Writers Who Changed the World

John Steinbeck's novels, including The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden, have been read by students around the world, and they often provide a strong starting point for learning about the devastating effects of the Great Depression. This connection between history and literature is waiting for readers to discover as they take in the fascinating details of Steinbeck's life and closely examine one of his most famous works, Of Mice and Men. Featuring enlightening sidebars, primary source images, and graphic organizers such as detailed timelines, this reading experience is sure to captivate young literature lovers.

George Orwell's 1984 had a major impact on the world when it was first released, and its themes of government surveillance, the threat of totalitarianism, and the suppression of information continue to resonate today. As readers are introduced to this novel and Orwell's other groundbreaking works of literature, including Animal Farm, they explore the many ways literature reflects the past and can help shape the future. Biographical details are presented through engaging main text, primary source images, and graphic organizers. Sidebars help readers closely analyze Orwell's work and think critically about how his themes are still relevant today.

For more than 70 years, the words of Anne Frank have inspired young people to believe that their voices have power. This essential guide to the life and writing of Anne Frank combines biographical details, primary source images, and accessible literary analysis to create an unforgettable reading experience. The engaging design features timelines and graphic organizers, which encourage readers to look at literature in a fresh way. As readers discover the historical context behind The Diary of a Young Girl and its impact on future generations, they deepen their understanding of the ways history, current events, and literature are connected.

Alice Walker's The Color Purple was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and is considered one of the most influential works of modern African American fiction. Readers discover the lasting impact of this novel and Walker's other works as they explore this captivating guide to the life of a literary giant. Historical and biographical context is presented through informative main text, engaging sidebars, and design elements that include timelines and primary source images. Readers are then able to use this context to analyze Walker's work, which is introduced to them in an accessible way that strengthens essential language arts skills.

Charles Dickens often wrote about the social problems of 19th-century England, such as child labor, poverty, and crime. By shedding a light on these issues through popular works of literature, he helped create change. Readers explore this connection between history, social issues, and literature as they examine the details of Dickens's life and literary career through engaging main text, fact-filled sidebars, graphic organizers, and historical images. Readers are also given a close look at one of Dickens's most famous works, Oliver Twist. They are encouraged to think critically about how his words may have changed the world.

Jane Austen's novels have inspired readers for centuries, and modern adaptations continue to captivate audiences today. While all of Austen's works have legions of fans, she's best known as the author of one of literature's great love stories: Pride and Prejudice. However, this novel is far more than a romance, and readers discover this as they're introduced to the sharp social commentary Austen presented in her writing. Complete with primary sources, graphic organizers, and detailed sidebars, this inside look at Austen's life is sure to inspire the next generation of fans.