English Language Arts:
Grade 10
Note: The list of resources in this section provides an update to English Language Arts 10: A Bibliography (1997).
After the Rain (Print-Fiction). Mazer, Norma Fox. William Morrow & Co. (HCP), 1987. 291 p. ISBN 0-688-06867-7 ($24.00 hdc.).
The relationship between a 15-year-old girl, Rachel, and her dying grandfather is explored in this Newbery Honor book. Rachel, the protagonist, models the writing process as she uses her writing to explore her feelings and sentiments. The realism as Rachel deals with her grandfather’s terminal illness is honest and straightforward. This book is an unforgettable portrait of two spirited human beings.
Suggested Use: Decisions
Bad Boy (Print-Fiction). Wieler, Diana. Douglas & McIntyre/Groundwood (GDS), 1989. 191 p. ISBN 0-88899-083-9 ($6.95 pbk.).
(SK) Teenage sexuality and amateur hockey are two themes explored in this novel. A.J. Brandiosa is angry and confused about his parent’s divorce and his best friend’s homosexuality. His rage spills out on the ice when he plays hockey. He gradually begins to realize he must accept things he cannot change.
Suggested Use: Decisions
Brave New Worlds: The Science Fiction Phenomenon (Video). Films for the Humanities & Sciences Inc. (FFH), 1997. 51 min. Order no. 6870 ($129.00 U.S.).
This video provides an excellent overview of science fiction print and video through the years. Classic films and novels, pulp fiction, B movies, and the special effects wizardry of science fiction adventure epics are included in this comprehensive documentary. Clips from popular films including Terminator, Dark Star, and Star Wars help make the program a visually enriching experience.
Suggested Use: The Unknown
The Canadian Oxford Dictionary (Print-Non-Fiction). Barber, Katherine, ed. Oxford University Press (LRDC), 1998. 1707 p. Order no. 1409 ($33.75 hdc.).
(CAN) The Canadian Oxford Dictionary answers basic questions Canadians may have about their language by giving advice on Canadian spelling and usage. Definitions of over 130,000 words are given, as well as information on English as it is used worldwide and in Canada. Definitions, worded for ease of comprehension, are presented within entries in order of their familiarity or frequency in Canadian usage, making the dictionary easy to consult. An added feature of this dictionary is its encyclopedic element. Short biographies of over 800 Canadians and 5,000 other international individuals, and almost 6,000 place names, more that 1,200 of them Canadian are featured.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts 20; English Language Arts 30
Characters in Conflict: Short Stories. 2nd ed. (Print-Anthology). Holt, Rinehart & Winston Canada Ltd (HBJ), 1996. 393 p. ISBN 0-03-008463-6 ($38.95 hdc.).
This collection contains over 20 short stories from renowned authors, generally of British or American origin. Each story is supported by footnote explanations, brief biographies of the writers, and questions or activities focussing on elements of the story. Included are a table of contents, an index of skills, and an index of authors and titles.
Suggested Use: Challenges; Short Stories
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 20
Cowgirls: 100 Years of Writing the Range (Print-Anthology). Poirier, Thelma, ed. Red Deer College Press (RAI), 1997. 295 p. ISBN 0-88995-168-3 ($17.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Red Deer College published this compilation of writing by or about women of the range. In selections of prose and poetry, the experiences, impressions, and contributions of women of the North American West are presented. Some cowgirls in this book live quiet lives on the range; others are better known in the rodeo arena, but they all share the common bond of writing about the western range. Teachers are advised that the anthology includes content for mature readers.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland
Other Use: English Language Arts 20; English Language Arts 30
Crossing the Line: Canadian Mysteries With a Fantastic Twist (Print-Non-Fiction). Sawyer, Robert J. and Skene-Melvin, David, eds. Pottersfield Press (PTR), 1998. 192 p. ISBN 1-895900-19-0 ($16.95 pbk.).
(CAN) This collection of 11 short stories includes selections by Canada’s most visionary and imaginative writers. The settings of these mysteries range from futuristic Canada to cyberspace and beyond. The book provides a table of contents, an introduction giving a context for the stories, and information about each of the storytellers.
Suggested Use: Short Stories; The Unknown
Other Use: English Language Arts 20
Dangerous Skies. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Staples, Suzanne Fisher. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Inc. (GDS), 1996. 231 p. ISBN 0-374-31694-5 ($26.95 hdc.).
