This children’s novel problematises gender stereotyping, prejudice and homophobia. Dennis is a 12-year-old interested in both football and fashion – he enjoys dressing up as a girl (cross-dressing). One of those hobbies is accepted by his father as a suitable hobby for boys, the other is not. He struggles with his parents’ divorce, his father’s […]
These lines reinforce the value of inner beauty, female courage and self-confidence while scrutinising gender clichés and given social standards. The speaker presents herself not as pretty, cute or “built to fit a fashion model’s size” (line 2), but as strong, proud, mysterious, in one word: phenomenal. Rejecting gender stereotypes, the strong voice encourages and […]
Jonathan London’s Froggy Series follows Froggy the little frog, an eternal optimist with big plans – always ready to embark on a new adventure. In “Froggy Goes to School” the reader accompanies the main character on his first day in new surroundings.
In this verse novel about homelessness, friendship and the willingness to help, 16-year-old Billy runs away from his abusive father – he much rather lives in an old railroad carriage than at what used to be ‘home’. There he meets a man called Old Bill, an alcoholic, and Caitlin, a rich but deeply dissatisfied girl. […]
A teenage-detective novel on high school culture, identity conflicts, bullying and peer pressure. Hannah has committed suicide. Shortly after, her classmate Clay receives a package with a set of audio tapes. While Clay works his way through the tapes, the reasons for what happened to Hannah are revealed and he begins to see life at […]
Lit4School ist eine gemeinnützige Datenbank mit Literatur und Medien für den Deutsch- und Englischunterricht. Sie wurde von der Englisch-Abteilung des ZLS entwickelt und wird gemeinsam von Mitarbeitenden des ZLS, des Instituts für Germanistik und des Instituts für Anglistik herausgegeben.
This seminal book, published in 1963 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, remains as relevant and urgent today as it was over half a century ago. Baldwin’s prose confronts the racial injustice deeply embedded in American society. He explores themes of identity, religion, and the complex relationship between oppressor and oppressed with honesty and remarkable eloquence. His analysis of the intersection of race, religion, and American identity is both scathing and deeply compassionate.
At the heart of this anthology is the chilling titular story, “The Lottery,” which has haunted readers for generations with its shocking twist and powerful commentary on blind tradition. The collection delves into themes of conformity, isolation, and the capacity for cruelty that exists within ordinary people. Shirley Jackson’s keen eye for the subtleties of human behavior turns everyday scenarios into psychological minefields, where a casual conversation can suddenly veer into terrifying territory.
“How to Read Literature Like a Professor: For Kids” by Thomas C. Foster introduces young readers to the art of literary analysis. Foster takes young readers on an exciting journey through the world of literature, revealing the hidden layers and deeper meanings within stories. Using familiar examples from beloved children’s books and classic tales, he explains complex literary concepts in a way that’s both fun and easy to understand. Foster encourages young readers to think critically about the stories they encounter, helping them to see beyond the surface and discover the rich tapestry of meanings woven into great literature.
“The Way Home for Wolf” follows the journey of Wilf, a young wolf cub who is as headstrong as he is adorable. The story begins as Wilf’s wolf pack decides to leave their home in search of better hunting grounds. Confident in his abilities, Wilf insists he doesn’t need anyone’s help. However, when a blizzard separates him from his family, the young wolf finds himself lost in the wilderness. “The Way Home for Wolf” is a tale about growing up and learning to rely on others. It gently teaches children that independence is admirable, but there’s also strength in accepting support when needed.
“The Whale Who Wanted More” follows the adventures of Humphrey, a whale with an insatiable appetite for new experiences. Humphrey swims through the ocean, constantly searching for something to fill a mysterious emptiness he feels inside. He tries various activities and collects an assortment of treasures, but nothing seems to satisfy his longing. The book addresses themes of materialism and the search for fulfillment in a way that’s accessible to young children. It gently encourages readers to look beyond material possessions and find joy in relationships and experiences.