of Queensberry, his lover’s powerful father, led the play to close prematurely after Wilde was charged with “gross indecency” for having sex with men. Despite this setback, The... Read The Importance of Being Earnest Summary


Publication year 1869Genre Book, NonfictionTags Action / Adventure, Humor

In 1867, the San Francisco Alta Californian assigned its 31-year-old reporter Mark Twain to cover a steamboat pleasure trip to the Mediterranean. Twain’s account of the trip was published in 1869 as The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrim’s Progress. The book would become the most popular and bestselling work of Twain’s career, acclaimed by both critics and readers. Twain’s travelogue chronicles a voyage through Europe and the Holy Land attended by a group of... Read The Innocents Abroad Summary


Publication year 1874Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Religion & SpiritualityTags Classic Fiction, Humor

Mark Twain’s short story “The Invalid’s Story,” published in his 1882 collection The Stolen White Elephant, Etc., is a tall tale involving a mix-up between a coffin and a box full of guns. Traveling on a train with what he believes to be the coffin, the first-person narrator mistakes the odor of pungent cheese for that of the decaying corpse. Disparaged by critics for its crudeness at its time of publication, the story deals with... Read The Invalid's Story Summary


Publication year 2008Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Life/Time: The Past, Life/Time: The Future, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor

The Juvie Three (2008) is a young adult novel by Gordon Korman. It is a unique coming-of-age story about personal transformation and found family, and a commentary on the stigmas that often burden those held back by their pasts. Korman challenges these societal perceptions and shows that we all have the power to change. This study guide references the 2008 paperback edition from Hyperion Books.Plot SummaryGraham Fosse, known as “Gecko,” drives a stolen getaway car... Read The Juvie Three Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Environment, Relationships: TeamsTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Modern Classic Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor

Publication year 1996Genre Novel, FictionThemes Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Humor, Politics / Government, Satire, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 1999Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Teams, Society: Education, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Realistic Fiction, Journalism, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

The Landry News is a young adult novel by Andrew Clements, published in 1998.  It centers on a school newspaper and the lives it touches, the lessons it teaches, and the power it gives people to stand up for their beliefs. The book received the William Allen White Children's Book Award in 2002 and has been translated into five languages. American author Andrew Clements (1949-2019) penned many books for young readers, including his most famous work... Read The Landry News Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Aging, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2015Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Children's Literature, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Fantasy, Action / Adventure

The Last Kids on Earth—a New York Times bestseller and winner of the Texas Bluebonnet Award, which is determined by the popular vote of grade school students throughout Texas—is a post-apocalypse graphic novel for young readers, filled with illustrations, humor, friendship, and zombie survival. The story is written by Max Brallier and drawn by Douglas Holgate, and was originally published in 2015, but has since gone on to become a seven-book series; this is the... Read The Last Kids on Earth Summary


Publication year 2016Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: FearTags Action / Adventure, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Fantasy, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Children's Literature, Humor

Publication year 2009Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Siblings, Identity: MasculinityTags Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Life/Time: Aging, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Self Discovery, Society: CommunityTags Historical Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction, History: World

Publication year 2001Genre Play, FictionThemes Identity: Masculinity, Society: Nation, Society: WarTags Play: Comedy / Satire, Humor, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Education, Education, History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Irish Literature

Publication year 1759Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Values/Ideas: Literature, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Family, Life/Time: BirthTags Classic Fiction, Satire, Humor, British Literature, Age of Enlightenment, History: World

The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman is a nine-volume novel published between 1759 and 1767 by English novelist Laurence Sterne. The novel is considered by many scholars as an early forerunner of postmodern literature due to its metafictional commentary on its own narrative. Contemporary critics did not view the novel favorably, though its humor and sentimentalism helped it find an audience. The novel has been adapted for radio and opera and as a... Read The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman Summary


Publication year 1993Genre Short Story Collection, FictionThemes Society: Community, Identity: Race, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Identity: Indigenous, Identity: Language, Life/Time: The FutureTags American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor, Relationships

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven is a collection of 24 loosely connected short stories by writer Sherman Alexie; all are set on or near the Spokane Reservation in Washington state. As a Salish descendant (his mother was of Spokane heritage and his father of Coeur d’Alene) and celebrated author, Alexie has become a mouthpiece for Northwestern American Indigenous tribes. Two stories cut from the original 1993 publication have been reinserted in the... Read The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven Summary


Publication year 2017Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Relationships: Friendship, Identity: Language, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: ConflictTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Bullying, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1948Genre Novella, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Art, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Satire, British Literature, Humor, Grief / Death, History: World, Classic Fiction