Prejudice, both individual and within a community, is at the core of this coming-of-age novel in which a boy faces painful truths that destroy the cozy harmony and order of his life. Buck and his African American friend, Tunes, are two young teens who live in the Chesapeake Bay area of Virginia. When they discover the body of a murdered man, Tunes is accused of committing the murder. Buck tries to defend Tunes, but he does not receive support from his family or anyone else. This gripping tale of betrayal confronts the issues of racism and hypocrisy that have plagued the United States throughout its history. Note: The issue of sexual abuse is evident in this novel, and some racist language is included. These are central to the story, and are handled in a sensitive manner.
Suggested Use: Challenges
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; Social Studies: Grades 7-9
The Dialogic Curriculum: Teaching and Learning in a Multicultural Society (Print-Non-Fiction). Stock, Patricia Lambert. Heinemann Educational Bks (GDS), 1995. 107 p. ISBN 0-86709-365-X ($42.50 pbk.).
(WCP) This in-depth resource provides a model of exchanged journal writing between a teacher and students. The self-reflective process is used to extend students’ literature experience and to help them gain confidence and insights that culminate in essay writing. Interesting classroom ideas such as using e-mail exchanges and pairing students with writers in the community are explored. Although the writing style requires time and effort to read, this resource is well suited to a teacher’s professional development plan.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 20; English Language Arts 30
Ghostwise: A Book of Midnight Stories (Print-Anthology). Yashinsky, Dan, ed. Ragweed Press, Inc. (RAG), 1997. 223 p. ISBN 0-921556-66-7 ($14.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Each of the 35 tales in this anthology represents the theme of ghost wisdom. The storytellers represent the diversity of Canadian regions and cultures. The material is divided into five sections. Evil, dreams and other psychic powers, the spirits of the dead, monsters, and a variety of bodies, whole or in part compose the list. The collection includes a table of contents, an introduction to the tales, and information about the authors.
Suggested Use: Short Stories; The Unknown
Globe Literature: Green Level (Print-Anthology). Potter, Robert R. and Goodman, Roger B. Globe Fearon Educational Publisher (PRN), 1990. 574 p. ISBN 1-55675-175-3 ($69.95 hdc.).
Fiction selections, poetry, biographies, and dramas are arranged thematically in this resource. Famous art works and quotations by well-known authors and poets introduce each section. Various suggestions for focussing on reading are given at the end of each selection. A glossary, an index of the fine art reproduced in the anthology, and indexes of skills, authors, and titles are included. Although the resource is largely American in content, Canadian students are sure to find many of the selections appealing. This resource is recommended for modified Grade 10 courses.
Suggested Use: Multigenre
Globe Literature: Purple Level (Print-Anthology). Potter, Robert R. Globe Fearon Educational Publisher (PRN), 1990. 558 p. ISBN 1-55675-172-9 ($69.95 hdc.).
This anthology is thematically organized and contains a variety of literary genres. Each selection begins with a reproduction of a famous painting, and a quotation by a renowned author to set the tone for reading. The book has a visually appealing effect, and suggestions for responding to the selections, speaking and listening activities, and mini-lessons are found after each story, poem, or non-fiction article. There are also suggestions for critical thinking activities, and effective studying techniques. Also included are a glossary, an index of the fine art reproduced in the anthology, and an index of skills, authors, and titles. Although most of the stories reflect the American culture, Canadian students will find many of the selections appealing. This resource is recommended for modified courses in Grade 10.
Suggested Use: Multigenre
A Home in Hastie Hollow: A Prairie Romance (Print-Fiction). Sheward, Robert. Polestar Press Ltd. (GDS), 1996. 190 p. ISBN 1-896095-11-9 ($16.95 pbk.).
(SK) This story of Mike, a shy yet successful immigrant farmer, and Mita, a friendless orphan who has spent most of her life toiling on a pig farm in England is set in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. Mita becomes a mail-order bride, and the love story that evolves between her and Mike is told against the background of the prairie community. The pioneer spirit and Saskatchewan heritage abound in this historical fiction novel.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland
Impact: Fifty Short Short Stories. 2nd ed. (Print-Anthology). Holt, Rinehart & Winston Canada Ltd (HBJ), 1996. 448 p. ISBN 0-03-008623-X ($38.95 hdc.).
This second edition of Impact presents 50 short stories that represent a wide variety of settings, characters, situations, and plots. The balance of old and new stories demonstrates a multicultural touch. The table of contents is organized according to genre and elements of the short story. Activities at the end of each story could be adapted into the six strands of the new curriculum.
Suggested Use: Decisions; Short Stories
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
The Land of My Undoing (Print-Anthology). Ellis, Elsie. Sand Print (SRT), 1998. 69 p. ISBN 0-9683580-0-4 ($9.95 pbk.).
