Dear users,

This year Leipzig University held its annual “Tag der Lehre” online: On June 24, people could once again explore the highlights of digital teaching and Lit4School was finally part of it. You can find our presentation within Leipzig University’s online documentation of the event – simply scroll down to “Rundgang 2” or directly search for Lit4School after clicking the link. We are especially proud that we can finally present the new design we have been working on and which you can experience shortly.

So stay tuned!

The editors

Dear users,

World Refugee Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the millions of refugees worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, war and conflict. For readers wanting to delve into different points of view, we recommend the novels “Refugee Boy” by Benjamin Zephaniah or “Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence” by Doris Pilkington. For a shorter text, the poem “We Refugees” by Benjamin Zephaniah shares with vivid imagery how each and every one of us can become a refugee.

Let us keep all those affected by persecution and conflict in their home countries in our hearts and minds.

The editors

Dear users,

After spending more than a year collecting written works for you, we now want to dive into the realm of films with you. Movies and series both have a powerful potential to stimulate your English-learning process. That is why from now on, we will be collecting the most beneficial films we can think of and again ask you for your help: Is there an English-speaking movie which stands out for you? One which kickstarted your English progess? A topic which kept you thinking for days on end? If so, please share your suggestion with us, so that future generations of English learners will have a variety of movies to help them improve.

Have fun exploring!

The editors

Dear users,

Whether through J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, W. Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream or the elves in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Ring Series, fairies create magical moments in literature.

On the occasion of the International Fairy Day share your favorite magical moment in literature and send us your suggestions.

Sarah

Dear users,

Currently and until June 11, 8 pm Berlin time, you can watch a recording of The Old Vic’s performance of A Monster Calls – a story by Patrick Ness about suffering, isolation, self-awareness, family and growing up. The experience of one of London’s finest theatres is just one click away, enjoy!

Rico

Dear users,

Sometimes literature can help us come to grips with painful truths and hard times. Sometimes a story can make us see the perspective of another person and help us do the tiniest of steps in someone else’s shoes. One of the books that made me stop and think of my priveleged life is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee from 1960 – both presenting the trap that is racism and at the same time showcasing the strength of people speaking up to it. If you are still looking for a summer read and so far have missed this classic, maybe now is the time to give it a try. If you prefer a more recent depiction, have a look at The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas from 2017.

For change to happen, we need to understand the need for change first. And if you have a literary story in mind that people should know of, help us spread the word and suggest it.

Stay safe,

Rico

Dear users,

Although current events have put climate change on the back burner, International Environment Day can still help reminding us about the importance of appreciating and saving our planet.

On this occasion share your favorite eco-critical sources, send us your suggestions and take a look at our entry Saving Tally for a heart-warming story about a little turtle that has a run-in with some trash floating in the ocean!

The editors

Dear users,

Our instagram account is now online and will keep you updated about recently added texts and media, new features and blog posts.

Follow us and stay tuned,

The editors

Dear users,

If you are looking for hints of literature in ‘real life’ outside the boundaries of book covers, you may have come across ‘Towel Day‘ – a wondrous realm and tradition of book lovers: Every May 25, readers all around the globe carry a towl with them in praise of Douglas Adam’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1978). It serves as a reminder that reading not only has the power to lift your mood, but also to calm your thoughts. “Don’t panic”, keep calm and read on.

Rico

Dear users,

We proudly announce, that Lit4School hosts over 100 texts for the EFL classroom. Thank you for your patience, suggestions, and participation that made our network grow.

We will continue to add new texts, media, and features soon.

Stay tuned, updated and safe.

The editors