Published in 1948, The Loved One: An Anglo-American Tragedy by English writer Evelyn Waugh is a short satirical novel that lampoons both the Los Angeles funeral industry and the Hollywood film business. British expatriates and Americans clash in this morbid but merry tale of smiling corpses and lavish pet funerals. Waugh wrote it after a trip to Hollywood during which he visited the Forest Lawn Cemetery. The book inspired the 1965 film The Loved One... Read The Loved One Summary


Publication year 1966Genre Novel, FictionTags Fantasy, Classic Fiction, Humor, Animals, Allegory / Fable / Parable

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Modern Classic Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2011Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Relationships: Teams, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Natural World: Space & The UniverseTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Science / Nature, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Humor

Andy Weir’s debut novel, The Martian, was originally published in 2011 as serialized blog posts; after its 2014 book publication, it was a New York Times bestseller. A software engineer and son of a physicist and an electrical engineer, Weir identifies himself in the book jacket biography as a “lifelong space nerd,” and the novel is notable for staying strictly within the bounds of existing scientific understanding. Set just over two decades beyond the novel’s... Read The Martian Summary


Publication year 1997Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Teams, Self Discovery, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Win & LoseTags Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Sports, Realistic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2001Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Sexuality, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Satire, Bullying, Diversity, LGBTQ, Education, Modernism, American Literature, Children's Literature, Education, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

The Misfits is a young adult novel by bestselling American author James Howe. The first of four in The Misfits series, the novel chronicles a group of unpopular seventh graders’ participation in a contentious student council election. The series inspired No-Name Calling Week, a bullying-prevention initiative that has been held by schools across the country.Plot SummaryThe Misfits is told from the perspective of Bobby Godspeed, a seventh grader living in Paintbrush Falls, New York. Bobby... Read The Misfits Summary


Publication year 1975Genre Novel, FictionThemes Natural World: Environment, Society: Politics & GovernmentTags Humor, Science / Nature, Action / Adventure, Classic Fiction, Politics / Government

Written by environmental advocate Edward Abbey in 1975, The Monkey Wrench Gang tells the story of a motley crew of environmental activists fighting industrialization in the American Southwest. Abbey's most famous work of fiction, this novel inspired a generation of eco-activists. Opening in the so-called "aftermath" (1) of the novel, Abbey immediately situates the reader in media res, at the site of a newly-built bridge between Arizona and Utah, over Glen Canyon. A "workman" (4)... Read The Monkey Wrench Gang Summary


Publication year 2009Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Historical Fiction, Children's Literature, Military / War, History: World, Action / Adventure, Humor

Rodman Philbrick’s The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (2009) is a historical fiction novel for middle-grade readers. It won the Newbery Honor award for its story about a young boy’s travels across Civil War America in search of his lost brother. The 2011 e-book edition is the basis for this study guide. Plot SummaryHomer Figg, 12 years old in 1863, lives on a farm in Maine with his older brother, Harold. They’re in... Read The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Identity: Gender, Life/Time: AgingTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Action / Adventure

Publication year 1990Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Identity: Language, Society: Nation, Society: Globalization, Society: EducationTags Humor, History: World, Arts / Culture, History: U.S., Science / Nature, Travel Literature

Publication year 2007Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Relationships: FriendshipTags Fantasy, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Humor

The Name of This Book Is Secret (2007) is the first book in the middle grade fantasy series The Secret Series by Pseudonymous Bosch, the pen name of writer Raphael Simon. The book is told by an intrusive narrator, the author, Pseudonymous Bosch. The narrator frequently breaks the fourth wall to address the reader directly and interrupts the story to warn the reader of the dangerous nature of the story he is telling, sometimes considering... Read The Name of This Book Is Secret Summary


Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Self Discovery, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: FameTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Bullying, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1933Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Society: WarTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor, Psychology, Military / War, Classic Fiction

“The Night the Ghost Got In” is a short story from the comedic semi-autobiographical memoir My Life and Hard Times published in 1933 by James Thurber. Thurber is best known for his short story “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” which has been twice adapted for film. This guide references the 1999 Harper Perennial Classics Reprint edition of My Life and Hard Times.“The Night the Ghost Got In” tells the first-person account of a young... Read The Night the Ghost Got In Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Book, NonfictionTags History: World, Music, History: U.S., Arts / Culture, Politics / Government, Sociology, Humor, Internet Culture / Social Media

Publication year 1998Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Society: Community, Identity: FemininityTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Humor

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (1998) is the first novel in the series of the same name written by British author Alexander McCall Smith. It follows the career of Precious Ramotswe, the fictionalized first female private detective in Botswana, as she solves mysteries for her friends and neighbors. Throughout the novel, McCall Smith draws on his childhood in Zimbabwe (bordering Botswana); he was born into a family of white British administrators under the British... Read The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Summary


