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I have been asked to recommend a fictional book that all students in Grade 1 and 2 must read and then be evaluated on by form of written essay.

The reading ability is similar to that of a 11/12 year old Native Speaker but they have had problems in the past finding suitable material that matches their ability with their actual age. Most of the books that match their ability are aimed at younger readers and hence the topics covered in the books are aimed at younger children which the students here naturally feel they are too old for.

Any recommendations?

I would advise against prescribing Pullman's trilogy. I do agree, it is a work of staggering genius, but (this may spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it) the trilogy climaxes with God being killed and the church being overthrown to make room for a secular world order. As such it might be unsuitable to teach in a classroom, especially one in a deeply Christian country.

"Goodnight Mr Tom" by Michelle Magorian is an excellent book! (318 pages but very easy reading)

"If it hadn't been for Yoon Jun" by Marie G. Lee (134 pages) is a Korean based novel set in the US.  The same author also wrote "Saying Goodbye" (also Korean based but set in the US) (219 pages).

Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time" is also very good (211 pages)

"A Step From Heaven" by An Na is also very good (and Korean based but set in the US) (156 pages).

Rafik Schami's "A Hand Full of Stars" (195 pages).

All of these are appropriate for ESL learners at an intermediate level. With regard to age, they are aimed at mid to late teens.

I definitely agree with dmhr25... The Hunger Games is a great choice!  I've read it with low level 14-16 year olds in Canada and I've never come across a student, no matter how reluctant of a reader, who didn't LOVE it.  I think it would be a hit with students here.  It's a relatively easy read, and I think they'd be into the content. 
If you go with it, please post your results!

Quote from: JacoAdriaanse on March 15, 2012, 12:02:44 pm

I would advise against prescribing Pullman's trilogy. I do agree, it is a work of staggering genius, but (this may spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it) the trilogy climaxes with God being killed and the church being overthrown to make room for a secular world order. As such it might be unsuitable to teach in a classroom, especially one in a deeply Christian country.

It would go right over their heads. My best student ever read Northern Lights and didn't get any of that. I'm sure there are even native English fundamentalists who've read it and liked the story but didn't get the subtleties.

I agree with Bumsuk on this one.  It doesn't matter if they are religious, I would give the students the benefit of the doubt that IF they understood all of the subtleties they would consider the books to be fiction and appreciate the work for what it is.  However, I don't see you teaching all three of the books to the students in one year, you will probably just be teaching one of the books.  I enjoyed them and recommended them to some of my more advanced students.  They enjoyed them and they asked about some things to better understand what they are reading and then we watched the movie and talked about the differences.  This is just my opinion. 

I also had some students want to study the Harry Potter books, but I am not sure if it will fly with the principle or other English Teachers.