Around The World In Books

Several years ago, as a high school English teacher, I taught a class of 10^th grade honors students. At that time, the focus for 10^th grade was World Literature. In addition to following our set curriculum, I required my students choose a book from around the world every quarter which – after reading – they would either present or write an essay. I provided them with a list of books – one from each continent (they could also propose their own book with my approval). I tried to vary the list to cover several reading levels and student interests and also encourage them to find other books that expanded their world vision. 10 years ago, here is what my list looked like:

• Asia – The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini
• Africa – The Poisonwood Bible: A Novel, Barbara Kingsolver
• North America – Into the Wild, Jon Krakauer
• South America – In the Time of the Butterflies, Julia Alverez
• Antarctica – Ice Bound: A Doctor’s Incredible Battle For Survival at the South Pole, Jerri Neilson and Mary Anne Vollers
• Australia – Mutant Message Down Under, Marlo Morgan
• Europe – Maus: A Survivor’s Tale, Art Spiegelman

Have you read any or all of these? What books would you recommend from each continent today? Please share in the comments and Happy Read Across America Day here in the U.S.!