Young Adult Literature Lesson Plans

Seventh graders examine the themes that recur in young adult literature. They will complete a pre-assessment that shows their knowledge of theme in contemporary television, movies, and books. They then learn the associated vocabulary and read literature from an assigned list to develop their understanding of theme. In the end, they will take a post-assessment.

Working in groups, middle schoolers read young adult literature focusing on the points of views of characters experiencing ntolerance and prejudice. They maintain reading journals and meet periodically to discuss their reactions to their reading. When they finish their books, they design a website that includes a summary of the book, author information, a story map, a diagram showing the relationship among characters, and links to related websites.

Eighth graders explore common symbols recurring in literature that relate to issues of adolescence and maturation. In this symbol analysis lesson, 8th graders review symbols in magazines, newspapers, or television. Students read a literary selection to tab the text where they find symbols. Students complete the related worksheets and write a paragraph for each selection from the reading plan.

Students present information about an author of young adult literature using a HyperStudio stack.

Young scholars explore the ways symbolism is used and develop skill in identifying and relating symbols used in literature. They focus on the common symbols of adolescence and maturation by doing independent reading and teacher conferences, small group discussions, and literature circles in this two week mini-unit.

Seventh graders review the concept of theme and explore common themes found in literature dealing with issues of adolescence. In the Post Assessment, 7th graders respond to a series of self-selected readings by identifying themes and the details which support and develop them.

Eighth graders are introduced to Chinese language and culture to make Asian reading selections in literature circles more meaningful. They write about Chinese characters, work on oral speaking, and read Asian books and then have discussions on them.

This story is bound to motivate your class. Learners read a story called Elena by Diane Stanley. The story is about a young woman who marries for love, but is soon widowed during the Mexican Revolution. She takes her children to California where she starts a new life. This instructional activity provides comprehension questions, literary analysis experiences, and a writing exercise.

Students research nominees for Utah's Beehive Literature Awards for young adults.

Students research information about the Michael L. Printz Awards which are given to outstanding young adult novels.