(SK) Each of the poems included in this anthology deals with a concern or issue relevant to people whom live or have lived on the prairies. The original poems are easily read, and provide topics that should encourage response.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland; Poetry
Other Use: English Language Arts 30
Little X: Growing Up in the Nation of Islam. 1st ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Tate, Sonsyrea. HarperCollins Pubs., Inc. (HCP), 1997. 230 p. ISBN 0-06-251134-3 ($32.00 hdc.).
Sonsyrea Tate, who is now an award-winning journalist, chronicles her upbringing as a member of the "Nation of Islam" led by Elijah Muhammed. Her total dedication to the beliefs and culture of the Muslim religion and her gradual questioning of the oppression of women and cult-like practices reflect a little-understood part of America’s history and heritage.
Suggested Use: Equality
Macbeth (Print-Fiction). Shakespeare, William. (Cambridge School Shakespeare Series). Cambridge University Press (LRDC), 1993. 172 p. Order no. 9525 ($13.90 pbk.).
This edition of Macbeth has been prepared to help students interpret the play through activities aimed to increase understanding. On every left-hand page there is a summary of the action, an explanation of unfamiliar words, and a choice of activities on Shakespeare’s language, characters, and stories. Between each act, and in the pages at the end of the play, there are notes, illustrations, and activities. Suggestions for staging a performance are also included.
Suggested Use: Plays
Macbeth and Related Readings (Print-Fiction). Shakespeare, William, et al. (Literature Connections Series). McDougal, Littell/Houghton Mifflin (NEL), 1997. 220 p. ISBN 0-395-77553-1 ($18.76 hdc.). SourceBook - ISBN 0-395-78402-6 ($15.16 pbk.).
This version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth includes poems, a literary criticism of the character Macbeth, and other readings relating to the play.
A teacher’s sourcebook is available with suggestions for individual activities, as well as suggestions for adaptations for students with special needs.
Suggested Use: Plays
The Merchant of Venice (Print-Fiction). Shakespeare, William. (Cambridge School Shakespeare Series). Cambridge University Press (LRDC), 1992. 188 p. Order no. 9526 ($13.90 pbk.).
This edition of The Merchant of Venice has been prepared to help students interpret the play through activities aimed to increase understanding. On every left-hand page there is a summary of the action, an explanation of unfamiliar words, and a choice of activities focussing on Shakespeare’s language, characters, and stories. Between each act and in the pages at the end of the play there are notes, illustrations, and activities. Suggestions for viewing a production of the play and for staging a performance are also included.
Suggested Use: Plays
Picture Bride and Related Readings (Print-Anthology). Uchida, Yoshiko, et al. (Literature Connections Series). McDougal, Littell/Houghton Mifflin (NEL), 1997. 314 p. ISBN 0-395-77540-X ($17.56 hdc.). SourceBook - ISBN 0-395-78379-8 ($15.16 pbk.).
Supported by a number of poems and non-fiction articles, this novel portrays what many Japanese women experienced when they first arrived in America in the early 20th century. Through the story of a Japanese woman who immigrates to the United States to marry a stranger, Picture Bride poignantly explores the topics of immigration and discrimination.
The teacher’s sourcebook provides numerous ideas for teachers and students, as well as adaptive suggestions for students with special needs.
Suggested Use: Challenges
The Power of Conscience: The Danish Resistance and the Rescue of the Jews (Video). (Remembrances of the Holocaust: A Series). Direct Cinema (MGR), 1994. 55 min. Dup. order no. V6608.
When Hitler occupied Denmark in 1940, in exchange for food and supplies, the country was allowed to keep its king and constitution. However, there were those who refused to be peacefully occupied and chose the path of resistance. In October of 1943, when the Gestapo decided to round up the Danish Jews, ordinary citizens banded together with resisters, and overnight they created a rescue operation that hid and transported over 7,000 of their countrymen across the water to Sweden. Over the next year, hundreds of saboteurs, resisters and police officers were sent to concentration camps. "The Power of Conscience" features the testimony of prisoners and saboteurs, the rescuers and the rescued, to tell the story of a people who refused to cooperate, placing the dictates of their conscience above an immoral authority.
Suggested Use: Challenges
Other Use: Social Studies 20/History 20; English Language Arts 20
A Raisin in the Sun and Related Readings (Print-Anthology). Hansberry, Lorraine, et al. (Literature Connections Series). McDougal, Littell/Houghton Mifflin (NEL), 1997. 198 p. ISBN 0-395-77552-3 ($18.36 hdc.). SourceBook - ISBN 0-395-78398-4 ($15.16 pbk.).
