Pairing Classics with Contemporary Titles
About five years ago I created a book list of classic middle grade titles and included a contemporary option that had a similar theme or feel. I loved the idea so much, I thought I’d expand the list by adding eight more classics paired with their own contemporary titles.
Classic titles often have beautiful imagery, vocabulary, and storytelling. But they can also be old-fashioned and out-of-date in regards to 21st century viewpoints. Classics have their place, but teachers and parents must keep in mind that some ideas may no longer hold up in today’s society. Hosting a classic/contemporary book club for middle school kids and their parents would be a great way to engage in conversation together with favorite titles from the past paired with new stories that are exciting to read and engaging to young students. Check out the list below and my previous list from five years ago which still has some great ideas!
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Pairing Classics with Contemporary Titles
| Classic | Contemporary Title |
| The Black Stallion by Walter Farley | Storm Horse by Nick Garlick |
| Hatchet by Gary Paulsen | Alone by Megan E. Freeman |
| The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford | A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry |
| Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell | The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling |
| Little Women by Louisa May Alcott | The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick |
| Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor | Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper |
| The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett | The World Behind the Door by Pari Thomson |
| Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt | Eventown by Corey Ann Haydu |
One Comment
msyingling
It’s hard to think of Hatchet as a classic, but you’re right. I also paused a moment at the pairing of Tuck Everlasting (which I loved) and Eventown, but I can see the similarities. Eventown is a little more prescriptive; the thing I loved about Tuck Everlasting was how it really made me consider both sides of Winnie’s possibilities. Hated the movie where she was about 16, though– totally different reaction than you’d get at 10!