OBJECTIVES:

Participants will:

• examine and read young adult literature for the following: genres, analyzing themes, real-world connections, multiple perspectives, problem-solving, and personal experiences.
• independently read two selected young adult novels.
• answer online discussion questions.
• reflect upon other participants discussion question answers.
• complete online assessments at various points in the course.

TEXT:

Young adult novels available at schools, public libraries, book stores, and Amazon.

• Character, Driven: A Novel by David Lubar (ISBN: 978-0-7653-1633-2) Amazon Link

(This novel is high school young adult literature and contains mature language and scenes – DO NOT REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE IF YOU WILL BE OFFENDED/UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THIS WRITING STYLE!)

With only one year left of high school, seventeen-year-old Cliff Sparks is desperate to find a girlfriend and "come of age." But he's never had much luck with girls. So when he falls for Jillian, a new classmate, at first sight, all he can do is worship her from afar. At the same time, Cliff has to figure out what to do with the rest of his life, since he's pretty sure his unemployed father plans to kick him out of the house the minute he turns eighteen. Time is running out. Cliff is at the edge, on the verge, dangling―and holding on for dear life.

• Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt (ISBN: 978-0-544-46222-9) Amazon Link

The two-time Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt delivers the shattering story of Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never seen his daughter, Jupiter. After spending time in a juvenile facility, he’s placed with a foster family on a farm in rural Maine. Here Joseph, damaged and withdrawn, meets twelve-year-old Jack, who narrates the account of the troubled, passionate teen who wants to find his baby at any cost. In this riveting novel, two boys discover the true meaning of family and the sacrifices it requires.

"THESE ARE THE BEST INTERNET CLASSES I'VE EVER TAKEN. KEEP THEM AS THEY ARE."

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"GREAT LITERATURE FROM A GREAT INSTRUCTOR."

"CLASS IS INTERESTING, WORTHWHILE & WELL ORGANIZED."

"A GOOD MIX OF BOOKS WE GOT TO READ!"

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"VERY APPLICABLE FOR USE IN THE CLASSROOM."

"SHANNON TOOK THE TIME TO RESPOND TO EVERY REFLECTION THAT WAS ASSIGNED."

"I LOVE READING AND ANYONE WHO ENJOYS READING WOULD ENJOY TAKING ANY OF THE EXAMINING YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE COURSES."