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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
This book follows the story of a young girl whose father (a lawyer) takes on a case defending an African American man (Tom Robinson) who was falsely accused of rape by a white woman in the neighborhood. The story takes place in the 1930’s in which there was extreme prejudice against both African Americans and women. This is an important part of contemporary American history because it brought attention to an issue the nation was facing and it has become a household name. -
"The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster
This book tells the story of Milo, a boy who finds his existence incredibly dull and is looking for a sense of excitement. He finds a tollbooth which leads him on a fantastical adventure. When first published, this book was not received as well as hoped. People thought it to be too advanced for children and that the fantasy nature would disorient them. However this book later became a staple in any avid reader’s library, making it an important part of American history. -
"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle
This book tells the story of a young girl, Meg Murray, and her eccentric younger brother, Charles Wallace, search for their father after his disappearance. They meet three “witches”, Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which. They guide the children on their journey. For those who have read this book have felt its lasting effect. -
"The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton
This book tells the story of Ponyboy, a 16 year old boy, and the gang he is affiliated with. It describes the social differences that were shaping their community at the time. S.E. Hinton, who was 16 when she started the book, wrote based on her own experiences. This is what makes it an important part of contemporary American History. It showed a glimpse of the social differences of the time. -
"From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
This book tells the story of a twelve year old girl and her younger brother run away from their house to live in a museum. While they are there, mysterious things start to happen. This book was awarded two Newbery Medals, this book is a must read. -
"Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson
This book talks about a young boy who loves to run and a girl who moves in across the street. They form a friendship and build a society behind the creek in their backyards. This book is important to contemporary american history because of its nearly constant appearances on banned book lists. -
"The Giver" by Lois Lowery
This story follows Jonas, a twelve year old boy living in a dystopian society in which families live in units of a mother, a father, a son, and a daughter. Families are assigned and you never know your real mother. Most knowledge is retained from the people in the society. This book introduces ideas that make you think about the consequences of every choice you make in your life. Making it an influential part of contemporary American history. -
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky
In this book we follow 15 year old Charlie through his freshman year of high school. Written in the form of letters, we are able to see into all aspects of Charlie’s life as he tries to find his place in the world. This book highlights the ups and downs of teenagedom. This book is something I believe all teens should read, making it an important part of contemporary American history. -
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusask
In this book, we learn about a young girl in WWII and her love of books told from the perspective of death. This is a book that everyone should take a chance to read. It describes events of WWII in the context of a fictional city while still giving accurate descriptions. These reasons make it an important part of contemporary American history. -
"Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher
Thirteen Reasons Why tells the story of a highschooler, Clay Jensen, who receives a package of cassette tapes from a peer who had killed herself detailing her reasons why. I believe this story is important because it draws attention and creates conversations towards topics that are typically considered taboo. Such as teen suicide, drug use, and rape.