Cultural literacy is as important as knowing how to read. There are some who may disagree, but we live in a global economy, so understanding other countries and cultures is a necessary key to success. As a reading teacher, pick books that take place in places around the world. For the high school literature teacher, this is very achievable. If fact, some of the best contemporary literature today is international, so have fun reading around the world.
The wars in the Middle East are of great fascination and importance, so make sure to put “The Kite Runner” on the reading list. It is a beautiful human story that takes place in pre-Taliban Afghanistan. Go south to India, and read “The God of Small Things.” It will give students insight into the cruelties of the caste system. In the western hemisphere, you can explore the Caribbean and Central American region through the Pulitzer winning novel, “The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.” Mexican culture is easily explored by the writings of Rudolfo Anaya. His “Bless Me Ultima” is one of the great coming of age stories.
The European continent gives us many great classic writers who help give context to the history and development of the nations there. The Russian playwright, Anton Chekov, is a excellent introduction to the dispair of the Russian people of his time. As you read these great works of literature, make sure to include cultural studies, too. The world will become much more accessible to your readers if you do.