Picture books are not just for young children. They can also be a valuable resource in high school English lessons. They provide visual support and engage students in a different way than traditional texts. Here are 10 picture books that you can incorporate into your high school English lessons:
1. “The Arrival” by Shaun Tan:
This wordless graphic novel tells the story of an immigrant’s journey, making it a powerful tool for teaching empathy and understanding.
2. “The Rabbits” by John Marsden and Shaun Tan:
This allegorical picture book explores themes of colonization and environmental impact, making it a thought-provoking choice for critical analysis.
3. “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick:
This captivating novel combines illustrations and text to tell the story of a young boy and his love for filmmaking, making it perfect for teaching visual literacy.
4. “Journey” by Aaron Becker:
This wordless picture book takes readers on a magical adventure and encourages creative storytelling and imagination.
5. “Flotsam” by David Wiesner:
This wordless picture book tells the story of a boy who discovers a mysterious camera on the and invites students to contemplate the power of images and storytelling.
6. “The Red Book” by Barbara Lehman:
This wordless picture book revolves around a red book that transcends time and space, making it an excellent choice for teaching symbolism and interpretation.
7. “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi:
This picture book explores themes of identity, diversity, and acceptance, making it a perfect fit for discussions on culture and inclusion.
8. “The Lost Thing” by Shaun Tan:
This surreal picture book delves into themes of conformity and finding one’s place in the world, offering opportunities for critical thinking and analysis.
9. “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg:
This beloved classic picture book can be used to teach symbolism, theme, and the joy of believing in something magical.
10. “The Arrival” by Shaun Tan:
This unique picture book, told entirely through illustrations, provides a powerful platform for discussing immigration, displacement, and belonging.
Incorporating picture books into your high school English lessons can bring a fresh perspective and ignite students’ imagination. These 10 picture books offer a range of themes and concepts that can stimulate critical thinking, creativity, and empathy in your students. So go ahead and introduce these books into your curriculum to enhance your students’ learning experience.