This anthology contains the play A Raisin in the Sun, as well as poems and short stories dealing with the themes of racism and identity. There is a teacher sourcebook that includes discussion starters, reproducible masters for students, and writing activities. The source book also suggests ways to customize instruction for less proficient readers, gifted and talented students, and English as second language students.
Suggested Use: Equality
ResourceLines 9/10 (Print-Non-Fiction). Dawe, Robert, Duncan, Barry and Mathieu, Wendy. (Prentice Hall Language Series). Prentice Hall Inc. (LRDC), 1999. 346 p. Order no. 1403 ($22.10 pbk.).
(WCP) ResourceLines 9/10 contains strategies for learning and using all six language arts processes in authentic contexts. They also include a chapter on researching and a language handbook addressing usage, grammar, spelling, and style. These student resources are designed for both teacher-directed instruction and independent student work (individual and group work).
Suggested Use: Grade 10
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Riel Country (Video). National Film Board of Canada (MGR), 1996. 50 min. Dup. order no. V2943.
(CAN, I/M) Students from two Winnipeg neighbourhoods, and a variety of cultures, create a collective drama about cultural issues in order to raise awareness about discrimination. They discuss their roots and issues facing Canadian society today, including racism and ways to promote reconciliation. The program contains a few instances of coarse language.
Suggested Use: Equality
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level; Canadian Studies
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Related Readings (Print-Anthology). Taylor, Mildred D., et al. (Literature Connections Series). McDougal, Littell/Houghton Mifflin (NEL), 1997. 280 p. ISBN 0-395-77530-2 ($14.76 hdc.). SourceBook - ISBN 0-395-78361-5 ($15.56 pbk.).
In the southern United States during the 1930s, black landowners and sharecroppers were often targets of injustice at the hands of their white neighbours. This Newbery Medal book describes the effects of racism on a young Black woman and her family. The book also contains short stories, poems, a nonfiction selection, and an article containing autobiographies of black women.
A teacher’s sourcebook is available for this anthology. It contains activities for discussion starters, reproducible masters for students, and writing activities. Suggestions are also given for adapting the book to individual students’ needs.
Suggested Use: Equality
Rose Daughter. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). McKinley, Robin. Greenwillow Bks. (HCP), 1997. 306 p. ISBN 0-688-15439-5 ($22.00 hdc.).
This novel re-tells the story of Beauty and the Beast. It contains all the elements of a fairy tale, including sorcery, monsters, magic, and love. The story centres on Beauty’s love of roses and the wicked spell cast around the Beast. Although the descriptions can be fairly slow going, the lavish imaginings take the traditional tale to a satisfactory conclusion.
Suggested Use: The Unknown
The Serpent Bride: Stories From Medieval Danish Ballads (Print-Anthology). Johansen, K. V. Thistledown Press Ltd. (THI), 1998. 187 p. ISBN 1-895449-82-0 ($14.95 pbk.).
Terrific stories about knights, maidens, dragons, and trolls based on 12th to 14th century ballads from Scandinavia are featured in this anthology. Ten different tales interweave magic and mythology with human emotions like love, fear, and courage. The heroines featured give a refreshing slant to the old style fairy tales and make this a worthy addition to a storyteller’s collection.
Suggested Use: The Unknown
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Tales for an Unknown City: Stories From One Thousand and One Friday Nights of Storytelling (Print-Anthology). Yashinsky, Dan. McGill-Queen's University Press (GDS), 1990. 265 p. ISBN 0-7735-0953-4 ($22.95 pbk.).
Beliefs and traditions from five continents are portrayed in this collection. The stories include wonder tales, ghost stories, historical chronicles, personal reminiscences, teaching tales, and contemporary accounts. This book provides an excellent overview of story types and styles. It emphasizes the importance of, and encourages the telling of, personal and family stories. Each story or group of stories is followed by a short commentary by the teller.
Suggested Use: The Unknown; Short Stories
Tales of Mystery and the Unknown (Print-Fiction). Potter, Robert R. (The Globe Reader's Collection Series). Globe Fearon Educational Publisher (PRN), 1992. 214 p. ISBN 0-83590-162-9 ($15.95 pbk.).
"Exploring the Unknown," "A Science Fiction Sampler," and "Strange…and True?" divide this anthology into three sections. Each of the selections is preceded by a thought-provoking introduction, and followed by recall and inference questions. There is also a vocabulary review for each story, and questions for critical thinking. The book includes classics such as Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell Tale Heart, plus some selections that are not as familiar.
Suggested Use: The Unknown; Short Stories
Thru the Smoky End Boards: Canadian Poetry About Sports & Games (Print-Anthology). Brooks, Kevin and Brooks, Sean, eds. Polestar Press Ltd. (GDS), 1996. 246 p. ISBN 1-896095-15-1 ($16.95 pbk.).
