Fantasy

School for Good and Evil

What stood out to me and I liked most about this book is how it challenges the traditional idea of “good” and “evil” instead of just reinforcing it. I feel like Sophie’s constant desire to be thought of as “good” is relatable and realistic, especially for students who could feel pressure to fit into a certain image.
Lesson Idea: Students can challenge the concepts of good and evil in writing
Author Website: Soman Chainani / Instagram

 

Harry Potter

Harry Potter books have the ability to transport you into the wizarding world. The books in the series can help teach the reader perseverance, determination, bravery, and the value of friendships and family. My favorite character is Hermione because even though she belongs in the wizarding world, she is different because of her family, which I think many students could relate to. 
Lesson Idea: Students can do character trait charts on the characters or create their own spells.
Author Website: J.K. Rowling / Twitter

YouTube: Read Aloud

The Chronicles of Narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia is such an imaginative book and explores good versus evil in a way students understand. The characters, especially Edmund, show growth and redemption. Edmund is both my favorite and least favorite character in the story. His disregard for some of the decisions he makes makes him not a favorite, but his redemption and character development gives him points. Because of some of the situations the children get themselves into, I would probably recommend this book for 3rd-4th grade and up.
Lesson Idea: Students can analyze the themes of good and evil from the story
Author Website: C.S. Lewis 

YouTube: Read Aloud

How to Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon has a special place in my heart. Hiccup not fitting the stereotypical vision of a hero is what makes the story for me, letting students know that anyone can be a hero. Toothless is my favorite dragon of the story because he reminds me a lot of my dog.
Lesson Idea: Students can design their own dragons. Students can write the traits that makes a good leader.
Author Website: Cressida Cowell / Instagram

YouTube: Read Aloud

Witchlings

I feel like a lot of students can relate to Seven, mainly with the fact that she struggles to fit in and finding her identity, and because of this, she is my favorite character. The friendships in the book show growth, trust, and helps to show the reader that your support system is a great asset when facing challenges. 
Lesson Idea: Students can create their own fictional coven in writing. Students can create a character development chart for Seven and use it throughout the story.
Author Website: Claribel A. Ortega / Instagram 

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