Themed Book Lists
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Book Recommendations by Theme are listed here in order to help teachers, book club organizers, and other readers find books organized around a common principle, or big idea. If you want to discuss an important concept or theme through the lens of different books, these lists might help you find titles to help you begin those discussions. Happy reading!
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Theme Categories
Please choose a book theme category below to find specific titles for each theme.
Some theme sub-categories may overlap, and you may also find useful book selections on the Book Lists by Topic pages.
Some theme sub-categories may overlap, and you may also find useful book selections on the Book Lists by Topic pages.
Themes Relating to Self:
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Growing up, Coming of Age
Identity, Defining Yourself |
Believing in Yourself, Self-Confidence
Finding What Matters Most, Self-Awareness |
Book Themes - Families:
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Finding a Family, Building a Family
Supporting / Investing in Your Family How Families Function |
Separation of Family
Family Expectations, Duty |
Themes Relating to Education
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School Systems, How Schools Work
School Relationships, School Groups |
Importance of Learning
Value of Different Ideas and Thinking Skills |
Themes Related to Nature and the Environment
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Advocacy for Animals / The Environment
The Value of Nature |
Humans vs. Nature - direct conflict
Humans Modifying Nature |
Themes About Social Interactions, Relating to Others
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Fitting In vs. Standing Out
Isolation vs. Connection Social Mobility; Reversal of Fortune Selfishness vs. Selflessness, Thinking of Others Taking Action to Help Others |
Changing Perspectives
Teamwork, Friendship The Power of Love Popularity, Celebrity Communities Coming Together |
Themes About Society
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Technology in Society, The Nature of Progress
Dystopian Worlds Laws, Politics, Conspiracy War; Conflict Between Groups |
Tradition and Change
Chaos and Order; Structure and Unpredictability Perception vs. Reality |
Themes Related to Prejudice, Stereotypes, and Discrimination
Racism, Women, Low-Income, LGBTQ, Religion
Themes Related to Overcoming Obstacles
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Loss of Someone Important
Health or Injury Economic Hardship |
Lack of Freedom - Captivity, Imprisonment, Abuse of Power
Standing Up to Someone |
Themes Related to Doing What is Right Even When It Isn't Easy
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Hard Work in Pursuit of a Goal; Work Ethic
Speaking Out, Resisting Injustice (Even When Consequences Can Be Severe) |
Courage, Heroism
Telling the Truth, Honesty Duty, Taking Responsibility |
Themes Related to Other Values and Conflicts
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Good vs. Evil
Optimism, Hope Loyalty, Betrayal, Trust Redemption, Forgiveness Faith, Spiritual Beliefs |
Claiming Autonomy, Finding Agency,
Independence from Power Exploring New Things |
