Most Commonly Taught Books in High School Curriculum?

I’ve been assigned some wild reading for English classes in the past and was wondering - What are the most assigned books in American high schools? There's got to be a few that are consistent across the board. Anyone have insight into this?

Based on the data available, it's safe to say there are certain books that tend to show up quite frequently in American high school English curriculums. One of the main reasons for this is that they cover essential themes of growth, hardship, morality, and societal issues, or they may introduce students to a wide range of literary styles and structures.

1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: This beloved novel is often used to examine social inequalities and morality.

2. "1984" by George Orwell: Known for its portrayal of dystopian society, this is a staple in many classrooms to scrutinize governmental power and individual liberty.

3. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: It is frequently assigned due to its exploration of the American Dream and the Roaring Twenties.

4. "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding: Being a tale of survival and the inherent evil within humanity, it is commonly used to spark deep discussions.

5. "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare: It is almost a rite of passage to read at least one Shakespeare play in high school, and "Romeo and Juliet" remains one of the most frequently taught.

Other common choices include "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, and "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller. There is a good mix of classic literature and more modern works, and the choice often depends on the specific curriculum goals of the individual school or district. It's always exciting to see what will be on the reading list each year!