Secondary Catalogue

English


Octavia Butler

Octavia Butler

Authors that Changed America

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.
Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury

Authors that Changed America

Awarded a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation, recognizing a lifetime of influential literary works, Ray Bradbury wrote from a desire to “live forever”. Through sci fi, fantasy, horror and mystery to themes of death, loneliness and the dark side...Show More
Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros

Authors that Changed America

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

Lorraine Hansberry

Authors that Changed America

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
Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead

Authors that Changed America

The first ever author ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for two consecutive novels, Colson Whitehead is one of the United States’ most versatile writers. Let’s learn more about his personal story, his groundbreaking novels and the impact he had...Show More
Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks

Authors that Changed America

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

Amanda Gorman

Authors that Changed America

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

Alice Walker

Authors that Changed America

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

Mark Twain

Authors that Changed America

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

Lois Lowry

Authors that Changed America

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.
Nonfiction Text Structures

Nonfiction Text Structures

English Literature: Skills

Understand nonfiction texts with these five essential text structures. From chronological narratives to cause and effect explanations, problem-solving essays, compare and contrast articles, and descriptive lists, once you know these structures,...Show More
Greek and Latin Roots

Greek and Latin Roots

English Literature: Skills

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

Summarizing Texts

English Literature: Skills

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

Analysis of Text

English Literature: Skills

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

English Literature: Skills

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

Annotating

English Literature: Skills

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

Nonfiction Text Features

English Literature: Skills

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

Determine an Author's Purpose

English Literature: Skills

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

Context Clues

English Literature: Skills

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.
Analyzing Word Choice

Analyzing Word Choice

English Literature: Skills

Just as painters carefully select brushstrokes and colors, writers meticulously choose words to convey emotions, create tone, and shape meaning. By understanding the impact of word choice, you can express yourself more clearly in both speech and...Show More
Identifying & Evaluating Evidence

Identifying & Evaluating Evidence

English Literature: Skills

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

Finding the Main Idea

English Literature: Skills

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

Making Inferences

English Literature: Skills

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

The Elements of Fiction

English Literature: Skills

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.
Breaking Down Arguments

Breaking Down Arguments

English Literature: Skills

Harness the power of critical thinking through the four elements of effective arguments: claim, reasons, evidence, and counterarguments. Learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of any argument and make your own case with solid reasoning...Show More