Publication year 1836Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Society: Politics & GovernmentTags Satire, Classic Fiction, Magical Realism, Russian Literature, History: World, Fantasy, Humor

This guide refers to the story as it appears in the 1965 Norton Library edition of The Overcoat & Other Tales of Good and Evil, translated by David Magarshack.Nikolai Gogol’s short story “The Nose,” written between 1835 and 1836, was originally published in The Contemporary, a literary journal owned by famed Russian Romantic poet Alexander Pushkin. A satire on bureaucratic life in the Tsarist capital of St. Petersburg, “The Nose” has since become an important... Read The Nose Summary


Publication year 1965Genre Play, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Marriage, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Life/Time: The PastTags Play: Drama, Play: Comedy / Satire, Relationships, Depression / Suicide, Education, Education, American Literature, Drama / Tragedy, Humor, Classic Fiction

The Odd Couple is a satirical play by American playwright Neil Simon. It opened on Broadway in 1965 and chronicles the unconventional relationship between friends turned roommates, Oscar Madison and Felix Ungar. The play found enduring success and inspired subsequent film and television adaptations. It was nominated for a New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award in 1965.Many of Simon’s plays are influenced by his own upbringing. Simon was born in the Bronx and grew up... Read The Odd Couple Summary


Publication year 1911Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Identity: Gender, Society: ClassTags British Literature, Humor, Education, Education, Mystery / Crime Fiction, History: World, Classic Fiction

“The Open Window” is a frequently anthologized short story by Hector Hugh Munro, or H. H. Munro, whose penname was Saki. This short story, like many of Saki’s works, satirizes Edwardian society. By utilizing a story within a story, or an embedded narrative, Saki uses satire to explore themes like the absurdity of etiquette, escapism, control, and appearance versus reality.Saki originally published “The Open Window” in the Westminster Gazette on November 18, 1911, and later... Read The Open Window Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: GenderTags Romance, LGBTQ, Modern Classic Fiction, Love / Sexuality, Humor

Publication year 2024Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Marriage, Self Discovery, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Humor

Publication year 1961Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Values/Ideas: Music, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Self Discovery, Relationships: SiblingsTags Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Humor, Classic Fiction

In Norton Juster’s 1961 middle-grade fantasy adventure The Phantom Tollbooth, a bored young boy visits a magical land whose people suffer from a strange delusion and volunteers to find a source of wisdom that can heal them. The book is a touchstone for generations of young readers; it has sold nearly five million copies in more than a dozen languages and has been adapted for film, stage, and symphony hall. Author Juster published a dozen... Read The Phantom Tollbooth Summary


Publication year 1973Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Emotions/Behavior: JoyTags Fantasy, Romance, Humor, Fairy Tale / Folklore, Action / Adventure, Classic Fiction

The Princess Bride is a 1973 adventure novel by American author and screenwriter William Goldman. It uses a unique framing narrative to tell two interwoven stories and claims to be a retelling of an older novel (one that does not actually exist). The Princess Bride was adapted into a film in 1987. Critics regard the film as one of the greatest cinematic accomplishments of all time, and it appears on numerous “best of” lists, including... Read The Princess Bride Summary


Publication year 2000Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & BetrayalTags Romance, Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

The Princess Diaries is the first novel in the titular children’s book series penned by American author Meg Cabot. First published in 2000, The Princess Diaries became a New York Times bestseller and was quickly adapted into a 2001 film of the same name starring Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis and Julie Andrews as Mia’s grandmother. Although the film adaptation deviates greatly from the novel, both versions of The Princess Diaries tackle the adolescent experience... Read The Princess Diaries Summary


Publication year 1907Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Humor, Classic Fiction, American Literature, Children's Literature, Education, Education

“The Ransom of Red Chief,” first published in The Saturday Evening Post on July 6, 1907, is a comedic short story by American author O. Henry. Born William Sydney Porter, O. Henry was a prolific short story writer who penned nearly 600 stories in his lifetime. His works depict realistic characters and events, and his stories are classified within the genre of Realism. Like his most famous short story, “The Gift of the Magi” (1905)... Read The Ransom of Red Chief Summary


Publication year 1712Genre Poem, FictionTags Narrative / Epic Poem, Arts / Culture, Class, Age of Enlightenment, Education, Education, British Literature, History: World, Humor, Classic Fiction

“The Rape of the Lock” is a mock-epic poem written by Alexander Pope. A mock-epic poem is equal in length to a traditional epic but takes a satirical tone rather than a serious one. The poem was originally published in 1712 and contained only two cantos. Pope, wanting to further expand its epic format, rewrote the poem several times and finally published a five-canto version in 1717. This version is the version we read today... Read The Rape of the Lock Summary


