ELA Curriculum

New Beginnings – Science Fiction 

• Focus: Fresh starts, futuristic worlds, and the possibilities of technology.
• Suggested Reads: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.
• Why it fits: Start the year with a genre that explores new beginnings and challenges in futuristic settings, reflecting on the potential for change and transformation.

2026 List

• Names/Nombres by Julia Alvarez

Love and Loyalty – Romance

• Focus: Relationships, love, and devotion in all forms.
• Suggested Reads: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.
• Why it fits: February is the month of love, and romance novels can offer a range of emotional connections, from passionate love to the bonds of loyalty and friendship.

2026 List

Personal Growth – Fantasy

• Focus: Transformation, self-discovery, and journeys to find one's true potential.
• Suggested Reads: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, Eragon by Christopher Paolini.
• Why it fits: Fantasy offers characters who grow through magical and life-changing experiences, which can symbolize personal development and new beginnings.

2026 List

Nature and Renewal – Poetry

• Focus: The beauty and power of the natural world, cycles of life, and the theme of renewal.
• Suggested Reads: The Poetry of Robert Frost, Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman, Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur.
• Why it fits: Poetry is perfect for reflecting on the themes of spring, renewal, and the beauty of nature. April, with its seasonal changes, is ideal for this genre.

2026 List

Courage and Adventure – Historical Fiction 

• Focus: Brave individuals in critical moments of history, exploring the past to find inspiration.
• Suggested Reads: All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.
• Why it fits: May is often seen as a time for reflection on sacrifice and bravery, making historical fiction a great genre for exploring the courage of individuals in historical moments.

2026 List

Focus Skills: Reading, Grammar/Punctuation, Writing, Phonics/Roots

Freedom and Rebellion – Dystopian Fiction

• Focus: Rebellion, freedom, and fighting against oppressive systems.
• Suggested Reads: 1984 by George Orwell, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, The Giver by Lois Lowry.
• Why it fits: June, with its sense of summer freedom, pairs well with dystopian fiction, where characters often fight for personal or societal freedom against a controlling force.

Extensive List:

• 2BRO2B by Kurt Vonnegut
• Frost and Fire by Ray Bradbury
• Harrison Bergeron by Kury Vonnegut
• "Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman
• The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
• The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster
• The Minority Report by Philip K. Dick
• The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin
• The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury
• We Ate the Children Last by Yann Martel
• Examination Day by Henry Slesar
• The Veldt by Ray Bradbury
• Amnesty by Octavia E. Butler
• The Perfect Match by Ken Liu
• When We Went to See the End of the World by Robert Silverberg
• Bread and Roses by Ariel Dorfman

Focus Skills: Reading, Grammar/Punctuation, Writing, Phonics/Roots

• Allegory, Theme, Irony, Setting, Symbolism, Conflict
• Contractions vs Apostrophes
• Sequence
• Negative/Contrast Prefixes, Power related roots

2025

Friendship and Loyalty – Graphic Novels

• Focus: Friendships, loyalty, and overcoming obstacles together.
• Suggested Reads: Smile by Raina Telgemeier, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson.
• Why it fits: Graphic novels are a dynamic and engaging way to explore stories of friendship, loyalty, and coming of age, perfect for the summer months when relationships are often strengthened.

2025 List (

Hope and Resilience – Nonfiction

• Focus: True stories of hope, perseverance, and triumph over adversity.
• Suggested Reads: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, Educated by Tara Westover, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.
• Why it fits: August can be a time to reflect on personal resilience and growth, and nonfiction accounts of real-life challenges can provide inspiration and perspective.

2025 List

Knowledge and Discover – Mystery/Thriller

• Focus: Seeking truth, uncovering secrets, and the thrill of discovery.
• Suggested Reads: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
• Why it fits: With the school year starting, September is a perfect time for books that require curiosity, puzzle-solving, and investigation, pushing students to discover answers.

2025 List

Fear and the Unknown – Horror

• Focus: Facing fears, the supernatural, and psychological thrills.
• Suggested Reads: The Shining by Stephen King, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
• Why it fits: October, with Halloween around the corner, is the perfect time for horror fiction, which can explore fear and the unknown in thrilling and suspenseful ways.

2025 List

Family and Legacy – Literary Fiction

• Focus: Complex family relationships, generational stories, and personal legacies.
• Suggested Reads: The Godfather by Mario Puzo, One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan.
• Why it fits: November, a time for family gatherings, pairs well with literary fiction that delves into the intricacies of family dynamics, legacy, and the impact of heritage.

2025 List

Reflection and Gratitude – Biographies

• Focus: Real-life stories of individuals who made a lasting impact, exploring their journeys.
• Suggested Reads: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, Becoming by Michelle Obama.
• Why it fits: December is often a time for reflection on the year past and giving thanks, making it a great month to read biographies about influential figures who have shaped the world.

2025 List