<p>A couple of comments, I kind of object to the term “sub-regular” to the point I almost don’t want to provide suggestions. Also, Speak isn’t “just another discrimination book” neither are Stargirl or Diary of a Part-Time Indian. All three are wonderful books, but for different readers. Stargirl wouldn’t be a good high school book, it is enjoyed more by 7th graders. Speak is a great book for high school. Part-Time Indian is funny and touching and many kids who do deal with their own racial/ethnic identity will enjoy it…but it is far beyond “another discrimination book”</p>
<p>Yes, I am kind of ranting, but wonder if OP enjoys reading and why she/he was picked to be part of this committee?</p>
<p>I second “Hunger Games”. Also suggest “Twisted” (by Anderson who happens to have written Speak), “Chew on This” a non-fiction book that has been used in other “school wide reading programs” Another great book, particularly if it will be read during the summer is “Dunk” by Lubar</p>
<p>^^ sorry if you feel offended… by “sub regular” I meant lower than the regular level classes. I was too lazy to explain that it included Lvl3 and 4 classes, lvl 2 and lvl 1 being regular and honors, respectively. Like I said I have a deep dislike of YA books like those, haha… mostly because they have no realistic characters; everyone’s a giant cliche. Fake drama and suspension of disbelief. Speak because the symbolism was so in your face, and the final scene where the protagonist suddenly fights an epic battle with the evil, evil antagonist, and the lacrosse team magically BURSTS IN WITH STICKS HELD HIGH! and save the day… nah. Stargirl because I was saddened by having to read it in 10th grade honors English. Part Time Indian does have the most depth out of them. But I was disappointed by the school choosing it last year because they wanted to teach kids a nice lesson and… our school district is named after native american tribes. Our class discussion started off with the teacher placing an indian head (of our mascot) in front of the room and asking what we thought of it. A nice funny book, better than the other two, but not something I would have chosen to get kids interested in reading. And with a higher reading level. I do enjoy reading!! Just with books that have some kind of depth.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the suggestions!! I have to take out all the ones that have SAT words in the first few pages of Amazon’s preview though… haha.</p>