Description:

In this class, students will have great conversations about books!  They will unlock meaning to stories by developing the practice of noticing.  In particular, we will be noticing literary patterns and universal images that authors use to convey meaning beyond the words on the page. We will also regularly converse about universal themes that we see running through our book selections, knowing that these primary themes are addressed in every time and in every culture as echos of truth that point to how God designed the universe. Becoming familiar with these patterns, images, and themes opens a new world of meaning to students and can change the way they experience their literary lives. 

Students will be asked to read about 100 pages per week. Most weeks will have optional extra reading that coordinates with the pattern or image discussed in class. Any written work in this class will be minimal and will be assigned only to help the student come to class prepared with something to share in discussion.

Students need to be able to read at a fifth-grade level unless parents are willing to read the homework aloud at home. Audio books are another viable option if a text is found challenging.  Note: A number of the selected books list fifth grade as the lower end of the range of the book.