Vocabulary Lists
Non-Fiction
CollectionCompelling Coming-of-Age-Memoirs
CollectionMartin Luther King Jr. DayA Collection in Honor of the Civil Rights Activist
- 45 WordsMartin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)
- 30 WordsFigurative Language in King's "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)
- 45 Words"Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)
- 45 WordsDr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Beyond Vietnam" (1967)
- 25 WordsDr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I've Been to the Mountaintop" (1968)
- 40 WordsPresident Obama's Speech on the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington
- 25 Words50th Anniversary of the March on Washington: "Trying to Inspire a New Generation" by Trip Gabriel
CollectionWar StoriesReal-Life Accounts of Conflict and Courage
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The Hiding PlaceHolland native Corrie ten Boom had an unremarkable life until Nazi Germany invaded her family's world during World War... -
Death in the JungleMurder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of JonestownThis work of nonfiction tells the tragic story of the Peoples Temple, an American cult founded by Jim Jones. -
White LiesHow the South Lost the Civil War, Then Rewrote the HistoryThis historical nonfiction book aims to debunk false narratives about the Confederacy that were popularized by white... -
WoodsongThe author invites the young reader into the grueling experience of training for and running the Alaskan Iditarod... -
American SpiritsThe Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad that Haunted a NationThis nonfiction book tells the story of Maggie, Kate, and Leah Fox, three sisters living in Civil War America who became... -
Stealing Little MoonThe Legacy of the American Indian Boarding SchoolsIn this work of biographical nonfiction, Dan SaSuWeh Jones recounts his family's history at Chilocco Indian Agricultural... -
Mountain of FireThe Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. HelensThe historic account of Mount St. Helens’ violent volcanic eruption in 1980 is filled with real-life stories of... -
Words of WisdomA Collection of Inspiring Advice and Life LessonsWhether you’re facing difficult life choices or just need a little inspiration, these thought-provoking books, speeches,... -
Democracy in America, Volume IIIn 1831, French aristocrat Alexis de Tocqueville visited the United States. In this book, he records his impressions of... -
Road HomeIn this final chapter of his memoir trilogy, Rex is forced out of his family home by his father and travels to New... -
Forces of NatureExplore the Physical WorldCalling all nature lovers! Take a walk on the wild side with our “natural” resources. Master ecological vocabulary, read... -
Get a Life!Inspiring Biographies of Extraordinary PeopleWant to take a walk in someone else’s shoes? Pick up one of these engaging biographies about people who made history....
Non-Fiction Vocabulary Lists:
"Nature" by Ralph Waldo Emerson
This 19th-century transcendentalist essay argues that spending time in nature helps people resist conformity and become their truest selves. Read the full text here. Here are links to our lists for other works by Ralph Waldo Emerson: Self-Reliance, The Young American
30 Words
"Take the Tortillas Out of Your Poetry" by Rudolfo Anaya
In this essay, the award-winning author of Bless Me, Ultima shares his thoughts on how descriptions of different cultures are often censored to appeal to mainstream publishers and readers.
40 Words
"The Fallacy of Success" by G.K. Chesterton
In this essay from the collection All Things Considered, the English novelist, philosopher, and critic shares his thoughts on books and articles that instruct readers on how to succeed. Read the full text here.
40 Words
"The Origin of Species by Natural Selection" by Charles Darwin: Essential Words
Charles Darwin expounded his theories on evolution in "The Origin of Species by Natural Selection." Learn the essential terms from his enduring work, originally published in 1859.
13 Words
"Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell
George Orwell reflects on imperialism as he recounts an incident that occurred when he was a police officer in Burma. Here are links to our lists for other works by George Orwell: 1984, Animal Farm, Politics and the English Language
30 Words
"Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan
In this essay, novelist Amy traces her development as a writer by reflecting on the ways she and her mother use English differently. Here are links to our lists for The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan.
20 Words
"Politics and the English Language" by George Orwell
In this essay, George Orwell explores the ways language can be used to conceal truth and encourage conformity of thought. Here are links to our lists for other works by George Orwell: Animal Farm, 1984, "Shooting an Elephant"
40 Words
"The Story of My Life" by Helen Keller, Part I: Chapters 18-23
This account of Helen Keller's life is divided into three parts: Part I is Keller's autobiography, which she published in 1903; Part II is a selection of Keller's letters; and Part III consists of supplementary materials by Keller's teacher and lifelong friend, Anne Sullivan. Here are links to our lists for the text: Part I: Chapters 1-5, Part I: Chapters 6-11, Part I: Chapters 12-17, Part I: Chapters 18-23, Part II: Letters, Part III: Chapters 1-2, Part III: Chapters 3-5 Here is a link to the full text: The Story of My Life Here is a link to our lists for William Gibson's play about Keller's life, The Miracle Worker.
45 Words
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