Publication year 2004Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Education, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

The Report Card is a 2004 middle grade novel by prolific children’s author Andrew Clements that tells the story of a young genius who has kept her intelligence a secret for her entire life. Nora Rowley has never worried about report cards, but by fifth grade, she realizes the negative impact of grades and test scores on her classmates—especially her best friend, Stephen Curtis—and decides to do something about it. The story explores themes about... Read The Report Card Summary


Publication year 1999Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Fantasy, Children's Literature, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor

The Reptile Room is a middle-grade novel published by Daniel Handler under the pen name of Lemony Snicket in 1999. It is the second in the 13-book series A Series of Unfortunate Events, which chronicles the lives of the Baudelaire children (Violet, Klaus, and baby Sunny) after the untimely death of their parents. In the first book, a well-intentioned but oblivious man named Mr. Poe places the children under the care of their distant relative... Read The Reptile Room Summary


Publication year 1987Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Relationships: Friendship, Self Discovery, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Values/Ideas: FameTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Humor, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1986Genre Play, FictionThemes Identity: Gender, Identity: Sexuality, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Play: Drama, Realism, Humor, Education, Education, Drama / Tragedy, Canadian Literature

The Rez Sisters by Tomson Highway is a two-act play that was first performed in 1986 at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. After being translated into French by Jocelyne Beaulieu, “Les Reines de la réserve” premiered by Théâtre Populaire du Québec in 1993. A version of the play in the Cree language was performed in 2010, and Canadian performances with Indigenous actors have been staged in the 2020s. Highway’s play re-envisions the 1965 play... Read The Rez Sisters Summary


Publication year 2024Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Siblings, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Humor

Publication year 2014Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Mental Health, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Marriage, Relationships: Mothers, Self DiscoveryTags Romance, Humor, Disability, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: FathersTags Romance, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion explores the romantic and comedic errors of a man with undiagnosed Asperger’s Syndrome, Don Tillson, as he looks for a wife. As a professor of genetics, Don lives an orderly, predictable life in a protected academic setting. Trouble ensues when he decides that he is ready to find his life’s partner. Set in Melbourne, Australia and New York City, the novel is told in the first person from Don’s... Read The Rosie Project Summary


Publication year 2004Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: FamilyTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Fantasy, Humor

Wise-cracking eighth-grader Anthony “Antsy” Bonano befriends Calvin Schwa, a nondescript boy who is virtually invisible to his classmates in Neal Shusterman’s humorous young adult novel, The Schwa Was Here (2004). As Antsy and the Schwa experiment on his invisibility, they meet the crotchety neighborhood recluse Old Man Crawley and fall for his granddaughter, Lexie, who is blind. Antsy learns about the Schwa’s challenging family life and makes discoveries about his own sense of self, his... Read The Schwa Was Here Summary


Publication year 1939Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Identity: Masculinity, Relationships: MarriageTags American Literature, Humor, Classic Fiction, Satire, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Fantasy, Action / Adventure

First published in the New Yorker in 1939, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is James Thurber’s short story about the flamboyant fantasy life of a timid suburban Everyman. A gentle satire of the human imagination (among other things), the story struck an immediate and lasting chord in the midcentury American imagination and is widely regarded as a comic masterpiece. Its distinctive mixture of pathos and parody made it one of the most anthologized short... Read The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Summary


Publication year 2015Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Identity: RaceTags Satire, Humor, Race / Racism, African American Literature, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Paul Beatty is the author of the 2015 novel The Sellout—a satire that makes fun of contemporary norms around race and identity. In the novel, Beatty applies his no-holds-barred idea of comedy to segregation, slavery, police brutality, and countless tragic and fraught issues that people typically treat with extreme seriousness and sensitivity. Through the main character, Me, the book provides an ironic and unexpected take on themes like Racial and Personal Identity and Capitalism’s Power... Read The Sellout Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Self DiscoveryTags Romance, Humor, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Magical Realism, Fantasy

Publication year 1959Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Relationships: FamilyTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Classic Fiction, Humor, Fantasy, American Literature

Publication year 2011Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Masculinity, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Society: CommunityTags Historical Fiction, Satire, Western, Allegory / Fable / Parable, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, History: U.S., Addiction / Substance Abuse, Gender / Feminism, American Literature, American Civil War, Mystery / Crime Fiction, History: World, Action / Adventure, Humor

