Secondary Catalogue
English
Octavia Butler
First popularized as a genre of literature in the 1920s, for decades science fiction was dominated by white male authors. That is until Octavia Butler, an African American woman, rewrote the script.
Sandra Cisneros
A trailblazer in more ways than one, Sandra Cisneros was the first Mexican-American woman to be published by a mainstream publisher. Her work brought Hispanic culture to a wider audience of readers.
Lorraine Hansberry
The first African-American woman to have a play staged on Broadway, Lorraine Hansberry broke new ground in more ways than one. Through her provocative works, such as A Raisin in the Sun, she blazed a trail and left an indelible mark on literature
Gwendolyn Brooks
The first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, Gwendolyn Brooks wrote about the hardship and struggles of ordinary people.
Amanda Gorman
The youngest inaugural poet in history, Amanda Gorman introduced a new generation to the lyrical power of poetry. As a young Black woman who writes about a range of themes and issues, she has become a modern-day icon.
Alice Walker
As the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Alice Walker helped to bring the Black experience to readers across the globe. A true trailblazer, her work continues to entertain and enlighten.
Mark Twain
Known as the Father of American Literature, Mark Twain used satire and a sharp wit to explore and reveal the realities of US society in the 19th century. In doing so he developed an all-new “American style” of writing.
Lois Lowry
Being a teenager isn’t always easy – but sometimes, books can provide the comfort and guidance we need. And few authors capture the adolescent experience better than YA author Lois Lowry.
Greek and Latin Roots
Lots of the words that we use everyday have their roots in the ancient languages of Latin and Greek. Let's explore some examples and learn how language is constantly evolving.
Summarizing Texts
Nonfiction texts can be complex and dense. But anyone can summarize their contents by following our four simple steps. It's as easy as explaining what you have read to a friend.
Analysis of Text
Anaylsis of text is an important skill that helps readers to understand the true meaning of a text. Let's explore what clues to look for to analyze any text.
Symbolism
Symbolism is a literary tool that lots of authors use to make complex ideas more accessible to readers. Let's explore how writers use objects, characters and events as symbols in their work.
Annotating
Annotations are notes that a reader makes to a text. They help you familiarize yourself with both the content and organization of what you read. Let's discover ways you can annotate a text.
Nonfiction Text Features
Books and articles aren't just made up of words. They can contain images, maps, charts and many other items too. Let's learn about the nonfiction text features you should look out for.
Determine an Author's Purpose
The author's purpose is the reason that he or she writes a piece of literature. Let's explore how you, as a reader, can identify that purpose by examining the text in more detail.
Context Clues
Sometimes,when we're reading, we can come across words that we don't understand. But all texts feature context clues that help us to decipher their meaning. You just need to know where to look.
Identifying & Evaluating Evidence
Whether in speech or writing, citing relevant and credible evidence strengthens your analysis and increases your ability to convince others, making your arguments more persuasive and trustworthy.
Finding the Main Idea
Understanding the main idea allows you to grasp the author's purpose. Whether the main idea is communicated implicitly or explicitly, there are simple steps you can follow to identify it and gain a deeper understanding of a text's key message.
Making Inferences
Learn how to make inferences to uncover hidden meanings in texts. Discover the power of evidence and reasoning as you piece together the author's clues, enhancing your reading experience and engaging with stories on a deeper level.
The Elements of Fiction
Discover the secrets of storytelling with the five key ingredients of fiction - settings, characters, dialogue, narrator and plots. Use these elements to analyze and appreciate your favorite stories on a deeper level.