Book Ideas for Grade 9 and Grade 10 students I have just started doing some private tutoring with two students - a Grade 9 boy and a Grade 10 girl to...

I find that
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a big hit with students in early high
school and middle school. Both boys and girls can relate to the rebellious characters in the
story. Ponyboy's coming of age plot is a real draw for girls, while boys enjoy reading about the
trouble that the gangs get themselves into. The novel also provides an opportunity for great
discussions about the 1950's-60's, parenting, gangs, families, etc. I taught The
Outsiders to a group of 9th and 10th grade students in summer school who boasted
after the two week session that The Outsiders was the first book they
actually read and enjoyed.