CommonLit
Common Lit: "Stopping for Olympic Gold" by Angie Kay Dilmore
John Woodruff was an African American track athlete who won a gold medal in the 1936 Summer Olympics. In this informational text, Angie Kay Dilmore discusses John's life and famous race. As you read, take notes on how John achieved...
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Common Lit: "The Limits of Empathy" by David Brooks
In this opinion piece, David Brooks discusses his views on empathy and whether or not it influences our actions. As you read, identify the claims David Brooks makes about empathy. [Free account registration required for specific tools.]
CommonLit
Common Lit: "What Do Zoos Do" by Amy Miller
Today, zoos are not only for entertainment, but for education and action when it comes to saving species that are at risk of extinction. As you read, take notes on how zoos are contributing to preserving wildlife. [Free account...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Stress for Success" by Alison Pearce Stevens
In this article, "Science News for Students" explores the ways that stress can be both harmful and helpful in our daily lives. As you read, take note of the different functions of stress. How can we learn to manage our stress, and in...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Teenagers Who Lack Sleep at Higher Risk for Mental Health Problems"
In this informational text, Tori Rodriguez discusses the effect of not getting enough sleep on teenagers' mental health. As you read, take notes on how teens are affected when they don't get enough sleep. [Free account registration...
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Common Lit: "Funeral" by Ralph Fletcher
In this excerpt from his memoir, Ralph Fletcher describes taking a trip into the forest with his friends. As you read, take notes on how Ralph's friends feel about him. [Free account registration required for specific tools.]
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Common Lit: "The Cost of Prison in Dollars and Lives" by Michael P. Jacobson
In this opinion piece, Michael Jacobson discusses juvenile justice and how young offenders should be treated in comparison to adult offenders. [Free account registration required for specific tools.]
CommonLit
Common Lit: "The Terror" by Junot Diaz
A learning module that begins with the nonfiction story "The Terror" by Junot Diaz, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online through free...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Changing America" by Barbara Radner
This is an informational article about how Martin Luther King Jr. worked toward changing America in the 1950s and 1960s. It includes a short bio of Dr. King and a reading purpose: As you read, take notes on the problems that African...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
In Jackson's most well-known short story, "The Lottery," a town participates in an annual ritual. [Free account registration required for specific tools.]
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Common Lit: "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury
In this short story, Mr. and Mrs. Hadley become concerned when they realize how important the machines of their futuristic home are to their children. As you read, take notes on what the veldt means to the children and their parents....
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Teen Brain Takes Biggest Sports Hits" by Katherine Harmon
In this informational text, Katherine Harmon discusses the effects that head injuries can have on the teenage brain. As you read, take notes on what happens to an athlete as a result of a head injury and the additional effect it can have...
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Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville
Selected (7) reading passages (grades 8-11) to pair with the novel "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville. In this famous American novel we follow Ishmael as he documents Captain Ahab's obsessive pursuit of the infamous white whale, Moby Dick -...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
Selected (13) reading passages (grades 7-12) to pair with the dystopian novel "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley. The World State's motto is "Community, Identity, Stability," and a cast of characters find themselves grappling with these...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "The Drive in Movies" by Gary Soto
In this short story, Soto describes his desire to go to the drive-in movies as a kid.As you read, take notes on what the narrator does to get what he wants. [Free account registration required for specific tools.]
CommonLit
Common Lit: "The Challenge" by Gary Soto
In this short story, a boy tries to impress the new girl at his school. As you read, take notes on how Jose feels about Estela. [Free account registration required for specific tools.]
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Common Lit: "The Crow and the Pitcher" by Aesop
This story is part of his collection of tales known as "Aesop's Fables," which were passed down by people retelling them. They have deeply influenced children's literature and modern storytelling culture. As you read, take notes on the...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Excerpt From "Self Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Transcendentalist movement of the 1820s-1830s promoted the ideas of intuition, independence, and inherent goodness in humans and nature. This excerpt comes from Emerson's most famous essay. "Self-Reliance," which discusses similar...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Names/nombres" by Julia Alvarez
In this essay, Alvarez discusses the multiple names she has been given over the years. As you read, take notes on how the author reacts to the different pronunciations of the names discussed in the text. [Free account registration...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Mother and Daughter" by Gary Soto
In this short story, a young girl's mother doesn't have the money to buy her a new dress for a school dance. As you read, take notes on Yollie and her mother's interactions. [Free account registration required for specific tools.]
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Common Lit: "To a Daughter Leaving Home" by Linda Pastan
This brief poem describes a mother watching her daughter ride away on her bike. A specific purpose for reading and vocabulary notes are provided. This site offers links to paired texts, questions and answers, an annotation tool, and...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes
This is the full text of the poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes. It includes a short bio of Langston Hughes and a focuses for the reader: As you read, take notes on the metaphor and larger message presented in the text. [Free...