unit one: reading analytically across genres, themes, archetypes and allusions

In the first unit of study, students will learn what reading logs look like in grade 8 (and how to graduate to no reading logs in trimester two), focus on methods of finding themes and writing about them, and work on understanding and locating archetypes and allusions in texts.

Unit two: Fantasy and DystopiaUnit 

This is traditionally a favorite unit for students.  In this unit, they are asked to read fantasy and/or dystopian (opposite of Utopian) novels and try to decipher what the author is saying about the real world through his dystopian or fantastical world.  ​

Unit Three: Literary Essay
​writing about themes and author's craft

Students will learn how to write an organized, well supported, fluent essay about a theme and/or use of a craft move by an author.