The Sisters Brothers is a 2011 novel by Canadian writer Patrick DeWitt. Set in 1851, it traces the journey of Charlie and Eli Sisters, two hired killers traveling from Oregon to San Francisco to find a man called Warm, who allegedly stole something from their boss, the Commodore. The darkly comic Western is in the picaresque genre, as the brothers’ episodic misadventures explore different communities populating the American West.The Sisters Brothers is divided into 64... Read The Sisters Brothers Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Romance, Humor, Love / Sexuality, Relationships, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1981Genre Short Story Collection, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Natural World: Flora/plants, Natural World: Food, Natural World: Nurture v. Nature, Natural World: Objects, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Siblings, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Relationships, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Realistic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 1914Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Society: Education, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & PrideTags Children's Literature, Education, Education, British Literature, Humor, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Education, Education, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Relationships

Publication year 2016Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Win & Lose, Self Discovery, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Society: Economics, Society: Nation, Society: Politics & GovernmentTags Self Help, Psychology, Philosophy, Business / Economics, Humor, Grief / Death, Psychology, Philosophy, Mental Illness

Publication year 1593Genre Play, FictionThemes Relationships: Marriage, Identity: Gender, Society: ClassTags Elizabethan Era, Play: Comedy / Satire, Humor, Education, Education, Drama / Tragedy, Romance, Classic Fiction

The Taming of the Shrew is one of William Shakespeare’s earliest comedies, probably first performed around 1593. While the play’s depiction of women is the subject of much debate among modern readers and scholars, its popularity endures, and the play continues to be reproduced in various mediums. Notable adaptations include the 1967 film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and the 1999 romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You.This guide refers to the 2014... Read The Taming of the Shrew Summary


Publication year 1982Genre Book, NonfictionTags Philosophy, Psychology, Psychology, Philosophy, Self Help, Humor, Classic Fiction, Religion / Spirituality

The Tao of Pooh, by Benjamin Hoff, is an introduction to the philosophy of Taoism. Hoff uses Winnie-the-Pooh and other characters from A.A. Milne’s well-known children books to exemplify and explain these principles. The primary character, Pooh, exhibits many qualities that produce contentment. The literal meaning of Tao is “the way,” and the goal of the way is the kind of contentment that Pooh possesses.Many of the book’s passages are devoted to Taoist concepts such... Read The Tao Of Pooh Summary


Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: The Future, Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Children's Literature, History: World, Historical Fiction

In The Teacher’s Funeral (2004), Richard Peck gives a humorous, heartwarming look back at a changing time in America’s history. Narrator Russell Culver, a mischievous 15-year-old living in rural Indiana, reveals how his delight turned to dismay when his teacher died in August 1904. Peck draws on both his father’s childhood memories and his own recollections of visits to his grandparents’ farm as inspiration for the novel, which won a 2005 Christopher Award. Page citations... Read The Teacher's Funeral Summary


Publication year 2015Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Revenge, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Relationships: Teams, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Win & Lose, Relationships: Family, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Natural World: Animals, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Society: EducationTags Action / Adventure, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education

Publication year 2019Genre Play, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Identity: Indigenous, Identity: RaceTags Realistic Fiction, Play: Comedy / Satire, Holidays & Occasions, Humor, Education, Education, Drama / Tragedy

Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Aging, Identity: Gender, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Humor, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1893Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Society: Class, Natural World: Nurture v. NatureTags Humor, Historical Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Satire, Race / Racism, American Literature

Publication year 2011Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Natural World: Animals, Relationships: TeamsTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Animals

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: LiteratureTags Romance, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 1980Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Relationships: Teams, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Humor, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Classic Fiction

The Twits (1980) by Roald Dahl is a fantastical and absurd children’s story about a mean couple and how they are eventually outsmarted by the animals they mistreat. The Big Read listed The Twits as one of the 200 greatest books of all time according to the British public in 2003, and in 2012, the Twits appeared on a commemorative postage stamp. The book was adapted for the stage in 2007, and an animated feature... Read The Twits Summary


Publication year 2007Genre Novella, FictionTags Humor, British Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

British author Alan Bennett’s 2007 satirical novella The Uncommon Reader, set in modern-day Britain, focuses on the “uncommon reader”—Queen Elizabeth II—who narrates the story as she becomes passionate about reading after a random encounter with a mobile library. As she becomes more interested in reading than with the duties of the monarchy, her fascination with books has major consequences for her, her council of advisors, her family, and her position as monarch. She begins questioning... Read The Uncommon Reader Summary


Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Family, Relationships: SiblingsTags Romance, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Society: EducationTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Education, Diversity, Bullying, Relationships, American Literature, Children's Literature, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1967Genre Novel, FictionTags Asian Literature, Indian Literature, Children's Literature, Asian Literature, Drama / Tragedy, Humor, Classic Fiction

