BLOGS > OCTOBER 10, 2024
EL Education recommends these books for a curriculum that helps students master literacy standards while building a deep knowledge of real-world subjects like social studies, STEM, and literature.
View the Top 5 most popular books in the EL Education Book Collection below, and see the full list here:
Shop EL Education Book Collection Get a Quote
By Rick Riordan
Percy, expelled from six schools for being unable to control his temper, learns the truth from his mother that his father is the Greek god Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half Blood where he is befriended by a satyr and the demigod daughter of Athena who join him in a journey to the Underworld to retrieve Zeus's lightning bolt and prevent a catastrophic war.
“The sardonic tone of the narrator's voice lends a refreshing air of realism to this riotously paced quest tale of heroism that questions the realities of our world, family, friendship and loyalty.” – Kirkus Reviews
2. Refugee
By Alan Gratz
Although separated by continents and decades, Josef, a Jewish boy livng in 1930s Nazi Germany; Isabel, a Cuban girl trying to escape the riots and unrest plaguing her country in 1994; and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015 whose homeland is torn apart by violence and destruction, embark on harrowing journeys in search of refuge, discovering shocking connections that tie their stories together.
“With this book, Gratz accomplishes a feat that is nothing short of brilliant, offering a skillfully wrought narrative laced with global and intergenerational reverberations that signal hope for the future. Excellent for older middle grade and above in classrooms, book groups, and/or communities looking to increase empathy for new and existing arrivals from afar. Poignant, respectful, and historically accurate while pulsating with emotional turmoil, adventure, and suspense.” – Kirkus Reviews
3. Night
By Elie Wiesel
Presents a true account of the author's experiences as a Jewish boy in a Nazi concentration camp.
“Wiesel’s memoir, first published in English in 1960, has emerged as a classic work of literature from that darkest of eras, and it deserves to be read and reread for decades to come.” – Kirkus Reviews
By Linda Sue Park
"Sandpiper." When the Sudanese civil war reaches his village in 1985, eleven-year-old Salva becomes separated from his family and must walk with other Dinka tribe members through southern Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya in search of safe haven. Based on the life of Salva Dut, who, after emigrating to America in 1996, began a project to dig water wells in Sudan.
“Salva's heroism and the truth that water is a source of both conflict and reconciliation receive equal, crystal-clear emphasis in this heartfelt account.” – Kirkus Reviews
By Jason Reynolds
A Caitlyn Dlouhy book." "Ghost, a naturally talented runner and troublemaker, is recruited for an elite middle school track team. He must stay on track, literally and figuratively, to reach his full potential.
“Very slick, rather tense, sophisticated and amusing.” – Kirkus Reviews
Do you need help with finding books to support your ELA Curricula?
The Follett Content team can help you discover the best collections for core literacy programs, phonics instruction, classroom libraries, and top-selling novels to help your students meet their literacy goals.
Complete the form to contact a rep!
What We're Reading - September 2025 Edition
August 13, 2025
Welcome to another installment of What We’re Reading, a space where we share the titles we’re currently devouring – especially the ones that transport us to magical worlds filled with mythical creatures and daring adventures.This month, we’re diving into Impossible...
Read more
August 1, 2025
Camp Out with a Good Book: Fall 2025 Book eFairsDiscover some of the most anticipated books coming to Follett Book eFairs this fall in the Title Highlight Flyers below. Then, don’t miss the next chapter in our fun-filled camping adventure...
Read more
Unbeatable Deals on Favorite Next-in-Series Books
July 15, 2025
Plot twist! For a limited time only, Follett Content is offering next-in-series releases at an amazing preorder discount. These hit series are beloved by readers of all ages, and the new installments are sure to be favorites in your classroom or...
Read more
An Author Interview with Drew Daywalt
June 27, 2025
Drew Daywalt, award-winning author of the best-selling The Day the Crayons Quit series, is about to release his second middle grade book with illustrator Mike Lowery, No Sam! and the Meow of Deception. The title continues the hilarious adventures of Sam...
Read more
An Author Interview with Adam Wallenta and Makana Wallenta
June 27, 2025
Get ready to rock the galaxy with the first volume of Punk Taco – a wildly imaginative, music-fueled sci-fi adventure from father-son duo Adam and Makana Wallenta. Created when Makana was just five years old, this award-winning graphic novel now debuts...
Read more
An Author Interview with Lisa Manuzak Wiley
June 27, 2025
A bewitching new graphic novel series is arriving this fall!Author-illustrator Lisa Manuzak Wiley, who grew up in Hawaii, blends cozy fantasy, sisterhood, and tropical charm in a heartfelt homage to her roots: The Witches of Pepperwood Bay Vol. 1. Lisa...
Read more