(CAN) This collection of poetry is organized according to sports. Hockey, baseball, golf, wrestling, swimming, auto racing, and curling are only a few of the many sports represented. The Canadian passion for sports is evident on every page. There is an introduction and an author index.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland; Poetry
A Time for Dancing. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Hurwin, Davida Wills. Little, Brown and Co. (FEN), 1995. 257 p. ISBN 0-316-38351-1 ($21.95 hdc.).
Samantha and Juliana (alias Sam and Jules) have been friends through most of their lives, brought together by their love of dance. They perform in the same troupe, spend all their free time together, and truly understand each other. They are both devastated when, in the summer before their senior year in high school, the increasingly unbearable pain in Jules’ hip is diagnosed as histiocytic lymphoma, a type of cancer. As Jules gets sicker and undergoes aggressive chemotherapy, the relationship between the friends changes dramatically. Eventually, the girls must face the possibility that the cancer may not go away, and that Jules might die. The book is told in alternating viewpoints describing the thoughts and feelings of the girls. Note: This novel contains language that may be offensive to some.
Suggested Use: Challenges
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; Health Education: Grades 6 to 9
Ultimate Sports: Short Stories by Outstanding Writers for Young Adults (Print-Fiction). Gallo, Donald R., ed. Doubleday Canada Limited (DOU), 1995. 333 p. ISBN 0-440-22707-0 ($7.99 pbk.).
Sixteen original sports stories by sports fiction writers such as Robert Lipsyte and Chris Crutcher are featured in this collection. Water sports, racquetball, tennis, boxing, and wrestling are only a few of the sports found in the selections. Each entry is preceded by a brief paragraph that lures the reader inside the story and ends with a biographical sketch of the author. This anthology is an excellent means of introducing students to the novels of these popular authors.
Suggested Use: Decisions; Short Stories
Where to Begin: A Guide to Teaching Secondary English (Print-Non-Fiction). Kearns, Jane. Heinemann Educational Bks (GDS), 1997. 143 p. ISBN 0-86709-406-0 ($37.50 pbk.).
(WCP) Where to Begin provides an inviting and engaging look at the writing process and models the process in its design and format. This handbook contains both theoretical and practical ideas, summarized in easily accessible bulleted lists. Each chapter ends with a bibliography for further reading. This resource is useful for both experienced and beginning teachers of English language arts, and teachers requiring help in developing an individual professional development plan will find it helpful.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
William Shakespeare's Macbeth. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Coville, Bruce and Kelley, Gary, illus. Dial Press (CDS), 1997. unp. ISBN 0-8037-1899-3 ($25.99 hdc.).
In this illustrated prose version of Macbeth, Bruce Coville uses Shakespeare’s original language to create a gateway toward further enjoyment of the actual play. The powerful illustrations by Gary Kelley help to make this retelling both visually and verbally appealing.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 10; Plays
Other Use: English Language Arts 30
Winds Through Time. 1st ed. (Print-Anthology). Walsh, Ann, ed. Beach Holme Publishing Ltd. (BHL), 1998. 162 p. ISBN 0-88878-384-1 ($12.95 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) Canadian historical fiction for young adults is not easy to find—so this anthology of short stories is a welcome addition for Canada’s youth. Fifteen short stories are presented, and all of them have believable young protagonists in historically accurate settings. The diversity of Canadian geography, culture, and economics is evident, as well as the complexity of political and social reforms. Topics range from the "Home Children" to the Métis to early suffragettes. Some of the recurring themes are survival, responsibility, perseverance, and the interconnectedness of lives near and far. Brief author biographies are found at the back of the anthology, with entries sketching the historical events around which their stories are developed.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; Social Studies: Elementary Level
Working Days: Short Stories About Teenagers at Work. 1st ed. (Print-Anthology). Mazer, Anne, ed. Persea Books (PERS), 1997. 207 p. ISBN 0-89255-223-9 ($10.95 hdc.). ISBN 0-89255-224-7 ($7.95 pbk.).
Work is a part of young adult life that does not show up very often in young adult literature. This collection of short stories about teens finding identity, connection, and reality through work fills that void. Work often marks a transition from childhood into maturity, and the stories included in this anthology portray young people who gain far more than money through work. The work experiences range from working in a fast food restaurant to an assembly line in a factory. The relationships between young and old are explored in several of the selections. An introduction sets the tone for reading the stories, and biographical notes pertaining to the authors are included at the end of the book.
Suggested Use: Decisions; Short Stories
Other Use: English Language Arts 20; English Language Arts 30; Life Transitions 20/30
