What Makes TLP’s American Literature Program So Special?

By: Lanette Judy

If you’ve ever looked at a stack of high school literature requirements and thought, “Yikes…how do I make this meaningful, not just a box to check?” you are not alone. High school language arts can feel intimidating, especially when it comes to something as broad as American Literature.

That’s exactly why our American Literature program at Total Language Plus was created. It’s not just about reading a few poems, skimming some short stories, or writing papers that collect dust in a binder. Our goal is to help students engage with America’s voices—past and present—in a way that builds understanding, strengthens critical thinking, and yes, even stirs the heart. All of the discussion questions aim to gain a stronger scriptural understanding alongside the best of American Literature.

Flexible for Real Families

We know not every student learns the same way or at the same pace. That’s why the Discovery Guides offer different lesson plans for advanced, average, and overview tracks. Whether your teen is AP-bound or just needs a solid credit without feeling crushed, there’s a path that fits.

And because students pull from real books and resources (instead of a giant, dry anthology), they develop the kind of library and research skills that will serve them well in college and beyond.

Three Strands, One Cohesive Journey

American Literature at TLP is built on three interconnected guides:

• Poetry – From Anne Bradstreet to Robert Frost to Langston Hughes, students encounter the giants of American poetry. They don’t just memorize lines; they learn how to read, interpret, and even enjoy poetry (without needing one “perfect” answer).

• Short Stories – Students explore American voices like Nathaniel Hawthorne, Kate Chopin, and O. Henry. They discover how a short piece can pack a punch with theme, symbolism, and style.

• Nonfiction – From early sermons and speeches to essays and personal narratives, this Discovery Guide helps students see how words have shaped history, culture, and faith in America.

Each strand stands alone, but together they give students a well-rounded, meaningful introduction to the richness of American Literature.

Two Novels That Deepen the Experience

Alongside the three Discovery Guides, the American Literature program also includes two powerful works of fiction, each paired with a study guide that takes students deeper:

• The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (Discovery Guide)
  This classic tale set in 17th-century Boston explores sin, shame, and redemption. Our Discovery Guide doesn’t just help students understand the story—it digs into Hawthorne’s writing style, symbolism, tone, and mood, while inviting students to wrestle with the central theme: How does man respond to sin? Through vocabulary study, critical thinking, and scripture connections, students learn that literature is not just an academic exercise but an opportunity to explore God’s plan for grace and forgiveness.

• The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck (Writing Guide)
  This Pulitzer Prize–winning novel provides a different angle on human experience. Our Writing Guide pairs Wang Lung’s story with the book of Ecclesiastes, drawing students into a parallel analysis of life, labor, and meaning. Instead of basic comprehension questions, the guide emphasizes in-depth discussion, character analysis, and scripture-based reflection. The study culminates in a final essay that blends literary insight with biblical wisdom; an unforgettable capstone to their American Literature journey.

These two works add depth and breadth, helping students see how literature can illuminate universal themes while also grounding them in biblical truth.

The “Heart” Behind It

Most importantly, our American Literature program doesn’t shy away from the big questions; faith, morality, identity, and culture. Literature is never neutral, and we want students to encounter the full scope of American voices, learning how to read critically, appreciate beauty, and measure everything against the truth of God’s Word.

At the end of the day, it’s not about just earning an English credit. It’s about giving your teen the tools to think deeply, write clearly, and engage meaningfully with the world. So if “American Lit” feels like a big mountain, don’t worry, you don’t have to climb it alone. With TLP, you and your student can walk through it step by step, discovering along the way that this journey is not only doable, it’s actually pretty special.