Coming of age
82 books · effort 15–83
Classroom lists
Books from published school reading lists, grouped by unit and ordered from lighter to heavier reading effort.
Dystopia
25 books · effort 9–57
War and witness
36 books · effort 19–68
The American dream
33 books · effort 22–76
Identity and belonging
61 books · effort 20–76
Shakespeare
12 books · effort 39–76
Each published unit has at least eight books with certified guides. These lists compare reading demands and content; they do not assign grade levels.
Sources and method
Unit groupings are Collected’s selection from the published reading lists below, guided by each book’s recorded subjects and themes. They are not claims that every district teaches the books together.
Reading effort starts from writing, ideas, structure and background knowledge, each scored 1-5, then adjusts for pace and length, into a 0-100 score. It describes reading demand, not literary quality, age suitability or emotional intensity. Page counts refer to the edition in each guide and vary between editions.
Content notes use the guide’s six categories. Every category marked strong or mild is shown; categories marked none are left out. Missing information is not treated as none.
Book details last checked November 3, 2026.
- Approved Curriculum Instructional Resources Grades 9–12, 2026–2027 — Howard County Public School System (Maryland)
- HS ELA Guide: Approved Novels and Plays for Grades 9–10 — Canyons School District (Utah)
- HS ELA Guide: Approved Novels and Plays for Grades 9–10 — Canyons School District (Utah)
- HS ELA Guide: Approved Novels and Plays for Grades 11–12 — Canyons School District (Utah)
- HS ELA Guide: Approved Novels and Plays for Grades 11–12 — Canyons School District (Utah)
- English Language Arts: Approved Novels and Approved Literature — Gilbert Public Schools (Arizona)
- Middle School English Language Arts Instructional Guide: Approved, Commonly Taught Novels for Grade 6 — Canyons School District (Utah)
- Middle School English Language Arts Instructional Guide: Approved, Commonly Taught Novels for Grades 7–8 — Canyons School District (Utah)
- Curriculum: English Language Arts, Approved Books — Auburn School District 408 (Washington)
- Literature Selection Review — Olentangy Local School District (Ohio)