What book should I have my ESL students read next semester?

[Gooey]

I'll be teaching an ESL composition course next semester for the very first time, and we are required to have a textbook and a book. The book should do the core academic moves (use sources, summarize, etc.) yet still be an interesting read.

We are given no guidance other than that.

Any thoughts on what might make a good read for ESL students?

[Tall Chai Latte]

Which grade level are you teaching? I spent some time as an ESL student back when I was in 10th grade in HS, some of the interesting reads I remember includes Fahrenheit 451, The Giver (this one is really short), and George O'well's 1984. We also read other stuff, but I just don't remember now.

[asleepawake]

It sounds like you want a nonfiction book from the popular press, right?

I'd suggest something like The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. There are so many ways to talk about that book and students will find it compelling. I also think Gary Marcus's Guitar Zero: The New Musician and the Science of Learning looks like it would be great for composition students, but I haven't read it yet.

Another way to go might be a collection of essays or shorter works.

Edited April 28, 2012 by asleepawake

[rainy_day]

If you contact publisher's reps for your area at various publishing companies (Heinle, Pearson, McGraw Hill, Bedford St Martin's, etc.) they will listen to your needs and send you desk copies that you can choose from. Bonus: free books! Also, these books usually have instructor support materials.