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!
Getting Started with Titlewave for NYC School Libraries
September 2, 2026
Building and maintaining your ideal library collection is easier than ever with Follett Content, an approved vendor for New York City (NYC) school libraries. Yes, Titlewave® helps simplify book ordering in FAMIS, but our goal goes beyond placing orders. We...
Read more
Enter the FlutterBee Fall Book Giveaway from Follett Content!
September 1, 2026
Celebrate the season by adding captivating fall-themed titles to your library’s collection – at no cost to your budget. Enter the FlutterBee Fall Book Giveaway for a chance to win one of three seasonal book bundles curated for young readers – 15...
Read more
5 Ways to Refresh Your School Library Collection
August 21, 2026
Before students return for a new school year, many librarians focus on weeding shelves and ordering new books. But a truly effective collection refresh starts with understanding what your data, circulation trends, and community needs are telling you.During a recent...
Read more
An Author Interview with Bao Phi
August 21, 2026
From the Caldecott Honor-winning creators of A Different Pond comes a new picture book that encompasses three generations, two languages, and one universal experience. Receiving a starred review from Publishers Weekly, Ride/Dap Xe is a bilingual story in English and Vietnamese that explores...
Read more
Fall Library Planning Checklist for NYC Schools
August 14, 2026
The era of the “budget dance” is over for New York City’s school libraries thanks to the newly established baseline budget, giving librarians and media specialists greater budgetary confidence when planning collections. This summer, take advantage of this stability to...
Read more
An Author Interview with Ha Dinh
July 28, 2026
Ly-Lan Finds a Way is an illustrated early chapter book series for children ages 6-10 written by Vietnamese American author Hà Dinh. Through warm, relatable stories rooted in school life, family, and friendship, the series explores themes of resilience, empathy,...
Read more