In R.K. Narayan’s novel The Vendor of Sweets, the tension between old and young India is the backdrop against which a father and son clash. Jagan, a 55 year old man who is steeped in tradition, is a bundle of contradictions. He is a passionate follower of Gandhi, embracing non-violent cooperation and an ascetic lifestyle. However, he is also boastful when it comes to his own self-control. It is not enough that he has renounced... Read The Vendor of Sweets Summary


Publication year 1984Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Grandparents, Relationships: FamilyTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Education, Education

Publication year 1700Genre Play, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Classic Fiction, Play: Comedy / Satire, Restoration, British Literature, Education, Education, History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Humor

The Way of the World is a play by William Congreve, first performed in 1700 at Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The Way of the World is a Restoration comedy, meaning it is a comedy written and performed in the boom of theater following the restoration of the Stuart Dynasty after the Interregnum period in England. As with many Restoration comedies, Congreve focuses his satire on the upper classes, but The Way of the World is notable... Read The Way of the World Summary


Publication year 2024Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Life/Time: The Future, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Self DiscoveryTags Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Humor

Publication year 2007Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Society: War, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: FamilyTags Historical Fiction, History: U.S., Vietnam War, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, History: World, Humor

Gary Schmidt’s middle grade novel, The Wednesday Wars, follows seventh grader Holling Hoodhood as he navigates the difficulties of junior high in the late 1960s. Published in 2007, Schmidt’s novel blends historical fiction with a coming-of-age theme, and was given the Newbery Medal in 2008. Other works by Schmidt include Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy (2004), Okay for Now (2011), and The Labors of Hercules Beal (2023).This guide refers to the Clarion Books 2009... Read The Wednesday Wars Summary


Publication year 2008Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Siblings, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: LiteratureTags Children's Literature, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Humor

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Femininity, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Mystery / Crime Fiction, History: World, Humor

Publication year 1983Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: FamilyTags Fantasy, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Classic Fiction

The Witches (1983) is a children’s novel by Roald Dahl. As with his other well-known stories for young readers—Matilda (1988), James and the Giant Peach (1961), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964), and The BFG (1982)—the book has elements of fantasy and addresses themes like identity, family, and good versus evil. There are film adaptations of several of Dahl’s books, and there are two movie versions of The Witches—one from 1990 and another from 2020... Read The Witches Summary


Publication year 1977Genre Short Story Collection, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Identity: Masculinity, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Justice & InjusticeTags Fantasy, Humor, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2008Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Life/Time: The Past, Society: ColonialismTags History: U.S., Religion / Spirituality, Politics / Government, American Literature, History: World, Humor

Essayist and commentator Sarah Vowell published her historical and social commentary The Wordy Shipmates in 2008. A humorous but seriously critical examination of the Puritan emigrants that traveled with the flagship Arbella from England to Massachusetts in 1630, the book revisits leading Puritan figures and the colonial events and ideologies they created while trying to establish the “city upon a hill” that defined their Christian mission in, what was to them, a New World.Though colonial... Read The Wordy Shipmates Summary


Publication year 1978Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Gender, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Marriage, Values/Ideas: EqualityTags Relationships, Drama / Tragedy, American Literature, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction, Classic Fiction

The World According to Garp, John Irving’s fourth novel, was first published in 1978 and continues to enjoy a wide circulation. The novel features elements drawn from Irving’s life and is a literary satire of gender dynamics in the wake of second-wave feminism. Irving himself claims that it’s a protest novel. The main subject areas include parenthood, death, feminism, manhood and masculinity, marriage and family structures, the influence of literature in a reader’s life, and... Read The World According To Garp Summary


Publication year 2004Genre Novel, FictionTags Humor, Bullying, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Animals, Fantasy

Written by Betty G. Birney, The World According to Humphrey, published in 2004, is a children’s novel about a golden hamster named Humphrey who makes a positive difference in the lives of the students and staff at Longfellow School. With a cheerful attitude, a good sense of humor, and a wealth of wisdom, Humphrey narrates his experiences as the class pet of Room 26. Against this backdrop of school life, Birney touches on important themes... Read The World According to Humphrey Summary


Publication year 2024Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Family, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Self DiscoveryTags Modern Classic Fiction, Humor, Romance

Publication year 2015Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Friendship, Society: EducationTags Humor, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Action / Adventure

Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Society: Community, Self Discovery, Relationships: Family, Relationships: FriendshipTags Romance, Humor, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Love / Sexuality, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2014Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Identity: Sexuality, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Society: EducationTags LGBTQ, Humor, Self Help, Love / Sexuality

Publication year 2009Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Marriage, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Humor, Psychological Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2003Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance

Three Wishes (2003) is the debut novel by Australian author Liane Moriarty. Categorized as British and Irish humor and satire, the novel immediately became a New York Times Bestseller. The tone of Three Wishes is generally light and funny, despite its serious issues of adultery, divorce, abusive romantic partners, and the complications of pregnancy. The story is told from the limited third-person perspective of the sisters and the first-person perspective of several anonymous observers. The... Read Three Wishes Summary


Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Marriage, Relationships: SiblingsTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Identity: SexualityTags LGBTQ, Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 1602Genre Play, FictionTags Classic Fiction, Elizabethan Era, Humor, Education, Education, Romance

Exploring themes of love, gender, and identity, William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, or What You Will was first performed in England in 1602 and first published in 1623 after Shakespeare’s death. Twelfth Night takes its title from the twelfth night of Christmas, a raucous holiday marked with feasting and entertainment. The subtitle What You Will refers to freedom or a lack of restriction. This guide refers to the Folger Shakespeare Library edition of the text. Plot Summary The... Read Twelfth Night Summary


Publication year 1594Genre Play, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Society: Class, Relationships: FriendshipTags Play: Comedy / Satire, Classic Fiction, British Literature, Humor, Drama / Tragedy, Romance

Two Gentlemen of Verona is a romantic comedy generally assumed to be the first play written by William Shakespeare. It was likely written between 1587 and 1593, though the exact date of composition is unknown. The play describes the fallout that ensues when two young men (one of whom is engaged) fall in love with the same woman. Important themes in the play include The Restrictions of Courtly Love for Women, The Fickle Nature of... Read Two Gentlemen of Verona Summary


Publication year 1896Genre Play, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: MusicTags Humor, Play: Comedy / Satire, Absurdism, French Literature, Education, Education, Drama / Tragedy, History: World, Classic Fiction

Ubu Roi, a play by Alfred Jarry, debuted in Paris in December 1896. The play’s opening night at the Théâtrede l’Oeuvre was also its closing night, as a commotion—often described as a “riot”—broke out amongst the audience, who were accustomed to naturalist theatre and were horrified by the play’s shocking and crude nature. Nonetheless, the play has gone on to be seen as a deeply-influential work of theatre, and is cited as one of the precursors to modernism and... Read Ubu Roi Summary


Publication year 2012Genre Novel, FictionTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Ungifted is a 2012 novel for children written by Gordon Korman and is the recipient of the 2014 Red Cedar Award. Narrated from multiple perspectives, the story follows Donovan Curtis, an average student at Hardcastle Middle School who is accidentally sent to an academy for gifted kids. It chronicles the characters’ growth and change as they learn to balance intellectual achievement with experience and social engagement.Donovan is a prankster who struggles to control his impulses... Read Ungifted Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Society: Community, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Identity: Mental Health, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Life/Time: The Past, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Environment, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: SiblingsTags Magical Realism, Humor, Animals, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Fantasy

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Natural World: Animals, Emotions/Behavior: LonelinessTags Realistic Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Humor, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2015Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Natural World: Animals, Society: CommunityTags Children's Literature, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Humor, Magical Realism, Animals

Publication year 1992Genre Poem, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Values/Ideas: Win & LoseTags Lyric Poem, Humor, Holidays & Occasions, Relationships

Publication year 1994Genre Poem, FictionTags Lyric Poem, Humor, Arts / Culture

Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Relationships: Mothers, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2015Genre Play, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Identity: Language, Identity: Race, Life/Time: The Future, Life/Time: The Past, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Society: Education, Society: Immigration, Society: Nation, Society: War, Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Music, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Trust & DoubtTags Historical Fiction, Romance, Play: Drama, Play: Comedy / Satire, Education, Education, History: World, Drama / Tragedy, Humor

Publication year 1930Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Class, Society: Economics, Society: WarTags Satire, Classic Fiction, Humor, British Literature, Historical Fiction, History: World

Publication year 1936Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: War, Society: Politics & Government, Emotions/Behavior: ConflictTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Classic Fiction, Fantasy, Humor, Military / War, History: World

Publication year 1989Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Friendship, Society: EducationTags Children's Literature, Education, Education, Fantasy, Humor

Publication year 1999Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Relationships: GrandparentsTags Humor, Education, Education, Southern Literature

Tim Gautreaux’s “Welding with Children” debuted in the March 1997 issue of The Atlantic. Gautreaux was born in Louisiana, and his novels and short stories, like this one, draw from his experience of growing up in a Southern, blue-collar family. His characters include a range of rural Louisiana residents, many of whom struggle with societal and generational changes. Gautreaux has received numerous awards, most notably the 1999 Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) Book Award for... Read Welding with Children Summary


Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Natural World: Space & The UniverseTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Humor, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature

Publication year 2014Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Identity: DisabilityTags Humor, Inspirational, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Romance, Disability, LGBTQ, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Biography

