The Proposed Classic 1
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Themes:
- The importance of a strong work ethic
- The importance of moral development
- Surpassing gender Stereotypes.
The Proposed Alternative 1
Homecoming by Cynthia Voigt (1977)
Theme Connector:
Homecoming, the story of the four Tillerman kids led by the eldest sister Dicey, has become a classic in the Young Adult realistic fiction world since its first publication.
Though set in the 1970s, it remains timeless in its depiction of a quest to find a home. Although Homecoming differs from Little Women in its setting and lack of parental influence, this book shares many of the same themes.
Dicey and Jo are extremely similar (as are James and Laurie) in their rejection of typical gender roles. Both refuse to wear dresses or be told they cannot do something simply because they are girls. By rising above these standard depictions, these girls become models of how limitless opportunities are for anyone, regardless of his/her gender.
Homecoming also addresses the themes in Little Women of moral development and the importance of work and family values while trying to find a place in the world.
Homecoming, the story of the four Tillerman kids led by the eldest sister Dicey, has become a classic in the Young Adult realistic fiction world since its first publication.
Though set in the 1970s, it remains timeless in its depiction of a quest to find a home. Although Homecoming differs from Little Women in its setting and lack of parental influence, this book shares many of the same themes.
Dicey and Jo are extremely similar (as are James and Laurie) in their rejection of typical gender roles. Both refuse to wear dresses or be told they cannot do something simply because they are girls. By rising above these standard depictions, these girls become models of how limitless opportunities are for anyone, regardless of his/her gender.
Homecoming also addresses the themes in Little Women of moral development and the importance of work and family values while trying to find a place in the world.
The Proposed Classic 2
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (1876)
Themes:
- Moral and social development
- Societal hypocrisy
- Freedom without fitting into society
The Proposed Alternative 2
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (2006)
Theme Connector:
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan depicts a modern-day world where mortals and demi-gods collide. When Percy Jackson, who has never completely fit into the mortal world, finds out that he is really the son of Poseidon, he is given the opportunity to make his way on the outskirts of mortal society and forge his own path.
Like Tom Sawyer, Percy is faced with many moral quandaries. He learns to put the needs of others before his own, and how to deliberate and make moral choices, just as Tom does (through trial and error) in Mark Twain’s 1876 novel.
Set in contemporary America, this book employs the same themes (moral and social development, the hypocrisy of society, and freedom that comes with not fitting in) as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer with more understandable language and a more relatable setting
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan depicts a modern-day world where mortals and demi-gods collide. When Percy Jackson, who has never completely fit into the mortal world, finds out that he is really the son of Poseidon, he is given the opportunity to make his way on the outskirts of mortal society and forge his own path.
Like Tom Sawyer, Percy is faced with many moral quandaries. He learns to put the needs of others before his own, and how to deliberate and make moral choices, just as Tom does (through trial and error) in Mark Twain’s 1876 novel.
Set in contemporary America, this book employs the same themes (moral and social development, the hypocrisy of society, and freedom that comes with not fitting in) as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer with more understandable language and a more relatable setting
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