Our NEW Favorite Stories & Protagonists [S7 EP. 274]

Listen to the full episode below:

Think you’ve seen all the dystopia books out there? Think again! We’re back with part three of our “Teaching Dystopia” series, sharing hidden gems, new picks, and classic favorites that will level up your classroom discussions. From middle grade survival stories to YA novels exploring climate change and government control, there’s something here for all of your students.

We break down some of our absolute favorites, like Alone and Station Eleven. Plus, we explore some unconventional options - movies and TV shows that double as dystopian discussion starters, like select episodes of The Simpsons and Fringe. Whether you’re teaching upper elementary, middle grades, or high school, these supplemental texts give students accessible entry points while still leaving room for depth and critical thinking.

Throughout the episode, we’re sharing practical tips for weaving these texts into your units, including ways to scaffold discussion and deepen analysis through essential questions. We also touch on how popular series like Hunger Games or Neil Shusterman’s Dry series can serve as anchors while offering multiple access points for students with different reading levels. By the end, you’ll have a flexible list of ideas to diversify your dystopia offerings!

Do you want more on this topic? Join us in Happy Hour, where we’ll continue the conversation!

Books Mentioned:

Movies/TV Shows Mentioned:

  • The Barbie Movie

  • Jurassic Park

  • Pleasantville

  • Lost

  • Fringe

  • The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror XXVII (Ep. 4, season 28)

topics discussed:

  • Recommended middle grade and YA dystopia novels

  • Use of novels in verse, graphic novels, and hybrid texts as accessible entry points for students

  • Incorporating TV shows and movies as dystopian discussion starters

  • Balancing supplemental texts with core novels for depth and essential question-driven analysis

  • Teaching literary analysis and critical thinking through popular dystopian texts like Hunger Games and Neil Shusterman’s Dry series

  • Highlighting diverse voices, near-future scenarios, and themes like survival, climate change, government control, and ethical dilemmas

resources:

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More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

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Amanda Cardenasbook recommendations