SEC: Target: Booktalk suggestions needed

[Jody Gerlock <Jody_Gerlock@pds.k12.nj.us>]

Folks,
Once again I need your expert advice. I'm preparing two mini booktalks for
two different high school groups and would like to have your suggestions.
I'll describe what the teacher has asked for and then, if you have a minute,
make a suggestion or two and give me a synopsis or a few lines telling me why
that selection fits the theme. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!!

1) 9th grade. Theme: journey, coming of age, fairy tale, or mythology (we
want fiction here). They've already done Into the Woods, Catcher in the rye,
and will be doing Grapes of Wrath, Othello, Master Harold and the Boys.
Teacher wants them to leave for the Thanksgiving break with some ideas for
independent reading. I've got an old list from another teacher, but would
hate to be missing anything you think would be really terrific for this age
group. Keep in mind we have very high level, high caliber students here with
high reading levels (we're a private school and are pretty selective).

2)11-12th grade. Psych. lit course. (want any genre, not just fiction).
Theme: Anything involving a deviant personality, abnormal or dysfunctional (I
know, I know, you can "psychologically interpret" just about anything into
any book these days, but try! This is the tougher one for me). They've
already done Crime and Punishment, The Bell Jar and some Sam Shepherd. They
will be doing Yellow Wallpaper, Equus, Like water for chocolate. Any
non-fiction? bios? poets come to mind?  Thanks all! You're wonderful!

Respond to:
Jody_Gerlock@pds.k12.nj.us