Winter Literature Course | 13-15 Year Olds

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest counselors” - Charles W. Eliot 

I believe in seeking out the best of books written by authors who lived good lives and wrote about what was truly good in the world. When we put the very best of literature into our hearts and minds and are intentional about choosing that literature to influence and shape us, it becomes powerful. Why not read about heroes, leaders, mothers, fathers, men, and women who saw the importance of sacrifice and service? Why not read about others who chose to stand up for the right thing when it mattered the most and those who treated people with respect and dignity? When we spend time with these thoughts and ideas our minds and hearts are elevated. They change the way we live, the way we see, the way we treat others, and how we see the world.

My hope for you through these classes is that you will fall in love with great thoughts, awaken to the power inside of you to make a difference, and that these inspired authors will help you to see the world and humanity as a place to lift, love and serve using your unique gifts and talents. 

The following is the list of amazing authors we will be learning about in this class:

• Jane Austen
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• J.R.R. Tolkien
• Elizabeth Gaskell

BOOK LIST:

• Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
• The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY COURSE DETAILS: 

• Offered only to 13-15-year-old students.
• 15 week course.
• Weekly classes are 50 minutes per class.
• Weekly reading & writing: Students should expect 50-60 pages of reading and a weekly writing assignment due the following class.
• The weekly writing will include looking up all words, references, or words the student doesn't understand, including words and meanings in the paper. 
• A book list is provided after registration. 

2026 COURSE CALENDAR:

• January | 14, 21, 28
• February |  4, 11, 18, 25
• March | 4, 11, 18, 25
• April | 8, 15, 22, 29
• May |  6, 13, 20