Josh Sundquist is a cancer survivor, Paralympic ski racer, motivational speaker, and stand-up comedian. Sundquist’s memoir Just Don't Fall: How I Grew Up, Conquered Illness, and Made It Down the Mountain was published in 2010 and became a national bestseller. While his first memoir showed how he was able to overcome health challenges to become a sporting hero, his second book We Should Hang Out Sometime: Embarrassingly, a True Story (2014) deals with the most... Read We Should Hang Out Sometime: Embarassingly, A True Story Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Natural World: Climate, Natural World: Environment, Natural World: Flora/plants, Natural World: Food, Natural World: Objects, Natural World: Place, Natural World: Space & The Universe, Society: Education, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Values/Ideas: Science & TechnologyTags Science / Nature, Humor, History: World

Publication year 2014Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Science & TechnologyTags Science / Nature, Humor, Education, Education

Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Friendship, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: ArtTags Children's Literature, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Fantasy, Magical Realism

Publication year 2002Genre Poem, FictionThemes Society: EducationTags Spoken Word Poetry, Free verse, Education, Education, Humor

Publication year 2012Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: MothersTags Humor, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

Where’d You Go, Bernadette, published in 2012, is the second novel by Maria Semple, a former television writer who worked on shows such as Mad About You and Arrested Development. A bestseller praised by numerous critics as one of the best books of the year, Where’d You Go, Bernadette is a fast-paced comic novel with a complex narrative structure. The book follows an epistolary format, meaning the text is largely composed of letters, emails, and... Read Where'd You Go, Bernadette Summary


Publication year 2000Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: The Future, Values/Ideas: FateTags British Literature, Humor, Modern Classic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classic Fiction

White Teeth is an award-winning novel by Zadie Smith, published in 2000. The novel, which was developed into a four-part miniseries for British audiences in 2002, follows two men from different backgrounds who meet and become friends during World War II.Plot SummaryWhite Teeth opens on New Year’s Day, 1975, with the attempted suicide of a middle-aged Englishman named Archie Jones. Following his failed marriage, and in despairing of his generally mundane existence, Archie flipped a... Read White Teeth Summary


Publication year 1941Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Society: ClassTags Southern Literature, Race / Racism, Southern Gothic, Education, Education, History: U.S., History: World, Historical Fiction, Humor, Classic Fiction

“Why I Live at the P.O.” is a short story written in 1941 by Eudora Welty, an author and photographer from the American South. The story’s narrator, Sister, narrates her family’s reaction as her sister, Stella-Rondo, leaves her husband and returns to the family’s home in China Grove, Mississippi, surprising her family with a young child in tow. As conflict unfolds among the family members, Sister moves into the post office where she works, seeking... Read Why I Live at the P.O. Summary


Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Identity: Sexuality, Identity: Masculinity, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, LGBTQ, Bullying, Sports, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance

Winger is a young adult novel written by American author Andrew Smith and first published in 2013. It belongs to the genre of contemporary early 21st century teen fiction and garnered recognition from the American Library Association (ALA), Publishers Weekly, and the Junior Library Guild. Because of Winger’s storyline involving LGBTQIA+ issues, it was also chosen as part of the ALA’s 2014 Rainbow List in 2014, made up of books for children and young adults... Read Winger Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionThemes Self Discovery, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Relationships: FriendshipTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Health / Medicine, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self DiscoveryTags Romance, Fantasy, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Humor

Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: FearTags Fantasy, Animals, Action / Adventure, Humor, Children's Literature

Publication year 2020Genre Essay Collection, NonfictionThemes Society: ClassTags Humor, LGBTQ, Diversity, Gender / Feminism, Love / Sexuality, Biography

Publication year 1973Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Identity: Masculinity, Society: ColonialismTags Heinemann African Writers, Satire, Realistic Fiction, Allegory / Fable / Parable, Class, History: African , Politics / Government, Love / Sexuality, Colonialism / Postcolonialism, Humor, African American Literature, Historical Fiction, Classic Fiction

Xala: A Novel was written by the Senegalese writer and filmmaker Ousmane Sembène. The satirical work was originally published in France in 1974 and released in the United States in 1976. In 1975, it was adapted into a film directed by Sembène. The postcolonial novel deals with the aftermath of Senegal’s formal independence from France on August 20, 1960—two years after the country had become a republic. Senegal celebrates its Independence Day on April 4... Read Xala Summary


Publication year 2007Genre Play, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Art, Society: ImmigrationTags Play: Drama, Play: Comedy / Satire, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Race / Racism, Politics / Government, Education, Education, Asian Literature, Drama / Tragedy, Humor

Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Values/Ideas: Trust & DoubtTags Romance, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness, Humor

Publication year 2009Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Environment, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor, Animals, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction