Utopian Literature

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, utopia is defined as “a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions” (Merriam-Webster, Inc.). Utopian literature offers an ideal opportunity for teachers and parents to encourage good reading habits while having important conversations about perfectionism, society, morality, and many other topics.

Questions for discussion:

• Is perfection attainable?
• Is “perfect” the same for everyone?
• Which is more important: safety or freedom?
• Who makes laws? Who enforces them?
• Is it okay for people to be different? Should everyone be the same?
• Is it possible to create a perfect place? What would it be like?
• Is the utopia in this book really ideal? What are the flaws?

Recommended utopian literature:

The Giver* by Lois Lowry (11+)

                Click here for a reading guide

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry (9+)

To ask questions about the book

Messenger by Lois Lowry (9+)

The Hunger Games* by Suzanne Collins (12+)

Visit Suzanne Collins’ website

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (12+)

The Supernaturalist by Eion Colfer (10+)

Uglies* by Scott Westerfeld (11+)

Check out Scott Westerfeld’s blog

The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm by Nancy Farmer (12+)

The White Mountains* by John Christopher (12+)

The Secret Under my Skin by Janet McNaughton (12+)

Among the Hidden* by Margaret Peterson Haddix (9+)

Watch the book trailer

First Light by Rebecca Stead (9+)

The Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman (12+)

The Sky Inside by Clare B. Dunkle (11+)

City of Ember* by Jean DuPrau (8+)

Watch the movie trailer

*First in a series

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